From me to you:

As I researched the attribute for each book in the "To Be Or Not To Bee Series," I trusted His hand to guide me to the scripture I needed for inspiration. And then, I wrote the faith-based children’s story that He placed on my heart. Squirrelly Abby will scamper her way into your heart September 1, 2022. She will join the series at Scottsdale Farm, Alpharetta, Georgia (paperback), Smashwords (on-line), and excellent quality paperback plus

Kindle versions through Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MKRDP1C?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn

Abby would rather play than work! She loved twirling in the fall's beautiful colored leaves. Her friends warned her to gather food before winter snow covered Atler Park. Would the fun-loving, absent-minded squirrel put off gathering food and rely on her friends to feed her again this winter? When Abby stumbled onto a majestic acorn tree with thousands of nuts, she thought her forage days were over. But the tree guardian, Milo, said the tree nuts belonged to the Acorn woodpeckers. How was Abby going to get acorns for the squirrels? She thought of a plan. Would it work, or was it a squirrelly idea?

It Doesn't Take A Superhero Costume to Know Who You Are or Does It? When my grandson, Cooper, was little, he enjoyed running around in his superhero costume. He thought he was unknown to all. Being in the 3-foot-something crowd, he didn’t realize that his natural person was made clear by his size, character, and voice. He perceived his physical self as being unseen—invisible—rather than being see-able. We can teach children about God’s visibility when cute little moments happen. In this case, it was appropriate to mention something about the superheroes of the Bible. And touch on how they displayed God’s character and love, as well as His visibility. When the grands were toddlers, I took nature walks with them right in our backyard. They found it an exciting place to explore. I found they enjoyed smelling pretty flowers and spotting tweeting birds in the trees. We picked up pine cones and spread them with peanut butter to hang in the trees as bird feeders (what a yummy mess). We spread a blanket under a shade tree and watched bugs crawl on to join us. I found when you add a juice box and peanut butter and jelly sandwich into the mix, you’ve got yourself a party! Whether talking about Bible heroes or enjoying the backyard, it’s a joy to lift our children higher so they, too, can see our very visible God. Verse of the Month: Romans 1:20 ESV “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”

Our Lives Have An Author

It’s early morning, and the sun has not yet risen to serve its purpose for the day. I sit at the computer with our dog, Lexi, sprawled out on the floor beside me. Her eyes are closed and probably won’t open until her tummy growls for food. The keystrokes of my computer and the rush of cold air from the floor vent keep the house from being silent. At this moment, all seems right with the world. But, that will change when I turn on the television later. A flood of “who’s not getting along with who news” will fill the kitchen. It will blur the sound of the brewing coffee as well as my mind. My heart reminds me God created (authored) time, space and matter. Nothing happens in this old world that God doesn’t know about—accidents, mayhem, and who isn’t getting along with who, for example. All are a part of life in this fallen world. But, He is coming back one day to right the wrongs. In the meantime, it is best to allow the author and perfecter of our faith to continue to do His work in and through us. We must submit (James 4:10) to the grace of God. Every new character in our chapters (the people we meet on our journey through life, whether or not through divine appointment) or due to unexpected events (things that bring change into our life) is a tool of his grace that brings us closer to Him. Isn’t each chapter written to advance His purpose in us and through us? As the protagonist in our chapters, we need only to allow Him, the author, to write our best life. It’s up to us to live it according to His pen. Verse pairing of the Month: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

WORDS IMPACT LIVES

WORDS IMPACT LIVES... A fellow Georgia writer got it right. It's like she got into my brain when she wrote the following in a Christian post. "Here’s the deal. Christians sin. We get things wrong. We lash out in anger. All things we later regret and take with a broken heart to our Father. But, as He reminded me recently, “Nothing can separate us from the Father’s love.” Not if we are His children. If God has called you to write a work of fiction that shows the way to Christ......You still want to be entertaining. A very wise woman once told me, “People let down their guard when they think they’re being entertained. Then, when they least expect it, our words reach out, touch hearts, and change lives.” However you write, to whomever you write, let your creativity follow the path God has laid out for you. If you do that, your words will change lives."" And, that is the purpose of the 12 Christian children story books I am writing. Each have a simple,entertaining, moral message. "The To Be Or Not To Bee" series is a seed, if you will, that will sprout as it is watered through the filter of parents. Thank you readers for contributing to the mission of instilling core values in our little ones lives.

Good news! "The Mouse And The Thistle" has released. Check out Scottsdale Farms and Amazon.com for the "Too Bee Or Not To Bee Series by C.K. Sharpe. Follow two mice, Millie and Thistle, as they right a wrong—and how the power of honesty enabled two strangers to become good friends. Description: Popping another chocolate into her mouth, Millie’s eyes widened in disbelief. Of all the chocolate shops, in all the towns in Atler County, why did a field mouse crawl under the door of The Chocolate Box where she lived? Did his troubles involve the shiny key that hung around his neck? When Millie asked why he needed help, he fibbed. And his fibs turned Millie’s little mouse world upside-down! Upon request, I have added a link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MKRDP1C?binding=paperback

“Bloom, where you are planted,” is a rare idiom, but these words flashed through my mind as I spotted a single bloom among bare branches during a recent walk with my daughter. The flower reminded me we are called to bloom where we are planted regardless of our circumstances. Our hope and confidence are in the Lord, and through faith, we know our circumstances are a means through which God accomplishes His will in us. And because we are deeply rooted in Him, our hearts will bloom with His Word and burst forth its beauty to share with others. God himself has a garden. The Bible refers to the Garden of Eden as “the garden of the Lord.” (Isaiah 51:3). God was “hands-on.” (Genesis 2:8). God planted the garden! So, as we allow our hearts to bloom for Him, we, too, can be a single flower blooming among bare branches. And have the confidence He is exalted, even in the blooming of a single flower.

Send pizza!

Reaching Higher (A Mother’s true story) “Did I hear that—send pizza!” Those thoughts can’t be from God. Surely I am just thinking this stuff because Pastor talked about our missionaries in Church last Sunday. The next few days, the thoughts kept nagging my soul. “OK, God. I’ll do it. But the missionaries will think I’m a few clowns short of a circus.” I sat at the kitchen table and wrote a check. I added “for pizza” on the memo line, then mailed it. Some weeks later, I received a note from the missionary family. She and her husband were thrilled to receive the check. The message ended with a heartfelt thank-you for being the instrument God chose to bless their family. God had answered the prayer of their small son. Every night at bedtime, he had petitioned Jesus for pizza! *** Praise God. The answer to the little boy's prayers blessed the missionary and his wife. It blessed their son with spiritual growth. It brought praise to the giver of the gift, God. Isn’t it wonderful how God works and grows us to spiritual fullness by pointing us back to Him? And what a reminder when God speaks, we are to listen and respond. We can be thankful God is faithful in every detail of our lives—including the desire for pizza. Verse: “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, And great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 NKJV.

And where is Duck Town, you ask? Why, it's in an unusual, usual spot south of Atler Park, north of the county line. It's located past the flowers that only come up in spring. The town is hard to find, but worth finding. Why is it worth finding, you ask? Tottie Duck has a cookie waiting at her bakery just for you.

Tottie Duck is a kind duck. She is the owner of a bakery in Duck Town. The residents show how "kindness towards one another" spreads love throughout their town. Whether it's siblings scrunched together on a bed listening to a story or siblings reading to siblings, each receives the benefit of quality time spent with ones they love. Who couldn't use a little more love, kindness, and hope? This duck story makes a good Easter remembrance for someone special. Each book in the TOO BEE OR NOT TO BE SERIES by C.K. Sharpe touches on a different core value. The stories are printed on top-quality (sturdy) paper and include fourteen high quality pictures. Don't forget to look for the two "bee nuggets" hidden in each book! What the world needs now is love, sweet love.

“You know you’re old when the candles cost more than the cake.”

Bob Hope was a great comedian and he once said, “You know you’re old when the candles cost more than the cake.” But I don’t need a cake to tell me how old I am. My body tracks my age. It wishes me happy birthday way before candles appear on top of the now flaming birthday cake! However, I journey through another year grateful for it. As I start into the month that Hallmark calls Loveuary, I get closer to another lighted candle. There is peace knowing God is with me every step of my journey. And, most important, He will still be with me at the end of my sojourn. “And I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety.” —Isaiah 46:4. No matter the condition of our earthly bodies, we are to do our utmost to live a life that honors Him. God gives us love and grace as sure as the candles increase on our cakes. Paul tells us that God is rich in mercy, and because of His great love for us, He saves us by grace. See Ephesians 2:4-5. Yes, life is an exercise in love and endurance. It is just recognized better in aging faces. We can be sure God delights in our twinkling eyes, our laughter and grins, and the creases and lines that etch our life experiences. For He tells us, “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.”—Job 12:12. It is up to each of us to share our healthy, spiritual love, and wisdom with one one another. As the candles glow upon our birthday cakes in 2022, let’s imagine the Light is celebrating His love for us and another year of being His. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your loved ones. —C.K. Sharpe

The second story in the TO BE OR NOT TO BEE SERIES released this month. You can find THE MONKEY, THE TIGER, AND LITTLE MISS in paperback and e-book formats. They are available on Amazon. They can also be ordered through Barnes & Noble and other fine bookstores. (Third grade level read.)

 

I’ve always had a thing for containers—

 

You can look around my house and see pottery. My containers don’t bug me if they are empty, either. I wondered if there is perhaps some deep-seated meaning for that. So I got to wondering— what does God think about vessels. 

The Bible tells us “those who cleanse themselves” become vessels (2 Tim. 2:21) ready to be used by God. Each of us is but a frail vessel, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Cor. 4:7).

God is working through our lives despite many forms of opposition that come roaring against us. I.e., typhoons, tornadoes, fires, family concerns, finances, etc. Despite these things, the Bible is full of stories of God positioning his vessels (men and women) for specific purposes according to His will. We can be with families, neighbors, and friends as they share with us the stories of the cracks in their vessels. We can lift each other's burdens to the Potter. He is the only one that can mend the cracks and strengthen the vessels.

At times, we may feel our vessel is getting empty. During those times, we need to pour more of Him into it. Reading His Word is always a good thing. We are designed and created to contain Him...God.

Would there be anything better than God to put into our physical containers in 2022. As for the pottery in the house, I'll leave it alone for now. Eventually, I'll put something in one or two.

 

The traffic was a jam and not in a sweet way…

Yesterday was one of those days! It seemed life was doing a push-back. The traffic was a jam and not in a sweet way. The wait time in the doctor’s office took forever (can I get an Amen), and Chipotle was short-staffed, resulting in a long wait line. When it was my turn to order, I found out they were out of salsa! I think I have an idea where that salsa is sitting!

So, when I feel extra small in this big, complex world, it would do me well to remember to take a few heartbeats and find the peace God wants for me. There is hope in knowing God is “with us,” (Emmanuel). “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

That is His promise to each of us. So, I make Isaiah 41:10 my prayer for each reader during this Holiday season. When life gets crazy, may we have peace in our hearts. So as God walks by our sides this December, may we remember to give, love, and try to be thankful for every little thing that happens in our life. For isn’t every day a gift from God? And, in any season, it is the best time of the year no matter the jams in our lives. 

Merry Christmas, everyone, and a blessed New Year!

Verse of the month:

Luke 2:7: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

 

 

WATCH YOUNG IMAGINATIONS SOAR!

"TO BE OR NOT TO BEE SERIES"

Books for children

 

Whether children listen or read for themselves, the "TO BE OR NOT TO BEE SERIES" books are sure to delight. Each book in the series takes children to a make believe place in Atler County. Watch lovable characters and animals wake imaginations as they invite your children to join in on an adventure or visit a place full of wackiness and fun.

The first 32-page pictured story book, The OWL WHO LOST HIS HOOT, can be found on Amazon in time for Christmas shopping. Each book in the series introduces a positive character trait in a fun and loving way.

Whether your five through eight-year- old boy or girl listens to the story before bedtime or is an emergent reader, the lovable characters are sure to become memorable lifelong friends. 

 

THE OWL WHO LOST HIS HOOT

C.K. SHARPE

 AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING 

 STARTING THANKSGIVING DAY

ON AMAZON!

 (e-BOOK and Paperback) 

 

“The cost of doing nothing costs everything!”

I heard these words at a Writer’s Conference I attended in October. The main character of any story must be willing to make the necessary sacrifice to reach their goal or solve a problem. The main character may have to deal with the depth of the forbidden, human personalities, powers of persuasion, and what motivates.

Deep stuff.

For sure, we write our life stories day-by-day. Haven’t most of us had to deal with the depth of the forbidden? Human personalities? Powers of persuasion by outside or internal forces?

What motivates is a hard issue?  What inspires and motivates one person may not inspire the guy next door. But, I think if we keep prayer at the forefront of our lives, we can survive any deep-dive situation (like the conference.)  We can always look to the Lord’s Prayer as our guide for prayer. We can search the Bible to learn how to deal with the forbidden, human personalities, and powers that think they influence.

But we all need the greatest motivator of how to live our life. And, He is the main character of the Bible, Jesus. That is who taught me, the cost of doing nothing costs everything.

Verse of the month:

Luke 11:1-4 The Lord’s Prayer

 

Here, take my concerns. I don’t want them—

I haven’t seen a toddler yet that didn’t find it hard to share with others. I can remember telling my children to “play nice.” Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. In the cases it didn’t, intervention (fill in the blank) was necessary.

I often find it hard to share with Jesus. There are mornings I just can’t picture my bedhead sharing my concerns with anyone, let alone “bother” God with them. If I would let go and let God, I know I could relax in the day’s journey. Although prayer bursts come naturally during the day, I know I need to consistently start my day the same way I end it— with prayer, Somewhere in the small print of my heart I’d probably find a guarantee for fewer frown lines if I would begin and end my day in the same way.

As Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Even though I know this is a truth from God, I continue to hold tight to itty-bitty pieces of anxiety. Just this past week, a friend’s husband died, a family I know is recovering from Covid (as of this writing, one is still in the hospital), and a 12-year-old told me how difficult it is at school. Catching up is impossible and she is afraid of a do over school year....

There is a simple answer to life’s itty-bitty anxieties and for the overwhelming burdens that knock us on our tushes. Not only do we need to share our troubles with the Lord, but we need to hand them over to Him. He doesn’t want them gift-wrapped. Hand them to him through raw, plain, simple, heartfelt prayer. His throne is always open to us even if we come before him with bedhead hair.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 Anti-lock breaks working—Check. LORD Helping Us—check...

On Thursday, we packed Tom’s little Cobra Daytona for an excursion around the Appalachian mountains up North. As we were doing last-minute checks, we noticed the stoplights weren’t working. Tom tried for a half hour to figure out the wiring, but everything looked good. We were on the clock to meet friends and drive up together, so we decided to take my SLK.

I found out life does not flash before your eyes if you have a near-catastrophic event. I don’t think Tom or I will ever forget August 20^th, 2021 the day an Angel of the Lord lifted the right front of our car and turned it away from an SUV-trailer combo making a left turn less than 100 feet in front of us. (Oh, but for the grace of God.) Did I forget to tell you we were traveling 65 MPH right toward it with Tom’s foot full bore on the brakes and screeching tires? I felt the seat belt automatically tighten around me. With eyes wide open, we knew we could not avoid a full head-on into the side of that box trailer.

But we did!

“Did you feel the right side of our car lift and turn away from the trailer?” Tom asked me.

“Yes, I did, but I thought I was imagining it.”

“You weren’t imagining it.”

There wasn’t any magic to it as the right side of our vehicle lifted and avoided clipping the trailer. The LORD had sent us help, just when we needed it.

It gives me the chills when thinking about his unending love and knowing His eyes are always upon us. In our case, a few days ago, we were participants in an awe-inspiring event. We felt His presence at work in our lives through the work of His Angels.

The good that can come out of something potentially bad or, God forbid, rocks one’s family in sadness, isn’t always obvious or immediate, but that doesn’t mean the good isn’t there. We have a God that watches over all of us and guides all of us through life’s many twists and turns. We can count on it.

Verse for the Month:

Psalm 121:8 – “The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Happy Birthday, Doc!

Sitting in the dentist chair today, I waited as bravely as I could, as the dentist gave me eight hits of Novocaine. Really, Doc! Was there a sale on that stuff?

So here he is, bent over me, with a needle in hand. All the while he was administering pain relief, he was talking to his assistant. Apparently, it was Doc’s birthday and he wished he could be 35 again—News flash, Doc. I would like to knock a few years off myself, with my deep cleaned teeth intact, thank you very much.

He said he would like to have an undo button so he could go back and do a few things differently. Didn’t he know he doesn’t need an undo button? But since my mouth was full of fingers, needle pokes, and a suction doohickey, I lost my opportunity to tell him. Why? Because as soon as he was done, he ran out of the patient room to give pain relief to his next victim—I mean, patient.

Since I had lost any sensation in the right half of my “head” I couldn’t have said anything, even if he had stuck around. However, my heart knows, a missed opportunity is a missed opportunity.

Next time an opportunity presents itself, I will say to him, “In one heart-felt prayer Jesus’ forgiveness—His undo button—wipes away sin, guilt, and regrets forever.”

I’m pretty sure if I had told him that, he would have felt younger.

“The gospel of Christ grants us freedom from the condemnation that still hunts us daily (Romans 8:1) The gospel is so powerful that it doesn’t have to undo our past sins. Instead, it redeems them and turns them around for our good and for God’s glory.”—a great quote is taken from Desiring God.org.

 

There’s something special about a sea of red, white, and blue flags waving on a spirit-filled street. 

I didn’t realize until I got older how special it is to have holidays noted on the calendar. I must admit I don’t celebrate every holiday, and as an American, that’s my choice. But July 4th is special to me. First, July 4^th is the first part of the last half of the year. It plunges most of the country into the dog days of summer, cold watermelon, and fireflies. What’s not to like?

The 4^th begs the patriotic to watch a parade. I love watching a sea of red, white, and blue flags filling a spirited street – Ole Glory at her best. Even choosing whether to stand, park myself on a sunny street curb or find a coveted place in the shade to wave my flag becomes an event. I particularly like to find a choice spot where I can watch candy being thrown from floats to young and old alike. While I sip sweet tea from an insulated 16-oz., it gives me a sweet time to reflect on life and liberty. 

Some citizens go to parks to spread checkered tablecloths over picnic tables. Others will celebrate with backyard barbecues, bicycle rides, hitting balls of all types, swimming in Auntie’s pool, watching grandchildren play, or hanging out waiting for the homemade ice cream to finish churning. Whether its sinking teeth into a cold slice of watermelon or grabbing a napkin to catch the drips from a juicy hamburger, ribs, hot-dog or saUSAage, most of us will find no matter how we celebrate this 4^th, life is pretty good in America.

It is sad to think of a Nation having to suffer to bring about its freedom. For those that protect now and for those that courageously rescued us from dark periods in history, may we honor them by living our best lives in a land that mostly honors life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

As a Nation watches the last fireworks tear across the sky honoring our nation’s freedom, I hope some of its people take a moment to honor the One who came to give us spiritual freedom. I can only hope as our hands clap at the bursts of light in the sky on the evening of the 4th, we clasp our hands flat together for the God-man that rode into a city on a donkey, shared supper with his friends and relatives, and soon after bore stripes of red and blue for us across His back.

As we celebrate on the 4^th, I picture in my mind a Nation standing shoulder to shoulder, united in our founding fathers beliefs, and looking forward to a future day of ultimate celebration. That day is the day Jesus comes back wearing white, the color of heavenly victory.

God bless you and yours. Have a great 4th and be safe.

2 Corinthians 4:6 AMP

“For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).”

•    "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig!"

I like pigs, but I prefer my pigs in the form of bacon with two eggs on the side. Better yet, slow-smoked in my son’s Big Green Egg bathed in bar-be-cue sauce. Over time, my husband and I have found our home wears a lot of lipstick—not in attractive colors either.

The latest pig in a poke was our home’s side entrance. Better known down south as the friend’s porch. The concrete around the flagstone was crumbling. Repairs were overdue. When the contractor tore it out, we were told there wasn’t an adequate foundation underneath. Surprise! Surprise!­—my interpretation of Mayberry’s Gomer Pyle.

There were concrete blocks, you know, the heavy ones with the holes in them, and a sundry of construction junk. How did the porch withstand weight, rain, and passage of time? One can only speculate. The repairs included removing the weak foundation. Then, and only then, could the porch be rebuilt.

Isn’t that the same with our hearts? We can apply all the cosmetics we want, but it probably needs a rework if we feel it crumbling. The heart needs the right contractor, too.

We are fortunate. We can call on Jesus to assess our heart condition and get rid of the junk. (Jesus will gladly do the cleaning). Only then can we be rebuilt and benefit from a foundation laid with suitable materials (God’s Word). Upon that foundation, we apply our stone (Spiritual fruit). We will find when He rebuilds and we maintain His work correctly, we will last a lifetime.

Some day, I’ll ask my husband if he is ready to tackle another home improvement project. I could expect to hear, “When pigs fly!” But really, that sounds more like something I might say. Until that time, where’s that lipstick.

Verse of the Month:

Psalm 127:1 “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor uselessly...”

 

Do We Need Ruby Red Slippers To Get Home?

“There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home,” says Dorothy in one of L. Frank’s Baum’s 1900 novel adaptations of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. With three clicks of her heels, Dorothy put her faith in a pair of ruby red slippers that assures her a way back home. What would happen if she doesn’t click those shoes three times? Maybe, just two times? Would Dorothy stay in the Land of Oz with the beast, “Oz, the great and terrible” forever?

As far as one can tell, Satan never quits his encouragement to walk the yellow-brick road to destruction. Today it seems easier to fall prey to the terrible deceiver of this world. Evil promises freedom, glory, riches, and power, but in the end, it delivers bondage, condemnation, spiritual poverty, and weakness. Scripture says the devil roams about the earth seeking those he may destroy. The year 2020 and so far, 2021 is a reminder of evil forces at work on the earth.

“And I should not have had my lovely heart,” said the Tin Woodman. “I might have stood and rusted in the forest till the end of the world.”[1] The gift of a tin heart changes the Tin Woodman. His power of perception awakens; otherwise, how would he know his need for a heart?

Jesus can remove hearts of stone and gift one of flesh. ––See Ezekiel 36:26. A new heart starts a spiritual life that drives behavior. The hope within the heart looks to the one that has POWER over sin. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,”––Colossians 1:13. One can rely on "the One" that gives FREEDOM. God has promised eternal life. —See John 10:27,28.

Glenda, the good witch, told Dorothy she has the ability to get back home. All she has to say is where she wants to go and click those ruby red slippers. It takes one spiritual click of a heart to ensure an eternal home in Heaven. How so? By faith accepting his work of atonement, redemption, reconciliation, and salvation through Jesus, our sin-bearer.

I can’t leave out the famous comment of the wicked witch of the north. She said, “My world, my world. How can such a good little girl like you destroy all of my beautiful wickedness.”[2]

To that, we reply, “Got Jesus!”

Verse for the Month:

 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 ESV. 

---

[1] L. Frank Baum: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: Glinda The Good ...

https://baum.thefreelibrary.com/The-Wonderful-Wizard-of-Oz/23-1

 

[

 

Slumber is no more, for winter’s protection has melted away…

Birth of Spring

 

Slumber is no more, for winter’s protection has melted away

Away, so arise bud, and create Spring’s colorful bouquet.  

 

Bouquet of blooms will soon feed bees their sweet nectar 

Nectar offered from flowers swooning in spring breezes 

Breezes that capture songbirds melodic harmonies

Harmonies of  joyful news of springtime arrival.

 

Arrival of Spring given by creation’s Master    

Master who gifts to us this beautiful season

Season of fleeting moments for us to enjoy

Enjoy for as long as it blooms.

 

I wrote this chain verse ten years ago, April 2011, about the birth of Spring.

May joy be yours this Easter Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.

 

Verse of Month:

Psalm 85:11 NIV

“Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and

righteousness looks down from heaven.”

 

Fix My Heart Devotional for Women

Released March, 2021. 

There are two things that one can indulge in during March—eating candy and drinking green beer!

Since Easter comes in April, there will be no chocolate eggs for me in March. It’s a good thing salty snacks give me the same eating pleasure and—I don’t drink beer no matter what day or color.

A few weeks back, my husband and I felt the need to get away for the afternoon. We were driving in the Appalachian mountain area. We accidentally got on a narrow, winding fire trail. That’s something you only want to experience once in your life. At least there were no bears in which we had to share the path. I think the Appalachian Black bears, with one eye closed, got a better deal than humanity did this winter. At least the bears went into their dens fat, dumb and happy late last fall. I don’t know about you, but I stayed hunkered down in the house out of COVID’s way, eating chips and waiting for my cell to ring. I found “Spam” and “No Name” call me more than anyone else did. Occasionally, I received a call from “Potential Spam.” None of them have much to say. My husband thinks I should forward the calls to each other. At least they would have somebody to talk to.

After scouring the Bible, Romans 8:28 seems to fit what my soul needs. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” So I guess when I don’t see a situation as I should (sorry Lord), maybe I should chalk it up to one of life’s little detours and praise Him because it’s not the final destination.

I tell myself, “You need to work on a better attitude. Faith can’t be bought or manufactured like my favorite Lindt truffles or swallowed like aspirin for a headache. It is the Word of God that produces faith and joy comes from the soul resting in God.” Sometimes my heart doesn’t quite get the message. I am working on it.

I wonder, when attitude creeps into my heart, does God’s joy leak out of it? I suppose it does. There are times I feel like I’m moving on perpetual traffic round-de-rounds, and most of the time, I’m still in the house! I hope I am not alone in wearing my mask and going around in circles. I think it’s time to get off the circle and refresh my attitude. Reading what Jesus says about having a correct attitude, growing faith, and what brings real joy is a good place to start.

But, before I embrace this new attitude, as far as “Spam” and “No Name” are concerned, I’m going to block them.  

Verse of the Month:

Psalm 4:7 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

 

Sitting transfixed in front of the black and white, I watched four mop-heads singing “All My Loving.”

 It’s probably safe to say there might be a few boomers that don’t remember the sixties, but most do. The Beatles’ appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, broadcast live from Studio 50 in NYC, is etched in my mind as clear as the Kennedy assassination a few years before. By the way, I was in study hall wearing my boots were made for walk-in’ when the news of the President’s death sounded over the intercom.

I thought the Brits had something to be proud of as I sat cross-legged in front of the T.V. watching the Fab Four in ‘64. The Beatles’ over-the-top music arrangements and simple lyrics rang out in our living room, across continents, and changed the world; or at least, the music industry.

In America, “Beatle mania” impinged on restless youth trapped by the uncertainties of the Vietnam Conflict. As far as I was concerned, the movie “Good Morning, Vietnam,” starring Robin Williams, was the only good thing that came out of a disturbing era.

The simple lyrics of “All You Need Is Love” became life-model aspirations of many 20th-century youths. Some thought the mop-top musicians, who claimed in ‘67, “What we need is love, love, all we really need is love...” were ahead of their time. They weren’t. They were just in time to claim their part in changing a confused culture.

Jesus didn’t start his ministry carrying sheet music and a guitar, although people sang and cried for joy at his words. He didn’t have a T.V. broadcast, podcast, or blog to promote His message of love—no cell phones either. He had His Father in Heaven, twelve great friends, and the backing of Angels. His message was also simple. Through faith, God offers His love to humanity through salvation and the gift of eternal life.

Jesus put deliverance from sin on the map; albeit the earth. He not only preached the Good News—believe in Him and love others—through His words, but also powerfully showed the Good News through His actions. How did He get it so right—through love, that’s how. Jesus’ self-sacrificing love communicated deep feelings for us. Through His sacrifice, we have been given a fantastic knowledge of God’s enduring presence in our lives—now that is true love. His simple message was clear and straightforward. It is everlasting and is still heard across continents.

For some, “What we need is love, love, all we really need is love...” is still as à propos as it was over two thousand years ago. His love is easy to find. Simply open His Word in faith and seek Him. Pray to Him. He will meet where you are at and fill your heart and life with His love. Who could want anything more this Valentine’s Day than to be given the gift of love that lives forever in your heart?

Verse(s) of Month: —Ephesians 5:1-2

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”