Category Archives: Blog

Own ~ Five Minute Friday

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“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

A Good Friday Poem:
The Cross is Ours to Own

The day is gray and gloomy, yet
Somehow it feels just right
To sit in contemplation
Of the day they killed The Light

A day darker than all the rest
But still we call it Good
Because Jesus died for us
As only a Savior would

We often want to forget that part
It is so hard to realize
Not Him but we should have hung there
For all to mock and despise

Truth is nailed there before us
The sin is ours alone
We may often try to deny it
But the cross is ours to own

Each crack of the whip
Torn flesh from the crown
Every strike of the hammer
His blood dripping down

The pain He endured
Swords thrust in His side
The anguish and despair
As His world did divide

We should be the ones
Who died on that tree
But “It is finished,” He said
Now from sin we are set free

A plan from the very beginning
His love on a cross of wood
A day where transgression passed away
And today we DO see it is Good

To read how other writers made “Own” their own, click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

Break ~ Five Minute Friday

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“And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.” 1 Corinthians 10:17 (NLT)

Breaking the Bread

I got the job by default. In other words, no one else was able or willing to do it and so, I am now the Communion Steward at our church. That means I’m responsible for preparing the table and being sure the bread and juice are ready to be offered to all who wish to partake. I’m going to be honest, I’ve whined a bit about this task. It’s not that it’s difficult or time consuming really, but it does interrupt my normal Sunday routine on those days I must get it ready. (What that really means is I can’t sit in my chair, dressed in pjs, listening to praise music, and drinking coffee for as long as I do on other Sundays….I know, poor me.)

It was while listening to that praise music one afternoon that my attitude began to shift. The words of a song made goose bumps appear as they carried me back to the moment when Jesus took bread in His hands to break it for the disciples.

“He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’”
Luke 22:19 (NLT)

Those lyrics literally made me weep as I was reminded what sacred work I’ve been given each time I ready with my hands, the bread of remembrance, as Jesus did with His so long ago. Hands that He knew would soon be pierced.

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
John 6:51 (NLT)

Learning from my lesson in the music, as Maundy Thursday draws near, let’s prepare the table of our hearts and open our hands to partake of what Jesus offers.

What if we allow Good Friday to carry us to the foot of the cross where blood from Jesus’ hands has fallen and recognize that He is the bread, broken for us? Goose bumps may appear. Tears may fall.

And on Easter Sunday, let’s be found rejoicing that HE IS ALIVE and celebrating that the routine of “normal life” has been interrupted! Thanking God, we can now eat of the Living Bread offered for us, be willing in the sacred work He’s gifted us with, and raise our hands in a new attitude of praise.  As He instructed His disciples back then and instructs us today, from now until eternity, let us do it all in remembrance of Him.

“In remembrance of Me eat this bread
In remembrance of Me drink this wine
In remembrance of Me pray for the time
When God’s own will is done

Take eat and be comforted
Drink and remember too
That this is My body
And precious blood shed for you
Shed for YOU”
(emphasis mine)
In Remembrance of Me by Cheri Keaggy

Curious about what others wrote? Click on over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to read more.

Story ~ Five Minute Friday

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“When all I see is a cross, God, You see the empty tomb.”
Battle Belongs by Phil Whickham **Spectacular carving is done by Paul Weaver on display at Lehman’s Hardware. If you ever get a chance to see his display, do! It is AMAZING!

Happy Ending

I’m a happy ending kinda gal. Books and movies without one just aren’t for me. I want the underdog to prevail, problem to be resolved, dream to be realized, sickness to be cured, and love to never end. But guess what? That’s what I wish MY life were like too! But alas, as we all know, real life doesn’t always have a happy ending.  The plot of our lives often includes loss, unsurmountable challenges, failure, death, and broken relationships. Hardly the feel-good scenario I desire.

I know that like me, you can recount chapters in your life where the result was not as hoped or prayed for. They’re the ones we often don’t want to “reread.” I’ve been struggling for a while with a couple in my life that ended anything but happily. To be honest, I’ve been wondering why the Author would have written them this way. 

Then, as often happens, the plot thickens….

Sitting in church yesterday the Pastor began reading her chosen scripture: John 9:1-41. It was verse 3 that caught my attention. The disciples were questioning Jesus about a tragedy, an unhappy ending in a young man’s life. They wanted to know why he’d been born blind. It’s the kind of question I’ve been asking myself. Maybe you’ve wondered something similar too. They had their own theories but here is what Jesus said:

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” John 9:3 (NLT)

“So the power of God could be seen.” As these words sunk in, I realized how that changed the young man’s challenging story. Then it hit me, how does MY story change if instead of saying those unhappy, disappointing, devastating endings “just aren’t for me,” I delve into those chapters to discover how God’s power was displayed in each of them? That’s just what I’ve been doing since then and while I didn’t realize it at the time, God’s might is written throughout it all.  It feels as if I can proclaim along with the man God healed, “But this I know, I was blind, and now I can see!” (vs. 9:25) 

There’s no doubt that our life stories will take twists and turns we wish it didn’t and we may  struggle to get through chapter after chapter, but, when we focus on the fact that the circumstances we find ourselves in can be used to show the world the power of God through us, it can change our outlook and the outcome completely. Yep, I DO love a happy ending! Don’t you?

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 (NLT)

“Open my eyes that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me.
Place in my hand the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Open My Eyes by Clara H. Scott

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Stewardship~Day 28~Write 28 Day Challenge

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Day 28: Stewardship
Singing My Way Through Write 28 Days
http://www.anitaojeda.com

“We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.” Ephesians 2:21 (NLT)

Church Building

“The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple,
The church is not a resting place, the church is a people.

I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus, all around the world!
Yes, we’re the church together!
~We Are the Church~

Did you ever say something when you were younger, or yesterday for that matter, and those words came back, wagging their finger at you saying, “You didn’t know as much as you thought you did, now did you?” I hate to admit that it’s happened to me more times than I can count. 

The most recent reprimand to “eat my words” came as a result of a church meeting and the shock of discovering that we were in real financial trouble. As a small, rural church we’ve always had our challenges but none so great as during the pandemic. On top of being closed for week after week, we also lost members to death, moving to another church, or simply being out of the habit of attending service once we reopened. Giving was at an all time low and we were spending thousands of dollars more than we were taking in. The word “closure” was said, and we sat around the table astounded, afraid of what the future would hold.

Not long afterward I found myself alone in the sanctuary. The familiar smell of the old building made me smile. Running my hand along the smooth, shiny wood, memories of all that has taken place at the alter came flooding back. Light filtered through the stained glass windows casting colored patterns on the worn carpet. I raised my eyes up to the comforting portrait of Jesus. That’s when it hit me how very much I loved this place, and that’s when….my words came back to visit.

“It’s only a building,” I said many years ago as we discussed an idea to join with other churches, becoming one congregation at a new location. Thankfully, my opinion didn’t cross my lips but it did fester in my heart and mind. I couldn’t understand why so many of our members were adamant about staying where we were. And it was true, I couldn’t understand as a newer member what those who grew up in the church building were feeling. Believe it or not, I didn’t know as much as I thought I did back then.

My heart was moved by the memory. I turned away from the alter and looked out over the pews, I knew where each person, family, and even those who’d passed always sat each Sunday. (We do like the same spots) Now I thought I understood what I hadn’t all those years ago. It’s not just a building, it is part of who we are, of who I am. God  however, has reminded me with His words this time rather than my own, that I still have more to learn:

“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field
God’s building.”
1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)

Did you catch the difference? I said, “Church isn’t just a building,” but God’s Word tells us that Church isn’t a physical building at all. WE are “God’s building,” His “holy temple” built and bound together through Jesus. So, even if the money runs out, the pews are empty, and the pulpit is silent, His church will still be alive and well in me, in all believers, and so, as we care for our buildings, we must even more so care for one another.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

“I am the church.” “You are the church.” So, as “faithful stewards” and “God’s building” let’s open the doors of our hearts to welcome one another in, turn up the heat (fan the flame) of the love God has given us to share, light up the room with good deeds that glorify God, and be the familiar aroma of Christ in the world. 

I think you’ll agree that it’s never fun to have to “eat words” unless of course, they’re the Words of God. (They’re sweeter than honey, you know!) The more we taste of them, the more we’ll know of Him. The more we know of Him, the better steward we will be. And the better steward we become, the bigger and stronger the church of believers will grow, building, by building, by building. “Yes, we are the church together!”

 

Favorite~Day 27~ Write 28 Day Challenge

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Day 27: Favorite
Singing My Way Through Write 28 Days Challenge
http://www.anitaojeda.com

MY Favorite Things

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things”
~Julie Andrews~

Birds at the feeders and sunsets on rivers
Layers of blankets and a store that delivers
Little boys’ laughter while playing on swings
These are a few of MY favorite things

Butterscotch brownies and leaves dancing on air
Friends at my table and stories to share
Colorful patterns of butterfly wings
These are a few of MY favorite things

Kids all together and bells in the steeple
Cards in the mailbox to my special people
Sparkles on lakes that the sun always brings
These are a few of MY favorite things

When the wind blows
When the word stings
When leaving makes me sad
I simply remember MY favorite things
And then I don’t feel as bad.

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-
think on such things.”
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Problem~Day 25~Write 28 Days Challenge

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Day 25: Problem
Singing My Way Through Write 28 Days
http://www.anitaojeda.com

“When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD, he brought me into a spacious place.” Psalm 118:5 (NIV)

The Problem With Goats

“No, you can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometime you’ll find
You get what you need
~The Rolling Stones~

We often have summertime residents who move into the field next to our house. Oh, they’re cute, keep the weeds trimmed down, and spend most of their time quietly soaking up the sun, but they also can be a big problem.

Our goat neighbors are very susceptible to “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” mentality. They stare longingly at our lawn and hosta plants that are just slightly out of reach on the opposite side of the wire that hems them in. Guess what? Knowing they’re not supposed to cross over doesn’t stop a goat with a desire for what he wants. And so, with twists and turns they somehow get their heads, horns and all, through the square openings, push with all their might until they can just reach the forbidden blades of grass or lush leaves and all is right in their world…or so they think.

This is where the problem comes in to play. At sometime, most days I’m startled by loud, and I mean “help, I’m dying” loud, bleating that can stand your hair on end and make your heart beat like a drum. There’s no need to look out the window because I know exactly what’s wrong, the horns that went out the fence can’t go back in. The head-first pursuit of “greener grass” has left a goat friend stuck in a tight spot.

Ever been a goat? Yep, me too. See something we want that looks better than what we already have, ignore the boundaries, dive right in to get a taste of what we desire. Maybe we’ve spent too much money, gone a step too far, compromised, given in, taken too much, whatever it is, we eventually find ourselves trapped, tangled up, and stuck in a tight spot. That’s when we need to cry out for help.

“When I was desperate, I called out,
and GOD got me out of a tight spot.
GOD’s angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray.
Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see-
how good GOD is.
Blessed are you who run to him.”
Psalm 34:6-8 (MSG)

When the goats wail, I go to them and attempt to help free them from the trap of their own making. That can be a problem again. It isn’t always easy. They are stubborn and often fight me even though it’s exactly what they need. Ever been a goat? Yep, me too.

It’s hard for us to acknowledge that sometimes following our desires for what we want leaves us in a tangled, desperate mess of our own making, too. We’re “goat-headed” that way. But it is often those very desperate-feeling times that we learn it is God we really need to satisfy our longing. Grass is greener over there? There’s something better, taste God. Have to have that shiny, new thing? Look again, see God. 

The Rolling Stones were right.  We don’t always get what we want (and we shouldn’t always try to), but when we call out, pray, and run to our good God, we will find exactly what we need.

Saver~Day 24~Write 28 Day Challenge~+ #FMF Assume

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Day 24: Saver + #FMF Assume
Singing My Way Through Write 28 Days
http://www.anitaojeda.com

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

Saver of Treasure

“I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I’d rather be His than have riches untold
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or land
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today
~I’d Rather Have Jesus~

I’m a saver. Not so much of “stuff,” but rather of memories…cards, letters, photographs, drawings, newspaper articles…you get the idea. Somewhere along the way, I began tucking my most precious keepsakes into my Bible to preserve them. It seemed like a great place at first. But as time passed, it became so full of treasures that it was impossible to effectively use my Bible anymore. So instead of opening it regularly to study, there it sat, stuffed full, closed on the table. Those cherished bits and pieces slid between the pages of God’s Word now assumed a more important place than, well, God’s Word. 

Isn’t that what can happen in life too? We are savers of what’s important to us…money, status, followers, our appearance, our homes, our skills…or a multitude of other things. We fill our days protecting these things until we become so crammed full of the world, that our hearts are closed off to what’s really important. We’ve placed so much between ourselves and our relationship with God, that we’ve allowed those things to assume a more influential role in our lives than, well, God.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

So, where is my heart? Where’s yours? Clinging tightly to the past? Working hard at all cost? Desiring more money, attention, or possessions? Obsessed with coming in first, keeping up with others, or always being right? Jesus tells us in the verses above that these worldly “treasures” are temporary, here today and gone tomorrow. Filling all the spaces of our lives with them just leaves our hearts ineffective and closed off just like my Bible sitting on a table.

I am glad to say that I finally decided to stop stuffing my treasures into that Bible. I put it away and got a new one so that now, I can be a saver of the wealth of God’s Word. The good news is we can do the same with our hearts.

“Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3: 1-4 (NIV)

When we decide that we’d rather have Jesus and an eternity with Him in glory, all that we’ve been clinging to, the moth chewed, varmint destroyed, thief stolen things the world affords today don’t seem nearly so valuable, and our hearts? They can now assume the most incomparable position of all, “hidden with Christ in God.” Now that’s the perfect place for our treasure!

Danger ~ Day 22 ~ Write 28 Day Challenge

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Day 22: Danger
Singing My Way Through Write 28 Days
http://www.anitaojeda.com

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” Colossians 1:13 (NIV)

Dangerous Predator

“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;
Prone to leave the God I love:
Take my heart, oh, take and seal it
With Thy Spirit from above.
Rescued thus from sin and danger,
Purchased by the Savior’s blood,
May I walk on earth a stranger,
As a son and heir of  God.”
~Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing~

Something had caught my eye outside the window. An unfamiliar looking bird was perched motionless in the lilac tree. It took me a minute to finally realize that the small, oval shaped, smoothed-feathered bird statue clinging to a branch for dear life, was actually a usually large, boisterous, crown-wearing, self-assured blue jay. That’s when I knew that a hawk was hovering close by and my blue jay friend was in danger. Wary, he was doing all he could to conceal himself in hopes of avoiding attack and becoming a morning snack. 

You know, there’s a devious adversary who’s hovering around us too, and unfortunately he’s also a master of disguise. Patiently, he unassumingly lurks nearby, and before we know it, he’s able to capture us when we least expect it. I’m talking about Satan of course, the fallen angel from above. The ruler of this world we live in. (explains a lot about all that’s happening, doesn’t it?)

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

Birds seem to have an innate sense when danger is near, but I, maybe you too, sometimes willingly come within the predator’s reach. The thing is, once we’re enticed and snatched away from where we want to be, it often takes us a while to realize it because as most beasts of prey do, the devil toys with us for awhile and then before we know it, we’re consumed.

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV)

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”James 1:14 (ESV)

Deceived, lured, enticed, I can relate. But wait, my own desire? Your desire? I guess if we really stop and think about it, we do find ourselves in the grip of the devil most often because he was able to convince us that it’s fine to pursue the seemingly harmless things WE long for or that there’s no harm in avoiding those WE don’t want, even when we know better. We give ourselves away so the enemy knows right where we stand.

To avoid attack, that poor blue jay stayed frozen in his spot for a long time. Nothing moved. Except, occasionally I noticed his eyes looking toward the sky. We are in the same kind of battle. Satan has so many wily ways to strike that it can leave us feeling stuck. That’s when we too, need to look up.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11

Luckily, the blue jay’s persistence paid off and the hawk eventually set off looking for new prey. The jay’s normal posture and personality returned and he quickly feasted at the feeders. Thankfully, God has already defeated Satan. He provides a defense for you and me and when we take our stance in His armor, we too can resist the one waiting to attack us. The predator is forced to retreat and we’re able to draw near to the One who provides the feast of everything we ever need to truly live.

Beliefs~Day 6~Write 28 Day Challenge

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Day 6: Beliefs
Singing My Way Through Write 28 Days
http://www.anitaojeda.com

“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NLT)

I Believe, But…

“Thou has said to walk on water
But I stumble in the sand
Oh, to run and not grow weary
Jesus come and hold my hand

For I believe, yes I believe
Please help my unbelief
For I believe, yes I believe
Oh, Lord
Please help my unbelief”
~Jeff Berry Band~

There are situations in the Bible that I can’t or don’t want to picture myself in. Ones like offering my long awaited, only child as a sacrifice to God or stepping unwavering into a fiery furnace. However, some moments captured by the writers of the Word seem to be stories taken from my own life. 

This is a familiar encounter in which Peter and I have much in common:

“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me:’”
Matthew 14:28-31 (NLT)

And then, there’s the concerned father:

“‘How long has this been happening?’ Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, ‘Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.’ ‘What do you mean, If I can?’ Jesus asked. ‘Anything is possible if a person believes.’ The father instantly cried out, ‘I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!’”
Mark 9:21-24 (NLT)

Peter and the boy’s father knew just what to do in their situations. They went to Jesus. I do the same but unfortunately, I also share their belief problem. Way too often I, like Peter, take my eyes off of Jesus and focus instead on my circumstances and feelings, losing my footing as my faith takes a plunge. Or, when life throws me here and there I ask Jesus for help knowing He’s the only One who can, and yet find myself wondering if there really is anything He can do. 

“You have so little faith. Why do you doubt me? What do you mean, if I can?”

And I cry out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

I wish those words didn’t live in me anymore and I’m not sure how long it will take until they don’t. But this I do know, we have to keep “climbing over the side of the boat” to get to Jesus. Look, He doesn’t leave Peter drowning in his doubt, rather, He reaches out for him. And He doesn’t quit on the questioning father, but heals his son instead. The same is true for you and me. When we “stumble in the sand” rather than walk on water, we can take all our doubts, questions, and yes even our unbeliefs to Jesus. He didn’t give up on them, the other disciples, “Doubting” Thomas, or any of those He encountered that needed help overcoming their unbelief. And the Good News is, He won’t give up on us, either. 

“Promise me Thou won’t forsake me
For my life depends on Thee
Engrave it on my heart reminding
That Your truth has set me free

Thou art great and full of light
That no eye can yet unreel
Please give to me only through your might
A heart that longs to kneel

For I believe, yes I believe
Please help my unbelief
For I believe, yes I believe
Oh, Lord
Please help my unbelief
~Jeff Berry Band~ 

Fascinating~Day 3~Write 28 Day Challenge

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Day 3: Fascinating
Singing My Way Through Write 28 Days
Five Minute Friday: Ignore

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” Psalm 19:1 (NLT)

What a Wonderful, Fascinating World

“I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world”
Louis Armstrong

It’s everywhere we look. If we look. The colors, textures, patterns, and all the intricacies of God’s artistry in nature. It wasn’t until I began learning about photography that I truly started noticing the perfect attention to detail in creation. The more I discover, especially in unexpected places, the more fascinating it becomes to me. I now find myself asking the same question as David did long ago. Why?

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers-the moon and the stars you set in place-what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them.?”
Psalm 8:3-4 (NLT)

Who am I, a mere mortal, so far from deserving, that God should think of me by surrounding me with such beauty? Birds adorned in breathtaking feathers, each one amazingly unique. Flowers, delicately awash with more colors than an artist’s palette can hold. The sky, the sea and everything in them. Trees, rocks, all the animals on earth. Even the iridescence of a fly of all things! If we go back to the Psalm, David really answers his own question and mine, he says, “that you should care for them.”

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. The don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”
Matthew 6:25a, 28-30 (NLT)(emphasis mine)

The sun glittering on water, butterfly wings, leaves fluttering against a brilliantly blue sky, a new born lamb, even the inside of an acorn cap of all things! The list is unending because, He’s everywhere we look. If we look. It’s difficult to ignore that we are surrounded by a mosaic of God’s care for us. Each and every piece precisely and expertly crafted as reminders of His great love for you and me. That’s who we are! He planned it this way from the beginning. And it was and is very good. What a wonderful world indeed!