Lose - Lent devotion

We were desperate.  We had lost a very valuable item.  We had lost control and we needed it back!   The TV remote was missing!  Now our only option was to unplug the device from the power source.  No longer could we choose channels or volume.

Just as the woman in Jesus' parable about the lost coin (Luke 15: 8-10)  we developed a strategy. Our plan was to systematically unpack and organize the moving boxes.  Together we tackled the hunt.

Good News:  The lost was found.  Apparently we were standing next to remote the whole time.  It was under a pile of books.  All we had to do was move the obstacles.

Perhaps there is a spiritual implication.  To grow our spiritual life, we need to focus on the treasure, relationship with God,  have a plan and adhere to it, join forces with others on the same mission and move the obstacles, our own hindrances and the distractions of the world.

Follow -Lent 2019

Follow -Lent 2019

"It has to fit." My teacher's final encouragement.  She'd introduced me to a new tool, taught me to follow the pattern and offered her tips from personal experience.  When I used her tool, pattern and advice, I ended up with one of my best quilt  projects. (triangles and matching points are not my best work!)

Jesus left us a similar method.  Spiritual gifts, the Bible and the advice of other believers.  If I follow His plan I can have the abundant life He promised.

I Corinthians 14:1 "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts..."

Celebrate - Lent 2019

Children birthday celebrations usually have a theme, the child's current favorite super-hero!  I assume the child chooses the theme character because of the character's overcomer qualities.

This year an old song plays in my head, we should "Celebrate Jesus celebrate!...He is risen and He lives forevermore."

He is risen.  He is risen indeed! Celebrate!

Beloved - Lent 2019

I'm organizing photos and have a digital folder entitled "Flowers".  It's full of pictures of floral arrangements sent to remind me I am beloved.

Easter reminds me I am beloved.  My paraphrase of Romans 5:8 hung over my fireplace: This is Love, while we were sinners Jesus died for us.

Live life to be loved by God because we are beloved of God.

Fulfilled- Lent 2019

One year and a handful of days ago I had a dream, a hope and a plan.  Our retirement home would exist on this spot.  I had the timeline established and was again reminded that I had no control over time.

There were a few delays but, in the end, my dream and my hope was fulfilled, regardless of my plan!

Easter reminds me who is the Master of Time.  Jesus arrived and left this Earth at the exact point in time to fulfill God's Plan, which include dreams better than I can imagine.  Galatians 4:4-5 "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son...to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption..."

Water- Lent 2019

We've had a hard winter.  I thought we'd moved South to a bit warmer climate yet the Iowa winter has followed.  Our Iowa friends are having a Canadian winter!

This "ice sculpture" gutter reminds me that too often my choice to "go with the flow" of this world congests my life so that it prevents me from living my purpose.

Good News!  Jesus is the Son who will melt the "ice" of this blockage and then His Living Water will flow.  John 7:38 - "Whoever believes in Me...streams of living water will flow..."

Come quickly Lord Jesus (and Spring!)

2019 Lent Devotion - Sprit

I've been readying and waiting for today.  Last year, for the first time in my life, I finished a Lent discipline, a photo challenge I found on Facebook.   Each day I posted a photo and a brief thought on the assigned word.  I made it all 40 days.  Thought I'd see if I could do it again!

Lent is about readying and waiting, remembering how and why Jesus came into this world and forever changed it.  I enjoyed the daily challenge of remembering how Jesus has forever changed my little world.  Hope my thoughts cause you to thank God for His Indescribable Gift!

Today's word is Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, just one of the many roles of Jesus' promised Guide and Companion. John15:16.   The Holy Spirit reminds me Jesus is always with me.

Mickey and Molly love fireplaces.  They find calm and solace in front of a fire.  The command, "Come, I'll turn the fire on."  is the most  obeyed command. 

Sometimes the pups approach the fireplace and stare into it until I turn on the flame. They are ready for calm and rest.

The pups have moved from their first home to a new home.  I worried about their adjustment.  They found comfort  once they discovered the fireplace!  

The last time in their first home

At home again

Jesus is my real home, the Home that is always with me  wherever I land. I just heard Jesus whisper "Come, I'll turn the fire on."  Today I find comfort is His warmth.