The rose speaks of God

And God made the rose

And behold it was very good. God said it was very good. On the third day He made the rose.

Why do we often think God is a killjoy? It certainly is not the message we receive from His creation. Jesus said He came to bring us life. Life filled to the brim and overflowing with joy.

When man chose the path of disobedience a curse of death and decay and separation from His life came upon mankind and all of creation. But Christ came to redeem us from the curse of breaking God’s law by becoming a curse for us.

Easter is almost here. It is in remembrance of God’s ultimate swap meet. In Jesus dying on the cross for our sin He said I swap my righteousness for your sin. I give you my life for your death. I give you my love and acceptance from the Father for your alienation, isolation, judgement and death.

Why did the angels announce to the shepherds at Christ’s birth they came to announce GOOD NEWS that everyone should hear? The good news was that God’s plan to save mankind had finally arrived in Jesus!

God is not a killjoy. He came to restore joy. The rose tells us that what God made is very good. And, in fact, He has very good taste. He made you and has given up all He has to restore your relationship with Him. All you have to say is “Yes!”

Blessings from the rose!

Follow the light and find the blessing

I came early to work to complete my hands on portion of the Basic Life Support certification. As I got out of my car the sunrise was painting a golden glow around the silouette of the hospital.

Approaching the classroom I was dazzled by the reflected light streaming through the window at the end of the hall and I heard it the light saying the best is yet to come. So I went to see more.

It was true.

May you hear the call to see more today and find God there waiting to bless you!

Rain

Raining. Snowing. Dripping down from our ceiling. Trash buckets placed to catch the wet.

It has begun. The epic storm forecasted for California has introduced itself last night with howling winds, fog, and now a steady rain. Winds are expected to reach 70+mph, waves at Newport beach 14 feet, up to 2 feet of snow in the mtns. Warnings and alerts are out to all areas at risk for flooding and mudslides. We came up to the mountains yesterday and the Stater Bros. Parking lot was packed with residents stocking up for the winter worst (or best, depending on your perspective!). For us, we pray that the wise will heed the warnings and be safe. And we, with grateful hearts, welcome God’s blessings with hopes that this is a glimpse that an end to our drought is in sight.

Have a blessed day!

I bless you and yours this morning in the great and powerful Name which is above and greater than any other Name. In the Name of Jesus I bless you this day with freedom. In the Name of Jesus I bless you with extraordinary peace. In the Name of Jesus I bless you with joy beyond words and beyond all other experiences. In the Name of Jesus I bring you health.

Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who puts his trust in Him! Have a blessed day!

Rainy mountain blessings

The path it calls, invites and beckons. It sings a song of praise. For new discoveries and haunting memories of sunny and carefree days.

The evening lights so warm invites “Come in and stay awhile. Come sit a spell and we will talk and laugh alot and smile. For falling rain and mist is wet and inside is so cozy. And when we’re warm and contented be we’ll feel so nice and dozy.

But I am loving this gift from God. This quiet is compelling. It fills a void withing my soul with love beyond the telling. So out I’ll linger here awhile. I’ll smile and weep and dream. For God is big and has great plans beyond my wildest schemes.

Enjoying sweet blessings: Good and perfect gifts

The gift of sight is so wonderful and, with the gift of memory I can revisit those delightful sights and be able to savor those memories and beauty all over again. What a lovely and delightful gift from God! There are many things that can dim our sight and tarnish memories but we can be revived and encouraged as we enjoy many blessings and sweet mercies from our God and Creator. God is good. ALL the time!

Faire faucet: The gift of life

We take so much for granted. To wash we need just to turn a faucet. To drink, brush our teeth, clean our dishes or wash our fruit and vegetables it is taken for granted the water will gush forth at the turn of a faucet. Even flush toilets might be considered a tremendous luxury in some third world countries. Besides the abundance of this precious fluid so readily available we have grown to expect it will come filtered and treated against bacteria so we are safe from water borne disease.

I was fascinated by the light and shadows when I took these shots. I think they are beautiful. But more than the photo op I am drawn by gratitude for all the blessings we enjoy.

Fountains: morning blessings

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blessings