Fireflies

My California-born son (now 20) saw fireflies for the first time today. He texted his excitement all the way from Virginia and I shared in the joy of all things new and wonderful during this summer tour with drum corps.

A season of growing.

Of becoming.

What a blessing to watch our kids, nieces and nephews as they pack up all their years of loving, nurturing, the many lessons learned only to flutter their wings and head boldly toward their dreams. They take the open door and like the firefly, they each take their own path. It’s never a straight line… doesn’t really have to be. Either way, they still shine!

Why?

Because there’s glory in the light.

Blessing in the journey.

Strength to stay above ground.

And prayer to carry them safely back home.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

With a thankful heart,

Debbie

Photo credit for birds in flight

Leave Room for God

Just sharing a thought that's been on my heart the past couple of days. It's so simple but it makes perfect sense as I work and strive and obsess about accomplishing and doing so many different things in my life. It hit me yesterday....how in the world can I expect to see the hand of God in my life if I'm cluttering it all up with my own futile efforts?
I'm not suggesting sitting back and doing nothing when it comes to moving forward or rectifying a situation. But simply...a decision to take care of what He's put before me as I'm able, and stop spinning my wheels trying to take care of what is just out of reach. He's got it covered. He's got ME covered and He's certainly got YOU covered, too.
Today, I'm stepping back and giving Him the reins. My ears are alert to His voice. My hands and heart are ready to take on whatever task He puts before me. My past, present and future are His!
Praise God!

The Love of Jesus is Meant to be Shared

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a

good word makes him glad.

(Proverbs 12:25)

 

It started out being one of those days when I felt like EVERYTHING I did was wrong. Like I haven’t been “doing life” right. The negative little voice kept whispering, telling me that I haven’t been taking care of the people or the issues that need my attention, that I’d better prepare for the storm that lies on the horizon and one by one, they all swarmed me like mad killer bees!

Do you ever have days like that when you feel very transparent and all your fears and failures shine like neon?

I’m thankful for the God who shines brighter than that neon!

I think that’s when God does some of His best work. I’ll be honest and say that joy did not fill my heart this morning – large amounts of worry and fear did!

But I love how God shifts the scales a bit causing us to crawl out of our own despair and encourage others, to pray for and with them, to share the love of Jesus with those He brings before us.

Funny thing about that flashing neon – it fades with every opportunity to serve and honor Him.

Whether we know it or not, as believers we have the ability to step away from our little pond of muck and mire to answer the call of a hurting friend or give hope and encouragement wherever needed.

Somewhere someone out there in your sphere of influence needs the love of Jesus today. A hug. A card. A sincere “I love you”. A prayer.

Reaching inside yourself to share your heart with someone else is the perfect and best way to silence those negative whispers and turn off that flashing neon for good!

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up,

just as you are doing.

(1 Thess. 5:11)

Be blesseed,

Debbie

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It's All About the Bright Spots

It’s been a long and trying week. One of high demands, crumpled nerves and patience exhausted. But, I’ve found that the best way to shake the dust off my frustrations is a walk around the garden with my coffee on an early Saturday morning; when the coastal clouds have settled in and the very trusting finches and ring-neck doves flutter in and out to greet me in my special space.

This morning was no exception as the Lord revealed this to me; a single beautiful and fragrant rose among a somewhat sleeping corner of the garden. A bright spot in a barren bed where the coreopsis and asarina vine refuse to bloom (I think they’re still on strike because of the super warm days we had a couple weeks ago). She stands tall there against the fence; a sign that’s she’s recovered well from the rigors of her world. She’s ready to bloom again despite hot summer temps, probably a little neglect and the constant threat of encroaching weed activity.

She caught my eye after a bit of deadheading, and as I stepped through the gate to head back to the kitchen to refill my cup, she stopped me in my tracks. I remembered, once again, how God teaches me so much about life right there in the garden. He reminded me that, even in the busiest of times, when the weight and pressures of the world seem the heaviest on our shoulders, the bright spots are there. They shine brightest in the gloomiest of places. They serve as a beacon to remind us that there’s still “life” going on even when we’re so focused on our own full plate.

I think this life we’re living is about grabbing those bright spots. It’s not about sinking in the mud and staying there. It’s about those moments, unrehearsed and unexpected, captured with both hands and held tight; the ones that steel the breath and grab the heart.

It’s about truly living the life we’re given and praising God for each and every bright spot He shares.

In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (Luke 10:21)

Live graciously in the light of Him,

Debbie

His Light in My Darkness

Those voices in the dark seem to scream the loudest in the silence just before dawn.

I awoke before my alarm clock this morning already feeling beaten and overwhelmed. All the stuff that needs my attention.  All the fears and concerns, the negative jabs!  All the tasks begun and waiting to be finished. All the work and effort involved in removing the “weeds” from my life. They ALL came tumbling down, one by exhausting one!

I tried to shake it all away, tried to remember my little motto: “go to prayer – don’t go to worry,” but it’s not easy when it’s just you, wide-eyed in the dark and in the quiet.

Anyone who is among the living has hope.

(Ecclesiastes 9:4)

But it’s not just me there in the dark.

The Lord is there – even in the silence patiently watching and waiting, bearing the weight of my burdens until I realize they aren’t mine to carry.  

I rose with a heavy sigh feeling defeated, deflated and spent.

Oh, the enemy takes advantage of our sleepy state, doesn’t he? He’s a coward who invades our thoughts and pounces on our faith when we least expect it.

I pray you will have the strength to stand up to him in the dark and silent places, my friend. Please remember that God’s presence is the bright spot in that darkness.

It’s His Word that stands tall and strong even when we can’t, and it’s

His Word that will cast out the darkness and bathe you in the light

of His love!

May Blessings,

Debbie