(I have been offline with my writing for a couple of weeks. I have a couple of new projects I am working on so I am trying to get back in my writing routine. Thank you for reading and faithfully following!)

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7 (NIV)

Standing at the cash register swiping his card again, the same message was repeated by the cashier, “It says declined. Insufficient funds.” The man continued to try the card over and over not understanding why his purchase wouldn’t go through. Time and again, declined.

Imagine the feeling as the line grew longer with impatient people. All shaking their heads and checking their watches. Maybe you know this feeling very well. I do. This happened to me recently with a gift card … yes, a gift card. Apparently, the gift card number was compromised and had been depleted leaving me at the register under the spotlight of shame, not wanting people in the store to think I had no money or that I was trying to get by without paying. As bad as that felt it was only a gift card, and I easily switched payment methods; however, I still had that feeling. Worthless. Whether it was me or the card, the message is the same – declined … insufficient.

There are many people we pass each day that play this message in their head over and over again – as if they were swiping that card for electronic payment. Maybe they are really at rock bottom experiencing insufficient funds or maybe they feel worthless because of how someone has treated them. Maybe they feel like they will never amount to anything. Maybe you feel this way today.

If so, I am here to remind you of God’s love and your true worth.

You will never be “declined” by God. He accepts you and me just as we are. Always remember, you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

Even more than that, you are never “insufficient.” In Philippians 4:15, we are reminded we “can do all things through Christ who strengthens …” us. The Bible spells it out. “[God’s] grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

So no matter what the balance is (or isn’t) in your bank account and no matter how other people make you feel, “… you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,God’s special possession …” (1 Peter 2:9).

That is priceless!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

(Sorry I missed posting last week. Since I waited a week, I thought this title would be appropriate.)

The angel said to the women, Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him. Now I have told you. Matthew 28:5-7 (NIV)

I like to watch movies whether in the movie theater or streaming one at home. I am one of those people who likes to stay engaged until the very end. Not just to the end of the movie’s action but also through the credits. Of course I like to get my money’s worth, but it’s not just that. You never know what might happen next.

I can’t remember what year it was or the exact movie when a clever director began to incorporate more of the drama or story into the credits to get people to watch them. One example I can think of is at the end of Ferris Beuller’s Day Off. There is an entire scene with Ferris’ beloved principal, a ragged Mr. Rooney, catching a ride on a school bus after failing to beat Ferris at his own game.  The whole scene is played out while the credits are rolling. Then the screen goes dark briefly before Ferris, played by a young Matthew Broderick, reappears. I remember getting up and then sitting back down just to be told by Ferris, “You’re still here? It’s over. Go home.” What a great way to get people to stay engaged. 

This still happens at the end of movies. Some directors add in movie bloopers and others give you more of the story. Either way, it keeps the moviegoer engaged wondering what’s next.

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. What a glorious celebration and the incarnation of the promise of God. 

But wait … There’s more. 

That wasn’t the end. Christ on the cross wasn’t the last time Jesus’ followers saw him. There are eight different accounts in The Bible of Jesus’ appearance to others after he arose and before He ascended into Heaven. 

But wait … There’s more.

Those physical appearances that the disciples and a few others were privy to still aren’t the end. We can see Jesus and His work today – in the smiles of others when we need a friend, in the kindness of a stranger, in the small miracles that surround us – a sunrise, a bird’s song, the new bud after the final frost. We see Him in the answered prayers and in the unanswered as well. 

For me, I tend to take Him for granted. I know He is there, but I don’t always acknowledge Him like I should. Then, when I least expect it, He appears more vividly than ever. He is reminding me – 

But wait … There’s more!

Today, stay engaged and be reminded Jesus will come again. We will see Him face to face and He will take us home. Until then, just wait … There’s more!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”          Peter 1:3

The church we attended while raising our children had some precious traditions during Holy Week. One of my favorites was the flowering of the cross. As you may have experienced, we attended a service on Good Friday that focused on the suffering of Christ and His death on the cross. It was a somber service, one which concluded in a dark, unadorned sanctuary. We parted in silence to mourn our savior’s sacrifice and reflect on all that Jesus suffered for each of us. 

When we returned on Easter Sunday morning to celebrate our risen Lord, the solemn, dark sanctuary was transformed for this bright new day. The rugged cross with nails and dark draping had come to life blooming with flowers. This symbol of suffering was made beautiful. The cross in bloom is an image I carry with me and love. 

Easter is a turning point in various ways. Our season of weather begins to shift. Winter turns to Spring. Barren trees produce green leaves again and the first flowers cheer us with their beauty. The change of season causes us to rotate our wardrobe too. Goodbye, turtlenecks and sweaters, dark colors and scarves – Hello, shorts and sleeveless, floral prints and Spring colors. All are turning points; however, the ultimate turning point at Easter should be marked by our Christian walk and new birth in Christ. 

As the flowers begin to bloom all around us, this is an excellent time to evaluate our faith. 

Today, is your faith in full bloom with living hope, just beginning to bud with so much more faith to unfold, or stuck in the bleak mid-winter … the frozen chosen?

Our faith, hope, and rebirth in Christ Jesus should be flowering in full bloom just like that Easter cross. We are given the promise of eternal life sealed through Christ’s sacrifice.

Be in bloom! 

Bloom with the hope and promise of a better tomorrow and the knowledge of the gift that awaits us when this race is done.

During this time of renewal, rebirth, and new life, bloom!

Make sure you are flowering for others to see and to be encouraged by the Christian life you live which was given by Him.

Not a Christian yet? There is no better time than now to come alive in Jesus Christ. 

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the sacrifice of your son for my sins, which are too numerous to name. I pray that the excitement and joy of the Easter resurrection will be reflected in the way I live for you, every day. Help me to surround myself with others and experiences that nurture me so that I can be in full bloom for you all year round. 

Amen. 

“Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.”  Matthew 27:27-31 (NIV)

As the season of Lent comes to a close, we are in the midst of Holy Week. 

This last week of Lent includes Palm Sunday (Jesus’ triumphal entry in Jerusalem), Holy or Spy Wednesday (betrayal of Jesus), Maundy Thursday (washing of the feet and the Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples), and Good Friday (Jesus’ crucifixion, or Passion of Christ). 

As I sat in church joyfully waving my palm branch and smiling at the children gleefully participating in the processional this past Sunday, I was overcome with the excitement of the season. I easily felt a small part of the happiness that filled all those who traveled great distances and cheered, “Hosanna in the highest!”

I began to think ahead to next Sunday – Easter Sunday. I was filled with excited anticipation of a church filled with those coming to celebrate our risen Lord. The new clothes, Easter dresses and suits with colorful ties, the children with baskets full of goodies, blooming lilies, the first signs of a Spring renewal. 

It is easy to enter and move through Holy Week focused on celebrating. Celebrating Jesus’ entry into the city and celebrating His resurrection. But, if you only focus on that – the good, happy parts – you are missing out. Holy Week to me is more about the way Jesus became ‘wholly weak’ by taking on and becoming the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. This is a time for us to focus on the emotional and physical struggle experienced by Jesus before we join to celebrate His resurrection on Easter Sunday morning.

We already know that Jesus came to Earth as a baby and grew into a man living and experiencing life as we do. He experienced loss, joy, hardship, and celebration. Yet, when we experience extreme emotional and physical pain we tend to think our affliction is far worse than what anyone can fathom. But, God can. He can because He sacrificed His only son who suffered the unfathomable in body and spirit. 

Matthew chapters 26 gives an account of Jesus’ time just before His arrest as He retreated to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane with three of His disciples. Matthew 26:36-37 reveals His great struggle, “… and [Jesus] began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to [his disciples], ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death …’” In chapter 27, after His arrest, we find Matthew’s account of the physical torment Jesus received leading up to the crucifixion. Stripped, beaten, spat upon, and mocked. 

Jesus became wholly weak … for you and me.

As we draw close to the cross on Good Friday and leave our savior in the tomb, make it a time of reflection on the sorrow and pain endured on your behalf. Think of your own sin and weakness, leaving it all at the foot of the cross where it belongs. Then, we can emerge together from the darkness into the light of the resurrected Lord this Easter Sunday morning.  

(As we are out on an adventure today, I thought about this one for all of you soon to be Spring Break travelers … )

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything that I need.”    Psalm 23:1 (NCV)

In my life, I have been fortunate to be able to travel a good bit. Nothing very exotic and often not too far from home, but traveling nonetheless. 

As a young adult when I packed for a trip, I always over packed. If I was going to be gone for a week, I packed enough clothes for two weeks. I liked choices. I didn’t want to be caught unprepared for certain whether or a special occasion that might unfold along the way. 

Later as a young parent traveling with children, we would leave the drive way in a minivan piled high with anything and everything for the kids. I am not sure my husband could see out of the rearview mirror!

Growing older, and I like to think wiser, I began to realize how senseless this was. This packing to the extreme. I would come home from a trip and discover more clean clothes still in the suitcase than dirty ones worn on the trip. So, it finally clicked. It was useless for me to over pack. I didn’t need to plan for every “what if.”

As soon as I realized this, I began to leave a little more at home each time I traveled. Oh, I have taken baby steps … an item here and an item there left behind knowing I could really do without it. 

Now, I think I have truly mastered traveling light. Going to the beach? Throw a bathing suit, two t shirts, shorts, sunscreen and a toothbrush in a bag and I am out the door. An overnight trip to the mountains? Grab a jacket, a sweater, jeans, and a toothbrush (of course – always the toothbrush) and I’m gone.

One day I noticed the joy of traveling light. I was happily rolling along with one small suitcase and not struggling with 3 or 4 bags. It was truly liberating.

Now, if I could only do that in my daily life. 

I am the world’s worst at dragging along stuff I don’t need on a daily basis. I tend to leave home with extra baggage, physically and emotionally. I hold on to worries and woes, anxieties and personal drama. Then, I pack them up and tote them around as if I might need them for something. 

Don’t get me wrong – I understand we all accumulate extra baggage as we travel through life. We just don’t need to take it everywhere we go. There is a time and place to pull out and deal with some of those “things” in our life. There is also a time to start setting things aside and moving on without them. 

We are wise to realize this now and pack light on the days that we can to live in the moment. Don’t live each day in the regrets and consequences of the past or the worries and fears of the future. 

Live for today. Pack light for the trip at hand. Take along just what you need for today. As we read in today’s scripture, as long as you take Jesus on each trip you will have everything that you need. Even if you realize you left something behind, He will provide the right thing at the right time. 

Travel light with Jesus and you will feel better for it. (maybe take along a toothbrush, too!)

“… and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

When traveling on the interstate, it seems there are more large trucks and tractor trailers than ever. To pass the time as a passenger, I find it interesting to read what is printed on them. I normally notice the company name and where they are from or perhaps where they are going among the friendly warnings strategically placed on the vehicle:

“Stay Back”

“Wide Right Turns”

“If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you.”

I find them all pretty regular, mundane messages until I came across this printed across the back of a semi: 

“Long Hauls Only”

Interesting. Not a message I normally see. 

Makes sense though. That truck seemed built for a trek across the country not just a hop across town. I guess the company felt it necessary to advertise this so that people don’t waste their time trying to solicit their services for a short run. They are committed and focused on long distance. 

This is the message we read in Matthew chapter 28.  Jesus gave his disciples instruction and encouragement as He was sending them out to share his message saying, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world …” (Matthew 28:19-20, KJV) 

Even until the end of the world – the long haul.

This is also the promise God makes to us. His presence with us – always.

“Long Hauls Only”

God is with us for the long haul – the journey of our lifetime. Every day. Not just on the days or at the times we choose. 

Consider this, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV) 

Eternity – now, that’s a long haul!

“Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed Him.”   Matthew 4:25

When I became a teacher (back in the 90s), I was told that I was preparing students for jobs that didn’t yet exist. As a school and system leader, I continued to pass that thought along. 

Now, here we are in the mid 2020s and it remains true. Not that I didn’t believe it all along – I just couldn’t imagine what those jobs would be. I told my son that all those hours on video games would amount to nothing. Who knew gaming could be a lucrative career? And what about Cloud Computing? We barely computed when I was growing up and now it’s in a Cloud! Other jobs too like virtual assistant, social media manager, app designer, Internet marketer, data miner, and digital marketing specialist did not exist 10 – 15 years ago. So many new professions – who knew?

Of all the new careers/jobs developed since I began teaching, there is one that surprises me the most. Influencer. I wasn’t even familiar with that term until a couple of years ago.

I remember the day I first heard this term clearly because my husband told me someone we know is an influencer and I had to ask what that meant. He told me there are people on social media who promote products, services, and ideas for different brands and have massive followings. Astounded, my response was, “They get paid for that?” Again, who knew?

Did you know …

                  The highest paid social media influencer gets $3.2 million per post.

                  Macro-influencers (100,000–500,000 followers) = $5,000–$10,000 per post.

                  There is a 9-year-old influencer with 501,000 Instagram followers. 

                  There is someone on Instagram with 537 million followers.

The average age of influencers is 27.

                  Influencer marketing is a category in company marketing budgets.

                  Many companies spend 40% of their marketing budget on Influencer Marketing.

All of this boggles my mind. Yet, I get it. 

On social media and in life, we tend to follow people that share our values and gain our trust. By working through these influencers – those with large followings – brands are capitalizing on the trust given to those people.

I read somewhere that Wedgewood is considered the original influencer (in the 18^th century) as the potter gained popularity with relation to the royal family and the influence of Queen Charlotte. Another source cited “Mommy Bloggers” as the origin of Influencers as a profession. 

I disagree with both. 

Jesus Christ is the original Influencer. 

In Matthew 8:1 we read, “When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed Him.” Further Matthew 19:2 states, “…and large crowds followed [Jesus] and He healed them.” He did all of this without the help of the Internet!

Yes, Jesus Christ is the original Influencer. He relates to the common person, gets results, instills hope, gains trust, and builds relationships. The ultimate influencer.

We all have influencers, and we can all be influencers. Influencers for Christ. 

As of 2021, there were approximately 2.4 billion followers of Christ (31.2% of the global population). I would say there is still some work left to do. 

Each time we open a social media app, we see those following us and those we are following. It is so easy to click the follow button and add another and another and …

Let’s remember who started it all and choose boldly to follow Him first and foremost all day, every day. But don’t stop there. Strive to be the person that others see Christ through – be an influencer for Him. You may not receive thousands or millions of dollars per post, but your reward will be greater no doubt!

“When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’”             Matthew 14:26-31

Many years ago, I struggled with a decision about a job. Should I apply for that job posting? Is it the right thing to do for my family? Of course my husband and I talked about it and he was supportive in whatever I decided to do; but, I still struggled with whether or not to apply for it. It was a big deal. It would mean many changes for our family. 

As I continued to struggle with the idea, my husband questioned my hesitations. I shared with him that I had prayed about it but God just wasn’t answering my question. It was then that my husband made a profound statement that has stuck with me ever since. 

He said, “Well, He isn’t going to put it on a billboard, you know!”

But that is what I want. I need clear directions. The slap you in the face, anyone could see that kind of answers in my life. And most often that is not the form of the answers we get from God. 

So often I fail to recognize the answers to my prayers, my questions, my ponderings when they are right there. So often, like Peter, I fail to recognize Jesus when He is right in front of me. I fail to recognize Him just when I need Him most.

When do you recognize Jesus? Is it in the flowers blooming, leaves falling, or birds chirping? Is it in the clearly answered prayer, the sickness cured, a job gained, or a loved one returned home? That is when I see Him and he is oh, so clear then.

Somehow, I fail to see Him during the rain, in the aftermath of a deadly storm, or when immobilized by snow. I often don’t recognize Him when sickness claims a life, a job is lost, a prayer goes unanswered, or a loved one pushes me away.

In my heart, I know He is there. I just don’t see Him. 

Yes, most of us fail to recognize Jesus when He is right in front of us with outstretched arms trying to pull us closer. 

Just like the disciples, we think we see Him – but could it be?

We question and test Him.

How many times have you started a prayer like this: Lord, if you are really there then…Lord, just show me… Lord, if you let this happen then I will … 

We pray those prayers not realizing or not wanting to realize He is right there, walking on water, trying to reveal Himself to us.

We still want more. More proof. More reassurance before we believe our eyes. 

My prayer today is that I learn to recognize Jesus in all aspects of my life. That I learn to trust more each day in His plan for my life. 

Just think of how much we can add to our daily lives by recognizing Jesus first – in the calm and the storm. What a blessing to know He is always there. In the middle of it all.

I challenge you to recognize Jesus today – not just in nature or in those acts of kindness you see but in making that decision you have been putting off, in that difficult person you encounter, or during a difficult situation.

He is there – can’t you see Him?

“ When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God’s Son!’”             Matthew 14:32-33 

^“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”              2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV)

When the colder weather began to set in this year, my husband prepared by cutting, splitting, and stacking wood for our fireplace. I am so glad he did because one of my favorite things to do in the evenings is to sit next to a warm, cozy fire. 

There is talent to getting a good fire going and keeping it going. My husband has that talent … I do not. It seems to me one minute the fire is ablaze and then before you know it, the flames have become mere embers that need to be stirred to rekindle the flames. 

My husband will get a strong fire going and closely tend it  – constantly adding more wood or stoking it as needed. He also makes sure our supply of firewood is plentiful so he can keep the fire going all winter long.

On the occasion that he takes his focus away from the fire, I quickly to let him know when it begins to dwindle. As the flames start to diminish, I tell him to “throw another log on the fire.”

In 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Paul is writing to Timothy reminding him to rekindle the flame of God within him – to use his God-given talents. Just like those warm winter fires that I love, our talent and the flames of our faith can diminish or become “timid.” We need to remember to rekindle our spirit, so we don’t become dormant in our Christian service. 

As we learn in 2 Timothy, the Spirit of God gives us power. The power to be bold, not timid. We are meant to shine brightly in this world and to be diligent, tending to the flames of our faith. 

During this winter season, it is tempting to hibernate and become dormant. As you find yourself cozied up to a fire remember to “throw another log on the fire.” As you rekindle that physical fire, be sure to constantly “fan into flame [your] gift[s] of God.”

The world needs the warmth and glow of our Christian service now more than ever.

“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”          Proverbs 4:13 (NIV)

Today is Ash Wednesday – the beginning of Lent. During this time, I generally hear people talk about things they are “giving up” for Lent. Instead of giving something up, I think this is the best time to “Grab Hold.”

I have read several devotionals, articles, and books about letting go. All of them explain the benefits of releasing control or moving on from thoughts that drag you down. People have written volumes about letting your children go, letting the anger go, letting go of resentment, and even letting go of the weight. There are also the old clichés: “If you love something set it free … Let go and let God … Don’t worry. Be happy.”

The “experts” make it sound so easy, but for me letting go has never been easy. I picture letting go as giving up, forfeiting my control (I hate to feel out of control), and careless. To me, it is like riding a bike and taking my hands off the handle bars, throwing my arms in the air, and saying, “Hey, guys look at me!” Do you know how dangerous that is?

I believe holding on to things is synonymous with safety and security. Even if I don’t like the circumstances or situation at least I know what is going on and I can try to do something about it. I can try to fix it or at the very least worry about it until it fixes itself!

Deep down I know letting go can be a very good thing in many instances. Yet, I just can’t do it. I am much better at holding on. 

For me, a better life, a more content life, a more Godly life is all about holding on. 

Holding on to God.

As soon as I realized I was holding on to the wrong things in my life and I began to shift my grip to grab hold of God, my life was transformed. I became more carefree, more content, more relaxed. (Yes, this is me … relaxed.)

It has been a slow process – a gradual release of other things in my life – but I definitely feel the positive effects!

To grab hold of God, I had to let go of those other things I had obsessed and worried over for years. I couldn’t let go of everything at once, but the tighter my grip on God became, the more I felt the burdens in my life slip slowly away. I almost didn’t realize what was happening until I noticed I was waking up happier, walking a little taller, and treating others around me with more compassion. 

I found when I focus on God, He takes care of the rest. He equips me with the strength I need to handle difficult situations and the knowledge I need to determine when to step back and let Him work it out for me. 

I have learned that holding on is not a bad thing as long as you grab hold of the right thing – God!

My advice to those having trouble letting go is this: 

Grab hold of God and He will change your life!

(**and always keep your hands on the handle bars too!)

 “Not that I have already obtained all of this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”   Philippians 3:12