Sunshine & Growth

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

Is it just me, or does the sun shine brighter in the spring? Does the sky seem bluer and the clouds puffier, or do we just see things differently?

Science tells us that sunlight stimulates serotonin, provides vitamin D, and regulates our natural sleep-wake cycle. Simply put, it affects our mood for the better. Sunshine makes us happier and more productive.

This makes me wonder, how can I increase sunlight in my spiritual self? I finished my reading of Romans this morning and Paul gave me some pointers.

  • Be alert. “Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way… Keep away from them” (16:17). 

I will watch for thoughts and instigators that cast shadows on my love for others.

  • “Be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil” (16:19).

I will exercise discernment in what I absorb, eager to see, read, and watch what is good and resist glorification of evil—that which brings light, not darkness.

  • Be strong. God “is able to establish you” through faith in Him (16:25).

Establish is such a strong word! I don’t want to be washed away by storms—I want to be deep-rooted in faith, established, and growing in the light of God’s Word.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. 
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Seeds Sown

~ Barbara ~ 4 Comments

Spring reveals the hidden miracles that developed below the earth’s surface. Dormant seeds had begun to drink the soil’s water, then germinated and grew roots. Shoots developed and instinctively reached for the sun. Green seedlings broke through the ground to declare the arrival of spring, thrilling us with flowers in a variety of colors and petal designs. Though it’s an annual ritual, it never ceases to fill us with wonder.

Our lives are not unlike the process we see in nature. What we plant, whether intentionally or unintentionally, searches for water and sun and develops roots. The shoots that appear are evidence of what seeds were sown. Some produce beautiful flowers, others annoying weeds.

These thoughts were stirred while reading through Romans, reminding me that although I am dead to sin, weeds still appear. Yes, I pull them out and rue the poor decisions that encouraged their growth, but my battle seems as futile as my husband’s war with the dandelions dotting our lawn.

He spends a day spraying and digging up roots to awaken the next morning to dancing yellow heads mocking his efforts. I will not be mocked. I will work at pulling out the weeds that are eager to blemish my life. Although my sin nature is still alive, it is doomed—I see its final demise in my future. In the meantime, I sow good seeds that promise beauty and nutrition.

I plant a seed from Charles Spurgeon before sleep, allowing it to germinate overnight. I intake the Word every morning, cultivating the soil of my heart. I converse with God throughout the day, watering our relationship with praise and prayer. I walk in His light to assure goodness will grow and fruit will come.

Friends, our lives are fertile soil—let’s be selective about the seeds we plant.

Springtime in Jersey

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

I love the coming of spring and its promise of new life. What a wonder to behold!

The tiniest hint of green appeared on tree branches. So tiny, I wondered if my eyes deceived me. But then it happened—the green spread, and deepened, and intensified. Now, New Jersey is swathed in varying shades of green.

Forsythia and daffodils burst out in yellow, bringing spontaneous smiles to our faces. Crocuses and hyacinths complemented them with their pink and purple petals. Trees blossomed into bloom—dogwoods, magnolias, and flowering cherry.

I love the onset of fresh fruit and the promise of backyard barbecues.

I love packing away winter coats and walking out the door without thought of the cold.

I love opening the windows and allowing in fresh breezes.

I love to watch the seemingly synchronized arrival of birds at our feeders, each singing their unique song.

I love seeing people taking walks or out in their yards, especially the children.  

I love living in New Jersey where each season is distinctive.

I love that the seasons are ordained by God. We can do nothing to alter them, slow their arrival, or delay their passing.

I love seeing God’s fingerprints in nature, ever changing but displayed in patterns that never change.

I Blinked, and 43 Years Went By

~ Barbara ~ 2 Comments

We were young parents of four and had just learned I was pregnant—with twins. When the shock wore off, elation took over. Our joy was boundless and we shifted into high gear. This news changed everything. We needed a larger house to accommodate six children and, of course, a bigger car.

We were soaring, emotionally and practically. Then, April 22 came. Joy and Peace were born four months early, and our soaring expectations plummeted. We fell from an emotional high to a staggering low. If they were born today they may have lived, but in 1982 the doctors didn’t even attempt to save them.

 Why am I writing about this now?

Tuesday was their birthday and memories surfaced. Details filed away for years returned with clarity. I don’t know why. Maybe so I could share this with you, for your own comfort or to encourage you to comfort a friend.

Miscarriage or death at birth is a loss. A grieving mother does not need to hear that she’s still young, or that at least she has other children, or that this was probably for the best.

She needs her loss to be acknowledged, her sorrow to be affirmed, her needs to be met. She needs time. Her pain will lessen but her loss will never be forgotten, even 43 years later.

I’m fine. I no longer need ministry because my babies died. But somebody does.

There’s a mother out there who is grieving. Someone is marking the anniversary of a child’s death and wonders if anyone else remembers. A mother somewhere needs to talk and be heard. She doesn’t need to hear anything, except you’re sorry for her loss. Pain is isolating. Send a card or give a call, but don’t let her sit alone in her sorrow.

Maybe this is why my memories returned.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.
When they are troubled, we will be able
to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT