“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

If a branch is not attached to the vine, it withers and dies. I don’t think on this visual much in the cold winters of Northern Virginia. Mainly, because trees and vines lay bare. And, often snow capped.  Therefore, my thoughts go more to, “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”  (Isaiah 1:18 ESV)

Great thought! Maybe greatest of all thoughts! Yet, as Spring peeks just outside my windows my thoughts begin to pause and wonder, did that tree or vine make it through the freeze? Did the elements from the cold  bruise, damage or clearly break the branches that 👀  so sad and barren among the greens, pinks, yellows and purples? I stare and wonder is it possible for the branch that looks so out of place barely hanging on going to make it?  I rush to snap a tiny portion to see if maybe I will see life inside the dead brown look?

As warm days pass and I see a vine full of blossoms and fruit with a barren brown dead branch tucked in among the beauty and edible fruit I must say it takes no thought to say, cut it out. “If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.…” (John 15:6)

As I thoughtfully write today, Easter Monday,  I think how children from all walks of life will gather at The White House to search for colored eggs and maybe shake hands with The POTUS and First Lady. Maybe we as Christians should be as diligent and joyful to be invited into The House, The Temple of the Living God, and search for edible colorful 🍉 🍐🍋🍍🥝🥝🍇🍇! How many did you find? Did you win a trophy or other award?

Lets make our thoughts thoughtful?

Makes me pause, think and face truths as I will hear the words, “repent and believe in the gospel”

So often I have  had opportunity to evaluate myself. Have you? Seemly, all to often I am reading about or having this conversation with others.   What is the difference between ‘privilege and entitlement’? I love the way Brené Brown, acclaimed author and life coach explains the difference;  “The difference between privilege and entitlement is gratitude.” Then Todd Brown responds;   “Whenever someone does something nice for you, your response should always be appreciation. Go the extra mile to show that you are grateful and honored by what others do for you.” Todd also calls to my attention these words:

“Look at your interactions with your coworkers, leaders, and even your friends. Do you sometimes feel as though you are not getting what is owed to you? Analyze the situation. Is this a result of an unhealthy relationship, where you’re not being seen or appreciated, or is it because of prideful expectation?”

The Apostle Paul writes; “You will shine among [a warped and crooked generation] like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”- Philippians 2:15-16 (NIV)

Join me as we  approach ASH Wednesday, March 1, 2017 and see just how bright we are shining to give light to the world.  If need be take joy and;  “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” Much ❤️

Lets light up the SKY! 🌕🌚🌔🌗🌘🌕🌏🌛💫⭐️🌟✨

The psalmist wrote, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” – Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

Is The Lord your strength? 💪🏋🏾‍♀️ Shield?

Does your 💟 trust him?

Does the Lord help you? 🤺🥊

I heard about a ‘deer sports hunter’ that served jail time for taking his sport fight in the wrong direction. The story goes that this man was deer hunting and running his dogs and they spotted a  perfect deer. Another hunter was hanging from a limb of a tree and decided to take the deer that was not his according to ‘deer hunter rules.’

The spot on hunter didn’t like this ‘tree hanger’ killing his deer so he turned and shot the limb holding the man. Can you imagine the ego of the man that took a Humpty Dumpty fall in front of all his hunting buddies?

The writer of our scripture, shepherd boy, king of Israel, father, grandfather, a beloved man of God,  and people.  Our deer hunter, beloved of God, wife, children and grandchildren. For his grandchildren  would deny that such an honorable man that walks in great wisdom would have done such a thing. Others, like Mr. Trump,  thought so dishonorable  by many with his lifestyle and foul mouth. Yet, a president and beloved by his children and grandchildren.

Yet, David, The psalmist wrote, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” – Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

To one of our favorite couples! Chris and Tammy Holton! Pictured here with their sons, Nic and Nat!  Looking good!

“Jesus often whispers for us to come and sit at his feet. When we take time to disconnect from our flurry of daily activities, we can hear God’s voice much more clearly.” From Upper Room Daily Devotionals…I hope to make this my daily retreat in 2016! I send warm thoughts and prayers to each of you as you reach out to goal spiritually in the New Year! 💞2⃣0⃣1⃣6⃣ 🎼
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Psalm 148:1, NRSV….Praise🎧