Dew Upon The Arbor

Things That Make You Smile

Hi, friends,

I hope this finds you well as we enter a new year. January is a time of reflection as we consider the past and anticipate the year ahead.

A couple days ago a writing friend (thank you, Carol!) prompted me to write about “Things That Make You Smile.” It was exactly what I needed. To remember positive things, while sad things still exist in my life and tug at my heart.

I took a few moments to sit quietly and write a list of random, yet specific, thoughts. Things that tipped my lips upward and warmed my heart. As I read over my long list, I found themes of:

*Love of family and friends. And the tether of love, unbreakable, that is woven throughout our lives.

*The glory of God’s creation, in big and small things.

*Silliness and laughter without being diminished or shamed by it. And laughing at myself.

*Biblical scripture, nourishing books, spiritual songs that encourage me to keep on keeping on.

*Encounters with strangers who needed a listening ear, and the surprise of joy we shared.

*Stillness in the night…and in my heart. God’s peace that passes all understanding. Experiencing the joy of the LORD.

*The whisper of hope when all seems lost, a tiny reminder to look up into the love of God. To rest and wait, let gratitude carry me where e’er it will.

*Home and hearth, simple joys of a quiet life. The warmth of a fire, even if it’s only on the TV screen.

*Time for a writing life.

In addition, I’ve been recently reminded that God does not rush us. His desire is for us to accept His love and love Him back. I need not scurry into the new year trying to do all the things to make myself better…I need only to love God, follow Him, and let Him love me. I have found that God has the most magnificent way of growing me when I come to Him, especially with my confusions. As I learn to trust Him more and do what He says, I can face and overcome my troubles. (Big smile!)

Remembering what makes me smile expresses the gratitude I feel for each blessing in my life. A way of saying, “Thank You, Father God. Look at the goodness You have brought to me. I love you back.” And when I’m sad, my heart can still joy in the love of the LORD. He walks with me all the way.

Have you thought about what makes you smile? I’d love to hear about it. A few minutes of remembering goodness is a step into the light.

John 14:1 NLT records Jesus’ words: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

Philippians 4:6-8 NKJV reminds us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

God bless you in every way. Please let me know how I may pray for you.

Sherry 💞

You can find links to all my books on my Amazon author page here: https://amazon.com/author/sherryvycitalyork

Stepping into the Light

This early November, not long after publishing the 21-day devotional “Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark,” I found myself reflecting on the ways the LORD has guided me through my shadows, and the encouragement I received in the process. And on questions that crossed my mind in the aftermath:

How do I live today, LORD, after long months of navigating dashed expectations, painful loss, and grief? Am I ready to leave these lingering shadows? I’ve grown closer to You here, and honestly faced hurting places in myself. You’ve healed much sorrow, and yet I’m still adjusting. Am I strong enough to venture forward? Is there more healing work to be done?

Perhaps you have had similar thoughts as you’ve navigated painful challenges. Thankfully, God’s presence never leaves us. As I walk forward in the light of His love, and wait on Him, I cherish the intimate times of rest I have experienced. In the shelter of His wings I can be fully me, without the barrage and busyness of the world. His tender care and patience is so uniquely personal.

I feel as if I’ve graduated from a semester in a “school of suffering and affliction,” and relearned priceless lessons. While walking through shadows of hurt, confusion, and loss, the LORD has slowly freed me to live more authentically, discover more about joy in Him, and walk “more lightly” as I entrust Him with my deepest concerns.

*God has proven, again, that He is faithful and bigger than my deepest fears or hurts. His love never fails. He is full of kindness and mercy, and is the safest place for me to be honest and real. He does not condemn me…He saves me and helps me grow.

*Learning to practice gratitude refocuses the eyes of my heart and mind on today’s blessings, even in the midst of sorrows and pain. And I can ask, “What am I to learn now, LORD? How should I respond?” to reorient towards the light, search for and focus on the positive, and seek His truth to anchor me when troubles arise.

*Our human selves need rest, refueling, and realignment during and after temporal and spiritual battles. To let go and let God lead the way, and accept the help He brings, carries us into His “peace that passes all understanding.”

As this New Year dawns, may our hope in the LORD be made new each day as we continue to trust in Him. I hope this finds you well during this holiday season, and lifted by God’s amazing gift of Christ’s birth. He is the Light!

Nehemiah 10:8b NLT: “This is a sacred day before our LORD. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”

If you or someone you know is tiptoeing through a hard season, or needs a place to pause in the comforting shadows of God’s wings, please grab a copy or share this devotional link with them:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT515VPQ/

God bless and keep you and yours throughout this New Year! Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I’d love to hear how God is meeting you in yours.

With love,

Sherry

You can find links to all my books on my Amazon author page here: https://amazon.com/author/sherryvycitalyork

Or click on “Books” on DewUponTheArbor.com

This Christmas Evening

The sunny sky slowly gave way to dusk, the silence and holiness of peace deepening in the darkening room. A warm fire glowed from the television screen, a Yule Log program of Christmas songs recorded on the DVR last year.

As I sat, read, and contemplated the blessings of Christmas, ambiance and a sense of warmth snuggled me beneath my new Christmas shawl, the perfect comfort from dear husband. “You need the smell of burning wood,” he suggested. I thought of striking a match, but was too comfy to move as memories, and the waft of an early dinner tickled my nose.

God’s incredible love for us permeated the stillness. And the scene of burning logs ignited memories of so many Christmases over many decades. Soft carols played, the instrumental ones especially weaving around and resting in my spirit like my shawl.

Indeed, what a rich blessing to have warmth and love and good cheer this season, a gift available every day. Peace in a restless world. Peace, like tiny pinpricks of stars, lighting homes and hearths and hearts across the world. Tiny portals of heaven reaching earth through the love of one person for another.

Peace came in silence, through a small manger in a tiny place long ago, beneath a shining star, it’s burning purity now reflected in the flames of fire. The Light of the World came in the dimness of night to bring peace into the darkened hearts of all mankind.

Wherever or however you find yourself this Christmas evening, may the pure, holy love of the Savior fill you with the promise, light, and hope He offers. God bless you as you think of Him and thank Him for Christmas Day!

With love to you and yours!

~~~

Luke 2:11 NKJV “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

John 1:5 NKJV “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

No Longer A Dead Dog

The astounding gift of grace God offers us, and a testament of His love and character, is beautifully exemplified in the Old Testament story of Mephibosheth.

After his father and grandfather were killed in war, Mephibosheth lived in Lo-debar. Crippled in both feet from age five, he had no home of his own and no inheritance.

Was he looked down upon? Did he feel broken or not good enough? Was he bullied, an outcast? Did his disability define him?

King David vowed to restore Mephibosheth’s inheritance, show him kindness, and invite him to eat daily at the king’s table. He further honored him by ordering servants to tend his land.

Like Mephibosheth, each of us have things that make us feel like a dead dog. Things that leave us wanting in a comparative world. It’s amazing that God offers to adopt us as cherished members of His family, provide for us, and invite us to sit at His table, no matter our limitations. He promises to transform and heal us.

To embrace such gifts we, too, must accept the king’s terms, leave our Lo-debar, and follow. What joy that no matter our lack of qualifications, we are offered such favor from the King of All Kings.

This holiday season will you accept King Jesus’ invitation to come to His table?

More about God’s amazing favor, and how to accept His invitation, may be found in my 21-day devotional “Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark.” Get your copy here:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT515VPQ/

And…if you know someone who is walking through shadows, please consider surprising them with a copy, or sharing this email with them. Thank you.

Blessings and Merry Christmas,

Sherry💞

When Family Wounds Run Deep

Why the ongoing dissent in so many families? Irreconcilable differences, anger, unforgiveness, walls of not-talking. Where are You, LORD, as family members estrange each other?

We are all broken people trying to survive. It hurts when some choose others as their “family,” distance themselves, and leave us bewildered. Our hearts are shredded when differences crucify our relationships.

Nothing can be mended if people won’t hear one another, put aside judgment, and listen. Can we find forgiveness? What if our woundedness is so great that human intervention is too puny?

I think of Jesus’ suffering when He was nailed to the Cross. Jesus, who demonstrated perfect Love, was judged, rejected, and crucified. Misunderstood. Abandoned. Estranged. And yet, He forgave.

I pray the fracturing blows families experience will not be a death knell, but the laying bare of wounds to be cleansed. That by facing truth, families may be made whole. Only with hope of healing can we bear the pain. May we seek God that we may better love one another.

I share more about healing family wounds in my 21-day devotional “Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark.” Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT515VPQ/

And…if you know someone who is walking through shadows, please consider surprising them with a copy, or share this email with them. Thank you!

Blessings to you and your family,

Sherry💞

The Inheritance God Offers

Have you prepared your will? Put things in motion to leave an inheritance?

When my parents passed, their gifts were set according to their desires. God, our Heavenly Father, also has bequests for us. His Will began before our conception. He already knew us.

While reading Ephesians 5, I was reminded of receiving an inheritance in God’s kingdom. This world is temporal—it will crumble. Yet our spirits will live on, in eternal life with God or separated from Him.

God has revealed His Will. An inheritance none of us earn. It pivots on our accepting His terms. As we come to know Him, He teaches us, prepares us to receive our eternal inheritance, and allows us to begin enjoying it now.

How do I respond? Am I a toddler throwing a tantrum? A belligerent teenager? An angry adult refusing treatment from the Great Physician? Perhaps I am all of these at various times. Yet, God is generous and loving, and has paid the ultimate price for you and me.

Learn more about God’s inheritance in my 21-day devotional “Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark.” Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT515VPQ/

Blessings,

Sherry💞

When Clods Are Thrown At You

Some days the clarion call in our lives is “Incoming! Take cover!”

Battle worn and weary, we wonder: “When will it end? When will peace come again? How do we navigate through?” How do we find our sea legs in an unending storm?

Second Samuel 16:5–14 records King David’s experience when his son Absalom conspired to overthrow him. Though bone weary and sick at heart, David led his loyal followers to safer ground.

Enter Shimei. This divisive man threw clods, kicked up dust, and cursed at David during his weary march. Yet when David’s servants proposed killing Shimei, David trusted in God’s purposes, ignored the attacks, and obeyed God’s law as recorded in Leviticus 19:18 (NLT): “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”

Shimei, from the tribe of Benjamin, was one of God’s people.

When clods are being thrown at me, I’m tempted to return fire, NOW! But this story gives me pause.

Might there be a greater picture than I can see? Do I need to consider what my tormentor is doing, and why? Rein in my fight or flight and seek God’s wisdom and perspective?

Even under fire, one can tune their heart towards peace.

Still pertinent for today are biblical accounts of people facing challenges. The Bible provides wisdom and lessons to bless and preserve us.

Consider more biblical wisdom for your daily challenges in my 21-day devotional “Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark.” Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT515VPQ/

Blessings,

Sherry💞

A New Creation

Recently I read something fascinating about caterpillars becoming butterflies, versus pollywogs becoming frogs.

Pollywogs simply transform—lose their tails and grow legs. These are natural changes of a young creature maturing.

But the caterpillar? It actually dies, and its body liquifies into “caterpillar soup” inside its cocoon or chrysalis. In the process, specialized cells survive, and from these cells, butterfly body parts develop. A caterpillar’s metamorphosis reflects death and resurrection. Being made completely new.

Something magnificent like this happens when we are born anew in Christ. I remember when I finally yielded my life to Him. I stepped into a vibrancy of life I’d never known.

Being born again isn’t a pollywog alteration. The essence of one’s inner being changes as one is made a new spiritual creation. Like the caterpillar that dies before becoming a butterfly, one’s spirit, once dead in sin, is given new life.

Interestingly, some moths remember their caterpillar days. No surprise we struggle with old habits even after our rebirth. As our metamorphosed spirit grows into maturity in Christ, God transforms us to be all He created us to be.

Consider your spiritual journey in my 21-day devotional, “Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark.” Grab your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT515VPQ/

Blessings,

Sherry💞

Sin Versus Error

Hi, friends.

Why does the word “sin” carry such weight? Why won’t the dread of it let go, no matter one’s culture or belief?

The penalty of sin is spiritual death. No one can avoid it.

Thankfully, God has provided the way of escape…the gift of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. A free gift for all who will accept it and believe.

But what happens when believers make mistakes or sin after being saved? How do we cope with the guilt and new condemnation?

How does God respond when we fail or turn away from Him?

A wise friend recently explained: While believers are oriented to following God’s ways, at times we veer off course. We are learning to walk in the Kingdom of God while simultaneously living in the empire of this broken world.

Sin demands condemnation. But an error is a mistake that looks for correction and realignment with God’s truth.

God does not condemn those who seek His forgiveness. He is gentle, waits with open arms, is full of mercy, and everlasting love. He longs to grow us, not condemn us.

As He realigns us with His truth, He transforms us, and walks with us through any consequences we might face from our wrongdoing. God makes a way. His love never fails. He is the Light in our shadows and delights to make our paths straight.

Explore more about God’s tender care in my 21-day devotional, “Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark.”

Here’s the link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT515VPQ/

Blessings,

Sherry 💞

Facing The Lion’s Den

Image by Sylvester Arwin Stanley for Unsplash

“I feel like I’m walking into the lion’s den.”

I looked at my husband with those words hanging between us. My heart pounded. I was about to enter a situation I wasn’t ready for, face something I didn’t have the strength to handle.

The biblical Daniel faced actual lions—thrown into their den for praying to God instead of the king. And miraculously, God shut the mouths of those lions. Daniel survived the night and greeted the king at morning light.

I wasn’t facing physical lions. But the anxiety felt just as real, just as threatening.

Feeling desperate, I talked to God. And by “talked,” I mean I honestly told Him EVERYTHING. (God is a great listener, by the way.) I admitted I was afraid. I confessed I had no idea how to handle what was ahead. I asked Him to go before me and give me peace.

As I stepped in faith, He reminded me that the battle was His all along. Not mine to orchestrate, not mine to win through my own power or intellect or creativity. His.

I survived. I’m alive and well. My fears—instead of me—were thrown into the pit.

Friend, if you’re facing your own lion’s den today, I want you to know: Fear doesn’t come from God. It’s a weapon designed to diminish and destroy us. But when we ask the God of Daniel—the Creator God, the God who sent Jesus, the God whose Spirit lives in those who believe—He walks with us into those terrifying places.

Moment by moment. Step by step. His faithfulness, His power, His love carrying us through.

Lions may roar. But God is still shutting their mouths. What lion’s den are you facing today?

I share more stories of God’s faithfulness in the midst of fear in my 21-day devotional “Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark.” If this resonated with you, I hope you’ll grab your copy here:

Blessings,

Sherry 💞

Light in the Shadows

Thank you to all who joined me during book launch week. Like after birthing a baby, I’m catching my breath since sharing the book into the world.

What joy to share this walk through life with you! For the next several weeks, I plan to share thoughts garnered from “Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark.” I hope they will encourage you.

Today’s thoughts reflect Chapter 3–Walking in Light:

There are times when the light feels far away.

When fear whispers “there’s no hope” and the shadows seem too heavy to bear.

I’ve been there—wandering through uncertainty, heart weighed down, trying to find my footing again.

And right in the middle of it all, God gently reminded me:
“I am still here. My light never dims.”

1 John 1:5b NKJV says,

“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.”

Even when I don’t understand my circumstances, Jesus remains the same—steady, faithful, and near. Like a loving parent comforting a frightened child, He wraps His arms around us until peace begins to rise again.

If you’re in a dim season right now, lift your eyes toward Him. The Light hasn’t left—you may just need to pause long enough to feel its warmth.

Darkness doesn’t get the final word.
Keep walking in the Light, one small, steady step at a time.

For more encouragement like this, visit my book:
“Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT515VPQ/

P.S. I’d love to hear how God has met you in the shadows—share your story in the comments or message me.

Launch Day 2 🎉

Woohoo! 🎉 Launch day 2 is here (three more days to go)!

Get your 21-day devotional, Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark.

It’s discounted now through October 24 (ebook at $0.99 and the print book for $10.99). After then, prices go back up.

Click here to grab your copy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT515VPQ/

I pray this devotional will bless you as you walk through your life’s shadows. May you find renewed hope and peace.

Thank you for sharing this info with others, and on your platforms. You are greatly appreciated!

Here’s the link, again, to leave a short review: http://bit.ly/4haI8Pl

Blessings, friends!

Sherry💞🍁

https://amazon.com/author/sherryvycitalyork

Book Launch Week!

Hi, friends! Launch week for my 21-day devotional, “Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark,” is here! 🎉

Please pray this offering will reach where the LORD wills…I feel like a child with a few loaves and fishes, excited to see what the LORD will do!

Ebook and print book prices are discounted October 20-24.

You can get it here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT515VPQ/

To leave a review, click here:

http://bit.ly/4haI8Pl

Thank you, and blessings! 💞🍁

Walking Through Shadows: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark

Hi, friends,

I’m excited to announce my new 21-day devotional, now available on Amazon! Inspired by my journey through different life shadows (challenges), I hope these devotions will help you walk through yours.

Where is the light when darkness of the world overshadows you and steals your joy? Do you feel confused, lost, overwhelmed? Have answers eluded you? Do hard seasons seem to never end?

You are not alone.

Life’s shadows cause us to pause. They bring an invitation to draw closer to God. Confusion and pain are a signal to pay attention. God holds the answers to your physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns.

You are deeply loved and valued, no matter your problems.

• God cherishes you.

• His arms are always wide open.

• He knows how to guide you towards healing.

• It is never too late to come to Him.

In this 21-day devotional, you will find quiet space to sit with God, and honestly bring your shadows to Him. Each day’s devotion offers Scripture, reflection questions, action steps, and prayer.

Come. Walk through shadows. Let God gently restore your peace, strengthen your hope, grow your faith, and shed light on your path.

***

An official “launch” will happen later this month (October 20-24).

If you’d like to be a part of my launch team (leave a review on Amazon and share this book to your platforms), I’ll be dropping the ebook price to 99 cents during that time. My prayer is that the LORD will encourage many to find hope in their shadows.

Press this link to grab a copy!

https://a.co/d/b77Ydxj

Thank you, again. May the LORD bless you as you walk through your shadows with Him. Much love! 💞

Singing a Miracle of Praise

Time rewound and there I stood, in a New York City apartment, fellowshipping with others and singing praises to God in Holy Spirit song. The JOY of the LORD washed through the room and cascaded through us.

It was 1972. I was in New York for a work-study program at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital, the summer before my last year in nursing school. Somehow, God connected me with other born-again believers while I was there.

Walking in the Spirit was more lighthearted then…before the cares of jobs, marriage, family, and world events tried to snuff out the flame and fire of Jesus in me.

More recently, years of despair and grief over the living loss of our estranged daughter and three grands, and ongoing concern for unbelief and trials in our family, has left my soul and spirit isolated and flat. Sharing with others and several visits with a counselor brought insight, yet the despair remained. Was there no where I could find relief even though I was doing the “give it to God” thing? Then, a precious miracle touched me.

I sat on the couch in the dark and quiet one night after dear hubby retired, and opened a social media post I’d been sent. Another post automatically flipped up and caught my attention. The heavenly song, You are the Almighty God, by Nikos Politis of Thessaloniki, Greece, poured out of my phone and deep into my heart. I played the song over and over, stretching to learn the words and sing along. Pure joy filled and radiated from my spirit as I overflowed with praise.

The next morning, tears washed my face as I explained the experience to my husband. And about the tangible connection I felt to the Holy Spirit…like I had in 1972. The Spirit met me in the depths of my despair, pulled aside the veil in my spirit, and lifted me in holy joy.

“I don’t want to leave this place,” I cried to my husband. “This, this is what I wanted for our family. To be together and worship in the joy of the LORD.” Not just in the rituals and platitudes of expected church behavior, but in the sheer delight of personal, holy, vibrant joy. Jesus calls us to His higher place, to grow and dwell in His Kingdom.

What a demonstration of the LORD’s faithfulness to us! In my weariness of battle and waiting for answers to prayers, that night and since, the LORD showed/s up to reveal His goodness. His peace has remained. He is trustworthy to care for all my loved ones.

It has been so many years since I’ve sensed the freedom of the Spirit in this way. The way I believe we are meant to walk. It has nothing to do with me or my ability or my spirituality…it is all a gift Jesus holds out to every person individually…a vibrancy of life, different than the day to day. In an ongoing season of prayer and trusting, I want to be that person…filled to overflowing with the joy of the LORD.

~~~

LORD, that our family and all could experience You this way. Bring us into community to walk in Your Spirit openly with others whose lives are like ours…who need You desperately and can find solace only in You. Let us lift one another up, be free from the enemy’s 24/7 assaults, and breathe Your Presence. Revive us, again!

Thank You that in our trials, YOU NEVER LEAVE US. All of Heaven’s armies are here to battle for us. WE ARE NEVER ALONE. Let us walk with You every step, every day. Please, Holy Spirit, continue to show us how. Thank You, LORD Jesus. In Your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:25 NLT

“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.” Ephesians 5:18-19 NLT

How Do I Live

How do I live, LORD 
Every day
When here, this place 
This mundane world 
Compares not 
To the joy 
Of beholding Your face 

How do I live 
More willingly 
When I’d rather sit 
Never stray from Your feet 
Listen, refill
Listen, learn 
Listen, heal 

How do I live 
To leave behind 
Something outlasting 
The breath of my life 
Something that magnifies 
The delight found only 
In glorious You 

You called me young 
To seek and find 
To know You, LORD 
Show me 
How to live these remaining days
Fulfilling Your purpose 
For Your glory

Let not my choices defer me from
The assignment You’ve given 
Shepherd me always 
Keep me aligned 
Soften my heart 
Sharpen me ears 
Hold me close in Your arms 

~~~

LORD Jesus, all glory, honor, and praise to Your Holy Name. You are the King of Glory. Open all hearts to You. Amen. 

Psalm 24:7 NLT
“Open up, ancient gates!
Open up, ancient doors,
and let the King of glory enter.”

Potter and Clay

Matt Tommey’s reel on The Thriving Christian Artist today on Facebook reminded me of who I am…clay in the Potter’s hands.

It gave me pause to consider again the “design of my life, the position of my heart, the gifts I’ve been given.”

LORD, am I malleable clay, is my heart soft, does my mind follow willingly? Am I living life as I should, fulfilling the purpose and design you have for me…within the freedoms of choice You have given?

This gift of life is incredible. So easy to grab on to the world’s shiny things, run after what feeds my wants, take advantage of what builds me up, speeds me along…till I realize LORD…You are the very air I breathe, and without You there is no life.

In the quiet days, or busy ones, or hard ones where my strength is swallowed up, am I malleable clay, is my heart soft, does my mind follow willingly? Is my decreased enthusiasm to go and do reflect failure, or are these times of gentle rest a gift from You?

Thank You, LORD, for being here when life is different than I thought, when I am different than I thought, when my choices have brought me to where I am. Thank You for being here, remembering me…I am not a forgotten vessel, old and of little use…Your hands hold me still. You never let go. Please, let me remain malleable, for Your purposes, for Your design…a vessel recognizable as made by You. Not a counterfeit, but genuinely Yours, reflecting You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Isaiah 64:8 NLT “And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.”

2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ARikqGSdw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Fighting Me

From Image by TheDigitalArtist for Pixabay

Fighting the “I don’t want to” 
Selfish tantrums reveal 
Unredeemed parts of me 
Needing to bow down 
Before the LORD 
For His will 

Immature places 
Not yet transformed 
Humble me 
Frustrate, yet 
Broken places are where 
Living water may pour in 

Come, Holy Spirit, come! 
Redeem my earthly soul 
Make my mind, emotions, will 
Align with transformed spirit life 
Cease the fighting twixt 
My self and reborn me 

~~~

Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your light shining in my dark places, revealing hidden things, releasing them to fly away. Illuminate the labyrinth. Let me dwell and be and always reflect Your Light of day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Romans 8:13-15 NKJV 
“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’”

A Mama’s Prayer

Help her to rise, again, from the floor 
In Your strength, LORD 
Not just her own 
Help her to realize every breath
Is a gift from You 

Guide and direct her every choice
Though she might deny Your name 
Land her where she’ll safely grow 
Into the warmth of Your embrace 
Find her rest in You 

Keep her children close at hand 
As they enter a different world 
Surprise them with joy and meet them there 
Reveal Your presence guiding them 
Protect and keep them safe

Soften hearts and open eyes 
Cast off fear and want to flee 
Give them wisdom to clearly see 
The paths You open up for them 
Draw each close to You 

Surround them with those who know You well 
Speak into their wounded hearts 
Let their adventure be the start 
Of coming home, LORD
Of coming home to You 

~~~

LORD, thank You for holding my loved ones in Your everlasting care. Nothing separates them from Your Love. I love You, LORD. I trust You. Into Your hands I give my loved ones…again. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Proverbs 16:9 NKJV 
“A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.”

Proverbs 19:21 NKJV
“There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand.”

Hebrews 4:13 NKJV
“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Softly Changing Clouds

The clouds were soft today 
A gift, to gentle sun’s blinding rays 
Take the spotlight off reality 
Loved ones soon moving far away 

Excitement and despair 
Waves lapping and cresting 
Leak tears held at bay 
Lest emotion bring a drowning flood 

The clouds know this gathering weight 
Wisps turned cottony then 
pregnant with rain 
Not yet free to fall 
Slowly anticipating release 

Suspended they wait at mercy of the wind 
Gathering together evaporated tears
Shielding broken hearts 
Choosing to be brave 

Moments and memories silently drift 
Arise with discarded and donated things 
Forgotten then repurposed 
To share the blessing 

Over all, the gathering clouds 
Whisper a reminder 
All is well even now in the midst 
Of changing things 

~~~

LORD, thank You for the ongoing assurance that in You all is well. You are our Light and tend the light each of us carry, whether it is flickering or flaming bright. Thank You we can rest in Your unchanging Love. Bring those who do not yet trust Your gift of grace into Your indescribable peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Psalm 36:5 NLT
“Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.”

Psalm 32:8 NLT
“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.”

No Condemnation

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 NLT

NO CONDEMNATION! My heart burst this morning as the Holy Spirit reminded me of this truth. No matter the state of my world, my soul can rejoice in this unmatchable and astounding gift Christ gives through His death and resurrection.

NO CONDEMNATION! Think of it! Have you allowed yourself time to soak in this truth? Wrap your mind in it? Receive it, claim it, speak it…let it sink into every part of you? And when the accuser throws his darts and wounds, brings up all your hidden guilt, regrets, and offenses and tries to steal your joy in the LORD, can you stand up to him and proclaim, “I am a beloved child of God! In Christ, I am forgiven!”

If you struggle with self condemnation, or the accumulation of condemnation from others, bring whatever condemnation you hold within yourself, name it and set it before God. Talk with Him about it. RECEIVE the forgiveness and freedom Christ brings to you. If you must ask for forgiveness from others, or extend forgiveness and grace to them, and find that difficult, ask the Holy Spirit to help you. He will walk with you through the process, no matter how long it takes. He will heal you from every condemnation, every last shred of it.

What a GIFT! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

~~~

LORD, thank You for freeing us from all condemnation. Help us claim this freedom, believe it, and walk in newness of life. Heal our minds, emotions, and spirits. Bring us fully into Your Light. Let joy and gratitude overflow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“I have swept away your sins like a cloud.
I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist.
Oh, return to me,
for I have paid the price to set you free.” Isaiah 44:22 NLT

God bless and keep you and yours this Holy Week, and all your days!

In the Field of Favor

Lord, You have created me 
On purpose for a purpose 
To glorify You, share Love 
Be a part of bringing
The Kingdom of God to earth  
As Your Holy Spirit lives in me 

Who am I, LORD
But a tiny flower blooming 
In Your endless field of grace 
One small addition  
Exquisite and unique 
Created for a lifetime
To bloom in Your design 

I can only fulfill as You infuse
The purpose for my being 
How the expression emerges 
The colors, the fragrance, the form
Supple or brittle 
In arid places or valleys green 

When winds and storms 
Darkness of night 
Near break me 
And I’m unsure if my roots will cling 
Or if will I be flung away 
You reach down and hold me 

Your favor, LORD, unending 
Helps me to be 
All You’ve created in me 
I am content to bloom, a small flower 
Tended always by You 
My Creator and Loving King

~~~

Thank You, Father for Your mercy, grace, and unending love. May You be glorified in every way. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Isaiah 40:8 NLT
“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”

A Human?

“Oh, I thought you were a human,” tripped through my sleepy brain. My eyes fluttered open, then shut again. Who spoke those words? Were they for me, or for someone or something else? How weird. It made no sense.

Yes, I am a human. I sat up in the silence, covers wrapped to my chin. What was the significance of this odd phrase? And why was I chewing on it? A few possibly related scenarios floated in and out of my mind: Pinocchio, Peter Pan’s shadow, a dog meeting a robot, a cat snuggled in a statue’s arms, the way my numbed self feels when life goes sideways.

At a Bible study meeting yesterday, the words God the Holy Spirit caught my eye. When LORD Jesus departed earth, He sent His Spirit to dwell in, teach, help, and comfort believers; to remind them of all Jesus taught of God’s Truth. I know and have have experienced Holy Spirit in many ways through decades of honestly talking over my problems with Him, and relying on Him to guide and teach me. This morning, my understanding of our relationship shifted a bit. The Spirit is not a tag along to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is God.

It might seem “elementary, my dear Watson,” yet this small revelation was another glimpse at our amazing God. As I paddle foot through my days, long to understand life’s challenges, stay afloat through relationship lessons of guilt and grief, and endeavor to land on all fours when life upends, God the Spirit loves me enough to dwell in me.

I realized, in my dependency on and friendship with Holy Spirit, my neglect of properly worshipping Him. Not in place or form so much as in taking my intense focus off searching to understand and taking more time to honor God the Spirit, who loves and cares to live in me every second of every day. To worship Him in new ways…give back to Him. I recognize the Holiness of God the Father and Jesus the Son. How do I see the Holiness of the Spirit living within me?

Has my comfortable intimacy with Him been reduced to, “Oh, I thought you were a human” in the sense of a casual attitude rather than holy relationship? Slogging along with less than proper gratitude for His sticking with me? Or, may I simply say “thank You” for this peace that passes all understanding…evidence of His transforming grace?

It’s thrilling to grow deeper in the Spirit, this Third Person of the Trinity, and pour my gratitude and love back into Him. To open my heart more, become more teachable and willing for Him to grow me to be more like Christ. God the Father desires this for each of His children. LORD Jesus the Son bridged the way for intimate relationship with the Father. Holy Spirit dwells within to complete the transformation of my reborn spirit.

What a way to wake up!

A few minutes later, still sitting in bed and thinking on these things, I had to laugh. Had God humorously let me off my self-condemnation hook with a flash of insight and a wry remark…?

“Oh, I thought you were a human…”

Indeed, I am. And He, Praise God, is God!

~~~

LORD, thank You for loving and lifting me. Help me to worship You in Spirit and in Truth. To bow my heart before You in gratitude. And to know You fully. Thank You for Your unending Love and Grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 4:23 NLT “But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.”

HONESTY

Grabbed onto or slowly faced
Honesty is but the start
Of healing wounded shattered selves
Of clearly seeing hearts

From retreat to near approach
With trembling questions wondered
Do I really want to face
Those buried hurts down under?

Please…I do…I must for sure
If ever to be free
From the seep of festered wounds
Into the heart of me

Like onion layers peeled back
Slowly or with vigor
Overwhelming airs reveal
My bitters to surrender

When leaning into honesty
My guard tenderly withheld
Those fearful awful things I’ve hid
Fly free through Truth beheld

When someone spears my wounded heart
Or I have caused them pain
Forgiveness birthed in honesty
Builds bridges once again

And if the other won’t receive
Give forgiveness back to me
Still the hand of Love’s reached out
Frees me in honesty

~~~

LORD, You know my heart, the ways I try to protect myself, cling to my point of view. Let me come before You in honesty. Give me courage to see where I have erred, and to seek forgiveness to those I’ve hurt. Help me to forgive others, and myself, and place in Your arms the consequences of torn relationships. Please pour out Your grace and reconciliation to heal our wounded hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Zechariah 8:16 HCSB
“These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, make true and sound decisions within your gates.”

Colossians 3:13-14 NLT
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”

It’s Never Too Late

Have you been dwelling
Deep in the coal mine 
Blackened by hard things 
So dark you can’t see 

Stuck in the mud pits 
Like mastodon captured
Doomed to be buried
Beneath sucking muck

Lost in the desert 
Dying for water
Stung by the scorpion 
Vultures wait near 

Frozen to standstill 
In icy weather 
Snow heaped upon you 
Ice forming its shell 

Or deep underwater 
Pulled low in regrets 
Hope all expended 
While you drown in the depths 

It’s never too late 
To say YES to the Savior 
Cry out for JESUS is all you need say 
He’s with you already                               Reaching to lift up 
To clear all the burdens 
And give you new breath 

He’s there in the coal mine
Walks through the mud pits
Waters the desert 
Heals all the stings 
Thaws all the coldness 
Breaks all the barriers 
Reaches and rescues 
Is there in the deep

Nowhere to run to
To hide from His presence
His hands are outstretched 
Bidding all come 
All that is needed 
To receive His salvation 
Is willing submission…
New life His to bring 

*

LORD Jesus, I come now 
My weary soul battered 
From pride and my self will 
Rude, uncouth things 
Draw me, please, closer
Show me Your true Love 
My heart in Your Heart 
Where Holiness sings 

Teach me to live, LORD 
Let me bow humbly 
Ask for forgiveness 
In all honesty
I’m embarrassed and frightened 
Yet truth deep inside me 
Cries, save me, LORD Jesus 
Beyond worldly things

Lift my eyes upwards 
To gaze at Your Beauty 
I give You my whole self 
Confess all my sins 
I accept the refinement 
That comes with Your Fire 
Trade my marred garments 
For Your Righteousness 

Come, Holy Spirit 
Teach my spirit Your ways 
Give understanding 
Of eternal things 
And help me draw others 
To know of this freedom 
Rejoice with You always 
In new life Christ brings 

Thank you, God, Father 
For making the way clear 
To be rescued and transformed 
From my lowly state 
To be all You’ve desired 
Reflect Your love through me
Gladden this dark world 
With Your Holy Light  

~~~

Thank You, LORD, for Your unfailing mercy and grace. For coming into this world not to condemn, but to save. Thank You for Your indwelling Holy Spirit to teach and transform us…Your everlasting presence within us. Thank You, LORD, for Your amazing Love!   
In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

John 3:16-17 NKJV 
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

John 14:26 HCSB
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.”

Isaiah 41:10 HCSB
“Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”