Warm light seeped through the cracks in the window shutters, and the same warm light sent iridescent rays through the sky light in our home.  

This was light marking a new day, and today, on Mother's Day, the blessing of that light was everywhere. 

And in that light was love...in the eyes of those who gathered to celebrate mothers. 
 
Beautiful sentiments such as cards, flowers, or other gifts are given as a way to show our gratitude. Sometimes its hard to express just how thankful we are for that special person in our life--one who has been there for us from birth until her life on this earth is through. A mother's love--what can compare to it? 

The light is a gift from our God above, and so are mothers. The indescribable beauty of one's words or actions can come close to the feeling of gratitude we have for the love of a mother. I recall the look of awe on my mother's face when we would present her with our mother's day gifts. Often it was a hand-made card, along with candy, or flowers we'd gather from the backyard. These were the ways we showed our love in the best way we could, for often, we didn't have enough words to describe all we wanted to say. 

God knew what He was doing, and the effect of His love for His people is evident in the sharing of love on this special Mother's Day.

​May you have a Blessed Day, and know that the Light from Above--God's Love--was promised to you long ago!
 
Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Easter! Today we worship, rejoice, and sing praise to God in celebration of the ascension of our risen Lord Jesus Christ. This happy worship may bring a smile to our lips or have us breaking out in joy by clapping our hands.  

The Bible also makes many references to the earth and nature in expression of joy and glory to God. Note this verse from Isaiah 55:12, which practically jumps off the page in glee: "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all of the trees of the field will clap their hands." 

What great beauty is found in these images--mountains and hills bursting into song--and trees clapping their hands. The Bible teems with scripture exemplifying the connection of God with nature. A few more examples of such verses are listed below. But before you read them, I encourage you to take a moment and look at the photo that I posted of the forest. Imagine yourself standing beneath those giant forest trees as you bask in the warmth of the sunlight, all while you rejoice along with nature. May you realize just how special you are, for God created you to be part of His grand design in all that He has made!    

"Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea resound, and all that fills it. Let the fields exult and all that is in them. Then all of the trees will sing for joy." - Psalm 96:11-12

"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy." - Psalm 47:1

"Shout for joy, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout joyfully, you lower parts of the earth; break forth into a shout of joy, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it." - Isaiah 44:23

"All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name." - Psalm 66:4

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." - Job 12:7-10  

Happy Easter!

(photo courtesy of Vecteezy.com)

Ah, the sound of birds singing every morning is so sweet and joyful! The melodious chirps, arranged in patterns particular to each species, results in a wondrous orchestration. No matter the day or season, the birds sing. How resilient they are!

Recently, doves nested in our backyard. We marveled at the laborious process that ensued as the nest was built over the next two weeks. Once complete, Mama Dove sat diligently on the nest for hours, only leaving for short periods of time. It wasn’t long before she'd laid two eggs.   
         
However, the next morning, Mama Dove was gone—and so were the eggs. All that remained were remnants of scattered shells in the nest and yard. An unknown predator had scored a meal.    

Two days later, Mama Dove returned. She wasn't giving up. This time she'd selected a hiding place near our front patio. She’d coo and sing each time she flew to and from the perch. We hoped for another nest.   
   
There is a lesson to be had from our feathered friends. They are resilient, and the birds still sing ... no matter the day or season. 
        
May we strive to sing the unique melodies that lay within each of our hearts, while finding joy in the orchestration of each day of our lives.           
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“The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.” – Psalm 104:12

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” – Job 12:7-9

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns; and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26-30

Photo courtesy of Vecteezy 
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     Ah, memories of summer! I turned on the radio just as an old favorite song came on, “A Summer Place.” It brought joy to my heart. I needed to think of something good, considering the state of our world lately.

     The song speaks of a summer place—not a location—but instead, a state-of-being, where one is warm, safe, and free of worldly cares.

     When you think of a favorite summertime memory, you might recall a specific place or location; however, it may have also been significant because of the person(s) with whom you shared those experiences. Hence, the focus of the song.

     If only the world could be in “A Summer Place” at all times! 

     It's hard to focus on good things during turbulent times. For example, a recent news report indicated that eighty percent of Americans are worried about the situation in Ukraine. Unfortunately, worrying won't help. And if we stood in the shoes of the Ukrainians, those worries would be superseded by the fundamental need to be safe, survive, and retain freedom. We can only hope that the war will soon cease.  

     As summer approaches, memories of past seasons might come to mind. We hope that the coming months will be good ones for us. But, for the Ukrainians, this summer will not be the same.  
      
     It's a helpless feeling to watch the devastation from a distance, but we can do our part by keeping the Ukraine people in our fervent prayers. And, it is our hope that their future “Summer Place,” whether a location or a state-of-being, will be a safe one, free from worldly cares.       
      
       May, we, too, have hope for our own future, as we remain resilient, just like the Ukrainians.      
   
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“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”-  2 Corinthians 4:8-9 

Photo courtesy of Veecteezy.com

     “Hold on tight!” my father yelled. I gripped the roll bar in the back seat of the ’65 Willy’s Jeep, my knuckles white as we ascended a craggy, boulder-laden mountain ridge.    
     Caught in a dangerous situation, we de-boarded while my father manipulated the Jeep to keep it from rolling into a ravine. I watched helplessly from the sidelines. Filled with worry and fear, I didn't know what else to do but pray. Fortunately, my father was able to inch the Jeep to safety, avoiding inevitable demise.    
     This week, the unsettling news of the invasion of Ukraine left us feeling helpless, worried, and fearful for the safety of the Ukrainian people. It’s tough to be on the sidelines watching while the travesty unfolds. However, we don't have to feel helpless. There are things we can do:           
1)Pray. Prayer is powerful. Together, we can make a difference for those in need. 
2)Be a Christian "Soldier of the Cross" 
Remember the hymn, “Onward Christian Soldiers?” We may not be fighting a physical war in our country, but as Christ followers, we are fighting perpetual spiritual battles. So, gird up:  “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:13
3)Stay the course. “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” – 2 Chron. 15:7, and “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
4)Be Strong and Courageous. – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
“Fight the good fight of the faith.” - 1 Timothy 6:12(a)
     Tough times call for tough measures. The Ukrainian people are fighting for their lives and country, but they are holding on tight. We can uphold them through our prayers, and as "soldiers of the Cross," we can be strong, stay the course, and remain firm in our faith to support those in need.      
     As the battles rage, let us hold on tight!

A prayer for today: Dear Father in Heaven, You know the needs of the Ukrainian people; we earnestly pray for their safety as they defend their homeland. Strengthen them as they endure hardship in the days, weeks, and months to come. Strengthen each reader of this blog today, and as Christian "soldiers of the Cross," may we be courageous in fighting spiritual battles against the adversary. - In Jesus' Name, Amen. 
Photo courtesy of Vecteezy.    
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