Never Alone

As I was driving in town today, I saw on the bumper of a raised Ford F250 pickup truck, “you are never alone”. I found it a powerful message of hope in the midst of challenging times.

I was reminded of the powerful Word of God that cuts through every possible human condition. No matter our circumstances God has a Word for it. In our joyful times, we can remember God is with us celebrating our lives.

Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Jesus described in John 16, why He had to die for our sins, He willingly took on our sins so the Holy Spirit ( Spirit of truth) could come and dwell within us as our helper. It took me a long time to understand the 3 parts of God, Father,Son and Holy Spirit. Each character has purpose for our relationship with Him.

John 16:7-8,13-15,33 NLT
But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. [8] And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. [13] When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. [14] He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. [15] All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’ [33] I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

When life gets tough, the devil wants us to become isolated and feel the depth of despair, however, our God gave us His Holy Spirit to live inside as His advocate and gift.

Our Father God knows our life from conception, He is our guide when we let Him direct our lives moment to moment. Did you know you are created in His image? Let me remind you, you are wonderfully made!!! Read Psalm 139 aloud place your name where it applies!!

Psalm 139:13-18 NLT
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. [15] You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. [16] You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [17] How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! [18] I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Whether the day brings beautiful sunrises, cloudy days, or the coolness of fall, we get to see the hand of God in His creation and remember He created each of us with beautiful potential.

We must actively participate in our relationship with Jesus. We must awaken to His unconditional love. We must break through the dark thoughts with His promises and crush the dark attempts of the enemy and declare a loud the power of God overcomes all things.

Picture yourself holding the hand of your Creator God, He knows all about your challenges, joys, life choices. He awaits your action steps. Reach out your hand, close your eyes and feel His Presence.

Psalm 37:23-24 NLT
The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. [24] Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.

Nothing in this world will ever satisfy the Jesus shaped hole in each of us. Fill that hole with time spent in stillness with God. Put down social media or any other distractions, open the Bible, let His Word illuminate His truth. Consider writing any of the scriptures in this post that resonate with you on a post it note and stick it on your mirror, car visor, wherever it can encourage your day.

Psalm 37:34,39-40 NLT
Put your hope in the LORD. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed. [39] The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. [40] The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him.

Praise God especially if you are feeling alone, it will lighten your load and bring His Presence to the atmosphere. You are never alone!!!

Psalm 67:1-7 AMP
God be gracious and kind-hearted to us and bless us, And make His face shine [with favor] on us— Selah. [2] That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation and deliverance among all nations. [3] Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. [4] Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, For You will judge the people fairly And guide the nations on earth. Selah. [5] Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. [6] The earth has yielded its harvest [as evidence of His approval]; God, our God, blesses us. [7] God blesses us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder].

Arrows

A single arrow can be easily snapped in two, but a tight little bundle of arrows can withstand the strongest pressures. Anonymous

“The Lord will appear above his people; his arrows will fly like lightning! The Sovereign Lord will sound the ram’s horn and attack like a whirlwind from the southern desert.”
‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭9‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Isaiah felt so insecure to speak to the people around him about the Lord and His instructions. Yet he was called by God to speak to others in his life. The hard part is many did not want to hear the truth of God. Most despised him because they needed to know God and His commandments for their benefit. They were disobedient though. Isaiah still spoke.

This is Isaiah’s words:
“Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.” I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” And now the Lord speaks— the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength. He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” The Lord, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nations, to the one who is the servant of rulers: “Kings will stand at attention when you pass by. Princes will also bow low because of the Lord, the faithful one, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.””
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We are chosen also, to speak to others about the promises of God. We must ask God for the wisdom, and be still with Him. Then sometimes we are to speak and sometimes not.

I loved the anonymous quote at the beginning of this post. I am an arrow. You can be an arrow! The quote reminded me of how blessed I am to be around people that are my bundle of arrows. We are called to sharpen each other with God as our connection because we can do more together than we can do alone. We must have friends that speak truth so we can all make a difference for the kingdom of God.

The Lord is our redeemer, our strength, our guide. There is no One that can take His place. Let the fire of God burn in you, and bring His words of hope to others as an arrow of truth. This world needs to hear it!!

Don’t be afraid to be like Isaiah, willing to be used as Gods’ mouthpiece. Time is now to share the love, grace, mercy, wisdom and righteousness of God. Love God and love His people!

Harvest

There’s something about the fall that brings about a sense of deeper purpose. I live in an area where there’s lots of harvesting whether it’s corn or alfalfa or wheat.

It’s a time of moving forward. It’s a time for the farmers to see the fruit of their labor in the production of those crops: corn, alfalfa, wheat, and even sugar beets. These crops are needed for so many different things. They are needed for sustaining life on the food chain.

The Lord created our earth, its crops in the beginning and forever. Our God provides us with what we need for life. Our God provides people with the capacity to share their gifts in farming and ranching for the benefit of His people.

Luke 10 remind us, the harvest is great, and the workers are few.

Luke 10:2 NLT
These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.

This message is true of farmers/ranchers and also, of those who share the message of love and Jesus with others. It is because of our love for Jesus that we share not in judgment but because we are called by God to love like Him.

Sometimes, I find myself on a two lane country road, slowly following a huge tractor, harvest truck or other farming heavy equipment. I am learning not to fuss about the delay in my journey. It gives me a moment to pause and consider the work of a farmer/ rancher raising livestock. It’s hard work, lots of time committed.

The next time you’re on a farming two lane road and wanting to pass a farmer and a tractor or a huge truck that’s bringing crops to be weighed for use give those guys a smile and be patient.

We also have to remember the importance of guarding ourselves from the stuff we value. The simplicity of farming and ranching cannot be under estimated.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 AMP
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction, [13] and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another.

A farmer and ranchers work blesses all of us. Thank you God for your provision and for them.

Nature and Trust in God

Daily, we are assaulted with human reasoning and potential false wisdom. The solar eclipse and earthquakes shake the foundations of peace in our minds. Conversations at the grocery store or in our communities and families may bring more anxiety than peace. But who has the truth we need to hold onto for our moments of fear?

It is not found in any human. It is found in God and a relationship with His Son Jesus and the guidance of the Advocate, Holy Spirit! We must seek wisdom from His Word.

God‘s word is truth, but it never changes. His Word is power and He is the One who created everything that exists in this world. He is truly great and powerful. Everything on heaven and earth belongs to Him, regardless of what happens in the world: whether it’s a solar eclipse, whether it’s earthquakes, God is still over all things and that never changes. He is deserving of all praise.

Psalm 104 is filled with the amazing truths of our Creator God and how He made the heavens and earth. I had to include its scripture. Slowly, meditate on the verses and gain peace in knowing He orchestrated all things. Consider reading it aloud to hear its truths.

Psalm 104:2,5-35 NLT
You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; [5] You placed the world on its foundation so it would never be moved. [6] You clothed the earth with floods of water, water that covered even the mountains. [7] At your command, the water fled; at the sound of your thunder, it hurried away. [8] Mountains rose and valleys sank to the levels you decreed. [9] Then you set a firm boundary for the seas, so they would never again cover the earth. [10] You make springs pour water into the ravines, so streams gush down from the mountains. [11] They provide water for all the animals, and the wild donkeys quench their thirst. [12] The birds nest beside the streams and sing among the branches of the trees. [13] You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home, and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor. [14] You cause grass to grow for the livestock and plants for people to use. You allow them to produce food from the earth- [15] wine to make them glad, olive oil to soothe their skin, and bread to give them strength. [16] The trees of the LORD are well cared for- the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. [17] There the birds make their nests, and the storks make their homes in the cypresses. [18] High in the mountains live the wild goats, and the rocks form a refuge for the hyraxes. [19] You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set. [20] You send the darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals prowl about. [21] Then the young lions roar for their prey, stalking the food provided by God. [22] At dawn they slink back into their dens to rest. [23] Then people go off to their work, where they labor until evening. [24] O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. [25] Here is the ocean, vast and wide, teeming with life of every kind, both large and small. [26] See the ships sailing along, and Leviathan, which you made to play in the sea. [27] They all depend on you to give them food as they need it. [28] When you supply it, they gather it. You open your hand to feed them, and they are richly satisfied. [29] But if you turn away from them, they panic. When you take away their breath, they die and turn again to dust. [30] When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth. [31] May the glory of the LORD continue forever! The LORD takes pleasure in all he has made! [32] The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch. [33] I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath! [34] May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. [35] Let all sinners vanish from the face of the earth; let the wicked disappear forever. Let all that I am praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!

All glory to Him who sits on the throne of heaven. We are like a footstool to Him and yet He loves us so much.

We must not be shaken at natural signs and wonders. He who made all things is in control.

Psalm 132:7 AMP
Let us go into His tabernacle; Let us worship at His footstool.

We must remember to choose faith in Him over fear. The enemy would love to unsettle our minds and bring unbelief. We must stand firm in God and His Word. It is a life guiding template for all people.

2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

We don’t know what tomorrow may bring to our lives. But we do know our Creator God has all things in the palm of his hand. Seek Him in relationship today! Open your heart, mind and spirit to His wisdom and be changed.

Photo credit by pexels.com

Gossip: it’s a Jungle out there!

Do you ever reflect on your own middle or high school experiences? Peer pressure, finding your squad of similar minded teens was a process. You felt exposed, insecure and yet your mom or dad would encourage hopeful surprises at school.

I don’t believe any of us would like to go back to the jungle of hormones, posturing by others and unfortunate gossip or lies from the most insecure; the mouthy or physically challenging bully!

One time in that jungle was enough. The strategies to navigate the lions, tigers and panthers came with time, testing of others intentions, and giving peace a chance.

In this day and age, the social media addition to peer formation extends the aggravation of FOMO ( fear of missing out) or joy of finding those amazing, compassionate, supportive girls and guys that help mold you into who God knows you are.

The enemy uses these challenging times to destroy us and our kids, but we, as parents, can be diligent in prayer over their day. Prayer breaks through into the battle of good and evil. It is power in the name of Jesus! When we show our kids how we go to the only source of truth in prayer and praise, we bring His truth to action. We can use the same coping techniques as big kids ourselves!

We can allow the kids to vent as we drive a country road or travel into the mountains for slice of cherry pie. ( This has been my go-to peaceful drive.) Time spent together brings a great listener, not providing solutions unless asked and we can remind our teens they are loved and treasured.

As the kids get older, we can’t be their rescuer, we have to lead them to deepen their own faith in God. we have to train them to seek Him!

Scripture is the power of God in His Words. Ephesians 6 reminds us to put on the full armor of God, including the Sword of the Spirit; Scripture, the Word of God is the key weapon.

Ephesians 6:10-18 MSG
And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. [13-18] Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

So whether you are single, married, with kids or not, don’t give up like you may have in middle or high school. This world may have unkindness and gossip meant to destroy you, however, you can open your mindset, heart to His love and let Him give you the tools to be brave and strong! March on your army of kids, family and friends may just join you with Jesus!

Psalm 31:19-24 MSG
What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip. Blessed God! His love is the wonder of the world. Trapped by a siege, I panicked. “Out of sight, out of mind,” I said. But you heard me say it, you heard and listened. [23] Love God, all you saints; God takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone. [24] Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.

Photo credit by pixels.com

Do you want to grow?

Summer is a season of sunshine, 321 days a year in Colorado, that is what I know from my personal experience. Most years, Colorado is known for being a great destination of sun and fun year round. Colorado, also, has horrendous severe thunderstorms, golf ball size hail, flood conditions and even more bipolar weather patterns.

This year I believe we are setting records for thunderstorms, hail, rain and flooding. Storms can bring trials and they can clear out the dirty, brown clouds in the atmosphere. Storms and great weather have purpose. We can grow in each climate experience.

In order for growth to happen, we need sunshine, a properly prepared soil, plenty of water ( even torrential downpours) to quench the dry parts of ground and times of peace and stillness.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 AMPC
And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

In order to grow in our faith with the Holy Spirit, Jesus, our Father God, we need Sonshine, an open heart, mind and soul connection (our spirit man to the Holy Spirit). It is necessary to make action steps to deepen this life giving relationship. Otherwise, the desert times in life will cause us to whither away and dry up our God given purposes.

We need the Living Water of Jesus, through time spent in the Bible, His Word fills the empty soil of our lives and brings more productivity. We need solid accountability field workers to encourage our digging up the weeds and tenderly caring for the tender green places of growth with Jesus!

One of the hardest things for humans is to be still and open in humility to allow God to speak into our lives. Without this step of faith and submission nothing really changes. Our stubborn nature to pride and closed ears can cause us to walk the wrong way.

As Aerosmith used to sing “Walk this way”, however, over time the world will bulldoze our potential with distraction in culture, the promise of good things but at what cost, a fleeting moment of happiness over a blessed path to a meaningful future of harvest: relationships of likeminded, loving people who realize we are sinners and it’s one step at a time that we can grow in Jesus with a full field of harvest.

So, do we go by impulsive now mentality or plan a future of potential purpose blessed by God? Deuteronomy 28 is the Bible chapter that discusses the difference between walking with God’s blessing or choosing to curse God and receive our consequence. I think I avoided this scripture but now see it’s truth.

I appreciate Paul sharing with the Ephesians his gratitude. The encouragement of a fellow Christian who spends time with God cannot be underestimated. I leave you with this prayer blessing from Ephesians 1.

Ephesians 1:16-21 NLT
I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, [17] asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. [18] I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called-his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. [19] I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power [20] that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. [21] Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else-not only in this world but also in the world to come.

Thank you for reading my spontaneous blog. I appreciate your taking the time to stop by for a while. May you feel the love and presence of God as you take the steps necessary to grow in Him. It will be a mighty harvest for those willing to take the risk.

Septic or Manure

Today was an interesting day. We live in the country with a septic system instead of the standard home plumbing system.

There are times when the frozen winter temperatures cause ice/ paper/toilet garbage to form in the pipes from home to the septic tank buried in our front field. Perhaps, the use of low flow toilets does not always provide enough water to flush contents down and out of the pipes. Maybe it’s the use of too much toilet paper.

Regardless, there are days when the pipes get clogged, the pressure increases and the sinks / toilet overflow into our home.

Are you shoveling manure? photo by Mary Mesikapp

Todays’ septic event provided a disgusting predicament. As I resolved the inner house mess, I pondered our latest relational challenge. It sure does stink. The situation feels a bit much, yet it just needs to be processed and cleaned up. Thank you to my husband the outside septic access was dug up and he cleared the pipes. Glad it was him not me.

Instead of looking at an uncomfortable challenge as a pile of manure, I am seeing an opportunity for a workout. Just as cleaning up the septic mess in my basement was an unplanned detour, I still need to get rid of relational or heart messes.

Slowly but surely, I sopped up the liquids, cleaned up the cement along with the unfinished basement and bathroom area. The sink in the shop was scrubbed. Next, I scrubbed the floors with a bleach cleaner and air dried. The stench disappeared and the area was clean again.

Our hearts can be unclean and filled with bitterness, the stench that can keep people away. The loneliness deepens and love seems an unreachable option.

I can choose pressure and to be filled up with manure or septic garbage, or I can choose to put in the effort necessary to clean up the attitude and my heart mess.

Jesus wants His children to be open to His love, His ways, His plans but we have to clear out the garbage that blocks our hearts and minds.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 AMP

No bleach needed, just an open heart and mind so get ready to shine.

Let’s Pray:
Create in me a clean heart, Lord, show me the attitudes, responses and actions that push Jesus, friends or family away. Instead, I want a shiny new heart that is open to blessing, love and filled with encouragement. These character flaws need to go. I want my thoughts to reflect a new life and a greater love that comes from seeking You.

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.

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.

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!