Reflections from Corinne’s Garden Magnifying Light of Jesus in Our Daily Lives Day 5 ~ Remembering “I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. “ John 8:12, NET We are inclined to grumble, to be thankless, or to complain about our circumstances, God graciously reminds us that we must remember “Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all; won’t He also give us everything we need.” – Romans 8:32 Recently I stopped by Hobby Lobby …
Enjoy Life – It’s The Best Side Effect!
Everything we do has a side effect. Even the most fun things have a few issues. One of my earliest fishing trips was with a cousin and her then boyfriend. I was about 8 and she was probably 16. I was so very shy but I managed to ask to ride with them to the pond. She said okay, but watch out for the hook in the fishing pole. Of course you know, I got that hook hooked in my shorts. And she had to get it loose from the cloth. I was both exhilarated and embarrassed. Still it is …
Bloom!
The jonquils are blooming here and there in our area. The up and down temperatures are causing a stir in nature. It’s amazing to me that these lovely flowers will bloom even in the snow and not die. Oh beloved, bloom! Bloom where you are planted. Bloom out of season. Bloom when all in the natural wants to stunt your life. It’s not about having things right and perfect that you are able to bloom. It’s because your roots are grounded in Christ. This is not the season to cut off the blooms and discard your beauty. It’s time to …
A Mother’s Love
Isaiah 66:13 – “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” Giving birth to my two kids was the greatest blessings. The bond between mother and child is like no other. There have been seasons of joy, laughter, love and inevitably worry. God has been at my side every step of the way. From scraped knees to wedding bells to grandchildren, God has been a constant through it all. When I think of the love I have for my children and my grandchildren it doesn’t come close to the love …
Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
During this time of year, Christians focus on the birth of Jesus. He was the Son of God born to become the sacrifice for the sins of the world. Because He died on the cross and was resurrected conquering sin and death, Jesus is our only hope, peace, joy and unconditional love that we can experience both in this life and the next. It is only through Him that these life conditions are met. He is our Hope of eternal life because of His sacrifice. Titus 1:2 “…in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time …
From Anxious to Joyful
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” – Psalms 94:19 When I was younger, I battled social anxiety. It started as not being able to speak up in class, when a teacher called on me, I sat there in my seat, frozen, and to scared to speak. This often led to me being forced to stand in the hallway for most of the class because my teachers couldn’t understand why I was unable to answer a question. As time went on, it went from not being able to speak in class, to not being …
The Joy of Listening
Matthew 5:3-4 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” NIV In my devotions this week, I relate how God returned Joy to my life in various ways: friendship, travel, nature, giving to others, and having a purpose. There are so many ways to experience the rich life God has intended for us and I pray these words of mine will help others who are seeking Joy in their life. I have gained a new perspective on joy this year as I mourn the …
Time To Enjoy
I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and do good while they live. -Ecclesiastes 3:12 The Israelites celebrated the victory of David and his men. The Israelites celebrated their escape from Egypt. There were several festivals from the Bible that they celebrated and enjoyed from time to time. If there is someone who loves enjoyment and happy gatherings, it is God. God is the author of joy. Even Jesus celebrated and performed his first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding. God loves making people happy because he loves us. …
Circumstantial Joy
Are you waiting for things to change before you’ll be happy again? You could be waiting a long time, my friend. If you are a Christian, joy is an emotion as a result of the Holy Spirit that lives within you. This Spirit produces this ongoing positive and hopeful emotion, as we turn our heart and mind to Christ. Even when our world is engulfed in violence and hate, the Holy Spirit can give you peace. This comes from knowing your faith is not in what’s going on around you, it’s your trust that God loves you and will …
Love Notes
Our refrigerator is covered with messages, photos and magnetic notes. Oh and there are some pieces of artwork as well. I love those reminders. Each one holds a special place in our hearts. Notes that vow that we are the best at something, anything, warm our hearts. Grandchildren who pledge undying devotion, share their grades, show their artistic abilities. There’s even a note from a daughter and her family on there. Oh beloved, are you keeping the good notes close at hand? When the world is tumbling you like you’re in a rock tumbler, are you able to remember that …
Choose Your Battles Well
There’s a big discussion going on social media between the early decorating versus waiting to decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. We have been in both camps. One year early in our marriage I was pregnant and having some problems so there was no going into the woods. Thankfully my hubby bought our tree just a day or two before Christmas while he was training In Little Rock. We’d never had pre cut tree! We finally decided to use artificial trees later because we couldn’t agree on which tree to cut. I always wanted a tree that truthfully was too big …
Broken Heart?
Funny but this morning I remember a time when one of my favorite vases was broken by one of my children. I was heart broken. Now I can say that I wish that was the most heart breaking thing I’ve ever endured. But we all know about broken hearts. Each of us has our own endurance and have overcome much. Your broken heart and mine might look different but broken is broken. Oh beloved, you would love to be able to just pick up the pieces and put your broken heart back together again. But God wants you to know …
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