Traveling recently with my 2 year old grandson opened my eyes to many new adventures!  One most notable event occurred at a rest stop where we were just trying to get out some wiggles.

Sitting outside, we were approached by another family.  A family who spoke very broken English.  A mom and her 2 children….Similar to my daughter and her children, but obviously quite different….Until we look at life through the pure and simple eyes and heart of a 2 year old.  The children met.  Face to face.  Eyeing each other up.  “Crocs!” squealed my grandson.  Yes, the other children had on crocs – just like he did!  My grandson didn’t see or hear the MANY differences between the children.  His innocent, unscarred perspective saw only what the kids had in common.

Wow!  What we could learn about God’s kind of love from children!

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”  Psalm 133:1

No – I’m not talking about a video call.
And no – I’m not talking about a kids’ show from the 1970s!
I’m talking about a way to navigate the ups and downs of relationships, news, fears, and trials….Zoom out!  Wayyyyyyyy out!

When worried about a loved one or confused about a decision, we get so consumed and dig a virtual hole deeper and deeper…..getting nowhere but more stressed and more anxious.

So stop Googling!
Quit thinking about it and talking about it!
Zoom out!  And up!  Imagine God’s perspective – eternity away, yet intimately close – desiring what is best for each one of us!

“Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.”  Psalm 61:2

Can I get a witness?

A bumble bee
A fresh tomato
A thunderstorm
And, of course, the ocean!

A favorite old time hymn suggests:
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love!

Step outside tonight, look up at the stars (or the clouds!) and PRAISE THE LORD for His faithfulness, mercy and love!

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”  Romans 1:20

Mr. Daisy, Mary C., and a baby – a cat, a piano teacher, and a very special boy – all have something in common!  God has used these neighbors in my life to bless me and grow me in HUGE ways since I was a little girl!

Aren’t neighbors an interesting concept?  A street address is all that separates you from being strangers and yet you live closer together than most of your family members!  Love your neighbor takes on an unconditional perspective as together we navigate snow and leaves and school and work and kids and pets and life events 24/7/365!

Don’t wait for a block party this summer – reach out and say, “Thank you!” to a neighbor….just because!

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.”  James 2:8

Maybe today’s heat is causing you to cry out, “MERCY!”
Maybe it’s an endless stack of bills.Or unrelenting health concerns.
What drives you to crave mercy?

Human levels of mercy are refreshing!

God’s mercy, however, is life changing!
Life saving!
Life sustaining!
For all eternity!

Next time you’re short on time and long on frustration with someone, offer a small token of the unsurpassing, unrelenting mercy of God!

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”  Matthew 5:7

Amazon Prime Days are almost over!  

How do you spend your Prime?
Early Christmas shopping?
Chasing sales of must haves?
Or searching for deals you didn’t even know you “needed”?

Prime:  having the highest quality or value…first in rank, authority, or significance

Does God have Prime authority and significance in your life?Prime Videos?
Prime Music?
Prime Delivery of praise and prayer?

Let’s check our shopping carts and give God our Prime every day!

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”  Matthew 6:33

We are in an era where you can learn absolutely anything and everything on YouTube!  Someone somewhere else has thought of the idea, created a video and posted it online!

What amazing task have you learned on YouTube?

God has created us with amazing brains with vast amounts of creativity and courage!  I am sure He smiles when we use His gifts for good!

But when does DIY fall short?  “Pinterest Fail” entered our vocabulary when our internet expectation met human reality.

The same is true for our spiritual walks.  There are lots of hacks and short cuts out there.  Genuine faith growth, however, requires emotional health and relational connection as we dig deep in to God’s Word, prayer, and service.

“…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13

We have 5 new adorable lambs.
And we have 1 ornery older goat.

Guess which is easier to love?  To cuddle?  To spend time with?
Yep!  The adorable lambs.  The ornery goat?  Not so much!

Buttttt….I have learned how to love that ornery bugger right where he is.  Tolerate his stinky self.  Accept his goofy habits.  Even find his attempts at friendliness to be endearing.

FYI:  I am talking about my barnyard here.  Not my friends and family.Although, I could be….! 

Who is God calling you to love today?

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”  Romans 12:18

I have a 2 year old grandson.  Guess what concept is in the forefront of every conversation?  ME!  MINE!  His parents will spend the rest of his childhood teaching him to think of others.

Until Today!  Today I challenge you to think of yourself.  Of allllllllll the issues going on in our world today, take some time each day to focus on YOU!
– Instead of badmouthing all things healthcare, take a look at what you are feeding yourself (your body, your mind, your soul).
– Instead of criticizing all things political, consider how you govern and discipline your time, your talents and your finances.
– Instead of comparing others based on their status and labels, put on the eyes of Christ and wear the label of love.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you…For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37,38

What are you growing this spring?  It has been beautiful weather for growing flowers!
And vegetables!  And trees!  And just about everything!

But what are you growing in the garden of your heart?
What do you spend time cultivating and nurturing?
What are your most vital and organic nutrients?

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”  2 Peter 3:18