Consider the lilies of the field… Matt 6:28

Bright and Beautiful🎶

🎶All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all.🎶

Psalm 104:24: “O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all”

“As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.”
Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

🎶He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.”

“Irish poet and hymn-writer Cecil Frances Alexander penned “All Things Bright and Beautiful” in 1848 to help children grasp the meaning of the opening line of the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.”

We are in summer break for children from school and many churches are having Bible School for a week or so. They often teach this song to children along with scriptures to memorize. This week one of our writers and friend, Tammy Holton, shared a little video of her four year old grandson that wanted to show his Nan Nan what he had learned at Bible School. He boldly proclaimed John 8:12, “Jesus is the Light of the world.” Nam Nan proudly proclaimed the words of Jesus, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

I was touched by hearing this little child learning and sharing. I had just penned words with my photo of a little chickmunk that decided one nice sunny morning to share one of my prayer chairs.

I allowed the little creature to stay and enjoy my angel singing. Well that is how I see the art statue.

Then a few hours later my six year old granddaughter shared her photo of her house spider with babies.

Now I won’t write my first thoughts that tried to instruct me how to handle that pesky chickmunk as well as my granddaughter’s spider nuisance. I paused. Spent a few hours thinking about my thoughts when this precious song came to my remembrance. 🎶All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all.🎶 My perspective begin to shift a little about small creatures.

Then very quickly a text of the cutest little guy sharing, that Jesus is the light of the world.

I imagine you might be thinking what is all this “little” about when our nation is at war. And gas prices high as well as food and about anything you might name. Trouble seems everywhere. Yet, God has it all under control if we just remember to be and do our little thing!

🎶Each little flower that opens
Each little bird that sings
He made their glowing colours
He made their tiny wings🎶

Always remember; “Jesus is the light of the world” proclaims little Holton!

*Tammy’s co-workers spider web! 🤩 See Notes in comments.

In The Garden

🎶I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The son of God discloses🎤

And he walks with me
And he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

I’d stay in the garden with him
Though the night around me is falling
But he bids me go
Through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling

And he walks with me
And he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known🎶

“The classic 1912 hymn “In the Garden” was written by Charles Austin Miles, a former pharmacist who became a full-time gospel music writer. Inspired by the biblical account of Mary Magdalene encountering the risen Christ in the garden on Easter morning (John 20:11-18), Miles wrote the lyrics and music after experiencing a vivid vision while reading his Bible.”

It’s heart warming to read in 1912 the writer, Miles, experiencing a vivid vision while reading his Bible. Today, 2026 we, too, can have a warm relationship with God in various ways as we read our Bibles. We have much to share.

Identity of Oneself …

I am a Black Swallowtail Butterfly and I know where to find food and how to protect myself from danger.

“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up. Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep. So the captain came to him, and said to him, “What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this trouble has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. Then they said to him, “Please tell us! For whose cause is this trouble upon us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” So he said to them, “I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?”—for the sea was growing more tempestuous. And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.” Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.” So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows. Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”Jonah‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/114/jon.1.1-17.NKJV

Many of us may say I don’t need to read this because I have read and heard this story forever and over and over. And, I would have to raise my hand.

But, did I hear it? Did I see it? I didn’t. I sung the praises of the mystical thought of a man in the Belly of a Fish for many years. Wonder what I was really thinking? An Exotic Fish? A bad translation? “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?”

In my reading these scriptures today I saw one answer from Jonah that might answer all my questions. Yes, vs 9 Jonah tells the purpose of his story I would think, “I am a Hebrew and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”

How do we identify ourselves when asked! Or, when we are seen?

In the garden-Blind but now I see! Seeing but now I’m blind?

John 9:1-7, The story is shared that Jesus found a man who had been blind since birth. To heal him, Jesus spit on the dirt, mixed it with his saliva to make mud (or clay), and smeared the paste onto the man’s eyes. He then instructed the man to go and wash his face in the Pool of Siloam. When the man washed, his sight was restored.

I seem to have built in my being stories about Jesus and the ones he told and how many ways they speak to the hearer.

Aloe Vera plant

Lavender plant

Lemon art on mailbox

My garden for thought

We all might see it differently and differently at different times. I see it today through the actions and eyes of a child. I recently watched a six year old little girl at play yet learning and teaching those around her. A few adults gathered outside around what I call my ‘Apothecary Shop’. Plants and oils for allergies, cuts, burns and maybe bug bites. I had two very large pots of Aloe Vera and Lavender plants, as well as fresh Lemons to share. We were talking about healing with essential oils. I watched the little girl take her little spray bottle of water and begin to mix aloe and lemon in her water to spray for her bug bite healing treatment. I noticed she walked away and put the big gel leaves in her mouth to break them open so gel would come out and then spit in the bottle of water. I started to stop her and explain my way like use scissors or a knife etc. I didn’t I just left if for the moment to observe and think about.

Why did Jesus tell stories? Why are we telling our stories?

The man he healed had to walk through the streets of Jerusalem with mud caked on his face to reach the Pool of Siloam. There he was healed. Then he had to walk back through the streets clean face and seeing eyes. Lot of explaining to do. Seems some didn’t quite believe him and some not pleased this man Jesus was working on the Sabbath. Sure caused a community reaction.

There is just something special about stories told by a master story teller, Jesus truly has a way to open our eyes to truths for our healing and lives in so many ways.

Revelation 4:18 reveals good advice; “I advise you to buy from Me…ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see.”

Could eye healing be the way we see things? Maybe about others? Or, ourselves? Think about an answer Jesus gave to the ones questioning his healing method!

“Jesus told him, “I came to judge the people of this world. I am here to give sight to the blind and to make blind everyone who can see.” When the Pharisees heard Jesus say this, they asked, “Are we blind?” Jesus answered, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty. But now that you claim to see, you will keep on being guilty.” ‭‭(John‬ ‭9‬:‭39‬-‭41‬ ‭CEVDCI‬‬)

This thought keeps flowing through my thinking; Blind but now I see! Seeing but now I’m blind!

Maybe you would like to read the blind man’s story in full from the Bible -John 9 and share your thoughts from his story.

Maybe turn in your hymnal to “Amazing Grace”, Blind but now I see…🎶

Look! Look…At the Birds!

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

I often picture Jesus standing and gently sharing truths for humans during the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. The birds of the air that find food in many places because Our Heavenly Father feeds them. They don’t gather into our barns.

Jesus had just taught us how to pray;

^{Vs 9 of Matthew 6}“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹Give us today our daily bread.
¹²And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.

Then I picture various birds we might see today like this domesticated bird and think WOW how did God allowed us to see this beauty.

Bird enjoying the streets and eateries of Key West Fl. 2026 (Photo by Chris Mar)

I read this week in my devotional these words CAC’s online course The Divine Exchange, Cynthia Bourgeault considers one of Jesus’s parables through the lens of interconnection and abundance. “Jesus continues to heap on metaphor after metaphor: Behold the lilies of the field, behold the sparrow, behold the hairs of your head. He creates a picture of a kingdom where every single piece, no matter how humble, is known and supported. He ends with “Do not be afraid, little flock. It is my Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

Now imagine the beauty Our Heavenly Father sees in you, me and all humans He created.

^{Vs 25}“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Jeremiah’s words recorded by Baruch. “And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the Lord. “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.” (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭45‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

^{(Matthew :6 vs 24)}“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

I love the parables Jesus taught, don’t you? I’m not sure I have mastered the truth wrapped in these stories of such small and what might be called insignificant things giving us a messsge that works better that fear, anxiety and our egos!

Summer is almost here. Might just be a good time to chill out and glean the benefits that await us from an odd but simple thought. Have we tried counting the hairs on our heads? It’s probably not as many as the times spent flipping it and wondering how we look? Why bother with the lilies of the field? What might they tell us?

New Beginnings;

“Sometimes we can only find our true direction when we let the wind of change carry us.” —Mimi Novic

This beautiful yet, maybe fearful, quote by Mimi Novic reminds us that resisting change often blocks our progress.

find your true direction

Photo, Key West Florida by Chris Mar 2026 on a Sabbatical from surfing to Scuba Diving

Nicodemus and Jesus were having a conversation about spiritual things that seemed impossible to understand when Nicodemus asked Jesus; “How can these things be?” Jesus replied with a metaphor that we might be able to understand.

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

Jesus teaches us about the spirit saying the divine indwelling Spirit is the “Advocate,” who is “with you and in you,” makes you live with the same life that he lives, and unites you to everything else (John 14:16–20). He assures us the “Spirit of truth” will “teach you everything” and “remind you of all things” (John 14:26)

Terry Moran, a news reporter with one network for over 30 years, was abruptly fired one day. After about 10 months, I heard him talking about the new platform he had started. He was excited, vibrant, and seemed renewed as he announced his new venture. He said, “I like to say, I’ve walked out of … black and white and into technicolor. Walked out of yesterday and into tomorrow.” (*See Terry’s full announcement link below)

Have you a story of New Beginnings? What brought the new about for you?

*https://www.instagram.com/reel/DY4hQ4cukE1/?igsh=b2plZXppa2J3ZjF0

A Sunset reveals many things

Key West Sunset on the last night of my scuba sabbatical, Chris Mar

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NRSV)

What does a sunset reveal to you?

Richard Rohr, In his book, “Just This,” considers how contemplative prayer allows us to release our thoughts, finding deeper wisdom and guidance:

“Contemplation is a panoramic, receptive awareness whereby we take in all that a situation, moment, or person offers without judging, eliminating, or labeling anything. It is pure and positive gazing that abandons all negative pushback so we can begin to recognize inherent dignity. It takes much practice and a lot of unlearning of habitual responses.”

“Just This” invites us into the book by describing the writers thoughts. …”is a collection of brief and evocative meditations and practices that invite us to cultivate the gift of waking up to the beauty of reality in all its glorious ordinariness. … Rohr creates a spaciousness for the soul to grow into a kind of seeing that goes far beyond merely looking to recognizing and thus appreciating. This is the heart of contemplation, the centerpiece of any inner dialogue that frees us from the traps of our perceptions and preoccupations. The contemplative mind does not tell us what to see; it teaches us how to see what we behold.”

“How to see what we behold!” Awe!

Many of us may remember Sandi Patty singing, 🎶“We shall Behold Him; The sky shall unfold
Preparing His entrance
The stars shall applaud Him
With thunders of praise” Songwriter: Dottie Rambo

“For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee”. Isaiah 60:2

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Now comes my sunset reveal:

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior.” Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I’m here! You’re here! We are here! All for a purpose! Find your Star!

Our little John Deere at work

Happy Mothers Day said the Tiny Baloon blowing in the wind

A little “John Deere” Kid’s tractor pulled a tiny trailer filled with tiny little flowering plants to gift walkers passing by that just might need a kindness to make their day.

I noticed men that pause to wave seem to embrace memories of their Mom and family that farmed as one might say, “back in the day”!

A kindness offered was received in various ways. “Thank you” at times. Yet, most often “word stories” were shared. At times a tear drop to glisten the soil and maybe a laugh to energize the few extra steps one just might take.

As I later sat in awe of God’s Love being shared I pondered being a bridge builder! Maybe, at times. But, I have noticed living life over the years “bridge building” is not always possible. Being a “Light” as our Creator ask us to be never dims and never goes out.

I am a Christian where my faith promotes “building bridges” through reconciliation, and peace-making by connecting with Jesus as the ultimate bridge between humanity and God. We as followers of Jesus are Light in the world.

The Bible instructs believers to “be the light”! Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus declares, “You are the light of the world,”

And, A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Be a bridge builder as often as you can but when you can’t continue to be a light!

How to give yourself a reward or a Nightmare

Those who are kind reward themselves,
but the cruel do themselves harm. (Proverbs 11:17 (NRSVUE)

“An unforgiving heart is an unforgiven heart, and if you can’t forgive, you haven’t sensed His forgiveness.” Timothy Keller

Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”.

Reward or Nightmare?

What is this thing that fell in my garden while I was at work planting seeds wonders the child?

A Nightmare

This “thing will give me nightmares” says the child!

I was gardening with my granddaughter and the help from a friend when I heard her little voice that had minutes before been shrilling with delight quietly say, “this thing will give me nightmares!” I quickly asked, what will give you nightmares when I saw a blob of dirt with what looked like to me ‘forever roots’ that was falling on her well manicured garden spot!

Does anything give you nightmares?

As I continued to hear the child wonder why do we need this ‘monster with too many legs’ in our garden? I thought of the words I have often cherished and quoted, “And, a little child shall lead them.” (Isaiah 11.6)

I googled the Bible verse and AI responded with an overview:

“And a little child shall lead them” is a famous phrase from Isaiah 11:6 in the Bible, depicting a future peaceful kingdom where predators and prey live in harmony, and even a child can lead animals like wolves and lions safely. It symbolizes a, perfect peace and restoration where innocent trust overcomes fear.

Key Themes and Interpretations

Prophecy of Peace: The passage Isaiah 11:6-9 describes the “Peaceable Kingdom,” where the, knowledge of the Lord covers the earth, resulting in total safety.
Vulnerability over Power: It highlights that God’s kingdom is characterized by the innocence and vulnerability of children rather than, worldly power.
The Context: The verse describes a toddler leading a group of animals—such as a wolf with a lamb, and a leopard with a goat—rather than children leading adults.
Common Usage: The phrase is often used to suggest that children can teach adults about, simplicity, trust, and love. “

My late brother, Chet of Nags Head, NC, a good gardener, taught me when a tree or plant is root bound in a pot and I wanted to ground plant be sure to cut and break up the roots.

At times I find my thinking is root bound to old ways of thinking about many things but most often faith. Maybe I have been blinded by my sins. Taught by a flawed teacher? Parent? Friend? How to cut the ‘root bound mind roots’ that seem to give us nightmares as the child just taught me! Is it a reward or nightmare?

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
*Romans 12:2 (NRSVUE)

*Recommended Reading; Proverbs 12 and if your time permits flip back and Read Proverbs 11! Reward yourself!🙏💛

One Another

John 13:34 (NIV): “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another”.
John 15:12 (NIV): “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you”.
1 John 4:7 (NIV): “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God”.
Romans 12:10 (NIV): “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves”.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV): “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”.
I have been thinking on the above scriptures and I began to see my thinking was a bit distorted when it came to words like, “just as in Christ God forgave you. Love others like He loves me! Honor others above myself!” Does anyone else have troubling thoughts about such language? I realized I need to gently rubber band stretch my distorted thinking.
I paused to think on the gentleness of Jesus when He would respond to others that might have been church pew sitting with me for years.
The Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in John 4 had a mind-action changing experience after a conversation with Jesus. Jesus pushed aside social, gender, and racial barriers by communicating to her an offer of God’s living water
Jesus responded to her, “If you recognized God’s gift and who is saying to you, ‘Give me some water to drink,’ you would be asking him and he would give you living water.”
—John 4:10 (CEB)

In a Morning Devotion I read; “The kind of drinking that Jesus invites us to is not the polite, sipping from our teacups with pinkies extended kind of drinking. It’s a drinking that drenches us, that causes rivers of living water to flow out of our hearts.” By Jan L. Richardson, In the Sanctuary of Women: A Companion for Reflection and Prayer

Today, we are told by religious leaders, politicians, news shows as well as neighbors, family and friends we are broken apart and shattered rather than whole and healed.

Seems to be true but not hopeless when I allow these scriptures to change my way of thinking!