#amwriting – Page 9 – rootedbythewater.blog

Adventure on the water

May 22, 20234 Comments

Yesterday I returned home from a week away at the beach with some great friends. While the whole week was wonderful, our last full day was by far my favorite. Leasa and Lisa Jane went to the beach but Tami and I went kayaking in the canal and waterway.

There is something about kayaking that soothes me. I find myself so relaxed out on the water. It’s like I was made to be out there. THe last time I went kayaking was a couple of years ago. I have never gone wearing my cochlear implant processor. My Advanced Bionics Marvel processor is far too expensive to risk losing in the water. However I packed one of my old processors that has old technology. Since I can still hear some with it, I brought it along and I’m so glad I did.

Let me just say, the sounds of the water and wind were like soothing music. I listened as the paddle sliced through the water and came up dripping before slicing through again with the next rhythmic paddle motion. The weather was perfect, partly cloudy with a light breeze. The tide was in the process of going out. As Tami and I started out, the outgoing tide kind of helped us along. However on the return the tide was against us.

Before we set out I told Tami I would follow her because I was sure boaters were out and we would pass under a bridge where people sometimes fish. With my low vision I didn’t want to get entangled in someone’s fishing line or be someone’s “catch of the day”. I could hear her some with my old processor but couldn’t see her sign language. If I wanted to talk I’d extend my paddle and she would pull me over. When you have limitations like me, you have to come up with a system that works. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

With the outgoing tide we found ourselves in some very shallow spots. At one point we got out and pulled the kayaks to deeper water before setting off again. Some of the boats got stuck until the tide rose again. Tides are tricky. You have to prepare carefully or you might get stuck or face paddling against it.

Truth be told, as I was paddling along my thoughts went to spiritual things. The end of Genesis 1:2 came to my mind, “…. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (NKJV) I feel so close to God in His beautiful creation. There isn’t the constant bombardment of distractions. Deep calls to deep and His voice abounds if we listen closely.

As I sit here reflecting, I sense some life lessons to pass along. Although paddling can be tiresome, if you get caught up in the wonder of the beauty it is so rewarding. Sometimes you need more than sight. A strong sense of direction will keep you going even when you can’t fully see what lies ahead. Have faith in the one who directs you. When we put our hope in Jesus He is going to see us safely through to our destination. In life we will occasionally get “stuck” and find ourselves going againt a strong current. At these times God brings people along to help us along the way. We all have strengths and weaknesses and we can use them to bless each other. Always pray for guidance before setting out. Our friend Leasa prayed for us before we set out.

I think I have discovered one of my potential favorite hobbies in kayaking. Someone gave us a two seater this Spring and I can’t wait to try it out. Hopefully my husband and some friends will enjoy it like me and be my eyes out on the water. We will see! Hopefully many more kayaking experiences are in my future. I’m so thankful for the life lessons learned along the way and sensitivity to God’s gentle whisper in His beautiful creation.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I’m thankful for this gift to share when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

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Refreshing by the sea

May 18, 20232 Comments

Writing tonight from Cherry Grove Beach. Three friends and I came down on Monday for a fun relaxing girls week. We are missing two of our sisters but are having the most relaxing time. There has been lots of laughter, playing card games, listening to worship music and walking on the beach. One friend and I walked over five miles on the beach today.

As we went out on the beach earlier today a song was playing in my mind, It is Well by Bethel Music.and Kristene DiMarco. Part of the song goes like this: So let go my soul and trust in Him, the waves and wind still know his name…It is well…with my soul… it is well…with my soul… it is well, it is well with my soul. My heart was full of worship as I sat there watching and listening to the surf and wind. I wore my Advanced Bionics Marvel cochlear implant processor. I love to hear sounds of nature.

Gods creation declares His glory and majesty. The sovereignty of the Lord is so apparent in nature; it makes my heart swell with joy and delight. The sounds and beauty of the ocean and seeing wildlife is so amazing. Watching the sunset over the marsh has been stunning as well. Today many jellyfish had washed up onshore for some reason. They are interesting to look at. We came across a beautiful bird as well.

There is something about the beach that makes me in awe of God. I often think of Bible scenes as I’m on the beach. Maybe it’s because Jesus taught often on the sea shore. The power of the sea and watching the tide changes is fascinating. As we walked we saw a pier that had been badly damaged by one of the hurricanes. I remember watching online when the hurricanes came through. The raging winds and waves wrecked havoc on shore. I know the God who is sovereign over it all.

In Mark chapter 4 , Jesus is asleep on a boat when a bad wind storm rose up causing waves to crash into the boat and His disciples were terrified. They woke Jesus up becauuse they were so afraid. Mark 4:39 says, “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”
‭‭(‭NKJV‬‬)

Psalms 65:17 says, “You who still the noise of the seas, The noise of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples.” (NKJV‬‬). Wow! I’m in awe of my God!

Do you need Jesus to quiet any storms in your life? He invites us to get away with Him in quiet time, prayer and worship. Sometimes we just need to be still and trust His sovereignty over our lives. He is faithful and He is able to do far more than we ask or can imagine. Through it all, keep your eyes on Jesus. The waves and winds of life still know His name.

This time away this week is refreshing and much needed. I’m thankful that my husband encourages me to spend time with friends. We are so thankful for the precious family who are letting us stay in their beautiful home. This time with my sisters in Christ is such a blessing as we laugh and talk together. I am so thankful.

I want to see if I can find a video of It is Well to share at the end of this blog. It is a beautiful song that speaks of contentment in life’s storms. It encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus through it all. With Him, it is well!

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. I write when God puts something on my heart. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

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Lifting you up❣️

May 13, 20233 Comments

Over the past two weeks I’ve come across scripture and have saved verses to use for this blog. I knew in my heart I would be writing on this topic soon. Today is the day.

Depression and anxiety are a heavy weight. There is absolutely no shame in reaching out for help. I’ve heard this is mental health awareness month. If I can encourage someone to keep pushing forward then hear me out.

I personally deal with depression and anxiety at times. It can grip you so suddenly and you feel a weight of despair. Mine is more or less due to the limitations I face and the sheer frustration to do all I “think” I need to ne doing. The feelings of inadequacy can pull me down. Sometimes thoughts will battle in my mind. “You aren’t good enough! You can’t do all they can do. It’s getting harder so why don’t you just admit it?” These demeaning thoughts are countered by; ”Be quiet in the name of Jesus! Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I might not be able to but God works in my weaknesses! I can’t but let me tell you something, He sure can!” You know the drill? Sometimes these thoughts battle in my mind. How do I counteract against it? I speak God’s Word over myself. I pray and sing praises to Jesus who is Victorious over it all.

When you feel these negative emotions, shutting yourself off from people is the easiest thing in the world but I don’t recommend that. Surround yourself with support. If you don’t have a strong support system ask God for one. Be there for others and watch as they in turn are there for you. Drop your pride. No one has it all together! We all need each other.

God has given me a gift of encouragement, prayer and discernment. I can pick up when someone is struggling. Last night I was reading some social media posts and I saw an old college friend post “I give up”. This persons postings usually range from humor to despair, back and forth. I noticed people commented encouragement but I also noticed his lack of response. God touch this person and give them a reason to keep pressing on. This is not the first person I’ve noticed. There have been many over the years. If I sensed they were suicidal, I prayed and encouraged. One of these people I gathered recourses for so they could get help on their limited budget. Some of those I’ve encouraged are now thriving. Praise God. God surrounded them with strength and encouragement and now they are encouraging others. This is an example of 1Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬‬:‭11‬,“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (‭‭‭‭NKJV‬‬)

If you are a Christian you must realize that God empowers you with His Holy Spirit to fulfill your purpose for His glory! He also strengthens us and anoints us against the attacks we face. Check out Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (NKJV‬‬). For more on the Armor of God check out verses 10-20. These verses are powerful.

God wants us to bring all out concerns to Him. There is nothing too little or big to bring to Him. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving“ Colossians‬ ‭4‬‬:‭2‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬) Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” (‭NKJV‬‬)

Gods Word is FULL of life giving encouragement. Use it everyday. Pray! Speak life over yourself! Do NOT give up! God has you! Keep pushing forward and keep trusting Him. You’re going to make it!!

A while back I did a short video clip of me signing”In Jesus Name”. I will try posting the video clip link here. Praying for all that read this. God has us!

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c33-vZfRxx-sH0ZySGUWg5qw

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If you only knew😳

May 6, 20232 Comments

I’m debating whether to even put this in writing. I occasionally give a true, honest, transparent look at life as a visually and hearing impaired person. Today was one of those days when inwardly I’m like..
Oh great! 🤦🏽‍♀️ Yet outwardly I am hopefully all smiles! Did I pull it off? I think I did but who knows.

Before I even went out the door I was praying and thanking God that His joy is my strength. As I prayed I said Lord, you fill my heart with joy and peace despite the circumstances. Help me! How the day would unfold if I did not start off in Gods word, prayer snd praise , I don’t want to ever find out. It’s tough. Mental and spiritual preparation is so helpful especially when I know I’m going to be feeling like a “fish on dry ground”

Put me in a group of any size and it’s challenging. Mom picked me up to take me to my nieces baby shower. I’m 54 and my 80 year old Mom is driving me around. It’s a fact of life I don’t think I will ever be used to. We arrived at the beautiful shower honoring my niece and many showed up to bless her. At most showers of any type there are fun activities. One was to write a note for the baby that he would see on his 18th birthday. Trouble was the pieces of paper wete small with tiny lines to write on. I can’t see well enough to read my handwriting any more, not to mention writing on lines. Oh Lord help me! What to do? I closed my worse eye and tried to legibly write on the lines. I asked Mom if she could read it, thankfully she could. One down a couple more to go. Next was four jars to guess how many items were in each. I told Mom to just write some numbers. We went out on the deck and there was another activity I did not even see until I was close up. Everyone worked on making baby’s first ABC book. I used to love to color really detailed sketches but I can’t see well enough to do that anymore. Oh the joys of having low vision… NOT! (But I did one anyway. Although I did not sign my name on it. If my niece reads my blog… the one that looks like a kid did it was done by yours truly…. Aunt Shannon 😂 ) That’s just the activities, now let’s talk about the food. I could not find the forks on the table. They were right in front of me but transparent, so I did not see them. Okay…. next! I could see the deviled eggs, crackers, chips and fruit. The kabobs were another story. It took me a second to figure out how to pick it up. Lord have mercy! If people only knew the challenges it would blow your mind. This is just the visual part, not to mention the hearing part. My hearing loss is noticeable but my visual issue is not. What am I to do? Stay home? No! I live life and just hope to play it off! It’s not about me. It’s about blessing those around me. Is it uncomfortable? You bet! Is it cringe worthy? Absolutely! Did anyone notice? Hopefully not except Mpm of course. Even she doesn’t realize how bad my vision is.

Some things in life I don’t think I will ever understand on this side of eternity. It takes a lot of grit on the inside and smiles on the outside. It takes a lot of prayers and small pep talks to get through it. Only God understands. It’s hard. I can’t give in. I must get out and live life even though the normal things are so frustrating. I want to particulate and bless those around me.

If you saw me typing up this blog you would get a good laugh. Part of it I type and part of it I speak. Typos are everywhere because touch screens are so tricky. I use my iPad for blogging. However artificial intelligence can’t understand me half the time and I speak clearly! I say one thing and it types another. I say “ You can’t hear! And it says, “ I’m sorry you feel that way!” I’m over it!

Whether I will publish this or delete it is going through my head. On one hand, it’s helpful to see the difficulties people have to face, difficulties that are for the most part invisible. On the other hand, the truth can be terribly embarrassing. Peoples lives are so different. This is a reminder to be kind, considerate, and helpful. Today is almost over and tomorrow I will step into whatever God has for me. I won’t do it alone. He is with me every step of the way. Treat people the way you want them to treat you. Until next time…

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29 Years Strong

May 1, 2023Leave a Comment

A cord of three is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12) As we sat in church yesterday morning I thought about how we were at the very same church 29 years ago exchanging our wedding vows. Twenty nine year of being together through thick and thin, serving the same Lord Jesus Christ that keeps us together.

A cord of three: husband, wife and Jesus, is not easily broken. It takes a lot of love, grace, forgiveness, humor and a whole lot of prayer. I’m thankful God brought me and Ron together all those years ago. He’s been a tremendous support to me and our son. We are blessed to have each other. We are not perfect, each having our short comings. The thing is, we never throw in the towel. We don’t esteem ourself above each other. We made a promise before God 29 years ago and we are determined to keep our promise to each other and God.

Marriage works with JOY. You might be thinking, what in the world is she talking about. Everyday of marriage is not joyous. Give me just a minute to draw this picture. J =Jesus, O=Others, Y=Yourself. If we put Jesus first then our spouse second, things will fall into place.

Marriage is like a thrilling rollercoaster. There are some unforgettable times of joy and excitement. There are also some scary and troubling times when you can’t see how things will work out. But God! God is the third cord that keeps us together. He is the glue that holds, when everything seems to be falling apart. He is our compass that keeps us moving in the right direction together. It’s not easy but it’s worth it. Our love has been tested by trials and is stronger today than it’s ever been. I’m thankful in those tough times we didn’t give up. We pushed through it together. A strong marriage is worth fighting for.

Happy anniversary Ron. I am proud to be your wife. You never meet a stranger. You share the love of God everywhere you go and it’s a marvel to see God working through you. I love you and look forward to celebrating many more years together.

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Thankfully it got better

April 24, 20231 Comment

Today was an impromptu family day. We have a tiny family of three with me being the only girl. Our son Joshua called saying he was off and wanted to see if we wanted to go to a shooting range out in the country. I’ve only been to an indoor range but never one outside. Ron loaded up the gear and we took off for an adventure on this gorgeous Spring day.

We arrived at the outdoor range to find it was closed today. That was a bummer since it was so nice outside. The guys decided to go to an indoor shooting range. I’ve only gone once before and that was about five years ago. I remember the shock of how powerful the explosions sounded with gun powder and shells flying. Lord have mercy! I don’t mind doing things with the guys. We’ve gone fishing, four wheeling, rock climbing, jet skiing, zip lining and so much more.
Truth be told, shooting guns is not my “cup of tea”. I would bait a fishing hook any day over shooting guns. However I was a good sport since I love my guys and spending time together doesn’t happen as often as I’d like.

Once we got to the indoor range, we were the only three people shooting at first. Some were leaving as we arrived. I noticed a sign as we were entering that said “No rapid fire”. No problem from me. The guys got the targets set up and Ron loaded a gun for me. Just like last time, it scared the daylights out of me. My cochlear implant processor was off and I had double ear protection on and it was STILL LOUD! This time I expected the gun-smoke and flying shells but it still scared me. Joshua took a video of me shooting and thought it was funny. Another guy had come in and was shooting a few spaces down from us. In the video you can hear rapid gun fire and I pause looking over thinking; Can’t the guy read the sign? I finished my second round and told Ron I was finished and would watch the rest of the time. This will never be my sport. Put me on the lake doing whatever water sport any day but I don’t care for shooting guns. I did pretty well my second round and hit the red part of the target twice. Not too shabby.

Our next stop was a tractor supply store. I’ve only been to one once before and I remembered seeing baby chickens so I went in search to see if this location had any. Sure enough they had some bins of baby chickens under warm lights. Too bad our home owners association won’t let people have them in our neighborhood.

We ended our family day at Papa Docks for dinner on the deck overlooking Lake Wylie. It used to be T Bones at the lake and we have many memories from going there and riding our old sea-doo around that area. It was a nice ending to our impromptu family day. I’m happy we can still have fun family days with just the three of us. Our son is now 25 so the family days don’t happen as often but when they do, it’s a real treat. Cherish your family times and don’t be afraid to do guy things with the guys. I came across a Helen Keller quote recently that is fitting for this moment: Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.

If you liked this blog post please subscribe and share. This was not my usual blog post but a fun glimpse at a day in my life. You can find my autobiography Rooted by the Water on Amazon. I pray it gives you great hope and courage to surrender to Jesus. He is all you really need. All for the Glory of God. Be blessed!

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An inspiring encounter

April 20, 2023Leave a Comment

Just sat down with a cup of hot tea, while trying to gather my thoughts. It’s a rare day when I crank out two blog posts. I thought about combining this with the blog I published earlier today but this deserves its own entry.

My husband Ron and I went to Culver’s for lunch to get a good hamburger. As we walked in there was a guy with a table set up selling a children’s book he had written. Of course Ron started a conversation with him. Ron talks to everyone. As we stepped up to place our order, Ron told me the guy is blind. He is totally blind in one eye and can see slightly with the other. I said, “Let’s buy one of his books to support him.”

We sat down at a table close to where the guy had his table set up. I told Ron it takes great courage to do what this guy was doing. Ron told me I could set up a table too. I said, “ Would you talk to the people? He can hear what people are saying while I catch parts of it. ”

An inspiring blind author of children’s books.

After we finished eating, we went over introducing ourselves and purchased his book. He told us a little bit of his story and I told him a bit of mine and about my book. I watched with admiration as he signed the book for me. I personally don’t like to sign books in front of people because it’s hard to see what I’m writing. He had no issues with holding the book closely so he could see a little out of his one eye. I asked if I could have a picture taken with him and write a blog about meeting him. He agreed. Excuse my appearance in the picture. I had no intention of going anywhere today. It was a natural no makeup or hair products kind of day. This awesome inspiring guys name is Jared Jackson. As I brought the book home and put it under my video magnifier so I could read it, I discovered it is quite a cute book. Not only did he write it but he also did the illustrations. Check out Where Does the Man in the Moon Go During the Day? by Jared Jackson. You can find it on Amazon.

This was the first time I’ve ever met another blind author. I wanted to write this post to promote his book after reading it. He is a courageous inspiring man and did a fine job on his book. Check it out.

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Springing into Spring

April 14, 2023Leave a Comment

This has been such a BUSY week and I’ve sprung right into whatever came at me. Might have sprung a bit too much as I am now alternating ice and heat on my lower back. Lord remind me that I’m going to be 54 tomorrow and not 25. Mom saw a coffee cup a while back that said “My mind thinks I’m 25 but my body says I’m an idiot.“ Yep! I need that cup!

Spring brings change and sometimes change isn’t too fun. Ron took the plunge and bought us a new stove/ oven. Truth be told we needed it two years ago. He can alway fix whatever is broken but the old stove parts were no longer made. I had been sticking my pinky into this hole to turn the heat up to the right temperature. One time I nearly pulled the oven door off trying to get something out of the oven, so this new updated appliance was much needed. I let Ron pick it out. I just wanted it to have an air fryer feature and the controls to be on the near side so I can see them. The controls behind the burners are a “no go” for me. With low vision I can’t see them. We welcomed a shiny new stainless steel appliance last week. It is so shiny it reflects things and makes it hard to see even with the dials inches from my face. This thing is intimidating. I avoided using it for a few days besides brewing tea. I made things in the crockpot. Last Monday I decided it was time to figure this out. I took pictures of the controls with my iPad and zoomed in. I saw a little bit but it was so different than the old one. I wanted to have dinner ready for Ron Monday night and was stressed out trying to figure this device out. Nearly burned his dinner and I rarely have done that in 29 years of marriage. Ron was gracious and ate his well cooked, I mean over cooked dinner. Afterwards we had a little lesson to learn how to use the new device. I still can’t see it. I can feel a click on the dials and can watch the burners. I can feel a line on the dial for the off setting. Turning dials left is low temperature. Turning the dial right is high and the between is well in between. T he oven control panel I have to memorize but I told him I would make it work. That was on Monday.

Tuesdays are the days I go volunteer at the Food Pantry. Afterwards Mom and I split some lunch at Brix then went to a plant nursery in Rock Hill. We love Wilson’s plant nursery. Mom missed the exit off the interstate so I used my iPad to get us there the back way. Forgetting my iPad is directly synced to my cochlear implant device, I could hear the navigation but she couldn’t. Seeing my error, I disconnected and made sure she could hear it. We got there and were not disappointed. That place is full of life and beautiful plants. She found her plants and helped me find a few I wanted. I went in search of a trellis for a flowering vine. Found the trellis but couldn’t find her in the sea of colored flowers. She was wearing a deep red and white striped shirt so I looked and looked. She was camouflaged right in with the plants. Finally she found me and we left. (Side note… that happened again yesterday at Lowe’s. The “watering people” were out with their hoses. It was nearly an obstacle course, popping wheelies with her cart to get over hoses and she was wearing green! You don’t realize how much green is in Lowe’s until you are looking for a green shirt to find someone!)

I don’t mention all this for pity. My life is like a comic book. Yes there are many limitations but God has given me a drive to embrace life “head on”. You take what you have and you get it done.

Ron surprised me when I got home on Tuesday late afternoon. He had gotten a bunch of bags of mulch for our natural areas. Miracles happen y’all! It’s been 4-5 years since he got some. Happy birthday to me! I don’t know if this is my birthday present but I sure am one happy girl. With the color contrast, I can now see the weeds! He laid down most of it but Wednesday morning while he was at work, I decided to get the remaining bags laid down to help him out. Once I was finished I realized it would be a good idea to buy a back support brace. My friend Leasa came by to get me and we went to Home Depot and found the perfect back support brace. We both bought one.

My friend Leasa and me with our new back support braces 😂

Yesterday I promised Mom I would help her with her mulch. Mom is 80 and she loves her yard. She told me when she and Dad planted everything years ago they didn’t think about getting old. She ordered a pallet of mulch over a week ago but everyone’s schedule has been so different and we had not been able to get together to lay it out for her. I told my brother and Mom I’d go get started to help with the process. Below is a screenshot of me and my brother Forrest’s text. When the guys were able to come later, I had used the wagon to lay out the bags of mulch in the natural areas surrounding the house. I wore my new back brace and was willing. God provided the energy, determination, a beautiful day and wonderful breeze. Even Mom picked up bags of mulch, much to my dismay. I told her to let me do it and she stared me down. OKAY, do whatever you want. I’m thankful I come from a strong line of “Tough Cookies”. My brother and nephew spread it all out until we ran out of bags. We got it done! So thankful!

Bottom line, don’t be afraid to get dirty, maybe look a bit foolish but give it your best try. What you do with what you’ve got isn’t in vain. Team work and family are awesome!

Thank you Lord for an awesome, adventurous tiring week. It’s been productive and good. 50,648 steps on four days. Whew! Today is a pajama day but I will probably get up and get moving. Don’t sit on the sidelines of life. Have an awesome weekend. Get out and enjoy Spring!

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It is Finished

April 8, 2023Leave a Comment

It is Finished! These are the last words of Jesus when He was on the cross before He gave up His spirit. How can I even put this into words? Jesus Christ was fully God yet He was also fully human, since He was born of a virgin. All His life He was intent on doing everything His Heavenly Father desired! Jesus prayed in the garden in Luke 22:42, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (NKJV). Let that sink deep within your heart. He knew what was coming, yet He loved us so much He was obedient even unto death on a cross. He who knew no sin, took all our sins upon Himself on the cross. He took our punishment. He suffered the most horrible torturous death for us, so that we would have victory in His blood and resurrection!

How in the world can people reject this free gift of salvation? Jesus has already paid the price for our sins. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭5‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬). Thank you Jesus! I can never thank you enough!

Jesus did not remain in the grave but rose again on the third day. Tomorrow we celebrate Resurrection Day! “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭55‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)

While yesterday we remembered Jesus crucifixion, let me remind you that a lot can change in three days. Tomorrow as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, rejoice with exceeding gladness! “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭57‬ ‭(NKJV‬)

While there is so much more to be said, I am not a Pastor. I am a child of God, declaring to you about what Jesus has accomplished for me and you. If you don’t know Him as your Lord and Savior, surrender your life to Him today! Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”(‭NKJV‬‬) Choosing Jesus is the best decision you will ever make. Celebrate this Resurrection Sunday by accepting Jesus free gift for you. Thank you Jesus for all that you’ve done for me!!

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What lens are you looking through?

April 2, 2023Leave a Comment

At my last Bible study we met at Brixx Pizza for lunch and our discussion on a virtuous woman. One friend forgot her reading glasses so the others offered to share theirs. Depending on the strength of the lens, things will look different even though you are examining the same thing.

Life perspective is so much like this. What lens are you looking through
on a day to day basis? For example, some people seem to find some thing positive in everything. It’s sort of like a silver liner. There are others that seem to always have a critical view. These two types of people can be examining the exact same thing, yet will have opposite things to say. It makes me wonder sometimes why people think and respond the way they do. Many factors can contribute to which “lens” they look through. Let’s brainstorm some of those possible contributing factors. Past experiences can certainly play a role. The way you were raised can play a big part. A few other things that come to mind are; your view of self, support system and things you allow to influence you.

I don’t always have a “sunny” disposition, although I try to keep things positive. I may have a little advantage because with low vision I can be very choosy regarding what I’m exposed to. For example, yesterday a friend took me to Cabellas to get a life jacket. ( Someone gave me a two seater kayak and I’m so excited. Thats another blog post. Coming soon) Back to Cabellas… when we were in the checkout line, I got the impression my friend wanted me to change lines but I didn’t know why until it was my turn to check out. I can’t see very far but once I was at the cash register I noticed the cashier had a very dark unfriendly look. Her face was barely showing with all the dark hair and dark mask. I paid for my life jacket, thanked the cashier and walked out. I then told my friend, we need to let others see Jesus in us. We can’t judge people by the way they look just like we can’t judge a book by its cover. In all fairness, a beautiful cover draws interest for a closer look.

None of us are perfect. Everyday brings new opportunities to make a difference in the lives of all you encounter. I came across a fascinating quote recently by D L Moody: “The only way to keep a broken vessel full is to keep the faucet running.” We are all broken and what “lens” we look through determines our responses. If we keep the faucet of Gods Word pouring into us, Jesus will pour over into those we encounter. When we allow the worlds views to constantly pour into us, we only become further broken. Saturate yourself in Gods Word and let it transform you. Live in the overflow of Jesus and watch the awesome things that happen around you.