Hope in the Son

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing," (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 NIV).

There is great hope in the Scripture verses above and I'm so thankful to share them with you today.  I pray that you will be hope-filled today, no matter what you face in your world. May God surround you with His loving arms and fill you with peace and joy.

The weather person promises us a beautiful spring day in Iowa. We are to have sunshine and 70s. Delightful. My body and mind crave sunshine. It lifts my spirits and gives me a fresh new perspective on life. I love the warmth of the sun on my shoulders and the smile it brings to my face and attitude. I praise God so easily on a sunny day for I know the radiance comes from Him.

If only I could maintain a sunny attitude on the cloudy days; those days when the news is filled with sadness and disaster, gloom and doom. It seems like we have more than our share of gray days during this pandemic. But there is hope.

Jesus Christ died for us so we can live together with Him. That makes me smile! I need to remember that Jesus is walking with me through every valley and every shadow. What a wonderful blessing we have. We are never alone. Our days belong to Jesus, too. And every dark day has the sun shining over the clouds. God is so good to us. Pause and praise Him today as you soak in the sunshine. And remember He is with you now and always.

God bless you.

What a Difference a Week Makes

My tulips are in full bloom. The flowering trees are with flowers. The deciduous trees are beginning to get leaves. Spring is here for sure, maybe. The world is awakening and coming to life. What a blessing to have the brilliant green grass to mow. The robins are busy making nests and laying their eggs. I've seen many kinds of birds flying through the area, back from being snow birds. Plants are poking their heads up through the soil. Farmers are busy in the fields, probably spraying and preparing the soil for planting. We haven't been out to see.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord," (Psalm 40:1-3 NIV).

I read these verses often during my depression and they gave me hope. We are in a time of uncertainty and frustration so may these holy words speak to you of hope and of God's love, available to us in every situation we face.

God bless your spring day.

Where Is Your Trust?

These are testing times. We are in the middle of a Global Pandemic, and staying in our homes. Frustrations are getting high for some who want desperately to go back to work and get a paycheck. Others are working from home and loving it. Cabin fever has set in for most of the rest of us, being confined to our homes for nearly six weeks - so far.

I found out this morning how dependent I am on Internet, mostly because I can't write my blog without it. Well, I can write it but you can't read it. I use Internet for Alexa, computers, Gmail, iPhones, iPad, television, Facebook, and more. I'm lost without it. I had to start my blog using paper and pencil! How unique!

I've been without the necessities of water and electricity before and that was even worse. I truly depend on running water and electricity for most everything I do. I'm so spoiled as I think of how it was for my grandparents with no running water, an outhouse, and doing so much by hand. I'm truly blessed to be on lockdown in my home in 2020.

Although trusting can't make a water pump fill a line with water or an electric line carry power, trusting in God is more powerful than anything else we can put our trust in. I'm so thankful that our God is trustworthy and He is always there for us.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own," (Matthew 6:33-34 NIV).

Appreciating God's Beauty

I have a circle of tulips ready to bloom. They surround our young oak tree in our front yard. We planted them last fall and I've been waiting for the big delight, not so patiently. I took a picture of them yesterday and I could see red coming out on a couple of tulips so I think maybe this week they may be ready to bloom. They get the north wind so they are slower to perform than some I see planted on the south side of houses. But I'm ready and waiting.

We walked around the neighborhood yesterday, avoiding bikers and 'trikers' and other walkers to keep our six-foot distance. We saw tulips and daffodils in bloom and lawns in various stages of perfection. Nearly all have been mown at least once. There is something so exciting about spring. New leaves are forming on the trees and buds are forming on flowering trees and bushes. I love the fresh spring air, so clean and sometimes fragranced by grills at work.

Even the rain is pure and lovely. Preparing the earth for the season of planting. I love the smell of freshly turned soil, so rich and black in Iowa. Only God could create such beauty to be appreciated.

"You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain they shout and sing together for joy," (Psalm 65:9-13 ESV).

Take time to appreciate God's wonder in nature, even if it is just through your window today. May you be blessed.

Walking In The Light

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life," (John 8:12 NIV).

This verse touches my heart as I consider Jesus' promise to be at my side, directing me in the light. I need light every day. When it is gloomy outside I try to turn on the lights to chase away the darkness. My husband follows me around turning off the light switches to save energy! Even so, I crave light. Darkness is too much of a reminder of the days I struggle with depression.

I remember a very dark time in my life when a good friend came to visit me. I had all the curtains pulled in our living room and it was very dark inside. I don't remember if it was hot sun I was trying to keep out, but the living room was how I was feeling: dark, sad, alone and lost. Depression just sucks all the good out of reality and masks the day with pain. I'm sure my friend must have felt surrounded by evil as she sat in the room with me, trying to get through to the light.

Jesus' light can break through the darkness of night and of depression. I imagine His glowing face with arms open wide, welcoming me into His light. It is warm and pleasant there in His arms and I feel loved and joy. Jesus, I cling to You on the tough and dark days.

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore," (Psalm 16:11 ESV).

May you feel the light of Jesus all around you today.

Jesus Is Risen!

I remember when I first realized that Jesus was alive for longer than Resurrection Day. It was a huge amazement to me that Jesus walked on this Earth for weeks after He was risen from the dead. Somehow I missed that growing up and didn't understand it until later in my faith journey. What a powerful truth to cling to!

We are so blessed to have a Savior who loved us so much that He died for us and rose again. He returned to teach the disciples even more, and to strengthen their faith. He did not leave them wondering and confused. What a Savior!

It is an amazing reality to understand that Jesus walked with the disciples for weeks after His resurrection. Oh, to have been with them, listening, watching and learning. To finally realize the truth of all He spoke, to see with your own eyes and touch with your own hands, Jesus, Our Risen Savior.

One beautiful hymn from my past is, "I Serve A Risen Savior" (Alfred H. Ackley, 1933) and it is so appropriate to sing today and any day:

"I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He's always near. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart."

John, the apostle, wrote this toward the conclusion of his book on the life of Jesus,

"Then Jesus told him (Thomas), "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that believing you may have life in his name," (John 20:29-31 NIV).

May we be the ones to believe and to allow Jesus to live within our hearts until He comes again. Amen.

Maundy Thursday

Today represents the day Jesus washed the disciples' feet during the Last Supper. The Thursday before Easter is part of Holy Week and sometimes called Holy Thursday. The disciples gathered to have their evening meal of Passover.

"So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, wrapped  a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples" feet, drying then with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now that I am doing, but later you will understand," (John 13:4-7 NIV).

Peter protests Jesus washing his feet. Jesus knew Peter would deny him three times before He died. Jesus also knew that Judas Iscariot would betray Him. Everything that happened was part of God's plan.

"When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord' and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:12-17 NIV).

Jesus and his disciples shared the Passover meal together in an upper room. Only Jesus understood what was ahead. As He established the memorial meal we call communion, Jesus was showing the disciples how much He loved them, even with their weakness and the wrongs they would do. It teaches us also how much He loves us, even in our lowest moments.

Jesus prepares the disciples for what is ahead, though they don't understand. Still the Lord's Supper remains as a lasting memorial of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. He died for our sins and one day we will share in the glory of His coming again.

May you be blessed this Holy Week by the reality of the amazing love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for you. He did it all for you.

A Time to Refrain

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:...a time to embrace and a time to refrain," (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 5b NIV).

These verses reminded me of the times we are in now. Unable to give hugs or handshakes to greet our friends due to the coronavirus. The act of staying in our homes creates isolation and loneliness.

Especially after weeks of it and more to come.

It is a hard time. But, I heard birds singing when I got up this morning, that cheered me up. The grass is turning green. My tulips have buds. The leaves are budding on the trees. The robins are hopping across the yard. All the signs of spring offer reasons to feel happy.

Unfortunately families still grieve lost loved ones, and friends can't even attend memorials or funerals except in their cars. The blessing of hand-written cards becomes even more important during times like this. A letter written by a friend can mean a world of love and replace a hug.

It's Holy Week and we are unable to worship in our churches. However, many churches, including ours in Polk City, offer online worship services. We can worship online for a Good Friday service and on Resurrection Sunday. Join us at LakesideFellowship.com, 7 pm Friday or 9 am Sunday.

April showers will bring May flowers. We have hope. Hope for spring flowers. Hope for eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We have reasons to feel happy. We just have to seek them out sometimes. May this week be blessed with many reasons to lift your spirits. Especially rejoicing in our Risen Savior on Sunday.

God bless you all.

When Morning Gilds the Skies

I awoke with a song this morning. The refrain is so appropriate for this Lenten season.

"When morning gilds the skies, My heart awaking cries: May Jesus Christ be praised! Alike at work or prayer To Jesus I repair: May Jesus Christ be praised! The night becomes as day When from the heart we say: May Jesus Christ be praised! The powers of darkness fear When this sweet chant they hear: May Jesus Christ be praised!" (When Morning Gilds the Skies by Katholisches Gesangbuch, Wlirzburg, 1828).

The beautiful spring weather we've been having lifts my spirits. Especially when we are out walking, observing the changing April scenery. The daffodils are blooming and my tulips are beginning to show buds. The grass is getting green and we even noticed some people mowed already. It is a blessing to take in the fresh air after being closed in for so long. Even the April showers will be welcome to wash away the winter's gloom.

I gave blood yesterday and drove through an area of Urbandale that was filled with geese on every lawn. I drove carefully and stopped several times for a goose in the road. Even as I practiced social distancing, it was good to see people out and about for a good cause.

It's hard not to talk about our isolation because it is so different from our normal. And it will be so long before we return to a normal again. The beauty of nature reminds me of God, our Creator, and that's why the song above came to mind. "May Jesus Christ be praised!"

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV).