Living Water

Photo Credit Emiliano Arano (Pexels.com)

Do you feel dehydrated? The summer through fall heat can surely parch us physically. However, the emotions and spiritual needs of our body need the help of our Creator God. The world culture and political climate alone can feel overwhelmingly toxic and heated with conflict. Are you seeking the only place for Peace, Jesus?
He wants to guide our path with Living Water to replenish our lives.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT
[7] “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. [8] They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

The story of the Samaritan woman stands the test of time. She went to the well to draw water in the height of midday, the sun was intense, the heat of the desert was exhausting. She went to draw water at hottest time.

Why would the Samaritan woman choose to avoid people In her town? Jews and Samaritans did not talk, it was forbidden. She did not feel worthy of their communication. She felt judged by all since she had more than one husband, she was known as an adulterer. Women judged and some men took advantage of her poverty.

Jesus knew who the Samaritan woman was, He planned to meet her at the well and share His unconditional love, she would have her testimony of grace, mercy and unconditional love. Jesus loved her and spoke truth into her life. He accepted she was a sinner. But He wanted to provide a new life. He even let her know “ you have had many husbands.” He gave her a chance to repent and receive His Living Water.

The story has not changed. Even today, humans can seek Jesus. He is not available for one people but for all. If our sins were revealed, not one of us could stand before Jesus.

Read the Samaritan story for yourself. It is a story of God’s grace and mercy on display. It is amazing.

John 4:1-15,23-24,26 NLT
[1] Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John [2] (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them-his disciples did). [3] So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. [4] He had to go through Samaria on the way. [5] Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. [6] Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. [7] Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” [8] He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. [9] The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” [10] Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” [11] “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? [12] And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” [13] Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. [14] But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” [15] “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” [23] But the time is coming-indeed it’s here now-when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. [24] For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” [26] Then Jesus told her, “I AM the Messiah!”

Today, could be the day you accept the free gift of Jesus your Savior. He wants to restore broken places, bring refreshment in Living Water, and guide you to a new life with Him. Get ready for a new beginning.

Be filled with the Holy Spirit! Refreshment is just a step away. He will restore and guide. Be like a well watered garden, be fruitful.

Isaiah 58:11 NLT
[11] The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

The Lord will give Living water, you will thirst no more. Say aloud: Jesus, I am a sinner, I need You Lord. I believe You are my Savior, I want You to change my life from the inside out. Please forgive my sins. Make me whole in You alone.

John 3:3-21 NLT
[3] Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” [4] “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” [5] Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. [6] Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. [7] So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” [9] “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked. [10] Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? [11] I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. [12] But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? [13] No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. [14] And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, [15] so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. [16] “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [17] God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. [18] “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. [19] And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. [20] All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. [21] But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

If you have made this declaration aloud, I rejoice with you.

Praise You Lord for the new journey, it takes the first step, hold onto Jesus, turn your life over to Him daily. He will restore you.

I love you Jesus, You are the Living Water. There is no better place for refreshment.

Letter of recommendation

Paul writes the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life! The law can tell us the will of God but only the Spirit can give us the power to live it. Therefore, live by the Spirit of God and you fulfill the will of God for your life. Jonathon Chan The Book of Mysteries.

I never thought of my testimony as a letter of recommendation for Christ Jesus. My walk with Jesus took multiple decades. I understood the need for wisdom and peace beyond my human mind. I was raised in a religion with doctrine of law and regimented steps of route sayings, responses after the priest, and even songs dedicated to expound on the religion. However, I felt hollow inside, as if something was missing.

2 Corinthians 3:1-6 MSG
[1-3] Does it sound like we’re patting ourselves on the back, insisting on our credentials, asserting our authority? Well, we’re not. Neither do we need letters of endorsement, either to you or from you. You yourselves are all the endorsement we need. Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it-not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives-and we publish it. [4-6] We couldn’t be more sure of ourselves in this-that you, written by Christ himself for God, are our letter of recommendation. We wouldn’t think of writing this kind of letter about ourselves. Only God can write such a letter. His letter authorizes us to help carry out this new plan of action. The plan wasn’t written out with ink on paper, with pages and pages of legal footnotes, killing your spirit. It’s written with Spirit on spirit, his life on our lives!

My near death experience on a rafting trip in Colorado, brought a determination to seek the One true God and His plans for my life. Where I felt insecure or punished by life challenges I found a new perspective.

God uses everything in our lives to draw us to Himself and Jesus’ loving arms. He awaits our reliance on Him for all things. We must not be afraid, walk to Him.

He is peace, hope, wisdom, counselor, and a voice of life. I was asked by my child when I accepted Jesus and allowed Him to direct my life. I replied, “32! My child it took a while.” She replied, “what took you so long, Mom?” I said, “ I am stubborn and a control freak, but I am so glad I took the steps.”

I avoided the deep connection with Jesus. I was goal driven and relied on myself alone. I was wrong.

Psalm 139:7-12 MSG
[7-12] Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute- you’re already there waiting! Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I’m immersed in the light!” It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.

Don’t wait until you feel near perfect, it is not possible, and that’s what the enemy bets on for your life on earth. Satan speaks lies, “you will never measure up, you will never be forgiven for the past.” These are lies!

Matthew 11:28 tells us Jesus extends His hand, saying, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest”, He is patient, seek truth from the One who knows all things.

Psalm 139:1-6 MSG
[1-6] GOD, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too- your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful- I can’t take it all in!

Let Jesus guide your steps! His Holy Spirit will not fail you.His love is unconditional. His gift is free just take it and live a life of freedom with Jesus. Your letter of recommendation is from His Holy Spirit to your spirit, His life reflected in you, amazing!

Titus 3:4-7 NLT
[4] But- When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, [5] he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. [6] He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. [7] Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

Transitions

Photo by Jonathan Petersson on Pexels.com

Spectacular sunrises and sunsets are a reminder this is a new day or time for transition at the end of a day. August or September brings a return to school, the changing of the weather; cool mornings from a scorching summer, watching geese fly in V formation traveling to new destinations; life is ever-evolving.

Whether you have a kid in school or you’ve changed jobs or locations, whether there’s been a change in your family dynamics: life is about transitions.

Are we OK with change? What kind of change are we looking for? Are we seeking the right answers to the questions or are we just trying to plot our path?

God can transform us from the inside out.

Romans 12: 1 – 2 tells us we’re not to be conformed to this world but instead be transformed by renewing of your mind. We’re not to be afraid of transitions or be anxious.

Psalm 34:9-10 NLT
[9] Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. [10] Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.

Proverbs 19:23 NLT
[23] Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.

We are called to anticipation, that’s not in fear but it’s an excitement and awe. Yes, life does march on even if we want to scream, “ I am not ready for new things.”

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
[7] For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Our transition with God can propel us to see the old become new. Life transitions become a place of new beginnings instead of anxiety filled dread.

As I watch my youngest transition to new friends to new beginnings to a new school, I’m reminded that even this mom has to be OK with transitions.

The Merriam Webster definition for transition is: a period or phase in which such a change or shift is happening.

Synonyms: Evolution, adaptation, passage. Antonyms: conclusion, sameness, decline, end

What do you want to be in awe living a transformed life with your Creator God or to remain the same or decline? Our kids watch our emotions and actions. We can pretend we believe the Word of God or we can learn to trust him to our deepest soul.

Singles, married, parents or not, we have a choice: trust God or not? Are we showing our kids that we trust God with their lives? School violence, society unrest, bullying and a host of other things can take us to a fearful life. However, does that bring comfort to our kids or make them question all the foundational promises from God?

Our kids faith will grow independent of our own, let them see their parents believe God and walk in faith.

If there are days when this feels exceptionally hard, we must take our concerns to Jesus, listen to a favorite worship song, reach out to our tribe of Sisters and Brothers in Christ and march with Him anyways!!

“I Stand Here”, by Hannah Kerr, really encouraged me this week. Powerful promises of standing firm are in its lyrics. May it bring strength to you as you turn up the volume. God bless you warriors of the faith in Jesus alone!

Galatians 6:15-16 NLT
[15] It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. [16] May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.

Love not Hate

Today, the United States Supreme Court reversed a law that resulted in the murder of millions of innocent babies for 50 years. I see the enemy in …
A Day to Rejoice & Arise

I am reposting this well said blog from Temi, founder of Christian Mommas, fellow Sister in Christ and fellow prayer warrior for life.

Life Choices-Longmont Pregnancy Medical Clinic was added to the list of terror hits post the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision from last week. It feels like an attack on all women, babies, and families. Early Saturday morning, Life Choices -Longmont was vandalized and has fire damage. It is under investigation by the FBI. It feels like a violation.

I had served as the Nurse Center Director of Life Choices and Advocate counselor for 5 plus years. We served clients and community with the love of Jesus, we watched and listened as women came in unplanned pregnancies or families in poverty came needing early prenatal help with ultrasounds, community resources such as clothing for kids and mom, diapers, formula, other necessities and a loving, listening ear to hear their hurts and love. If a women needed post-abortive counseling, it was provided, all services were free. Businesses, individuals, and churches financially supported this amazing clinic.

I was tearful at times hearing many life stories, there was never coercion. We loved these clients as a sister would, and shared community contacts, directed people to places for food, electricity vouchers, places to gather with other women, churches that loved like Jesus.( Yes, they are out there despite the loud voices who don’t believe it.)

I had forged amazing Sister relationships with clients who returned to share life. It was an amazing season in my life of giving without judgment women, and honoring families. It was and is a privilege to give all, heart, time, resources, and compassion.

My question: How is it possible that some feel trying to destroy Christ loving, serving, places of love is the right answer? When others destroy the places that serve the community it is not pro women, it is evil.

We each have an opportunity to help those in crisis pregnancies, families need to see Jesus in our actions not just words. Maybe now is the time to invest in time for those who need a hand. Where can you make a difference in love? You may save a life, mom, and child.

I just wanted to share a personal perspective. We are all broken sinners in need of a Savior who gives grace, mercy and love even if we don’t feel deserving. God is love not hate.

If you think about Life Choices or any other clinic that serves as Jesus today, lift up a moment of prayer, gratitude and know these places are around. As God wills they will survive.

Listen for a Miracle

Isaiah 30:18-23 NLT
[18] So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. [19] O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries. [20] Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. [21] Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. [22] Then you will destroy all your silver idols and your precious gold images. You will throw them out like filthy rags, saying to them, “Good riddance!” [23] Then the LORD will bless you with rain at planting time. There will be wonderful harvests and plenty of pastureland for your livestock.

Maverick City has become one of my favorite worship bands. They talk about real life, praise in joyful times, remind me to trust God as I praise and remind me that there are a million different miracles, as the song, Million Little Miracles shares.

It is truly a road of bumps, valleys, mountains, and sunsets, I hope this song brings you a blessed reminder, Jesus is in the little things.

Million Little Miracles by Maverick City

Amazing, when we pause to consider how Jesus is moving behind the scenes of our life. The question is, are we listening for His encouragement or believing His plans will unfold? It’s a miracle you are here, count all the miracles in your life.

It can be hard to have faith when troubles seem to chase us. But we must believe what scripture tells us. Here is are few to ponder:

Luke 17:6 MSG
[6] But the Master said, “You don’t need more faith. There is no ‘more’ or ‘less’ in faith. If you have a bare kernel of faith, say the size of a poppy seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, ‘Go jump in the lake,’ and it would do it.

Matthew 9:20-22 MSG
[20-22] Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” Jesus turned-caught her at it. Then he reassured her: “Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well.” The woman was well from then on.

Have the courage to trust the source of all things, our Creator God? What have you got to lose, there is nothing greater than our God!!!

Hens and Chicks

It’s hard to believe I used to be a big city girl. As I sit watching the integration of our white adult leghorn hens and a new batch of chickens, should I say chicks, I am mesmerized.

There really is such a thing as the pecking order. Each particular group of chickens: one set of six adults and one set of seven varieties of chicks, has their own pecking order.

The fabulous 7 chicks and buff Orington photos by Mary Mesikapp

There’s a big white Leghorn chicken, the dominant one, and there are the rest that follow. It really is survival of the fittest. There’s always got to be the leader and the rest are followers. That’s what makes a good coop.

Just like in parenting or life, the leaders job is to protect and keep the group moving especially in times of predatory behavior. Yes, we have fox,coyotes, hawks, and, of course, the dreaded huge great horned owls. Spring into summertime can bring black bear.

In our lives, our homes, and society, there are leaders and there are followers. As a parent, I do my best to guide my chicks. I know one leader that doesn’t change though, his name is Jesus? His wisdom is solid and never changes in over 2000 years.

Scripture tells us Jesus grieved over Jerusalem as he watched their continual turning from his ways and from godly wisdom. He even described it as despair and wanting to gather together these chicks under his wings for protection. Watching my chickens makes me imagine Jesus must grieve over some current events, however, He wants people to make the free will choice to follow Him.

Matthew 23:37-39 NLT. [37] “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. [38] And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate. [39] For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!'”

You see in those times Jesus came and they believed he would be their King and his people didn’t know him. The Pharisees were threatened by His presence, and their communication to the people spoke hate and Jesus was crucified. He came to lay down His life for us all, sinners.His description of hen to chicks is heartfelt.

John 3:16-21 NLT
[16] “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [17] God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. [18] “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. [19] And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. [20] All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. [21] But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

The Jewish people at that time thought he was going to save them in a human way. Jesus will come again.

Revelation 1:4-8 NLT
[4] This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; [5] and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. [6] He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. [7] Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him- even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen! [8] “I am the Alpha and the Omega-the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come-the Almighty One.”

I know this is a serious blog post for serious times. Jesus knows the timeline of all things and what the future holds. Crazy times lead me to seek His wisdom through the book of Revelation. As parents, we must share what we learn from God so our children learn who to follow.

I am just a baby chick, however, I want to follow the lead Hen, the leader of my life, Jesus! Because I can’t imagine following anything else.

Communication in this Age

As I sit at the coffee shop, I see a class of teens being treated to an end of the year coffee / fruit drink. This teacher apparently comes every year and treats the students for a job well done. Now that’s a teacher who knows how to reach their students. She is being a reflection of love and God is love.

The whole class is polite, respectful and shows gratitude. This is the next generation of leaders. They are shown compassion and direction by this amazing teacher. It is refreshing, we can all reflect hope and love like this relationship.

Yes, they take out their cellphones for a bit of additional communication, however, they are in person carrying on conversation. There is laughter, smiles, and companionship.

There is hope!

They are valuing the most important thing, relationships in respect, love, common interests and they will likely succeed in the future as a result. This is the future!

Photo by Vj Apratama

Psalm 145:12-17 MSG
[12] Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. [13] Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. GOD always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. [14] GOD gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. [15] All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. [16] Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. [17] Everything GOD does is right- the trademark on all his works is love.

Where is your sphere of influence? Make a difference to encourage and love others it’s a trademark of God who loves and can impact generations.

Do you want healing?

Who designed the earth, heaven, and stars? Who created each of us? Who is the only One who can heal our hurts, care for our burdens and bring us hope? It is the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Lord.

Do you want to be healed? This was a question to a man who was unable to walk due to paralysis.

In scripture, Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed? It is the same question for us. Do You want to be healed?

John 5: 1- 15

Afterward, Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. ²Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. ³Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. ⁵One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. ⁶When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”

⁷“I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”

⁸Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

⁹Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, ¹⁰so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!”

¹¹But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”

¹²“Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded.

¹³The man didn’t know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. ¹⁴But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” ¹⁵Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.

There may be those around you that do not want you to heal of physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual brokenness because when you do you will be a force to be reckoned with. We are stronger when our faith will be in Christ alone and not in our own strength.

Greater is the Lord in you than He who is in the world. Jesus will give you strength, peace, and healing. You must believe He is Lord and Savior, repent of sins in the past and take your healing. He is the triune God: Father, Son ( Jesus), and Holy Spirit. When you let Him into your life He will bring good, including hope and a future ( Jeremiah 29:11). Take your brokenness to Him!!

I really loved this song, The Healing, by Blanca and Dante Bowe. We are all broken, some cracks can be seen on the outside, and some inside hurts are not as visible. He can heal you. As you praise and dance to this worship song, step into your healing!!

Father God, You never change. You love Your children and You have plans to bless their lives. Lord, sometimes we feel alone and unworthy of healing due to our sins. Help us to turn to You before it’s too late. Help us to believe in Your unfailing love. We need healing from our brokenness. You are Jehovah Rapha, our Healer. Help whoever reaches out to You feel Your Presence. Draw them to Yourself. In the Name above all names, Jesus!

Mother’s Day hard?

Psalm 145:3-4 MSG
[3] GOD is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. [4] Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts.

As a women of infertility, I understand the challenges of observing Mother’s Day. I have learned that God’s family is formed in many ways. Before I became a mom of adoption, He allowed me to feed into the lives of thousands of kids to teens as a nurse and public speaker for injury prevention. He also, gave me places to mentor foster kids as a big sister. There are other places the Lord can use your love and care beyond a biological child. You can make a difference to generations.

You are loved by Jesus Photo by Picjumbo.com (Pexels.com)

Mother’s Day is a day of multiple emotions; joy, peace, love, grief, loss, and regret. As a mom blessed through adoption, I think of the sacrifice of our birth families along with my love for our children. I think of their loss and willingness to place ( not abandon) their children to my husband and my arms. I know they each ponder, as Mary did in the Bible regarding Jesus, the life of their biological child. Yet their love for their child, according to their own hearts expressed to me and my husband, even in grief and loss, lead them to choose their forever parents. I have a tender heart that grieves with them even in my blessing every year at Mother’s Day.

I extend greetings on Mother’s Day and I receive communication that affirms, a mom never forgets their child and they have communicated appreciation for our loving care. We are the family of extended adoption. We are blessed. It is not easy. It can be emotionally hard for all in the adoption triad (child, birth and adoptive parents). However, spiritually we all must lean on Jesus for closing the holes in our hearts that only He can fill. I share with our children the same message, no mom or dad can fill the space in our hearts meant for Jesus!

It takes trust in God above all (even though in our human emotion it seems impossible). It is hope for our children’s future holding the hand of Jesus for wisdom. It is unfailing love for our children who are created in the image of God.

Psalm 145:8-21 MSG
[8] GOD is all mercy and grace- not quick to anger, is rich in love. [9] GOD is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace. [10-11] Creation and creatures applaud you, GOD; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, [12] Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. [13] Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. GOD always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. [14] GOD gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. [15] All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. [16] Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. [17] Everything GOD does is right- the trademark on all his works is love. [18] GOD’s there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. [19] He does what’s best for those who fear him- hears them call out, and saves them. [20] GOD sticks by all who love him, but it’s all over for those who don’t. [21] My mouth is filled with GOD’s praise. Let everything living bless him, bless his holy name from now to eternity!

I love this Message version of scripture, Psalm 145. No matter who you are, a single person, a single mom or dad, married, divorced, God sticks by all who love Him, those who fear Him in respect, seek Him, repent from sins and believe He is Lord. Call to Him and feel His love extend to all, moms or not!

Wind

The wind has been blowing at hurricane forces with red flag warnings covering my state for over a week. Wind escalades consuming fires; causes dust storms, and blows the tumbling weed you may have seen in Wild West movies. Those weeds can grow into the size of house doors. I have a friend who shared seeing an entire front of a house covered by them, with a senior citizen needing help.

I have been meditating on the wind, the Hebrew word for wind is Ruach. Strongs Concordance definition: Ruach means breath, wind, spirit with its’ phonetic spelling is (roo’-akh). Johnathan Cahn, a Messianic Jewish author shares his interpretation in his “Book of Mysteries”. The Holy Spirit, the breath of life along the wind are synonymous with the power of the Lord. Have you ever thought of this concept?

The Bible supports this premise, as I did research I found the wind described in Genesis through Revelations. It was an amazing read I will share some scriptures.

Genesis, the first book of the Bible, describes God’s action to blow across the earth and dry land after the flood.

Genesis 8:1    But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and livestock with him in the boat. He sent a wind to blow across the earth, and the floodwaters began to recede.

The Lord used the wind to bring a holy fear to enemies in war just by its sound in Leviticus, wind cleared locusts and brought quail to the hungry Israelites in Numbers 11.

2 Samuel 22 describes how the Lord heard the cries of David and David saw Him in the storm clouds. What a visual? I choose to believe the same is true today. We may have other noises or busy lists drowning out this revelation.

2 Samuel 22:11
Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew,
  soaring on the wings of the wind.

Elijah described being worn out and feeling alone as He continued to serve the Lord even though many peers thought he was crazy and stupid. In 1 Kings 19, we are reminded that despite the noise around us the Lord speaks in whispers. Are we spending time with our Lord? It is hard to hear His whispers when we aren’t listening for them. I am guilty as charged at times.

1 Kings 19: 11-12   11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

At one point, Job was rebuked by the Lord for his rantings. The Lord reminded Job where all things began, with Him. Job 38:24 Where is the path to the source of light? Where is the home of the east wind?

In Psalm 28, the Lord is increasingly frustrated as His children are not walking with Him, the Lord says in verse 26: He released the east wind in the heavens, and guided the south wind by his mighty power.

My time hearing the winds, seeing the trees sway, watching the tumbleweeds, not being able to walk a straight line outside, eating dust, and sneezing from the wind, made me consider the Lord made the wind and it holds the majesty of His power.

Matthew 8:26-27 is one of my favorite stories of Jesus calming the storm at sea while his buddies freaked out. Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” The winds were out of control and Jesus rebuked the winds. It was a defining moment because they were in awe that even the winds obeyed Jesus. Sadly, I can be like the disciples! But I don’t have to stay in that place.

Psalm 104 describes the majesty of the Lord and his creation of sky, heavens, clouds, and wind.

Psalm 104: 1- 4   
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed 
with honor and majesty. 
2 You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; 
3  you lay out the rafters of your home in the rain clouds. You make the clouds your 
chariot; you ride upon the wings of the wind. 
4  The winds are your messengers; flames of fire are your servants.

Ah, another windy day, red flag warning in case of fires, the earth is so dry, just a spark of flame will light up the pastures. Isn’t that a metaphor for life, my friends?

Action steps: Meditate on these: Am I walking with the wind, in a sense my Holy Spirit, my Lord? Or am I walking against His instructions with worry, defiance, pride, grumbling, basically, in sin? If I choose the fleshy sin ways, I am dried up, worn out, depressed, anxious and lonely. If I walk with the Lord I allow Him to carry me or at the very least, I let my burdens be directed by His wisdom and the negative mindset to be blown away as I trust Him.

James 1: 5-7       5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

I want to be in control, do you? However, with each passing year, I am learning my need to control is not helpful. I can’t control the future and world events any more than I can control the wind. I am choosing loyalty and a walk with Him.

Walk with the wind not against it! Hold onto your hat, life will be more interesting and less parched.