Tag: God

Spring Forward

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert,” Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV

Some things should move with us. Memories. Love. Lessons learned. Others are meant to be forgotten and buried such as regret, disappointment, and fear.

Spring as a verb means to move in a forward direction; it also suggests momentum and height. Some of us have lost our momentum. We may not be stretching ourselves to attain the heights God wants us to achieve.

It takes effort to let go of pain and hurt. Remaining somber and disgusted doesn’t allow painful memories and emotions to fade. It takes determination to forgive, forget, and reset.

Now is the time to renew our minds and embrace new opportunities. As fresh buds bloom and we transition to a new season, consider the new thing God may be asking of you.

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 NKJV

New Hope

My garden isn’t looking so green these days. The dead of winter has left it a mere remnant of its former self. The frigid temperatures experienced here last month, the lowest in twenty years, didn’t help either. Even my typically hardy pansies succumbed to the frigid temperatures.

Just when I thought I needed to dump out one of my pots to plant anew, I saw the tiniest buds of life. I didn’t think much of it a week ago. Today those new buds are now larger and offer a bit of hope for the future. Apparently the weather wasn’t enough to kill this plant after all. The funny thing is, I don’t even know what is growing. I’ll simply have to wait and see. Most people would count it a minor victory considering all that was lost, but I appreciate these random surprises.

That’s one of the joys of the garden as it is in life. There is always something new budding if we take time to be still and take notice. God readily uses what is existing and from it brings forth something new. New ideas often stem from previous failures. The wisdom gained from what doesn’t work is often a springboard toward something that will.

The New Year provides opportunities for new things. The dead zone that is currently my garden offers hope for new blooms not based on what I see but rather what I have learned through the years. The garden is faithful–its perennial blooms will emerge once more. I know the potential is there. I only have to nurture what already exists and wait patiently.

Though far too early to plant right now, it is never too early to dream about what can be. I’m ever searching the garden for signs of new life. Yet, unlike the garden, God’s potential in us and through us is limitless.

What signs of hope do you see for the New Year?

Devotional Prompt: Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 NKJV

Into the Light

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 NKJV

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. As a young child, I was mesmerized by Christmas lights. As an adult, I rationalize reasons to put them up earlier and earlier each year. Now older and hopefully wiser, I realize that what we all hunger for is the true Light that promises peace, joy, and salvation.

As we journey through life, we can find ourselves in dark places. The loss of loved ones can be especially profound this time of year. Physical and mental illness can leave us feeling isolated. Political clatter and economic uncertainly can drive us to hibernate and move away from the Light that sustains us.

I suspect Jesus proclaimed that He was the Light of the world to give us hope in increasingly dark times.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV).

The gift of Christ as our Savior grants us freedom from the dark and offers a glimpse of the Light that awaits us in eternity. I’ve learned over the past decades to nourish myself with the Word of God. Inspirational devotionals, television programs, and old-fashioned testimonies always chase away my dark thoughts and inspire me.

That said, I am honored and humbled to contribute to the Christmas issue of Refresh Magazine, a Lighthouse Bible Studies Publication. The latest issue celebrates not only the Nativity but also offers uplifting articles that recognize heartfelt issues that often multiply this time of year. Grief, depression, and loneliness are addressed. It’s refreshing to see a publication touch upon the realities that can accompany the holiday season. Yet, this issue also offers Christmas miracles and bits of Bible trivia. My favorite article thus far is Just a Shepherd by Dorcas Asercion Zuniga. It offers a fresh perspective on the traditional “background” characters associated with the Nativity.

Refresh Magazine blessed me with the opportunity to shed a little Light this year. We should continually strive to brighten the days of those in need and to check on those we miss, especially at Christmas.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV).

Wishing you peace, joy, and Light.

Merry Christmas!

Great Pumpkins?

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed (James 1:14 NKJV).

When I was a kid and cartoons were scarce, I would watch the Charlie Brown televised specials. They were broadcast like clockwork, an indicator that the holidays were upon us.

The Halloween episode didn’t resonate with me as much as Thanksgiving and Christmas. I could relate a little too readily to Charlie Brown’s misplaced trust in Lucy, his failed attempt at a costume, and his receipt of rocks instead of candy. Still, the dominant theme around Linus’ obsession with the Great Pumpkin is even more significant now that I am decades older.

Linus placed all his hopes and dreams into one idea to the detriment of time spent with family and friends. I suspect we all have great pumpkins in our lives that steal more time and attention than they ever deserved.

Our pumpkins disguise themselves as the very things we desire. They tend to come packaged with a fear of missing out—erroneously magnified in our minds. In hindsight, I recognize situations in my life where I wasted time and worried when I should have trusted God. The fear of losing something—like a job or an opportunity—can loom so large in our lives, we fail to view things in their proper perspective.

The Great Pumpkin Linus sought didn’t exist. He dismissed correction from his harsh but well-intentioned sister, Lucy. Suggestions and questions directed at us when we are desperate aren’t usually well received either. That’s why it’s vital to keep our focus on what is true and everlasting.

In a world of continual news and notifications, it can be hard to hear God. But it is possible. God corrects us with prompts and whispers—it’s up to us to hear and obey. When we take the focus off of our pumpkins and center it on God, we can then discern that our pumpkins and their promises are far smaller than we imagined.

Is your faith in God or in an illusion?

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning
(James 1:16-17 NKJV).

This Is Only a Test…

When I was a kid, one of the most annoying frustrations was to be sitting in front of the television watching Saturday cartoons only to have the EBS break up my bliss and declare, “This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. This is only a test. In the event of a true emergency…”

That was probably one of the first tests of patience I had to overcome as a kid. Now that I’m an adult, the stakes are much higher. I have since learned there are always times of testing. Testing strengthens us for the trials ahead. Or, it can prepare us for promotion and greater responsibilities.

In this season of Lent, we observe the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness and His season of testing. If Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to be tested, we should not become as alarmed as we do when we are tested as well.

The most rigorous tests I’ve endured have allowed me to put other things in perspective. What I once would have viewed as major disruptions, I can dismiss as minor annoyances.

We can be tempted to acquire the things we want out of God’s timing. Satan tempted Jesus, but our Savior refuted him with Scripture.

People test us. The people we love usually test our patience, endurance, faithfulness, and commitment. Yet, these are the same traits we wrestle with in our relationship with God.

Testing is most trying when God is silent. Though He may be silent, God is always present. He supports us through our trials in ways we may never recognize, and He always provides a way out of temptation. It is up to us to recognize it.

As many of us observe Lent and may soon struggle to keep the commitments we have made, be encouraged.

It is only a test.

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.
Job 23: 10-11 NIV

Hidden Potential…

As posted on Green Garden Therapy.com where you can find Lilka in the garden.


For the twenty years I’ve lived in my home, I assumed the trees in my backyard are some variety of maple based on the shape of the leaves and their brilliant fall color. Only recently did I realize that they are instead American sweetgum. This is rather amusing considering my yard is scattered with their brown spiny seedpods.

I noticed birds picking at the seedpods a few days ago. Apparently, they provide quite the buffet. That’s when I realized the seedpods were hanging from my maple imposters. All these years, I thought those brown balls were just wandering over from my neighbor’s yard.

Curiosity got the better of me, so I did a bit of research. First, I was perplexed when I found that you can purchase these same seedpods online. Pinterest has several uses for them. There is quite a demand for something I consider yard trash.

More importantly, I learned that the seeds found in these pods contain shikimic acid—one ingredient in the prescription antiviral Tamilfu. As a pharmacist, I find that fascinating. What I consider a nuisance is loaded with healing potential. The sap from this same tree is thought to have antiseptic and antifungal properties as well.

My newfound discovery makes me wonder what other things in life are right in front of me that I’ve underestimated and underappreciated. As creatures with our own prejudices, I think we often fail to see the hidden potential in things (and people) unless we are forced to. Some people readily see the positive in everything. Still, for most of us, it takes a bit of work.

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Gardening has taught me that there is usually far more to everything than I can physically see. In these challenging times, let us seek to find the hidden potential in all of us.

Devotional prompt:  The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; The Lord raises those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous. Psalms 146:8 NKJV

Love…

The greatest of the commandments instruct us to love God and each other. The Bible defines love in many ways; however, love is never defined as is easy.

Love never fails. God never fails.

Love suffers long and is kind. God suffers long and is kind.    

It is difficult to suffer long and be kind simultaneously. It can be trying to bear all things and always give those things required of love—generosity and sacrifice.

Love rejoices in truth. God rejoices in truth.

Love does not rejoice in iniquity. God does not rejoice in iniquity.

The truth about ourselves and the people we love is sometimes painful. Even ugly. We fall and we fail. Yet, God continues to love us, pick us up, and grant new mercies each day.

Love bears all things, such as a cross.

Love endures all things—even the crucifixion.

We can never replicate God’s love for us. Still, what if we allowed His Spirit to continually manifest even a fraction of that love in us?

Collectively, we could change the world.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV

God is love…

Dark Places…

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 NKJV

Dormancy is defined as “a state of suspended animation.” In botany, it means “not actively growing but protected from the environment.” I’d been in a state of relative dormancy the past two years, tucked away and in the dark. However, I was recently surprised by new areas of growth.

My frequent pangs of grief have thankfully passed. I am no longer just going through the motions or drifting along with the flow. Seeds of purpose planted years ago may finally be taking root. I’ve been working part-time and loving it. I’m pursuing a writing career in earnest with encouraging results. I’ve taken a few classes. I’ve even picked up my camera again.

Physical or mental illness, grief, and disappointment can leave us feeling isolated and in a very dark place. Still, these same dark places and periods of dormancy can facilitate the growth necessary to eventually produce fruitful results.

The seeds I plant in my garden require isolation, a few downpours, and a fair amount of heat if they are ever to grown into the plants I desire. These same conditions in our own lives often cause discomfort, distress, and leave us searching for God. The promise of a blooming season can seem long lost as we linger in the dark.

Yet, transformation occurs in the dark. Beneath the surface roots form. What was once a seed evolves into something entirely different.

God does the same with us.

In our painfully quiet times, we can gain wisdom and clarity that would not otherwise be found. The darkest times in my life forced me to rethink and regroup—reconsider visions and dreams that faded long ago.

Dark places aren’t necessarily bad spaces. Everyone talks of Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, but little is mentioned about that Silent Saturday where Jesus was alone and entombed in the dark. When He emerged, some of the people closest to Jesus did not recognized him.

Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” John 20:14-15 NKJV

If our Father felt it necessary to transform His Son in the dark and away from everyone else, surely each us can be transformed during our darkest days as well.

Allow your dark places to prepare you for your purpose and the harvest yet to come…