Robin: A Lesson or Two

american robinI am privileged to see American Robins hanging out in our yard. Our regular visitors are a couple but the other day, I saw a teeny one frolicking in the back yard, too. Not only that, they sing all the time and the quietness of our neighborhood provides the perfect backdrop for the performance.

They love bathing in the bin at the end of our rain chain. Every time I am outside  they come out of nowhere to hang out with me. My little orange friends, I found out, enjoy the shower I provide them with my water hose!

This rainy morning didn’t prevent my little friends from their regular visit. They reminded me of Matthew 6:26. Day in and day out, they are just happy to sing, pulling out worms out of the ground and not a care in the world.I thought of buying them their own bird bath and feeder, and yet the scripture is alive and reminded me of how my Heavenly Father takes care of the birds and me!

It’s all perspective, sometimes defective
Grandiose illusion and twisted perception
Appreciate ev’ry small wonder
The Goodness of God, I ponder.

He provides for me, like the robin upon a tree
Singing gleefully and fed heartily
Father, please forgive me
I thought you didn’t care for me.

My wonderful Savior did me a favor
with singing robins of infectious ardor
Appreciate, be mindful that I have ample
I’m valuable than the birds,  and I am grateful.
-prodigal daughter

Less Talk, Less Sin. No Talk, No Sin?

Back when I was in high school,  I had a funny favorite way of avoiding “recitation” at Sunday School. My teacher would ask all of us to share and explain how a particular verse or chapter is applicable or relevant to us. This technique I am about to share with you was an offshoot of an earlier lesson about how we sin when we open our mouth and we are so quick in judging or giving opinion or lying, or gossiping- you get the picture. And because the tongue is like a double edged sword, we became conscious of what comes out of our mouth and unless we use it to edify and such, we save our breath and our saliva.

We pretty much arrived at “less talk, less sin”.  But knowing me, I always go the extreme, so one Sunday he asked me to expound on our bible reading and I just looked at him and did sign language.  All my friends were worried because they thought I lost my voice. So I kept doing the sign language and it became a funny game of charade. They all started giggling, asking me for a vowel or two or how many syllables were there, etc. So in the end, we all ended up laughing. My confused teacher asked me what just happened and I said, well you said “less talk, less sin”. So I figured “no talk, no sin”. Well, I thought it was funny.

I shared that because my devotion this morning refreshed and energized my spirit. Sometimes, I  ask myself if what I’m really saying makes sense or not? Is my writing really helping or not?  Sometimes, I refuse to share for fear that I might say the wrong things or appear like a fool, do you also get that feeling?

I prayed and said “speak to me and I will listen. Talk to me God.” So as I was reading Isaiah 55, (fantastic chapter), the Lord spoke to my heart when He said in Isaiah 55:11-12

so is my word that goes out of my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

When we worry about what we do or say for Christ, we reduce Him to nothing and we discount His ability to work in people’s lives.  It is easy to say ( though jokingly) that ” no talk, no sin”  is the best,  but talking or writing for God and His kingdom can and will potentially harvest souls and refresh tired followers. 

  1. His word refreshes. (Deuteronomy 32:2)
  2. His word nourishes. (I Corinthians 3:6)
  3. His words are the truth and will make all knees to bend, praise and give Him glory ( Isaiah 45:23)

Do you sometimes worry if what we are doing is pointless? Do you wonder if anyone even reads our blog?

Take joy and know that somewhere out there someone is thirsty,   hungry, and needing encouragement. Someone out there is lost and need the Lord.  It is not us, but God. It is not our wisdom but God’s power and compassion.

So keep spreading, keep planting and keep writing!

God's Word is eternal

Praise You in the Storm

The news warned us of a big storm with 70 mph wind. Government agencies and ordinary people were shown preparing for what was to come. They were concerned and fearful. In fact in my own household the fear was for the tall palm tree and the backyard fence (unexpected expense at this time is unsettling, right?)

The thought of potential damage to the property caused alarm and panic. I was asked “what are we gonna do?” Knowing that there really is not much we could do but brace ourselves, I said a silent prayer and told him ” Don’t worry we will be okay, I already prayed.”

At 5 o’clock this morning, I woke up with God’s instruction“Praise me, get up and praise me.” So I did and wrote a short poem too. I pray that you too,will find refuge in God in the midst of any storm.

I’ll praise you in the storm,
I shall not fear
Through lightning and roaring thunder
I know my God you’re near

You are stronger than the tempest
You my God are my fortress
In you I take refuge,my rock, my salvation
This is my holy proclamation!

In the midst of storm
I’ll praise you
In the midst of storm
I’ll sing for you

Heavy rain and strong winds scare me
Trembling overwhelms me
But you my God will keep me
Your embrace will secure me

You’re my shield and my horn
My calm before the storm
Oh Lord God Almighty
I’ll praise you in the storm!

Calm the Storm