God's Word Girl

Before

I want to share a few familiar passages of scripture with you today in the hope that you, too, will see something you never saw before. Here we go.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 1:1-5 KJV

Now let’s jump to Genesis 1:14-19 KJV:

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

Creation. One of the first things we learn about in Sunday School. It’s so wonderful yet elementary at the same time, isn’t it? Are you scratching your head, wondering why I’ve returned to this simplistic foundation? All these years, all the times I have read and/or listened to the Creation account, I never saw it.

Day One: “Light!”

Day Four: sun, moon, stars.

God created light before He created the sources of light. Isn’t that amazing?

Now, let’s look at another familiar passage.

But 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 KJV

We are healed. Not will be healed, are healed; Old Testament, not New Testament — before the cross.

Don’t you see, Beloved, before there was need, He met it.

Maybe, unlike me, you had these revelations before (see what I did there? 🙂 ) I presented them. Then take what I have brought to you today as a gentle reminder. But if like me, this is the first you really thought about how awesome it is that God provided before we ever had need, then join me in meditating on it, thanking God for it, and sharing it today. It’s a word worth passing on.

LORD, I have brothers and sisters today who are submersed with all kinds of need. Perhaps they can’t sleep soundly and have gone so far as to become ill from worry. May we take Your word to heart today that You have supplied all of our need before there ever was need, no matter what it is: physical, financial, relational, spiritual, emotional — You have provided for everything. May we take our rest and find our peace in this word. May we, in faith, praise You in advance for what You have already provided. Though we may not see the answer yet, we will reap the harvest in due time if we do not grow weary in doing good. Let us also recall that the joy of the LORD is our strength. Add to that, when we feel we may be weakening, let us draw encouragement from fellow believers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Leaning

Before Bob came into my life, I hadn’t had motorcycle experience, but I remember being intrigued by them. I used to like riding in my uncle’s convertible and feeling the wind all around me so reasoned I’d probably like to ride a bike, which I do. I don’t recall hesitating when Bob asked if I’d like to go for a ride. However, the vast difference between car and bike, not having any knowledge, and not wanting to cause a wreck, I had questions.

“I’ve never ridden a motorcycle before. How do I ride with you? What do you want me to do?”

“Lean with me,” he simply replied. “The only thing you need to do is lean with me.”

We have had many wonderful rides since then over the course of years.

Close to two months ago we were out for an impromptu ride. I was gazing into the blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds, praying in the Spirit, when I all of the sudden felt the bike go a little tilt beneath me. The air was filled with the screeching of our tires as Bob braked. We had come upon an intersection with two stop signs — we had the through. Bob had slowed a little at first as it appeared the approaching car wasn’t going to stop at his stop sign. The driver slowed. Bob resumed. The driver didn’t stop after all. I was thankful to God for keeping us upright and proud of Bob for the way he handled our large cruiser; that could have gone bad in any number of different ways. I was also thankful that I hadn’t been paying much attention or I might have been contrary and moved in such a way that prevented Bob from maneuvering properly.

We hadn’t been out much since then, maybe once or twice. After church one Sunday we decided to trek out to a restaurant that had been recommended to us by family. The partly overcast sky and little rain we did have alleviated the humidity to where it was tolerable enough to wear a helmet and jeans for our ride. It was a beautiful day. The meal was delicious and plenteous. It was a good day to be on a bike . . . except for . . .

. . . I confessed to Bob that I was flinching. Not so much on lone roads, but where there was traffic, in particular, intersections. Guess our near hit got into my psyche and I was having automatic reactions — namely, stiffening up.

“Lean with me.”

I can’t imagine there’s anyone out there who hasn’t prayed a specific prayer and knew that you knew that you knew that it was a done deal . . . until it wasn’t. What you prayed for, what you believed for, didn’t happen quite like you expected. Or when you expected. Have you, like me, after experiencing such disappointments, feel like you are “stiffening up”, like the wheels came out from underneath you or your world’s gone sideways? Maybe like me, you pray anyway because that’s what you do, but then there’s this automatic flinch inside, and no matter how much you try to put it down, it comes up when you think you see something that shouldn’t be there coming from the corner of your eye. I hate that fearful uncertainty when it comes; I hate it more when I find myself cracking the door for it to come in.

The LORD says, “Lean with Me. Let Me be in control. Don’t bail. I’ll keep us upright; we won’t spill.”

I’m not responsible for the drivers coming the other way, the what ifs, and the how comes. I’m just to lean with Him, follow His lead. Yeah, I admit to having a few knee-jerk reactions, but I’m still willing to straddle the seat behind Him and let Him lead us where He will. Will I flinch a bit? Sometimes. But I’m not willing to do this thing called life without Him. Like I tell those who are surprised to find out that I’m a biker chick,

“I love to ride, but I’m not driving.”

That’s how it is with Bob and the bike.

So it is with God.

I have this quotation in the back of my Bible: The only thing that will let you down is what you’re leaning on.

Join me today in leaning on the only One Who will never let us down. Let’s lean in, hold on, and enjoy the ride.

A Lesson in Flowers

Photo by Luku00e1u0161 Dlutko on Pexels.com

Beth came in from dumping out the scrap bucket and handed me a little bunch of white flowers that put me in mind of stars.

“I’ve never seen these in our yard before. They’re so pretty, and since Dad said he might mow tonight, I wanted to pick them before they were cut down.”

I don’t know how many flowers do this, a lot I imagine, but these ones open during the day and are closed at night. Beth was relieved to see them open the next day as she feared that picking them had ruined them. That was last week.

The girls and I went for a walk near where the in-laws live. Again, Beth couldn’t resist picking a pretty little Buttercup and giving it to me. Then along the way, Laura did the same. By the time we reached our car the flowers were wilted.

“You may as well toss them,” Beth said, “they look about dead.”

“They’ll perk up in some water,” I said, putting them on the dash where I’d see them and remember to tend to them when we got home.

They were standing straight and tall in their glass of water the following morning.

Lessons learned from these flowers:

Open up to Jesus, Light of the world, and shut out the darkness that opposes Him. Close yourself to mainstream media, social media, doctor’s reports that are contrary to God’s word concerning you, the well meaning advice of those dearest to you that don’t line up to the Word, and especially the toxic chatter that may be taking place in your mind. Take a break. Be still. Make the time to listen to what God is saying. Malachi 4:2 says, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings…” We know Jesus is the Son of God, but isn’t it interesting to find here that He is referred to as the Sun of righteousness? Open up and get your daily dose of the Sun today!
In John 4:7-15 Jesus has an in depth discussion at a well with a Samaritan woman about water. Not just any water, but “the gift of God”. The water He offers He calls “living water” and says whoever drinks it “will never thirst”. “But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life,” says Jesus. Now that’s water worth drinking!

I know this seems simple for God’s Word Girl, perhaps even a little trite, but I like to look at things around me and learn simple life lessons from them; or, be reminded of things I’ve learned. I’ve had many an epiphany going through life with this type of outlook and you will, too.

Are you feeling frazzled? Frustrated? Fatigued? Then join me in taking a lesson from the flowers: Let’s open ourselves up to the gift of God, the Son, and take and drink from the water He offers.

Lamentations — If Only it Was Just a Book in the Bible

Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels.com

A friend and I were lamenting and confessing things to each other recently. Back and forth we volleyed as only those who know each other best can do. Suddenly, I burst out laughing.

“What?” she asks. “I want in on it.”

“God loves me anyway,” I laughed, “ugly and all.”

Yes, my attitude that day was ugly, but the laughter changed that; it triggered joy and conversation on the goodness God poured out on us. I hate complaining. I hate to hear myself complain. There are those couple people in my life who must see my ears as garbage cans because they regularly make dumps. I hate to hear them complain as well.

The truth is, people are going through some awful circumstances lately. There are days when it feels like the walls are caving in; you’ve had them, I’ve had them, and often times if we’re not currently in that situation, we’re crying out to God for those we know who are. There is no one else to whom we can go. And yet …

I see that note I had tacked up so long ago: Complain only to God … and in moderation.

I’m not saying don’t share your griefs; we are called to bear one another’s burdens. But face it, we usually know when we crossed the line from, “Please, HELP!” to “Have I got something juicy to complain about to you!” The first brings relief, the second adds to the landfill inside. Know what will cleanse the second? Laughter and praise, and it does a quick work.

Here’s another tip: When we find our minds filling with the kind of darkness that brings on depression, get in the Word. One cannot stay depressed while in God’s book for therein lies our Hope. Want proof?

“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” Romans 15:4 NLT

“Scriptures give us hope and encouragement…” These are the scriptures I highly recommend to help pull us up out of the mulligrubs:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT

I know, I’ve used this verse before and often, but it bears repeating over and over again. It goes perfectly with the first scripture; we will learn God’s will for us, which is pleasing and perfect, by being in the Word. And the best things to think about while we transform our thoughts from the commotion and tidal waves all around us?:

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT

Isn’t that good stuff? I don’t want to be the old, complaining, whiny person that I used to be. I don’t want to suck the air out of a room at my appearing, I want to be full of hope and encouragement, the reflection of the Son when I walk into a room. Further, I want my mind to be consumed with positive thoughts and the Word which is teaching me God’s will and what is good.

It all begins with knowing we are loved — at least that’s where it begins for me. In times past, lamenting and complaining would put me into an, “Oh, God, forgive me! I’m not worthy!” state. And then I’d be self-condemning and focus on my failure for a period time which wasted precious time. There are times to ask Holy Spirit to lead us in a self examination, to see if we have veered from the right path, but it oughtn’t lead to groveling and mindsets that put us at arm’s length away from God. It ought to lead to repentance and restored sensitivity to His Presence. That day with my friend, I caught myself and remembered God loves me even during my rants. Joy came up inside for His patient enduring with me, blessings upon me, and never failing me.

Dear Reader, are you in a difficult place right now? Are you distracted with the waves crashing all around you and the fire surrounding you? (Or know someone who is?) Then let us pray:

Father, I thank You that You love me — even and especially when I don’t deserve it. When man would pull away, You come alongside. You see the waves all about, you see the walls of fire, yet I am reminded in Your Word that when I go through the waters I will not drown and when I walk through the fire I shall not be burned (Isaiah 43:2). You have not failed me yet; You will not begin to do so now.

I repent of worry and complaining and exchange them now for trust in You and praise to You for You are worthy. You will see me through; whether it is to testify as to how You walked with me in the midst of it all or how You snatched me up from the midst of it all. One way or the other, I will triumph. I wait for Your direction and look expectantly for Your deliverance.

Thank You. I love You.

Amen.

Thanks for joining me today as we turn our minds and our hearts back to the Word and our mouths to praise.

A Sweet Day After All

This is for somebody today.

On Sunday I finished the lent devotional book that had been my guide for forty-seven days. Whether it be the black and white photo, a portion from a hymn that was shared, the devotion itself, or the suggested passage of scripture, I gleaned something nearly everyday that uplifted my soul. Ah, 🙂 . Then I turned the final page and found myself sitting in my glider chair, adrift, out of rhythm, wondering where to go from here. Do you find, like me, that we are creatures of habit?

Yesterday was really difficult because now I was beginning to feel edgy and missing that quality time with the LORD. How is it I was so easily derailed? I spent a little time in worship, fellowship, then proceeded with my long to-do list for the day, trying to overcome the guilt I felt for not having the type of quiet time that I normally have. You know what happened? It was a sweet day.

Throughout the day I was captivated with sporadic prayer, praise, and revelation. I went with it; whatever it was, I was in. It was also a very productive day for me.

I sat in my chair today, telling God how good He is, especially when I realized how the day before had flowed and how truly sweet it had been. That’s when I recalled something I had read years ago that basically said, “Whatever it is that you do, let that be your prayer as unto the LORD.” Yesterday was a day for me to freshen the house, to bless my family with meals from morning to evening, to listen to and ponder the dreams of some of those dearest to me.

If you have a to-do list today, and feel like your quiet time with the LORD is being shirked, take the shackles off. Have you received Him as Savior and LORD into your life? Then He is with you. I wholeheartedly advocate that particular time and place that is designated for fellowship with God alone. However, I also say, don’t let it become a cell. God knew my state of mind, He knew I was present physically but absent mentally; He also knows that (as a whole) my heart longs after Him. So He was in motion with me, and when I could snatch those periods of quiet, He sat with me and I told Him how good He is, and prayed, and made declarations as He directed. It was just so . . . sweet. I can not get away from that word.

Is Jesus yours? Are you His? Then He is with you. Thanks be to God that He meets us where we are. Is your day busy? Then like I did, tell Him so. Do you think He doesn’t realize that you’re distracted or overwhelmed by all you have on your plate today? He doesn’t hold that against us.

Join me in prayer.

LORD,

I thank You for being here with me in this moment. I thank You for desiring fellowship with me and being available to me when I call. You know it is my desire to be the same for You. Though my heart longs for You, You know that my mind is elsewhere, thinking of the things that need my attention and are taking my focus away from You. Why hide it? So my request is, that as I am busy, my sensitivity to Your gentle nudging for available interludes of prayer, praise, and revelation will be heightened.

May what I do today be done as unto You. Make my work, my service, my hobby, be a prayer as unto You. May what I say and do bring glory and honor to Your name. Thank You for Your Presence in my life and Your promise to never leave me nor forsake me … even when I am busy.

Amen.

Oh, the Humanity!

O love, how deep, how broad, how high,
how passing thought and fantasy,
that God, the Son of God, should take
our mortal form for mortals’ sake!

~from the hymn: O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High attributed to Thomas a Kempis

This verse coupled with these scriptures from the Message Bible brought tears to my eyes:

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself … When the time came He set aside the privileges of deity and … became human! … He stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges … He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death …

… Keep on doing what you’ve done, … redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God Himself willing and working at what will give Him the most pleasure.
Philippians 2:5-8: 12-13 The Message Bible (I capitalized the “God” pronouns)

Think of it, Jesus sacrificially laid down His deity to become the thing He came to save … humanity. What god in their right mind would do such a thing but the God? King of Kings, LORD of Lords, Master and Creator of all, ultimately, Lover — Lover of the crown of His creation — mankind.

That He would stoop from the heights of Heaven to walk with us here in: hunger, fatigue, sickness, disease, weakness, rejection, aging, anxiety, depression, the incessant barrage of the enemy against our bodies and our souls in attempt to break our spirits is beyond comprehension, but this, Jesus did. Such humility! In Philippians 2:5 in the Message version we are told to think of ourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself; He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of Himself that He clung to the advantages of that status no matter what.

He came to us and He also brought Heaven down.

He showed us by example how to live in our “human condition” without caving to the temptations of our enemy. He then demonstrated how to: remain pure, how to live in this world without becoming part of the world; how to heal the sick; how to cast out demons; how to raise the dead; how to defeat the enemy in death; and how to love without measure, even at the expense of ourselves, our own lives; and how to live again. He is Risen! He has ascended to His Father, our Father, where we are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).

Our end will be glorious, too. Yes, getting from Point A to Point B is crushing at times; true discipleship is not for the faint of heart. What are we to to do while we travel here? As Paul wrote, Keep on keeping on. I add part of the LORD’s prayer: Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. No matter how it appears we need to keep looking for God’s will here. There is no sickness, disease, heartache, mental illness, or lack of any kind in Heaven, so look for the Cure to meet us here …

… because part of our prayer is to look for His kingdom here, I also add this admonition from Paul in Philippians 4:4 to: Rejoice in the LORD always; and again I say REJOICE! …

… why rejoice? Because it is finished (John 19:30). Whatever it is we are suffering here, It is finished. Whatever we commit to Jesus at the foot of the cross, to be covered with His precious Blood, It is finished. And whether we see and receive our answers to prayer while we are here, I trust that anything asked according to His will will be done.

Regardless, our focus is this: Jesus became one of us. He totally gets us. From birth to death, He was despised, rejected, a Man of sorrows, acquainted with our grief; because of us He was stricken, smitten, afflicted, wounded, bruised, and beaten. He purchased with His precious Blood our peace, healing, deliverance, wholeness, forgiveness, prosperity, and an eternal home with Him in Heaven. Join me today in bowing before Him, thanking Him for His humility, for becoming one of us. Let us take it a step further and ask if there is a particular matter in which we might humble ourselves before Him this day. It’s the least we can do.

Feel Good Stories

I’ve never been a big fan of mainstream news media. I cultivated a hatred for it when covid came on the scene but it was long before that that I was tempted to throw bricks through the t.v. That wouldn’t have solved anything, just added to areas where marital discord exist. However, I was compelled to seek out the news due to a recent time change — spring ahead. If you aren’t familiar with this, you’re blessed. For the entirety of my life I can not understand why we are made to physically suffer twice a year with time changes, but in most of the United States of America, (and more places in the world than I realized), we are made to do so. It was this time change, seeing different clocks with different reports, that spurred me to turn on the news on Sunday morning and discover what time it actually was. That’s when I accidentally caught one of the best stories I have ever heard — and the miracle is that I heard it on mainstream news media. I was so moved I cried. You can watch what I saw by going to the link below. This story was also featured in the Atlanta News First 12-20-23 whose headline was Mother’s last words inspire act of compassion.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lasting-friendship-atlanta-georgia-fatal-crash-nikia-cherry-staci-green-rosie-minor/

I know that mainstream media occasionally features stories like these but since so much of it is negative, I literally forgot that they were capable of reporting positive news. It does appear as though our society is following a cesspool of thought in which extreme toxic daily doses enter people’s homes through the nightly news — which can now be watched 24/7 due to glorious technology. Imagine what our world would be like if instead of crime, disease, bad politics, and feeding the great divide, the “diet” of mainstream media focused on unity, cures, the generous, the forgiving, and politicians who thought more of their constituents than themselves. What I think we’re in need of are feel good stories, news without rhetoric, the love of Jesus, and a continuous intravenous drip of God and His Word. I hope you’ll join me in making a positive deposit into somebody’s life today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acbcKrnnJAk

Treasure Seekers

Lost in the depth of teaching one morning, yet again feeling like my mind is going to blow like a bad fuse with an overload of revelation, I cried out to God. “This is awesome! I can’t tell You how much I’m enjoying learning about You and Your nature. But I don’t think I have enough time, LORD,” I lamented. “There’s too much to take in.”

His response to me was a picture of a base, traditional, American Thanksgiving meal. You know, turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, and stuffing. I saw it all laid out in neat order on a plate. Then He showed me Thanksgiving casserole. That’s what I make with the leftovers. Layer it in a dish, maybe top with a little grated cheese, bake it and voila! you get the whole meal in one bite. That made me smile. It seems so overwhelming in individual portions, but not in layers.

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: … Luke 8:10 KJV

That’s what God gives to we seekers: revelation.

We’re not going to know all things while we’re here on earth. God has had eternity to be God and our lives here are gone like puffs of smoke. Isn’t it uplifting, though, to know that the God of the universe wishes to divulge His mysteries with those of us who ask? I won’t, can’t possibly know all things, but I trust that in His time He will reveal to me those things necessary for my life and for the lives of those He’s placed in my sphere. . . and I trust Him to do the same for you.

Join me in treasure seeking today.

Some of the Saddest Words Ever

²⁶For the king himself knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner.

²⁷King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.”

²⁸Then Agrippa said unto Paul, “Thou almost persuadest me to be a Christian.” Acts 26:26-28 KJV

Almost persuaded.

Several years ago we were at one of our “go-to” campgrounds. It was quiet, the campground nearly empty, when the host dropped by for an extended visit at our picnic table. How our conversation got to where it did is a mystery to me, but the point is, we ended up witnessing to him about Jesus. I felt compelled to reinforce how much God loves him. And yes, life doesn’t make sense, and bad things happen, and we make bad choices that sometimes lead to bad consequences, but that doesn’t change the truth that God is a good, loving God and yearns to have relationship with us.

Jim was “on the line”. I could tell by his tender expression and quiet contemplative engagement with us that Holy Spirit was moving upon him. I could also feel his hesitancy. I sensed about him that once he’s committed to something he’s committed, which is good and proper, especially where relationships are concerned. In Luke 14:28 we are told to “consider the cost”, maybe that’s what Jim was internally doing. Not wanting to push, and feeling a window instead of a full-fledged door of entry, I asked him to consider what we discussed, he said he would; I offered prayer, which he welcomed; I gave him a ministry magazine that I had with me that he received.

We still go to that campground, but we have never returned to those weighty, spiritual conversations and I have yet to know whether he has made a decision for Jesus. I wish I had that assurance, for I know God was reaching out to him that day.

Are you one of those who are almost persuaded to be a Christian? I hope not. If Holy Spirit has moved upon you I hope that you will be wholly persuaded and open the door and let Him in. If you wish to consider the cost, do so; that is a good, wise choice. I ensure you that true discipleship is costly, it is also worth the price. If you are willing to embark on a relationship with Jesus, please say this prayer with me:

God, thank You for sending Jesus, Your only begotten Son. I believe that He suffered and died for my sins, that He received all the punishment I deserve. I also believe that he is risen from the grave and is seated at Your right hand, and is preparing a place for me with You in eternity.

I’m sorry for the way I’ve lived, for the things I’ve done that have hurt You and others. Please forgive me and come into my life. Lead me, strengthen me to the live the life that You have purposed for me. I know I won’t do life perfect, but from here on out, I want to do it with You.

Thank You, I love You. Amen.

Perhaps today’s post made you think of someone that is almost persuaded. Join me in a prayer for them today:

Dear LORD, You have called us to be salt and light and we are doing that. There are dear souls that You have brought into our lives to point them to You. We pray that we drop seed, water seed, shine on seed, and gather seed as You direct. Oh, my God, cause us to do no harm but only good to all of our fellow man, but especially to those who would walk this pilgrim path with us. May “you almost persuade me” not be heard in our ears, but rather a “Yes” for You.

Thank Your for Your goodness and Your faithfulness to us all. Amen.

Living a Worthwhile Life

Have you ever asked a stupid question? Perhaps like me, you have heard, “There are no stupid questions.” I think I found one. A mother of one of our in-laws recently passed away. I called to offer condolences and ask if there was anything I could do. I heard myself asking, “Was this expected?” I’m sure you know what I mean; there are sudden, unexpected deaths and then there are the deaths that come on the heels of doctors’ prognosis. Interestingly enough, my in-law said, “Oh yeah, we’ve been expecting this for 30 years” (due to heart problems).

As I reflected on our brief conversation, I thought, How stupid of me to ask if it was expected. From the moment we are born we begin to die. No matter how good a life we live, no matter how long a life we live, if Jesus tarries, we’re all gonna die. In light of that, I can see why certain cultures weave a strand of mourning into the tapestry of life in the joyful event of birth. Being in this world, we will have trying times and death lies ahead.

As I was contemplating the difficult business of living and dying, I came up with the name of someone that made me smile, an example of a life that’s worth emulating: John Chapman. It is said that John Chapman, a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed, walked the countryside for nearly 50 years, creating nurseries for his precious seed that would grow into apple trees. I never noticed how many are scattered abroad until last fall when I saw trees heavily laden with the copious fruit everywhere we went. What a testament to this legendary man. He is an example to us of finding something worth living for and doing it until our dying day. Could you imagine what life would be like if we lived our lives full of passion like he did? We don’t need platforms or stages to fulfill our purpose, we simply need to be faithful to cultivate the “seeds” God gave us and deposit them everywhere we go.

So how do we live a worthwhile life? We live like we’re going to die — because that’s what’s going to happen if Jesus tarries. Do I relish the thought of dying? No, not necessarily, but it’s gonna happen. I need to do what I can do: Live my best life in the here and now. Like Johnny Appleseed, I need to drop as many seeds and build as many nurseries as I can to grow and guard my purpose. Are you willing to do the same?

Join me today in living and loving life . . . and maybe eat an apple.