A Weekly Walk in the Word

1 Corinthians 13:1-8 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Love never fails.

Today is my husband’s birthday. This man is the perfect example of 1 Corinthians 13 love. His love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves and never fails. His unselfish heart loves bigger than any man I know. His giving spirit has been passed onto our children. I thank God every day for blessing me with my life’s partner who has taught how to love unconditionally.

Happy Birthday Love – You are truly a gift from God!

2 Peter 3:13-14 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

This week I experienced a taste of heaven right here on earth! I had the privilege of spending time at my sister’s lake home with my children, parents, sisters, nieces and nephews. We spent our days laughing until we cried and reminiscing our childhood. We spent our evening reflecting on the memories made that day around the fire at the lake’s edge. This is how I envision heaven – celebration of the relationships we established during our tome on earth. Time spent with loved ones and time walking with Jesus. Oh, what a day that will be!

Matthew 13:53-55 When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” They asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?”

My dad is a woodworker. He has crafted many beautiful pieces of furniture over the years, cherished by all who have been fortunate enough to receive one of his stunning pieces. He spends countless hours in his workshop, carefully planning each unique design as he chooses the exact wood to be used. I adore every incredible piece I have received. But even more beautiful than the furniture he has built during his 80 years on this earth, is the family he has built. My dad is the most loving and caring man who selflessly gave his all for his wife, daughters, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. He is an amazing example of a godly man. I am blessed to call him “Dad”.

Jesus grew up as the son of a carpenter. He learned the patience required to build a masterpiece. You are the masterpiece Jesus is working on today.

Happy Father’s Day to all the men who take the time to build strong children. You are a blessing!

Proverbs 1:8-9 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

The school year has wrapped up in our area this week. And what a school year it has been! Congratulations to the students, the teachers and the parents. You have adapted remarkably. Job well done!

As we roll into summer, there may not be assignments to complete or papers to write but learning never ends. This season is the prefect time to dig deeper into Jesus’ teachings. Teach them to your children. Share your personal Jesus story with the little ones in your life. It is an important lesson that could change their life forever.

God bless you as you enjoy the beauty of summer!

Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting: but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

The peonies in Minnesota were in full bloom this past week. It was a good year for the gorgeous backyard flowers. Then overnight a storm rolled through and the beautiful heavy blooms were on the ground…. gone for another year.

Search for God’s beauty in the world. It is everywhere. Beauty can be found in a garden. Beauty can be found in the face of a child. Beauty can be found in your heart. Share God’s lasting beauty with the world.

Surface beauty is fleeting, but beauty from within never fades. God bless you as you enjoy a beautiful summer week!

Luke 6:27-31 “But I tell you who hear me; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Hate and fear have filled the news for weeks. From social media to TV to coworkers all we hear are negative messages. I don’t know about you, but I began to spiral. How will we ever survive these dark times of pandemic, riots and racism?

How do we turn these negative situations into something beautiful? By changing our focus to do good for all people by giving to those in need. Evil has no control over our lives when we have saturated it in love.

Love – I am blessed to know Jesus’ love. And by sprinkling Jesus’ love on others we are able to change the world.

Psalm 34:14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Peace…..

Pray for peace…..

Pray for Minnesota…..

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (The word of God)

1 Chronicles 16:30-33 Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!” Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant and everything in them! Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the Lord.

The trees were singing for joy this week. Rejoice in the beauty the Lord has splashed in your neighborhood. God was really showing off this week. Our backyard was filled with beauty from the flowering trees to the orange oriole eating grape jelly on the deck to the smell of freshly cut green grass and blooming plants.

We live in a beautiful world. Our lives have slowed down over the last couple months. We have been given the gift of time. Time to take longer walks. Time to sit in the backyard. Time to thank God for all the beauty he has given us in nature.

We sing for joy before you Lord, at your splashy show of vibrant colors in our world! Our God Reigns

Psalm 142 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life. I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

The nightly news is filled with COVID-19 stories. Some are uplifting, but most are depressingly sad. It is hard to follow, as the information seems to change daily. Between television and social media, I don’t know what to believe anymore. So, where do you go for your up-to-date, accurate information? I go to the maker and creator of the universe…..

The Bible is literally the best book every written. David, who wrote Psalm 142, lived in 1000 BCE. I am in awe at how his words written over 3000 years ago remain relevant today. If you feel anxious about the new normal as the world begins opening up again, fall into the comfort of The Word to find your way.

Praise the name of Jesus! He cares for you. You are loved. You have nothing to fear, for he has set you free from the worries of this world. This week read The Good News instead of listening to the nightly news. You are going to love this relevant page turner!

Psalm 118:24-27 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the alter. You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

REJOICE! God has given you this very special, one of a kind day. How will you spend it? We have so much to be thankful for, even during a world wide pandemic. Place your faith over your fear as you rejoice in all you have been given. Join the festal procession!

Today we pause to rejoice in the gift of motherhood. The strong bond between a mother and child is indescribable. Every child is a blessing from God. Every mother a special gift chosen by God, just for you. I give God thanks, for he is good, the love he has shown me through my mom endures forever.

REJOICE! This is the day the Lord has made. Choose to be glad in it.