WATCHWORD WEDNESDAY: Seaworthy

" 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place 

and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves 
in a boat to a solitary place." 

―Mark 6:30–32, NIV

My husband's old wooden boat began to take on water―again. The puddle of water encircling his new Sperry Top-Siders was a telltale sign that he had patched it far too many times. As he paddled his way to shore, he knew it was time to invest in a new boat. After all, what good is a boat that won’t float?

We all want to be vessels God can use. Is your boat seaworthy? Or are you simply struggling to stay afloat?

Jesus knew the wearying effects of service and the importance of taking a break from its ceaseless demands. He invited the disciples to come away with him to a quiet place. They welcomed his invitation to rest. We should welcome it too.  

Scripture invites us to cast our cares on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7). Is there some baggage you need to cast aside before you step into the boat? 

Let’s stabilize our boats this week. We can assure our boat stays afloat by laying our baggage at the feet of Jesus and prayerfully considering each piece. He will show us the pieces we need for our journey and those we need to leave behind.

Now it's your turn. Make a list of the things you believe are adding to your boat’s instability. Then ask, “Is this a piece I need to throw overboard, something only God can eliminate, or something I need to hold on to?” 

God is looking for a steady boat. Toss the extra baggage and make room for his presence.

I welcome your comments.

Blessings,
Starr

WATCHWORD WEDNESDAY: Wonderstruck

"When I consider your heavens,
      the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
      which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
      human beings that you care for them?
You have made them a little lower than the angels
      and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
      you put everything under their feet."
―Psalm 8:3-7, NIV

As an artist, I can't even begin to imagine placing my finished work, my masterpiece, into the hands of a small child. One who can't even begin to fathom or appreciate the time, the heart, and the emotion invested into its creation process. Yet, God has done just that.

God, the Master Artist, crowned us with glory and entrusted the work of his fingers into our hands―the hands of his children.

He is faithful, even when we are faithless. Oh, that I would trust him as much as he trusts me. However, I can't wrap my mind around that either.

Now it's your turn. What is one thing about our Creator or his creation that leaves you wonderstruck?

Please leave a comment.

Blessings
Starr

WATCHWORD WEDNESDAY: It is Written

"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. 

 So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

―Romans 1:20, NLT

Our handwriting is as unique to us as our fingerprints. Its characteristic style can serve as a blueprint of our minds. Though not an exact science, handwriting analysis reveals individualized markers of our personality and character. The examination of the strokes of our handwriting can uncover specific thought patterns, emotions and behavior. Our handwriting may change due to current circumstances and moods, however, the characteristics of our basic personality remain the same.

Accordingly, the broad creative strokes of God throughout our universe reveal not only his existence but give us glimpses into his divine nature. His character is as diverse as his creation, yet he is the same yesterday, today and forever. From the smallest insect to the most majestic mountain range or deepest ocean, the revelation of his innate beauty is clearly seen.

Scripture declares that the earth is filled with God's glory―this wondrous hallmark of his presence leaves me breathless. How about you?

Take deliberate steps today to notice your surroundings and expect to see His signature there.

Now it's your turn. Although God's handwriting is everywhere, where do you see it most clearly? Also, feel free to copy and use this image without altering its content.

Please leave a comment.

Blessings,

Starr

SUNDAY SOLACE: It's A New Day

"What day is it?"

"It's today," squeaked Piglet.

"My favorite day," said Pooh."

―A. A. Milne

Double Take: Bloomer Drawers

Clean out the clutter and replace it with something sweet.

 

"In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things 

that are good and that deserve praise: things 

that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and honorable." 

―Philippians 4:8, GNT

Jesus said to his disciples, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see" (Luke 20:23). Because of our hurried lifestyle, we often miss what God intends for us to see each day.

For the blind man in Mark 8, it took a second touch from Jesus and a second look at his surroundings to bring life clearly into focus.

Be attentive. Take a second look around you and allow God to reveal his magnificent presence in the commonplace.


Through my blog feature, Double Take, I hope you'll be inspired to leave a caption or quote and scripture verse for one of today's photos. I chose the first one to spark your creativity. Now what's your take?

Please leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

He's Alive!

"He is not here; HE IS RISEN . . . just as He said!"

Matthew 28:6, NIV

HAPPY EASTER!

The late S.M. Lockridge once presented an incredible message, 
describing our God and who He is. Though God can't be described with 
just words, this is about as close as one can get.

It is Finished!

Jesus called out with a loud voice, 

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

When he said this, he breathed his last.

―Luke 23:46, NIV

(The Accomplishment, an oil painting done by my father)
 

Christ came from The Father.

From His first breath to His last, He was committed to doing His Father's will.

As He finished the work He was given to do, He returned to His Father's care.
For us, He gave His all.

Commit your every breath into the hands of The Father.
Give Him your all and love Him to the end.
In the end, it's all that will matter.

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

 Video: Hallelujah
Please take the time to view Kelley Mooney's approved Easter adaptation
of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". Beautiful!

Christ Crucified

And Jesus said, 

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” 

And they cast lots to divide his garments.
―Luke 23:34, ESV

Why take a chance on your destiny?

You have a choice.

Choose Christ!

Video: It's Friday, but Sunday's Comin'

by S. M. Lockridge



S. M. Lockridge (1913 – 2000), was the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, a prominent African-American congregation located in San Diego, California, from 1953 to 1993. He was known for his preaching across the United States and around the world. 

Double Take: Dump the Dirt

Jesus said to his disciples, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see" (Luke 20:23). Because of our hurried lifestyle, we often miss what God intends for us to see each day.

For the blind man in Mark 8, it took a second touch from Jesus and a second look at his surroundings to bring life clearly into focus.

Be attentive. Take a second look around you and allow God to reveal his magnificent presence in the commonplace.

Through my interactive blog feature, Double Take, I hope you'll be inspired to leave a caption and scripture verse for one of the two photo's below. I chose the first one to spark your creativity. Now what's your take?

Hauling and spreading dirt is no child's play. 

"Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts. 

Don't talk our of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep you eyes straight ahead' ignore all sideshow distractions. 

Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. 

Look neither right or left leave evil in the dust." 

―Proverbs 4:23-27, MSG

Now . . . what's your take? What caption or quote and scripture would you tag to either of the two photos? 

Please leave a comment. Would love to hear from you. 

 

Double Take: It's Either Black or White

Jesus said to his disciples, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see" (Luke 20:23). Because of our hurried lifestyle, we often miss what God intends for us to see each day.

For the blind man in Mark 8, it took a second touch from Jesus and a second look at his surroundings to bring life clearly into focus.

Through my blog feature, Double Take, I hope you're inspired to take a second look around you so that God can reveal his magnificent presence in the commonplace.

I earned my stripes . . . but on His back He bore them!

"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; 

the chastisement of our peace was upon him; 

and with his stripes we are healed."

―Isaiah 53:5, ASV

Now it's your turn. What does "with his stripes we are healed" mean to you?

Please leave a comment.

Tee Word of the Day: Opportuni-Tee

"When opportunity knocks, open the door."

"Jesus said, ‘No procrastination. No backward looks.

You can’t put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.'"
—Luke 9:62, MSG

Today, I am 23,846 days old. (Go ahead. I’ll wait. I know you’re tallying it up.) Sounds as if Methuselah is my next of kin, doesn’t it? According to the U. S. Social Security Administration’s life expectancy calculator, I can expect to live another 21.3 years, or another 7,774 days. As I look at this number in relation to the days I have already lived, it puts my life in sobering perspective.

An Irish saying contends, “When God made time, he made plenty of it,” and yet, we can identify with the White Rabbit’s dilemma in Alice’s wonderland as he scampers through life exclaiming, “I’m late. I’m late, for a very important date. No time to say ‘Hello, Good-bye.’ I’m late, I’m late, I’m late!”

We scurry behind schedule; we dart ahead of it, and in reality, we race past God-given doors of opportunity. We simply can’t add anything more to our schedules.

Prioritizing our time and investing it wisely, instead of spending it irresponsibly, should be our aim. Scripture exhorts us to allow God to “teach us to number our days aright, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, NAS).

Slow down! Breathe. Spend quiet moments with the Father of time. Consider the brevity of life and devote your heart to true wisdom―a wisdom only imparted to us by his Spirit. The previous moment has passed, and the subsequent moment may never come. This moment is all we have.

What shall I do with the next 7,774 days of my life? Apply my heart to wisdom. Number my days “aright.” Seize each new day of opportunity, and MAKE IT COUNT.

Now it’s your turn. Use the following link to calculate the potential days you have left to be productive for God. 

Is there a door of opportunity you need to open? 

Please leave a comment.

U. S. Social Security Administration’s life expectancy calculator website: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/population/longevity.html

Rainy Days and Mondays

"The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous."

―Psalm 146:8, NIV

For those who survived the mind-bending seventies―an era marked by anti-war protests, women's lib, bell-bottom pants, lava lamps and Saturday Night Fever―the soft, compelling voice of Karen Carpenter was a welcome respite to the psychedelic acid rock and hippie subculture of the day.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut in 1950, Karen and her brother, Richard, released more than a dozen hit records by the time she was twenty-four. Less than ten years later she was gone, a victim of heart failure brought on by anorexia nervosa, a devastating eating disorder the general public knew little about until her death. Known by her friends to be goofy and fun loving, Karen also suffered from serious personal issues. She struggled to feel loved and accepted.

On this rainy Monday morning, the words to Karen’s 1971 Top 100 hit, Rainy Days and Mondays, have been rolling through my mind. Unexpected but welcomed, I noticed the words to her song contain the spiritual answer to her pain and the heartache many people in today’s culture experience.

Listen to the words of this timeless song at the link below. If you can relate to their message, please "run and find the One who loves you." God desires to lift you up on this rainy Monday.

Now it's your turn. How do rainy Monday's make you feel? What are some of your favorite things to do on a rainy day?

Please leave a comment.

HOPE WAITS

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope."

―Psalm 130:5, NIV

Few of us want to hear the word wait. Yet, waiting consumes a large portion of our lives.

We wait in long lines,
     
     in traffic jams,

          for appointments,

               for test results.

We wait for a new job,
    
     for a telephone call,

          for Spring,

               for a baby's birth.

We wait for the salvation of a loved one,
    
     for restoration,

          for answers to prayer,

                 for revelation.

We wait on God!

Waiting is never easy, but a time of waiting can be a period of significant productivity. It is during seasons of waiting that God performs his deepest work which produces life's greatest fruit. Even knowing this, it is difficult to sustain our hope in times of delay.

Now it's your turn. What is something you do during an extended time of waiting that enables you to remain hopeful?

Please leave a response.

FAN INTO FLAME

"Fan into flame the gift which is in you."

―2 Timothy 1:6, NIV

Residents of our county woke up this morning to the news of a string of five fires that broke out during the night. The causes of the fires are under investigation. Officials say that there is a possibility that all the fires are connected and are calling them “very suspicious.” The intent of those who ignited the fires was to destroy.

A string of fires also broke out among a group of writers this past weekend. It is obvious that all of the fires are connected. The cause of a sudden burst of flames among so many was the Write2Ignite Conference in Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina. At times, the heat was intense but the intention of the event organizers was not to destroy. It was to build up those who desire to ignite fires in the hearts of future generations. 

God’s Word instructs us to “Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6). That is exactly what this conference did in me and in the hearts of many who attended. The endless hours and selfless efforts of those who ignited these fires are to be commended. Their dedication and love for God and the spread of his Word is “very suspicious.” In fact, now that all of the evidence is in, I’d say they are liable.
 
Thank you, Write2Ignite organizers and presenters! May God be your very great reward.

Now it's your turn. Who in your life has fanned the flame of the gift within you? 

Please leave a response.

Tee Word of the Day: Socie-tee

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility 

value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests 

but each of you to the interests of the others."

―Philippians 2:3-4, NIV

Several years ago, my daughter received a T-shirt for her birthday that read, “It’s all about me, me, me. Get over it!” I never let her wear the shirt as the sentiment sadly reflects the entitlement mentality that is rampant in society today.

In contrast, the text above speaks of exchanging a selfish life for a selfless life. Although this concept may be foreign to many, Christ modeled it well during his brief time on earth. As we choose to walk in harmony with his example by placing the interests of others above our own, his joy will become food for our souls.

Be the hands and feet of Christ today and choose to live a selfless life. Someone you know needs his loving touch.