- Page 31 of 94 -

The Greatest Father in the Whole World

America observed Father’s Day this month with calls, visits, cards, gifts, and family outings.

For many it was a day to celebrate a strong, loving, wise dad; for others a time set aside to honor his memory.

Not everyone could celebrate the day. Perhaps Dad was abusive, unloving, maybe not even in the picture.

I have good news for all; there is a Father who deserves our honor and praise. His love knows no boundaries; His mercies are forever. He has no favorites.

“I will be a Father to you and you will be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18

My dad was an alcoholic. One minute he may be loving and kind and funny. The next, totally opposite. Many of you can relate. We want to be loved. We wonder what we did wrong.

The greatest Father in the world wants only good for us. He created us to have fellowship with Him. We can trust Him with our deepest secrets and greatest joys.

“… you are our Father, we are the clay, and you are our Potter, we are the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

The greatest Father in the world always guides, directs and disciplines his children in love. He will never, ever forsake His children. We can trust Him.

Read 2 Samuel 7:14-15. Father God’s discipline is for my good. He will never remove His love from me. For 100 Bible verses about God, our Father, click here.

The greatest Father in the world cares for the widows/widowers and fatherless. His love and compassion knows no bounds; we cannot do anything to cause Him to love us less.

“… blessed be the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort others …” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Do you know Him? Do you spend time with Him? He loved you so much He sent His only Son to pay for your sins. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Join me in honoring the greatest Father in the world, this day and every day.

Hugs,

He is preparing a place for His children to be with Him forever (John 14:2). Want to know more? Drop me a note; I am praying for you and your family during these trying times.

Celebrate Freedom Celebrate Life

Celebrate LIfe Celebrate Freedom

Do you celebrate freedom and celebrate life?

Anticipation grew as Randy and Roberta prepared to hoist the American flag on the 20′ flag pole in my front flower bed. I had dreamed of this moment for some years; always longing as I saw a neighbor’s flag waving in the breeze.

I am thankful to have been born in America. I love our country. I want to celebrate and honor those whose lives have paid dearly for our rights. I want to be reminded that it is God that ultimately provides the freedoms we enjoy as a nation.

It is true, our beloved country is a mess right now. Major health issues, riots, murders, language spoken and written not fit to hear. Yes, it is!

By the way, I’m a mess, too! Just like America, I’m not perfect either.

I’ve said things I should not say. Done things very unbecoming of a child of the King. And, my thoughts … well, we won’t even open that can of worms!

Sometimes faith gives way to casting blame, judging others, demanding my voice be heard.

Still, daily I celebrate the One who paid for my freedom. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice. No matter what happens to my world, I can know beyond a shadow of a doubt I have a forever home, secure for all eternity.

So, as my flag waves in the breeze above my roof, I pause to thank God I have a roof. I thank God for every tree and flower; every deer and turkey and wild creature that wanders across our hills. (Well, maybe not every creature!) I have freedom to make choices and a Loving Father to love, forgive, and guide me when those choices are wrong.

And, I pray that for you as well. Never get caught up in the world’s fears and turmoil. Trust God. He is at work. He loves you with a love you cannot comprehend.

If you do not have that peace, please drop me a private note; we can talk about it.

You Can Change Your World Today

You can change your world today.

Does that title seem impossible to you? Overpowering?

Our world right now can be frightening. Fear has gripped our family, friends and neighbors. At this writing, we are cautiously returning to work, to our churches, and stores and restaurants. And I say you can personally change your world? Really?

It’s in the Bible. “When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful, everything seems right!” Proverbs 15:15 TLB

Look closely at the photo above. What do you see? Do you see an old dead stump in need of removal? Do you see grass that needs cut; limbs that need removed?

Or, was the first thing you saw the beautiful pink peony making its way through to bark to the sunshine above?

Read the title again. It reads “your world”! You may not have solutions to the big issues, but you can change your sphere of influence. It is as easy as a smile, a tiny gift, a nod.

“His wrath, you see, is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.” Psalm 30:5 The Voice

All my words are not enough to share with you this truth. I know, I KNOW one smile can change a life. Sing an old song with me: what the world needs now, is love sweet love …! It’s true. Simply smile. Determine today to make someone’s day by giving them a smile.

I carry small snack bags with a couple hard candies and a little encouraging Scripture promise from God. I give them to people who serve me, to people who seem worried, most often to strangers, “Here’s a little hug for you today … God bless you!” They echo my smile and I know for a brief moment, I have changed their world.

By the way, you CAN smile with a mask on; trust me on this one. Stand in front of your mirror with mask on and smile broadly. Look at your eyes twinkle! Give a smile … when you feel like it and when you don’t!

Read my article on simple, inexpensive gifts to hand out freely to all who need encouragement. You can adjust items for the season. I guarantee you will bring hope and peace to others; changing your world one smile at a time!

Here is a truth you can bank on: PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

Hugs (and a big smile),

Please let me know how it’s going with you.