Giving Direction

We can direct our water and electric resources (both of which are provided by God), but only God can direct the heavens.

"All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3).

Remember

Memorial Day is a day when we gratefully remember those soldiers who gave their lives for our country.  We celebrate the freedom we enjoy as Americans because of the sacrifice they made.

"Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him"  (Hebrews 9:28).

Rest Time

While driving along a country road, I paused to admire these cattle who were taking a rest from the hot afternoon sun. God has prepared a rest for His children--an eternal, peaceful rest from the labors and burdens of this life.

"Like livestock that go down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. So you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name" (Isaiah 63:14).

Weeds Be Gone

April showers bring May flowers, green grass. . . and weeds!  The dandelions' beautiful yellow flowers quickly turn into not-so-pretty seed heads.  As the wind scatters the seeds, the intrusive plants spread far and wide and are very difficult to control.

"'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?' He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So the servants said to Him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?'  But He said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, 'Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn'" (Matthew 13:24-30).

One Nation Under God

The United States of America is a country founded by the courage and faith of Christian men and women seeking to glorify God and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.  May we return to our roots of "one nation under God."

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Violets are Blue

My dear sister loved violets.  They were her favorite flower.  So it fills me with delight to see them spread across our meadow like a soft, warm blanket.

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever" (John 14:16).

Still Waters

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

   for His name’s sake" (Psalm 23:1-3).

The Silver Lining

Nobody said that life is easy.  We all face troubles and difficulties of one kind or another.  But there is always hope, and we can encourage each other to see the silver lining behind the dark clouds.

"Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and He brought them to their desired haven."

(Psalm 107:28-30)

In Case of Emergency

When we are seriously ill or wounded, we know where to go for immediate care and healing.  We waste no time seeking the help we desperately need.

"As for me, I said, 'O LORD be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!'" (Psalm 41:4).

Snapshots

Snapshots are bits of history, glimpses of our past. We love to look through our photo albums and recall the days of our youth.

"Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds" (Psalm 71:17).

Knit Together

As a tree develops, it grows from its trunk into an interwoven network of limbs, branches, twigs and leaves that sprout forth from new buds each spring.

"Christ is the head of the church, his Body, and is himself its Savior. . . .the whole Body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. . . . Now you are the Body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it" (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 2:19; 1 Corinthians 12:27). 

Trapped!

One day I found a small cat trapped inside the chicken pen.  I had unknowingly closed him in the night before.  The poor little thing was scared to death!  He should not have gone in there!  Sometimes don't we do things we know we aren't supposed to do and that aren't good for us?

"Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for You are my refuge" (Psalm 31:4). 

Bride and Bridegroom

As this man and woman are united in marriage, their hearts are filled with joy.  Exchanging rings and vows, they make a commitment to love one another. 

"As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you" (Isaiah 62:5).

Lift High the Cross

Redeemer Lutheran Church and School, Oakmont, PA

The two crosses on this church and school face the north and the south.  They are lifted high in the air as a witness to the world, proclaiming the message of salvation by the cross of Christ.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Rooted for Life

The harshness of winter robs the woodlands of their beauty.  But the roots of the trees and shrubs are well established. Soon their branches will be bursting forth with green leaves and new life.

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:6-7).

Cat Nap

It's easy to be content when everything around you feels just right--soft and warm and sunny.  But what about when something disturbs the peace?  How do you remain content when life is tough?

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. . . . I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:11-13).

A Girl and her Pap

Molly loves her Grandpap!  She is Pap-pap's girl!  When she's with him, she doesn't have a care in the world. Her heart is as light as the helium in her balloon!   Don't we feel even more joy when we are spending time with our heavenly Father?

"And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 13:52).

Swedish Braid Bread

I really admired my grandmother and learned a lot from my her--a Swedish nursery rhyme, how to make Swedish braid bread, helping other people when they need help, and counting my blessings   I enjoy passing these treasures on to my children and grandchildren.

"But as for you,continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:14-15).

Snowed In

My chickens won't come out of the henhouse when it's snowing.  What holds you back from doing certain things?  For me, sometimes I don't want to be uncomfortable, or I'm feeling lazy, or I just don't want to.

Jesus said, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.  While I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:4-5).