Pigeons eat a variety of seeds including fresh grains, oats, popcorn and sunflower seeds. I truly delight in watching all sorts of birds in my backyard and hear them sing their melodic tunes every Spring.

Right after dad passed away, mom relocated back to South America permanently since she needed 24/7supervision.  For years, mom had fed a white pigeon with bread crumbs in her balcony every afternoon. Mom never purchased any special blend yet the pigeon would always visit her once or twice a day for bread crumbs.  One afternoon she quietly asked me, “who is going to feed the white pigeon in my absence?!” My heart sank. I was speechless. I pondered for quite a while ‘how’ was I going to answer mom until God sang His rhythmic tunes straight to the core of my soul and heart.

His truth reminded me not to worry or fret over life circumstances. I was not in control of the pigeon’s future. Mom needed to move back to our home country and God was going to take care of both mom and the white pigeon.

Luke 12:24-25 “Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds then; how much more valuable you are than the birds! And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span?”

In transitions, we may feel vulnerable and out of control. In these moments, we may be in distress or anxious about the outcome(s) of the future.  The Lord walks alongside and comforts us along the way.

These unforgettable memories are engraved in our hearts and reminds us of all those special moments God speaks to our hearts. It was so special to think about mom and her white pigeon from South Florida earlier today.

The Lord reminded me once again not to worry or fret over current circumstances. His divine plans are going to prevail and for us to rest in Him prayerfully and peacefully. He is able and forever faithful. He is our Provider, Refuge and Peace. He is in control of all life circumstances. When we trust in Him, we will be encouraged.

Ephesians 3:20

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.

Psalms 33:20

Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.

Psalms 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hope fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Photo Courtesy: Sandy Millar @ UnSplasher and Holger Link.

Newsflash!

The “Bible Reading Journal Illustrated” is available now on Amazon ✍🏼

It can be used in a group setting or independently. It is the perfect journal for anyone who is just beginning to engage in “Faith Journaling.”

The journal explains the value of ‘Faith journaling’ and an illustration demonstrates the daily process. This journal will provide you with journaling space to record your personal reflections as you read Bible passages every 20 days.

You will find written prompts that will guide you thru five key spiritual disciplines: Obedience, Confession, Forgiveness, Thanksgiving, and Prayer.

Scriptures cross-references are also available for you to dig deeper into God’s Word.

The journal will help you reflect and pray over Scriptures whether you are sitting in a kitchen table, taking a lunch break, waiting to pick-up your child from school or drinking coffee at a local cafe. The portable size of the journal is convenient to carry in your messenger bag, tote, purse or backpack. This portable journal is perfect for anyone who tends to be busy in life or travels often.

You will renew your mind with His Word, strengthen your heart with His promises and refresh your soul with His unconditional and unfailing love.

Are you ready to establish these disciplines in your life? If so, your life will be transformed over the course of time. #thebiblereadingjournalseries #inscribehisword #journalingclass #discipleship #womenretreats #faithjournaling

The Bible Reading Journal Illustrated: Journaling In Pursuit of His Direction, Wisdom and a Closer Relationship. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1092772421/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NCTWCbDCWDGJ5

“In the middle of the ashes, the cross still stands. A powerful reminder as we move toward Good Friday. No matter the devastation we face, no matter what is burned up, the cross is victorious and Sunday is on its way!”
Sheila Walsh

Photo courtesy: Sheila Walsh @ Facebook – social media post

#notredamecathedral #prayingforparis #HolyWeek #beautyfromashes #poweroftheCross

When I was an adolescent, I practiced the piano at 4 a.m. every day. After a few years of consistent practice, I built finger dexterity, muscle memory for over hundreds of manuscripts and the tolerance to play piano for several hours non-stop. With practice and repetition, I was able to memorize strings of musical notes and play effortlessly. In competitions, I played well despite expected fears. If I would skip or forget a note, I would still finish strong in the competition and earn superior ratings. It was all the result of daily training, focus, and intentional planning. This daily routine led to a discipline in which I built character and maturity over time as a piano player and competitor.

Wouldn’t be nice to build our spiritual muscles for our next life interruption or tragedy or unexpected loss?

I want to stand firm in my Faith!

Even though we are not in a piano competition, we do need inner strength, direction, wisdom and most importantly a relationship with our Lord who is near the broken-hearted and comforts us in the midst of our sorrows, abrupt losses and life tragedies.

It is key to memorize and hide His Truth in our hearts so we may rest on His Word at the time of need. “…and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” ‭‭(John‬ ‭8:32‬ ‭NASB) For us to grow deeper in our Faith, we need to be intentional in our daily practice of Bible Reading, Repentance, Forgiveness, Thanksgiving and Prayer. Once we are able to establish the routine, it will then become a discipline and we will engage in these practices effortlessly and consistently. As a result, we will strengthen our spiritual muscles over time, build our Faith walk, character and maturity.

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” JOSHUA‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NASB

Building our Faith walk requires intentional scheduling.

If I don’t plan ahead and schedule time for Bible reading, journaling, and prayer, then I will be too busy with other commitments and neglect God’s Word. I have seen it happen too many times in my life.

Have you added your Bible Reading and Journaling to your daily schedule? If not, spend fifteen minutes in rearranging your daily calendar and schedule a time for His Truth and reflections today.

Because I no longer play daily, I am not able to compete or play as much. It is unfortunate I am no longer an advanced piano player. As a matter of fact, I am about to lose the abilities to play the piano if I do not go back this month with the new coach I recently hired.

Building spiritual muscles is much like building finger dexterity when playing the piano. We have to schedule it, establish the routine by daily practice and commit to it. Otherwise, we will lose the intimacy with our Lord and drift away.

Our Lord is waiting patiently for us to commit and worship Him all the time. He is a compassionate and forgiving God who is eagerly waiting for us to get closer to Him one day at a time.