Be Strong and Courageous—and Lead

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

What direction is God leading you in this fall? What new land will you enter? Students will step into new classrooms. Perhaps you are facing a different job, challenging path, or fresh opportunity. My husband and I anticipate becoming part of a new church home. New is exciting, but it’s also daunting.

When Joshua was about to lead God’s people into a new land God’s word to him was “be strong and courageous.” Apparently it was a much-needed encouragement—God repeated it four times in chapter one. It was also multi-faceted because He added a new descriptive with each reiteration. The first is found in verse 6:

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead…”

When you obey God and move forward with strength and courage, look behind you and you’ll find someone following you. It may not be your intention, but strength and courage is magnetic and draws those who need it for their own path. Don’t shun or discourage them, just press forward—as you follow God’s plan for you, they will learn and discover their own part in God’s purposes.

A strong and courageous leader is also contagious. Following God makes you a natural leader and you may be surprised to find others learning by the example you set. Your devotion and commitment will catch on and those behind you will gain strength… and find they are now being followed. Whatever your current endeavor, be strong and courageous because, when you’re faithful, you will lead others.

I Love Ps

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

I love purples and pinks streaking the sky, proclaiming God’s praises.

I love flower beds prettily punctuated with pansies and petunias, and the outrageous beauty of poppies, peonies, and poinsettias.

I love patterns of paisley, plaid, or polka dots.

I love the peculiar animals that begin with P— peacocks, penguins, pandas, porcupines, panthers, pelicans, and parrots. (Isn’t God amazing?

I love pizza pies with pineapple and ham or pepperoni, sprinkled with parmesan.

I love peaches and pineapple, pretzels and popcorn, pancakes and homemade pies.

I love potatoes—orange, roasted sweet potatoes; potato salad with egg and mayo; the occasional home fries and French fries (on my “only a taste” list).I love to watch paddle boats on the nearby pond.

I love people and personalities with God-given passion, pursuing their purpose.

I love parties and picnics and patterned paper plates.

I love walking paths among the pines in flickering patterns of sunlight, picking up pebbles or pinecones, discovering pussy willows or pink lady slippers.

I love the paper pages of published books—the way they smell, their feel as I turn the pages, my eyes running over paragraphs.

I love watching the pretend world of children played out on playgrounds or in playhouses.

I love puzzles—jigsaw, crossword, and kakuro.

I love the softness of pillows, the beauty of pearls, the pleasure of parasols, the phenomenon of pyramids, the peaceful sound of piano music.

I invite you to let your mind consider words beginning with P or any letter. You will notice overlooked blessings and gratitude will grow.

The Poetic Psalms

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes the dullness of our hearts needs a praise prompt from elsewhere. There is no better place to look than in the Psalms where poetic lines stimulate praise and clarify our perspective. Let these samples lift your heart.

  • But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. Ps. 10:14a
    • You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. Ps. 18:35-36
    • How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you. Ps. 31:19a
    • You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah Ps. 32:7
    • The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Ps. 33:10-11

The Psalms prompt praise in spite of our troubles and challenges, fears and weakness, need and deprivation, or world unrest and threats. Let the psalmists’ reminders that the Lord sees us, holds us, provides for us, protects us, and stands firm forever, fill our hearts and evoke praise from our lips.

Parks

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Praise Prompts #6

For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.

Psalm 95:3-5

If I wasn’t in love with alliteration, I would name this praise prompt Nature. From the first garden God planted to our compromised world today, the beauty of creation feeds our souls, and will continue to do so in our eternal home. Something happens when we spend time in nature—our spirits lift, our hearts feel happy, and we’re prompted to praise the One who masterminded it all.

New Jersey truly is the Garden State and offers a diversity of parks to choose from (as is true in every state). With mountains, woodlands, lakes, and the Atlantic, our parks will stir worship in your heart. Here are a few to visit:

  • High Point State Park in Wantage offers a spectacular view from the Kittatinny Mountains’ highest point in New Jersey. The ride there winds through farm land and is particularly beautiful in the fall. Admission is free for the 2022 season, with a minimal fee to climb the 220 foot monument from which you can view the Pocono and Catskill mountains.
  • Prefer the ocean? Island Beach State Park is a ten-mile ocean stretch with eight trails, each under a mile. Experience the sight and sound of waves crashing while exploring sand dunes and discovering the beauty of coastal life. This park also offers free admission.
  • Ramapo Reservation boasts a lower lake for a simple walk, an upper lake for hikers, and a lovely waterfall that is easily assessable. The woodland, flowing stream, lakes, and waterfall are peaceful and inspiring, delightful to eyes and ears. Admission may be limited on weekends due to the park’s popularity but Campgaw Mountain Reservation is nearby. Other suggestions are Ringwood State Park and the State Botanical Garden.

I could list more, but you can do your own search for state parks in New Jersey, or any state. The point is… time spent in nature revives us and refreshes our perspective. When we not only take in the natural beauty but know Who to thank, our hearts are prompted to praise.

*I took this picture at Dingmans Falls in Pennsylvania. A short walk on a boardwalk trail ends at this stunning sight with an option to climb to the top of the falls. Nearby is Grey Towers National Historic Site.