The Beauty of Autumn

 

 

Wouldn’t you agree that October is the crown jewel of autumn, bringing in the crisp air, warm sweaters, and the simple joy of crunching leaves underfoot? Isn’t it wonderful to take in nature as it paints the landscape with reds, oranges, and yellows and to breathe in the fresh air. What’s not to love.

But  let's not put November in October’s shadow. As I write, the scents of pumpkin spice and cinnamon fill our home, evoking nostalgia and comfort. My husband and I have visited pumpkin patches and apple markets, which made for some delightful outings. Apple fritters, pies, and cider have done their part to add to the season’s charm and my waistline.

 November brings the cooling weather. It invites outdoor activities without the extremes of summer or winter. It brings great conversations of laughter and thanks around dining tables. Autumn sunsets add breathtaking views.

In every gust of wind that blows through barren leaves, November whispers reminders of another year about to end. The beauty of autumn lies not just in the visual splendor of the fall season but in the emotions it stirs within us. It’s a time to cherish the present, to relish the surrounding beauty, and to prepare for the cozy winter ahead.

So, grab your favorite hot drink (mine will be Starbucks’s Pumpkin Spice) and step outside. Let’s enjoy the magic of November. Together, we can take in the crisp air, the vibrant foliage, and the sense of wonder only autumn can bring.

Whatever Your Story

Tell your story, far and near, write it down for all to hear or whisper it softly if you prefer. When I think about babies entering heaven, it reminds me of the untold stories of these precious little ones created by God. I reflect on my time spent volunteering at a pregnancy center, where I taught young women how to care for newborns before their child’s birth. It was a truly rewarding experience to see these girls choose to become mothers. Sharing your story is important. Sometimes, we keep stories hidden in silence for far too long. It’s crucial to give voice to our experiences and memories, no matter how difficult or sensitive the subject may be. Attending grief share programs can provide a cathartic release. Your story, like a seed, has the potential to impact others, regardless of the medium or volume used to tell it. Given the current state of our nation and its changing belief system, I would like to conclude by saying, “May God bless our nation with a deep understanding of His truths.”

Life Is More Than Bandaids...

While I haven’t walked a mile in another woman’s shoes, I’ve experienced my share of blisters wearing mine. What I’m trying to express is that I’ve encountered many challenges in my life.

While reading the Bible, I discovered one can always continue learning and growing spiritually, regardless of age---I'm a grandmother of seven. Because of my quest, I felt compelled to compile a guide that pointed to scripture. I even added a few edifying stories. The guide is called “Women Reaching Higher.” Here’s a short snippet: “Will you be tempted again?” Sure. The flesh depends only on itself and wants complete control. What you do and say defines you as a child of God. Although weak in the flesh, the Christian woman is powerful in the Spirit. You can stand firm when you say you can do anything through Christ. Keep in mind the devil, fallen earth, and sinful nature will always try to destroy. (There will be times one has to pick-up one's self, dust one's self off, and keep moving foreward.) One of Satan’s purposes in tempting Christians is for them to lose interest in what the Lord has purposed for their life. But Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to safeguard our hearts against Satan’s attacks. We can sense the Holy Spirit’s promptings through our consciences?” John 14:26 promises, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” Thank you LORD for your Word. Thank you, Jesus, for loving us, and thank you, Holy Spirit, for your guidance.

Promises Of What Is Good

I have been awake for sometime. It’s 4:07 a.m., I’ve already had my first cup of coffee and am reading in the book of Psalms. This morning, my eyes kept going back to beautiful verses in Psalm 85. I hope it touches your heart also: “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before Him and prepares the way for his steps.” After looking at commentary on Psalm 85, I found seven critical components for spiritual revival. I suppose these principals can apply to self and Nation: These include (1) faith, (2) repentance, (3) prayer, (4) hope, (5) submission, (6) gratitude, and (7) obedience...all of which I need to work on. Have a great day and give praise to the One that gave it to us. Back to reading...

Sometimes the Light Bulb Just Goes On...

I loved the analogy between the Two Kingdoms and “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” Please note: If this is not what you like to read, please stay turned for September blog! Israel and Judah: Difference Between the Two Kingdoms By Dustin Herron (thank you Dustin for writing this article) When Judah and Israel Were One When the people of Israel asked God for a king, the nation officially became a kingdom. But God warned them that it would come with its challenges. The Great Divide In about the 10th century BCE something took place that dramatically affected the people of Israel and still affects them today. What was it? It was the great divide, which split the people into the kingdoms of Israel and of Judah. 1 Kings 12:16-19 tells us: “And when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, ‘What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.’ …So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.” The Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah In that day, there was a great dispute in Israel, the nation chosen by God, about who was to become king. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, was rightful heir to the throne and reigned after Solomon’s death. Jeroboam was a servant who rebelled against Solomon. The 10 tribes of Israel made Jeroboam king and the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, along with the Levites, remained with Rehoboam. The split was prophesied by the Lord (1 Kings 11:11-13, 29-39) because of Solomon’s sin.  The northern 10 tribes kept the name of Israel. The once unified tribes of Jacob were now two nations. They were two houses, or two brothers if you will, that had become enemies. The prophets wept over her fate. They were a people of God after all. But their pride and hunger for power took over. Difference between Israel and Judah We see throughout the rest of the Old Testament how these two nations fought with one another. They each became strong and independent and created two distinct lineages in history. Each had their own kings, and even their own prophets. Sadly, also both Israel and Judah fell into captivity, although to different powers and at different times. God sent the Babylonians to capture the House of Judah, and He sent the Assyrians to conquer the House of Israel. And while the Babylonian captivity of Judah lasted for a period of 70 years, Israel never fully came out of the Assyrian captivity. The Samaritans were considered half-breeds from the House of Israel. But many tribes were considered lost. At first, they were known as the “diaspora”, which is a common name for the Jewish people who live away from their land. Eventually, the northern tribes became the “lost sheep of the House of Israel.” Yeshua Mentions the Two Houses We know from Scripture that the kingdom line of Messiah had to come through Judah. Though this divide happened long centuries before Yeshua (Jesus in Hebrew) was born on earth, it was something very relevant to His day. On more than one occasion Yeshua brings up the tension between the two kingdoms. It happened several times, for example, when Yeshua interacted with the Samaritan woman. Yeshua brings it up also in the “Parable of the Good Samaritan.” But perhaps the most overlooked reference and teaching that Yeshua delivers on the two houses is in “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.” The Father, the Prodigal Son and Brother This parable is most often taught as a call for an unbelieving family member to come back into relationship with the Father. But could there be a deeper message in this story? Or another layer? I would like to suggest that the Messiah also wanted to bring attention to the two “brotherly” nations. In the parable, the younger son asks for his inheritance and departs from his father’s house. The elder son remains at home, yet he does not walk in perfect harmony with the father. Anger and bitterness settle within him. Even when his brother comes home, the firstborn has an inward struggle to rejoice. The Prodigal Brothers, Israel and Judah The Southern Kingdom of Judah is like the firstborn, who never intended to abandon the father. The kingship rested with him. Judah carried the lineage of the great king David and king Solomon. Biblical history shows us that Judah remained closer to the LORD and His ways, even though their hearts were far from Him. This lays out the Northern Kingdom of Israel to be the younger son. The prophet Jeremiah tells us in great detail that neither Israel nor Judah were perfect. Both had evil in their hearts. But it is Israel who first went out and “sowed their wild oats”, chose other gods and foreigners. Doesn’t it sound like the younger son who committed many sins in a foreign land? In His parable, Yeshua called those who surrounded Him to not be angry and stubborn of heart when their brother returned from his sin. Reuniting the Family Next time you read the Parable of the Prodigal Son, try looking at it in a different light. Consider the two brothers and their relationship. Think about how Yeshua was preparing the hearts of the Jewish people to receive their brothers with gladness. The northern tribes have been scattered and lost for a long time. Yeshua’s death on the cross made a way also for the “lost sheep of the House of Israel” to be brought back into relationship with the Father. God wants to reunite His chosen people. And Yeshua’s death clothes them once again in righteousness and gives them authority. Just like the best robe and the signet ring that the father gives to his son in the parable. God’s desire is for Israel to return to His household, and for His other son to receive Israel with open arms.

Joke of the Week: I thought this was so cute. Thought I would share one of life's little jokes. Please high light URL below -right click-select open link. https://www.facebook.com/reel/458761083499028

Take a Dip into Summer with a Flavorful Vegetable dip.

I hope you all are having a fantastic summer filled with cool breezes and fun activities. I finally kicked my summer cold and am ready to dive into the joy of summer. July 4th is in a few weeks and offers many opportunities to meet with family, friends, and neighbors and make beautiful memories together. As promised, below is my all-time favorite vegetable dip recipe. I'm so excited to share it with you! Yes, my AeroGarden did its thing and leafed out everywhere! Beau Monde Vegetable Dip is a breeze to make. Just mix 1 pint sour cream, 1 pint Hellmann's mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip), 1 Teaspoon Dill weed, 3 Tablespoons onion flakes, 3 Tablespoons parsley, 1 Teaspoon Beau Monde (Spice Islands). Sometimes, I add a little more Beau Monde. Chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours. Serve with your favorite vegetable tray assortment. Enjoy! I'll make myself some right now. I'm looking forward to hearing what you all think of it. Your feedback is important to me. Wishing you all a great day filled with joy and good food. Take care.

From Plant To Plate

AeroGarden. Now that’s a word for you. My granddaughter gave me an in-home garden system for Christmas two years ago. Since my husband and I were traveling a lot, I put the box of goodies in the pantry stored away but not forgotten. Today’s the day I pulled the box from the shelf. I must admit I haven’t the greenest thumb in the world, the country, or probably on our street, but I’ve got the explorer’s heart and am willing to try almost anything. This system will tell me when to add water, automatically turn on and off the grow light, and when to add plant food….Miracle-Gro (Yeah!). So I asked myself, how hard can this be to mess up? I will be a basil, parsley, dill, mint, thyme, and Thai Basil queen. I’m ready to grow some herbs! If it goes well, I will share my favorite dill dip recipe with you next month. And if it doesn’t, I’ll send the garden system to the first person who emails me. Just kidding. I’ll ask my granddaughter what I did wrong. She’s the genius in the family; she’ll know.

A Fresh Drink of Water

It's the most precious time of the year. Don't you love when the flowers bring freshness to the earth, the air feels like a fresh drink of cool water and life is bursting with newness. Easter does that for me. It gives me a minty fresh feeling. I just finished polishing my novel. Now I need an agent. I thought I would give you a taste of it since Easter is the day we celebrate eternal life through Jesus. Enjoy....'Outside, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the window. The garden, once tended by Nana Bess’s hands, whispered its farewell. Roses nodded, daffodils bowed, and the ancient oak stood sentinel. Nature understood; it had witnessed countless passages.

Nana Bess’s gaze shifted beyond the room, beyond the veil. She saw them—two angels had come to take her home. They shimmered like spun silver, their presence both weightless and profound. And there, at the threshold, stood Jesus—the One who had walked with her through every season of life. The room seemed to expand, its walls dissolving. Nana Bess felt lighter as if her spirit had already taken flight. She tried to reach out as Elly leaned in, their foreheads touching. But she couldn’t. Her moment had come. Heaven had come to claim her. Her breathing slowed, each one a bridge to eternity. Bess closed her eyes, and the angels gathered. She surrendered. Eternal beings lifted and carried her spirit. The room held its breath, as if the walls bowed in reverence...........And Nana Bess soared, leaving behind a well-lived life—a legacy of love, laughter, and faith. The angels sang, and Jesus welcomed her home.' Copyright@ C.K. Sharpe

Spring, O Muse

Spring you are the writer’s muse, A symphony of colors, scents, and hues, Your canvas painted with blossoms and dew, A masterpiece of renewal, ever true. As golden rays pierce through the mist, Caressing buds on branches they’ve kissed, Cherry blossoms blush as their hearts unfold, Whispering nature’s secrets not yet foretold. Petals unfurl like delicate dreams, Crocuses, daffodils, and tulips it seems, Their colors burst forth, a vibrant array, As if the sun itself had colored each display. So let us dance with the daffodils, Sing with the robins on distant hills, For spring has whispered its sweet refrain, And life awakens, once again. by C.K. Sharpe

Deuteronomy 32:2_Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

Some Kids Are Sweet, Some Kids AreTart

The story below mine, prompted me to share my story. Both make me chuckle...I think my Granddaughter was five or six when I told her she could come to Grandma’s house whenever she wanted. She took me literally. Our little blonde-haired Granddaughter set off down her parents’ driveway, dragging her pack back behind her. I lived several cities away! Her Mom saw her through the window and caught her little Blondie in time. When she was safe inside, I received a call from her Momma. I learned little ones take us literally! God made some kids sweet; he made some kids tart; nevertheless, they steal our hearts. I wish all parents and Grands a Valentine’s Day filled with sweet happiness and delicious memories. The other story is credited to: OH, NO – An Arts & Humanities Website. "Every month Martín’s parents took a trip to see Grandma and came home on the same train the next day. One day the child said to his parents: “I'm already grown up. Can I go to my grandma's alone?" After a brief discussion, his parents accepted. They stood with him as he waited for the train to exit. They said goodbye to their son and gave him some tips through the window. Martin repeated to them: “I know. I've been told this more than a thousand times." As the train was about to leave, his father murmured in his ear: “Son if you feel bad or insecure, this is for you!" And he put something in his pocket. Now Martin was alone, sitting on the train as he had wanted, without his parents for the first time. He was admiring the landscape out the window. Around him some unknowns pushed themselves in. They made a lot of noise. They got in and out of the train car. The conductor made some comments about him being alone. One person looked at him with eyes of sadness. Martin was feeling more uneasy with every minute that passed. And now he was scared. He felt cornered and alone. He put his head down, and with tears in his eyes, he remembered his dad had put something in his pocket. Trembling, he searched for what his father had given him. Upon finding the piece of paper he read it: “Son, I'm in the last train car!" That's how life is, we must let our kids go. We must let them try new things. But we always like to be in the last car, watching, in case they are afraid or in case they find obstacles and don’t know what to do. We want to be close to them as long as we are still alive." Psalm 127:3-5: Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.

The Chosen: Season 4 Trailer

Matthew 4:19: “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Ephesians 1:4-5 tells us, "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will," Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-Chosen. Please copy URL below for THE CHOSEN:Season 4 trailer

: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkobAqU1OUk

Timeless Magic

As we gather around tables laden with festive delights, may the echoes of gratitude and the warmth of shared moments transcend the challenges of our time. In the backdrop of the holiday season, may one's values echo through every gesture of kindness and every shared meal this Thanksgiving. In the midst of the holiday hustle, let us take a moment to appreciate the beauty of our country's landscape, the laughter of loved ones, and the shared stories around the table. In prayer and worship, may we hunger for the peace that surpasses all understanding.Then, as many countries adorn themselves in the dance of twinkling lights and the melodies of Christmas carols in many languages, may we find solace in the beauty of unity and resilience of the human spirit. May every heartfelt exchange during Christmas illustrate that even when the world is in the shadow of dark times, the human spirit has the power to rebuild, renew, and find hope in the simple joys of togetherness and hope. As the winter chill settles over our homes and the hearths glow with warmth (even in the South), let us not forget that the true essence of the holiday season lies not just in the twinkling lights and festive decorations but in the genuine connections we forge with one another. May the echoes of our hopes and aspirations resonate beyond the season, carrying us into a New Year filled with promise, growth, and the unwavering belief that, together, we can illuminate even the darkest corners of the world with the light of compassion, understanding and God's grace.Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with wonder, joy, and the timeless magic of togetherness.

Renewal in the Midst of Darkness

This blog is a tribute to all overcomers: Renewal Amid Darkness......In the darkest night, sorrow's heavy shroud, A heart in pieces, dreams cloaked in a shroud. Yet whispers of hope, seep through the despair, A glimmer of light, an answer to prayer. For sadness, a tempest, fierce and unkind, Yet within its depths, resilience we find. Beneath the weight, a spirit strives, To break through the clouds, and once more feel alive. As time passes, wounds slowly heal, And tender shoots of joy are revealed. From the depths of despair, a new strength does spring, A symphony of laughter, once again to sing. The sun rises anew, painting the sky, Melodies of hope, no longer a sigh. Within the heart's depth, resilience is found, Transforming the sadness, into joy unbound. Thus, in the tale of each sorrowful day, The seed of gladness finds its way. From the shadows, it blooms, a radiant flower, A testament to the heart's enduring power. ....c.k. sharpe

Tribute to Lexi - Our Keeshond

Lexi Blue Sharpe Our Beloved Keeshond May 22, 2014 – October 6, 2023 In loving memory of Lexi Blue so dear, A faithful friend who brought us endless cheer. Born in spring's embrace, so full of grace, Brought joy and love to every space. With fur as soft as a summer's breeze, She filled our lives with such gentle ease. A Keeshond with a heart so kind, In her sweet presence, we'd often find, Trike rides in the park, mail-fetching delight, Playing with brother Murphy, what a joyful sight, Dad took her to the coffee shop with pride, Laying by Mom's side, while her books came to life. Her love for peanut butter was quite clear, When its on the table, she was always near, On movie nights, we’d eat popcorn, Lexi dog treats, Cuddling with us, our bond was quite complete. A trip to Dairy Queen, there's no question about, She’d enjoy a pup cup, without a doubt, When her brother Murphy came to visit, They’d run and play, then rest on blankets. A watchful eye, a guardian true, She'd alert us when things were askew. Once she met you, in her heart, you'd stay, In her own special Lexi Blue way. Nine-and-a-half years she loved with a heart pure and true, Bringing happiness to us, we'll always remember you, In the warmth of our memories, you'll forever reside, Our dear Lexi Blue Sharpe, forever by our side. P.S. Picture taken on 10-5-23. Special "big" treat...Her last DQ.

What Color Crayon Do You Use?

I just watched an artist online, layering paint onto a canvas, resulting in a breathtaking piece of art. It got me thinking about how artists, whether they're using paint or crayons, envision their creations. Some plan every detail in advance, while others embrace unique techniques and surprises along the way. Even children coloring inside or outside the lines of a page bring their creativity to life. As adults, we too paint the canvas of our lives with different colors, each layer representing a new chapter. Some of us navigate without strict guidelines, while others seek guidance. Sometimes, I find myself hesitating, unsure of which color to choose for life's next layer. That's when I turn to God's crayon box, His Word, for inspiration. His colors are perfect, and His guidance helps me shape the picture of my life. In the end, every layer painted in God's will becomes a masterpiece, a blessing in its own right. Just as artists are unique, so are we, and so is our life's artwork. Verse for the Month: Romans 11:36 ESV "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." If you're curious, I watched this fascinating public display of art online, and you might want to take a look too. It's definitely worth a visit. It was public viewing, so don’t think May Art will mind if I attach the URL. https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1033733234476436 by May Art.

ARE YOU RUNNING?

Please take a moment and daydream about running in a race. Picture looking down at your well-equipped feet. You are wearing your favorite running shoes and ballcap. The rhythmic sounds of your souls hitting the pavement echo back into the world surrounding you. Even though you are tired, the wind pushing your back urges you to keep running. Your legs extend, and your muscles stretch. The race becomes more exhilarating as you near the finish line. In one last burst, you break through the gold ribbon stretched between the gates made of Pearl. You persevered. You finished the race. You kept the faith. Even when life is hard, you are never alone. Running a race is hard work, but according to the promises of God, it is well worth crossing the finish line. Verse of Month: Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up."

Through The Raging Fire

When Hawaii hurts, all of the USA hurts. It's good to see people come together and pray and help our Maui neighbors who recently lost so much due to raging fires. Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor." For Maui, experiencing loss is a cruel reminder that no matter what is going on in one's life, God wants to hold every precious second in His hands. This includes trusting Him with the innermost emotions of one's heart, good or bad. We are to pour out each joy and sorrow as freely as Jesus did his emotions in Gethsemane. "The earnest tears of Gethsemane are the signature proof that our emotions, no matter how dark, will be a door braced open between our innermost hearts and our Father's throne room. If Jesus brought to his Father his desperate sorrow and urgent desire for a way out, how can we not also bring to our Father our muddled loves and the mixed feelings they produce?" (Quotation Credit: Untangling Emotions_J. Alasdair Groves & Winston T. Smith) Verse of the Month: Proverbs 19:17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his good deed.

Dog Today, Cat Tomorrow...

Some people can't decide who or what they are. Do animals have the same problem? I'm pretty confident my animal knows she's a dog. Regardless, I'm going to keep feeding her dog food.

We've got everything we need to identify who we are every day and all the time. We have God's goodness and mercy, and can feed on His Word 24/7. Verse of the Month: 2 Peter 1:4 ESV "By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Let Freedom Ring

July 4, 1776 was a big day for our nation. In a few days, we will celebrate the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress. As we wear the red, white and blue and fly our flag proudly, may we be reminded of our forefathers' dedication to freedom and the sound reasoning used in creating the U.S. Constitution. The Bible shows us in the Old and New Testament books that physical and spiritual freedoms were hard-fought for centuries. I Peter 1:18-19 rings out spiritual victory for all people. "For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lost their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God" (NLT). Even amid today's uncertainties, we can be sure God is working behind the scenes to bring perfect peace and justice to the world. As our flag shows off its stars and stripes in a few days, may we be reminded of the individuals that built our Nation on a solid spiritual foundation. Let's pray God's truth seeped deep into the roots of our homeland and God's Word will forever have a stronghold in our souls. With these underpinnings in place, may we go boldly into the future. Happy 4th of July, everyone. Let freedome ring! "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32).

Do It Even If Your Voice Shakes

"Imagine getting to heaven and God saying: Before I laid the foundations of the earth, I thought of you, and the days you would live on earth. I planned out the people and the places I would give you. I laid out your neighbors and your workplace, the places you would attend school, and your family; I laid out enough days to do all the good works that I purposed for you, and I equipped you with all you would need to accomplish those purposes here. I filled you with my Spirit to encourage and remind you and lead you. I gave you my Word so you would know me and know what to do. I gave you people to run with and people who needed me. Let's talk about how all that went." I found this quote posted on Pinterest by several people. Some may think, as Forrest Gump did in his famous movie. "My mama always said, 'Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.'" I am glad God's Word isn't like a box of assorted chocolates. When read, I know what I will get when I sink my teeth into God's Word. I am partaking of God's truth. His words give nutritious purpose and healthy direction for living a Spirit-filled life. With that in mind, when I feel the Holy Spirit's leading, I do the best I can in the circumstance I am in to fulfill His purpose. But, I must confess, the mind-provoking quote on Pinterest did cause me to flip through my brain's "life index." In doing so, I realized only God truly knows my life from the first breath to the last. He knows the blessings completed for His Glory and those passed by or overlooked out of ignorance. Forrest's mom told her son, "You have to do the best with what God gave you." I would add God gives each person at least one gift. It is up to us, sometimes with the help of others, to recognize them. As we use our spiritual gift(s), He will bless the work of our hands, and as Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I have to say about that." Verse of the Month: Psalm 121:8. "The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Who's Got Your Back?

It's 2:30 am, and rain falls on the roof at a pretty good clip. I hear the click of our dog's toenails on the hardwood floor. I make a mental note to trim our dog's nails. Lexi's furry body jumps against the side of the bed, and the covers move as her front paws search for me in the dark. Finally, Lexi finds my arms, her safety from the storm. I boost her onto the bed and give her forehead a calming pet. Lexi knows her "pet parents" have her back. Soon she is lying horizontal, belly-side up, and fast asleep across the foot of our bed. She feels safe and breathes easily. I creep out of bed, leaving the dog and husband undisturbed. I make a pot of coffee. Who doesn't enjoy a power surge of caffeine and a chocolate muffin in the wee hours of the morning? I sip from my cup and think about stress and what effects it can have on people as well as animals. I'm sure Satan loves it when God's people stress. Though I feel like a mess during stressful times, I know my faith doesn't have to follow suit. I try to lean in and trust God's ability to care for me during life's trials. Through the power of His blood, I know He prays to the Father on my behalf. Hebrews 7:25, in part, says, "...He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf." I need only to be still and rest. It's 4:30, and even though I'm caffeinated, I climb back into bed, knowing Jesus has my back. Soon, I, too, will sleep. Verse of the Month: "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10).

Crossroads

I attended a funeral recently. I saw loved ones and friends shed tears. But, I believe there was rejoicing in their hearts as they imagined their loved one's joy walking through the "pearly gates" and hearing homecoming greetings. "Fix My Heart" Revision II comes out in paperback and hardback in a few days. It is a women's devotional designed to help restore the troubled heart. I leave you to read (in part) Day 10, "After grace, Mary's three children passed their plates for her to fill. She added a dinner roll and scoops of the steaming casserole to each dish. Mary's eyes softened as she heard their words of thanks. She often told God what a blessing they were to her. She believed with God's guidance, she would rear her children with love, kindness, and compassion. Her life was different after her husband's death two years before. She had imagined she and her husband would have danced together until they were old and grey. But life was about accepting the things she couldn't change, and she was doing her best. She praised God for giving her daily strength and bringing people into her life to help along her journey. She was thankful He supplied her family's spiritual, physical, and emotional needs." Motivation: When Mary encountered spiritual difficulties, God's armor served her well. The Helmet of Salvation protected her head from fatal blows. It covered her thoughts from Satan's ability to tempt her with discouragement. She realized the devil is relentless in his pursuit to win the battle he wages on earth. Mary was confident God had a plan and purpose for her family. Wearing the Helmet of Salvation freed her to think and do good things. Application: Salvation is eternal, and Christians cannot lose it. It is our impenetrable defense against the enemy.The Helmet of Salvation protects Christian women when fighting spiritual battles. Wearing the Helmet of Salvation is the last armor put on each morning. It assures women of their hope through Christ and the readiness for whatever comes throughout the day. God has won the battle. We have Salvation. Victory is ours.

Are You A Generational Influencer?

I'm glad I am a grandparent rather than a parent of youngsters in the 21st century. Why? In today’s society, facts and realities are becoming stranger than fiction. I watch the young, the inbetweeners, and the old reeling from worldly blasts of misinformation. These generations include the Traditionalists—born between 1925 and 1945; Baby Boomers—born between 1946 and 1964; Generation X—born between 1965 and 1980; Millennials—born between 1981 and 2000; and Generation Z—born between 2001 to 2020. Most of us would agree parents and grandparents influence behavior. They make a difference in the lives of younger generations. Why not make Godly instruction and principles part of it? Children reflect parental love and guidance when they have received good moral training. Occasionally, when parents need to smooth out a child’s rough edges, I imagine grandma and grandpa putting on their prayer-warrior hats. Parents want the best for their families; God wants the best for His. Generations are blessed when grandparents, parents, and children align with God’s purpose for living a “well-done” life. That way, every age can bring hope to their society and its future. Verse of the Month: “Since God has created us for His glory, we are to glorify God in all that we do with our lives. “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Photo cred: Kevin Carden Art (#kevincardenphotography). Kevin, your art is a blessing.