Category: Inspiration

PALMS

Many Christians recently celebrated Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in all four Gospels. This entry would lead to Jesus’ death and resurrection from the dead a week later.

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”  –John 12:12-13  (NIV)

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CROSSES

Christians around the world this week are celebrating special Holy Week services as they journey with Jesus in the final hours of His life on earth and victory over death. I find it the most beautiful and sacred time of the year, as Jesus’ death and His resurrection three days later are the pinnacles of our faith. Let’s take a few minutes to reflect on Jesus’ cross and the crosses we bear in this life too.

Think about Jesus’ life. God sent Jesus to this earth to live in human form, so we can relate to Him even more.

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LIVING OR LIFE

 

What a thought-provoking, inspiring quote, in my humble opinion, especially as a Christian.  It makes me reflect on how we are living our lives on this earth.

Do you

make a living…

or

make a life…

with your existence and limited time on earth?

 

I feel this quote shows how we, like Jesus, live in both our humanity and the spiritual world. Jesus was both human and divine, and we, too, share that because we are filled with the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised we would have once He ascended into heaven. Continue reading “LIVING OR LIFE”

A POWERFUL PRAYER

A friend shared a simple prayer that I find full of encouragement and truth. It’s a short, powerful prayer that we can say anywhere at any time to help keep our perspective and eyes on God. It is also a beautiful way to pray for others.  The word “you” in the prayer is referring to God.

 

 

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USING WORDS WISELY

I think it’s interesting when we study Scripture that we never hear of Jesus having frivolous conversations. Didn’t Jesus talk about the things that matter in life, like repentance, loving others, obedience to God, and helping others? When Jesus spoke, He shared words of wisdom and encouragement.

I saw this acrostic, which I believe sums up Jesus’ life with the words He shared.

 

 

It is also a great reminder about the importance of using our words wisely and to think before we talk. Our words should have a positive impact on others’ lives rather than a negative impact. Continue reading “USING WORDS WISELY”

LIGHTING THE PATH

I enjoy being outside, walking, and communing with the Lord while viewing all of His creation and the beauty that is all around.  On a recent February day, it was a bit cool, crisp, and cloudy when I decided to walk anyway.

As I was walking, it was beautiful to see the sun and blue sky appear. I noticed my shadow directly in front of me and recalled how, as a child,  I was scared when I saw my own shadow, thinking someone was following me.

With this view, I saw a parallel with Jesus representing the sunlight that was shining the path upon all of creation.

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NECESSITIES OF LIFE

God sure is amazing! Are you in awe of how He orchestrates this world and all that is in it perfectly? Threads of the divine run through everything. There are many connections between things that are considered more scientific or worldly and with the divine that I think we sometimes miss.

As humans, what are the four necessities we need in order to survive on this earth and why? Continue reading “NECESSITIES OF LIFE”

LEARNING LESSONS

Isn’t it fascinating to reflect on the fact that God made each of us unique and different? Despite the vast number of people that are currently living on this earth, have already lived before us, and  will live in the future, no two of us are alike. We all look different, look at and process things differently, and have unique experiences. The beauty of this was brought to the forefront of my attention when I attended a talk from a dear friend, Dr. Gregorio Pedroza, His reflection consisted of three parts: how he consciously learns something from every person in his life, how he got to where he is today, and where he is going. He continues to be the most inspiring person in my life because of the physical suffering he has endured for more than forty years—more than half of his life. I wrote about him and his wife, Lilly, a few years ago. Click here to read more of his story, but make sure you come back and finish reading this reflection! Continue reading “LEARNING LESSONS”

HOLY MOMENTS

If you know me personally or have read many of my weekly reflections or books, you probably know that I often experience God moments. For me, a God moment is something that happens that reminds me of God’s presence, His love, or His goodness. I describe it as something that can’t just happen by chance but rather is the result of a greater power called God at work. Continue reading “HOLY MOMENTS”

THE MIGHTY OAK TREE

This reflection was inspired after receiving this unique treasure from a friend’s family for my birthday this past year.

 

A beautiful handcrafted acorn

 

It included a beautiful note that is applicable to all our lives and worthy of reflection, so I will share it.

“Looking at an acorn, it’s hard to tell that it will one day be a great oak tree. Similarly, when we look at our lives, we seldom know what the future will hold. God not only sees where you are right now but also who you will become and where you will go. He doesn’t see an acorn; He sees a mighty oak tree! He knows the plans He has for you and what He wants to do through you. Keep stretching, growing, and challenging yourself, and trust that God is using your gifts to make a difference in this world. You are amazing, and we are grateful to have you in our lives.”

 

What are four takeaways from these words of wisdom? Continue reading “THE MIGHTY OAK TREE”