Category: Tenderness

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Come, Sheep, Come

Yesterday Dave and I watched a YouTube video produced by a family in the southern U.S. They are homesteading some land. They are so excited about the opportunity they have to live such a simple life.

In the video, the wife was showing the animals they have, and she stopped at the sheep pen. The sheep were on the other side of the enclosure until she said “Come, sheep, come”. They lifted their heads and started moving in her direction. She repeated it once more and sheep came right to her.

They knew the voice of their shepherdess and they came. She didn’t holler to get their attention she just called for them in a normal tone. They knew her voice and came.

It was such a picture of how we should follow Jesus our good shepherd.

“The sheep know their shepherd’s voice. He calls each of them by name and leads them out. 4 When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice. 5 The sheep will not follow strangers. They don’t recognize a stranger’s voice, and they run away.” John 10:3-5 CEV

“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. 15  Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep.” John 10:14-15 CEV

The Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep.

As a good shepherd, He sees to it that we are well rested and fed. He protects us from evil. He searches for us when we go astray, and He carries us when we are weary. And when it was necessary, He gave His life to save us.

“You know the Lord is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture.” Psalm 100:3 CEV

Sheep are natural followers. In the ranching community, cattle need to be herded. You’ve seen the cattle drives in the movies; it takes a number of good cowboys to move a herd. Sheep follow.

I pray that we follow the Shepherd. Through His word we hear His voice, by the inner prompting of the Spirit we know the right way to go.

“Father, I make the decision to listen to the Shepherd’s voice and I will follow Him to green pastures beside still waters and He will restore my soul. Amen.”

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Turn on the Light

I’m not sure how many times my parents had to tell me to turn off the lights until it became a natural reaction – walk out the door, turn the lights off. But this morning I want to encourage you to turn the lights on – light up the place, make it as bright as you can!

I listen to a lot of old country songs and there’s one by Trace Adkins that came out in the mid 1990’s. The song is about a man in love who leaves the lights on for his love so she can come back home.

“Every light in the house is on
The backyard’s bright as the crack of dawn
The front walk looks like runway lights
It’s kind of like noon in the dead of night
Every light in the house is on
Just in case you ever do get tired of bein’ gone
Every light in the house is on”

We should be leaving our lights on. We need to light up the world with the love of God!

“ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:15-16 NLT

“Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong.” I John 2:10 ERV

An interesting fact about the Father. His love doesn’t grow or wane. His love is always the same.

“My dear friends, we must love each other. Love comes from God, and when we love each other, it shows that we have been given new life. We are now God’s children, and we know him. 8 God is love, and anyone who doesn’t love others has never known him. 9 God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life. 10 Real love isn’t our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we must love each other.” I John 4:7-11 CEV

We are the ones who choose to let love shine toward others or we can choose to condemn and criticize which turns the light off. The Father has placed His light in us.

“The Scriptures say, ‘God commanded light to shine in the dark.’ Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ.” II Corinthians 4:6 CEV

The good thing about letting this light shine is we will never get a bill from the electric company. It’s ok to turn on every light in your house. Get out the flood lights, pull back the drapes, raise the shades and let the world be flooded with the light that God has placed within us!

Shine brightly and impact the world with the love of God today!

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A Different Perspective

Today’s Thanksgiving memory takes me back over 40 years. Our oldest daughter was not quite a year old. We had gone to the grocery store to get the things we needed for our Thanksgiving dinner.

She was in the grocery cart, smiling at the grandparent-type people passing by. One older man was startled when she reached out to touch his hand. He scowled at her and made a grumpy comment. Her face puckered and she was on the verge of tears when an older woman and her husband stepped up. They told her how pretty she was, and the smile returned to her face.

May I say here that not everyone is happy about Thanksgiving. Theirs is a different perspective.

Maybe it’s there first year to be alone; no family will be around their table or maybe their spouse is ill. It could be they are just grumpy.

Today we’re going to look at thankfulness in another way – how do we treat the unthankful? I’m glad you asked. Jesus gave this instruction to his disciples.

 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:35-38 NLT

Jesus’ instruction was clear – we are to be an example of God to those we deal with each day. We were all sinners by nature but Jesus freely gave His life so that we could have eternal life and be brought into right relationship with God the Father. He gave freely and so should we.

Look at the second phrase in today’s verses, lend without expecting to get anything back. What have we lent, our time, friendship, our assistance, tools, car, money, our love, our compassion, our attention and genuine interest? When we lend without expecting to get things back then we’ve really made them a gift and in giving we’re an example of our heavenly Father.

Let’s look for an opportunity to give to someone who is by nature unthankful. Maybe they were raised to be skeptical and feel that anytime someone gave something there was a hidden agenda.

Give today, genuinely give. Give because God has given freely to us. Who knows, we may be the one God is using to bring out an attitude of gratitude.

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A New Wardrobe

Living in the RV with limited closet space, I’ve had to rethink my clothing choices. I have never been up on the latest fashions nor am I one with a need for a variety of shoes. I thought I would be fine sharing the one closet with Dave but it has been a challenge.

A couple of long sleeve shirts, my jeans, a few t-shirts. No dresses, well, one. Jackets in a little side closet and shoes on the floor of the closet but it’s far from neat and tidy. I have to rework the space in the next few weeks. Something needs to be done.

I am fascinated by those ads that boast “these 12 essentials are all you need for a fashionable Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter wardrobe”. Twelve pieces. I could do that!

This morning I went to the expert on what to wear. No, not Dave – although he is very good in helping me pick out what looks good, I went to the Apostle Paul. He has the inside scoop on a line of fashion from the Holy Spirit. These items are a must have for anyone. Wearing this line will make anyone look good!

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17 NLT

There you have it! Everything we need for this year’s fashion – tenderness, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace and thankfulness. Ten pieces that we can mix and match to be perfectly dressed for any occasion.

Time to go through our closets and throw out those old, ill-fitting garments of bitterness, anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, lying and a mean spirit.

“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” Colossians 3:8-10 NLT

It’s the perfect time to clean out the closet – get rid of the old and bring in the new!

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Healing A Broken Heart

Right now, I have three people I love dearly who are dealing with broken hearts! In the natural, we can bring comfort and love but we can’t heal the hurt. Only God can do that!

As I was praying for each of them this morning, I felt a bit helpless. “Lord, I want to do more but don’t know what more I can do”. The answer came clear – keep praying, keep loving and let Me love them through you.

Bringing God into the situation is never futile; it’s never a waste of time. God’s love is the great healer.

This morning, my words are few because the best thing I can do for you if you are broken hearted is bring you God’s word.

“I will always praise the Lord.
2 With all my heart,
    I will praise the Lord.
    Let all who are helpless,
    listen and be glad.
3 Honor the Lord with me!
    Celebrate his great name.

4 I asked the Lord for help,
    and he saved me
    from all my fears.
5 Keep your eyes on the Lord!
You will shine like the sun
    and never blush with shame.
6 I was a nobody, but I prayed,
    and the Lord saved me
    from all my troubles.

7 If you honor the Lord,
    his angel will protect you.
8 Discover for yourself
    that the Lord is kind.
    Come to him for protection,
    and you will be glad.

9 Honor the Lord!
    You are his special people.
    No one who honors the Lord
    will ever be in need.
10 Young lions[a] may go hungry
    or even starve,
but if you trust the Lord,
    you will never miss out
    on anything good.

11 Come, my children, listen
    as I teach you
    to respect the Lord.
12 Do you want to live
    and enjoy a long life?
13 Then don’t say cruel things
    and don’t tell lies.
14     Do good instead of evil
    and try to live at peace.

15 If you obey the Lord,
he will watch over you
    and answer your prayers.
16 But God despises evil people,
    and he will wipe them all
from the earth,
    till they are forgotten.
17 When his people pray for help,
    he listens and rescues them
    from their troubles.
18 The Lord is there to rescue
all who are discouraged
    and have given up hope.” Psalm 34:1-18 CEV

If you are discouraged, hopeless and broken hearted the Lord is here to help! Give Him your heart, He’ll heal it!

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A Hurting Heart

As parents, we all know what it’s like to have our hearts ache for our children.

When they are little and run a fever, break a bone or even go to bed hungry we hurt. As they grow and encounter their first bully or insensitive comment that causes them to cry and question their self-worth, we immediately speak words of love and healing but our hearts ache.

Then there are the times they work so hard and fail to make the team, the choir, the squad; they fail to advance in some academic, artistic or agricultural competition and we hurt. All the time reassuring them that they did their best and we are proud of them. There maybe times when they face overwhelming sickness and we volunteer to take their place.

Oh my, God understands!

When His son was here on earth He lived among a hostile people. Many people were drawn to Jesus, they followed Him and learned from Him but those who seemed most vocal were the ones who hated Him and plotted His death. They were relentless.

I can only imagine how the Father must have felt when He heard Jesus praying in the garden. His Son was in such anguish, the pain was almost unbearable. Jesus had never been separated from the presence of His Father’s love, it was something He considered inconceivable but it was about to happen and He was in great turmoil. Jesus had to make the decision to be obedient to the Father’s plan, for our salvation, which also meant He would be separated from the Father because He was carrying our sin.

His heart ached and so did the Father’s.

“When Jesus had said these things, He looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come! Honor Your Son so Your Son may honor You. 2 You have given Him power over all men. He is to give life that lasts forever to all You have given to Him. 3 This is life that lasts forever. It is to know You, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ Whom You have sent.” John 17:1-3 NLV

How the Father’s heart must have ached! He saw His Son die so that we could have a restored relationship with Him. We are welcome in His presence; we are invited to come with our broken hearts and with our tears for our children. He promises to give us the help and comfort we need.

“ We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV

Mothers, Fathers, never hesitate to bring your heart for your children to God’s throne. He knows the anguish and He promises to give us undeserved kindness and help in our time of need.

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Softly & Tenderly

Happy Easter everyone. What a wonderful day – celebrating the resurrection of Jesus! Amazing. Simply amazing.

I always try to put myself in the different stories I read in the Bible. I feel I have been with the disciples in the storm at sea; I followed the woman who had been caught in adultery as she was drug through the streets by her accusers. I’ve eaves-dropped on the conversation between Jesus and the little boy with a lunch of five loaves and two fish and I’ve stood at the foot of cross to see Jesus crucified.

But the story that I can relate to the most – the one that leaves me speechless – occurred on that first resurrection morning.

“Mary stood outside the grave crying. As she cried, she got down and looked inside the grave. 12 She saw two angels dressed in white clothes. They were sitting where the body of Jesus had lain. One angel was where His head had lain and one angel was where His feet had lain. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord. I do not know where they have put Him.”

14 After saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 He said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” She thought He was the man who cared for the garden. She said to Him, “Sir, if you have taken Jesus from here, tell me where you have put Him. I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned around and said to Him, “Teacher!” John 20:11-16 NLV

That morning a group of women had gone to the tomb with additional spices to entomb Jesus’ body. They found the stone rolled away and ran back to the disciples to tell them the stone had been moved. Peter and John ran to the tomb ahead of her and found it empty. They went home but Mary stayed.

Heartbroken and alone, she stayed. Crying she stayed. Why would anyone steal her Savior’s body? The angels tried to speak words of comfort but she turned and walked away, dejected.

As she was leaving she encountered a man that she thought was the gardener. She spoke through her tears and asked “have you taken Jesus, please tell me where he is”.

At that moment, that sorrow filled moment, Jesus spoke but one word, softly and tenderly.

“Mary”.

At the sound of her name she knew instantly that this was Jesus! Her heart was bursting with joy. He’s alive! He called my name. He met me in my sorrow. I’m not alone, I will never be alone again. Jesus has called my name!

His death on the cross paid the price for the sins of all mankind but if I had been the only one to ever live on planet Earth, Jesus would have died just for me. He loves me that much. Salvation is exclusively inclusive. It’s for everyone and yet this gift is offered to each of us personally.

I identify with Mary. At my lowest point, heart filled with sorrow, I have heard Jesus softly and tenderly call my name. Jesus loves me, I will never be alone again.

I know if you will listen, you will hear Him call your name as well.

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Give Thanks During Adversity

I would be unfeeling and lacking in compassion if I didn’t acknowledge that there are some of you who just don’t feel like being thankful. The words “Happy Thanksgiving” set you on edge.

Some are facing a physical battle for your very lives. Others have lost loved ones this year and your hearts are aching. Still others of you may have experienced the closing of a family business and financial insecurity. There’s just not much, if anything, to be thankful for.

It’s important that we learn how to give thanks in the face of adversity. It’s also important for those of us who are in a better place to be compassionate, understanding and supportive of others.

“But let the godly rejoice.
    Let them be glad in God’s presence.
    Let them be filled with joy.
4 Sing praises to God and to his name!
    Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.
His name is the Lord—
    rejoice in his presence!

5 Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—
    this is God, whose dwelling is holy.
6 God places the lonely in families;
    he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.” Psalm 68:1-5 NLV

I cannot express enough the Father’s ever-abiding presence. He does not desert us or abandon us. He is always with us giving us comfort, strength and help.

Jesus experienced heart ache and loneliness. His accountant stole money from his business. His family didn’t understand Him and even His closest friends abandon Him in His greatest hour of need. He experienced all that and made us a promise that we would never have to go through those things without His help.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-15 CEV

Having a grateful heart during adversity becomes our victory song. Not thankful for the adversity but thankful we aren’t alone and thankful that we have the Father’s promise of help.

No matter the circumstances we face we can give thanks – thanks that God never lies, He is faithful to His word. He brings the help we need!

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Growing Strong

I love babies!! ❤❤

We have two grown grandchildren, three young grandchildren and one great grandchild. I’ve been working on photo boards and attending birthday celebrations during the last couple of months. First birthday, third birthday and fifth birthday…lots of pictures to look at while I reminisce.

I remember holding all six of these precious ones in my arms, speaking softly, swaying gently as they slept in my arms. What a blessing to hold a sleeping babe! As much joy as that brings no one wants them to remain babes forever. We desire to see them grow strong and healthy.

It’s a routine with babies – eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating. It’s required for growth.

They eat all the time and make no apology for it. They have a God-given instinct to eat and they let us know about it. We quickly learn which cries mean I’m hungry, tired, mad or wet. As they get a little older we learn signs long before they can articulate their request.

We need to follow their example.

“Be like newborn babies who are thirsty for the pure spiritual milk that will help you grow and be saved. 3 You have already found out how good the Lord really is.” I Peter 2:1-3 CEV

We need to be like babies – sincere, innocent with an overwhelming desire to grow – to eat spiritual milk (the Word) and learn of the Lord’s goodness.

Growing is natural, it’s good, it is proof that we are healthy and strong. Babies also get thirsty and sometimes just need a drink of water and not a feeding of milk. It keeps them hydrated and all their organs working well. We also need water, but the living water, that only Christ can give.

“Jesus answered, “You don’t know what God can give you. And you don’t know who I am, the one who asked you for a drink. If you knew, you would have asked me, and I would have given you living water.”11 The woman said, “Sir, where will you get that living water?…13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14 But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life.”15 The woman said to Jesus, “Sir, give me this water. Then I will never be thirsty again and won’t have to come back here to get more water.” John 4:10-15 ERV

When little babies are hungry they cry and their parents get them a bottle and provide them with nourishment. Scripture tells us that our Father runs to our cry.

“Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy” , because they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NLV

When was the last time we cried to let the Father know we are hungry for the sincere milk of God’s word or the living water that only He can give? When we do, we will be filled.

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Lessons From Glory

Those of you who have been reading my blog any length of time have heard me refer to Glory on a number of occasions. She is my morning buddy and has sat with me through countless hours of Bible Study and prayer. Yesterday, Dave and I had to make the hard decision to let her go. Her little heart had given up; the vet said it was used up.

So, this morning for the first time in a very long time I’m at my computer alone. I just had to re-share one of the many lessons the Lord taught me when Glory was here…

It was a typical Saturday morning. Dave was busy working on things outside and I was getting the house cleaned. Somewhere in all that our little dog Glory got very nervous and unsettled.

She wasn’t a dog to jump up on people but she was that day. Jumping up on Dave and then on me. She was obviously upset. Her world wasn’t as she thought it should be and the only way she knew to do to make it safe was to be with one of us, on our lap.

It made me think, what do I do when my world seems to be wrong? Do I get upset and just work harder, not smarter? Do I hide myself away from family and friends? Do I try to escape the situation by running away – into the television, on a vacation, a shopping trip? Or do I go to the Father, jump up in His lap and let Him assure me things will be alright?

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 ERV

This morning I am spending time in my Father’s lap and letting Him dry my tears. It’s where I am finding the comfort I need. It’s the best place to be!

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