Beyond Your Pigpen

Come back to the good life.

Prodigal. It’s a word that goes hand in hand with a pigpen. It may even describe a person whom you hold dear to your heart. It might even describe you.

With that said, this blogpost doesn’t focus on the prodigal son in the Bible who squandered all he had and ended up in a pigpen feeding swine. (Luke 15:11-32) Instead, this post is about sinners who consider themselves a lost cause. Prodigals who consider themselves unworthy to spend eternity in heaven. 

Your prodigal could be your child, your spouse, a parent, a sibling or a friend. Your heart breaks for that loved one just as the heart of our heavenly Father does. He loves your prodigal even more than you do. 

God desires a restored relationship with all wayward souls and, if necessary, will woo them everyday for the remainder of their lives. Some prodigals will turn back to Him immediately upon being convicted of a wrongdoing. Others may have to hit rock bottom several times before realizing Jesus is all they need. And then some will accept Him during their final moments here on earth.

You may think that a deathbed conversion is impossible, but let’s take a look at a Bible story that says otherwise. After Jesus had already been nailed to the cross, the religious rulers sneered at Him, and the Roman soldiers mocked Him. (Luke 23:35-37) Two verses later, even one of the two criminals crucified alongside our Lord blasphemed Him.

However, the other criminal known as the “good thief” rebuked the one who spoke disrespectfully. He told him that their crucifixion was a just reward for their evil deeds, but that Christ had done nothing wrong. Then turning to Jesus, the good thief said, “Lord, remember me when you come into Your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42 NKJV)

Jesus’ response is full of mercy, grace and forgiveness. “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Notice the word “assuredly.” The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines assuredly as “without a doubt.” Other words with the same meaning are certainly, clearly, definitely, inarguably, indisputably, surely, truly, undeniably, undoubtedly, and unquestionably.

The thief who did not revile Jesus made an eleventh-hour confession by acknowledging his sins. And because he did so before his impending death, Christ assured him of eternity in heaven.

If you think your prodigal’s sins are too great for him or her to make it into heaven, think again. If you believe your own sins will hold you back from entering the pearly gates, think again. It’s never too late to turn over the remainder of your life to the Lord. You find that assurance in the good thief’s last-minute plea for mercy. However, following Jesus a long time before your last day here on earth provides you with more opportunities to be used by God to bring glory to His kingdom.

All you have to do is pray a simple prayer, asking God to forgive you of your sins, and then confess with your lips that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. It really is that simple. God wants a relationship with you, so why not start following Him today.

Have a blessed day!

“…. there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said… ‘my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:20-22, 24)

His Watchful Eyes

His eyes run to and fro.

Recently while visiting a zoo, I photographed this tiger staring intently in my direction. His laser-focused eyes had the power to put me in either a state of anxiety or a state of wonderment.

I chose the latter but recognized that if the powerful feline had not been on the other side of a fenced enclosure, my fear factor would have kicked in. Without that barrier, I might have been his next meal.

His pointed stare brought to mind how God keeps watch over me. Those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus are comforted in knowing that our heavenly Father always has His eyes on us.

When a Christian experiences life’s lighter moments, God delights in watching that person's joy. Likewise, when that same believer walks through tough times, the Lord is with her, guiding her every step.

Every person, whether a Christian or not, will encounter evil because we live in a fallen world. God did not create such wickedness, yet He will be with us whenever we go through hurtful and horrendous situations. Some of those circumstances are of our own doing, and some are the consequences of someone else’s sinful deed. No matter where the fault lies, the Holy Spirit will guide you toward being whole again.

The omnipresent Father is aware of all the good and bad that occurs in the universe and on earth. (Proverbs 15:3 NKJV) He knows everything that has happened to you. He knows exactly how each has affected you. And He knows exactly how to mend you from the inside out. He is your Healer.

Always remember that He loves you. You are the apple of His eye.

Have a blessed day!

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” - 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NKJV)

God Will Do It Again In 2020

Humbleness  

Restoration  

Promises fulfilled

Earlier today as I listened to the worship song “Do It Again,” I was reminded that God’s promises still stand. On this New Year’s Eve, the song reaffirms a big promise that He made to me, one which I’ve been waiting on for almost 20 years now.

Meanwhile during the wait, I’ve seen other promises and healings come to pass. Dreams have materialized. Family estrangements have been healed. Fears have been overcome. And through it all, I’ve followed the leading of the Lord, not the opinions of people that could have led me somewhere other than where God wanted me to go.

My heavenly Father led me out of a career path that I kept falling back into simply because those jobs paid the monthly bills. Every time I landed a new job pushing paper, I just knew He had something more for me. Something better. Something where I would use my God-given talents of photography and writing.

Over 10 years ago, that artistic direction which God was pointing me toward was scary. I couldn’t see where it was leading. However, I took the first step of obedience down His perfectly planned yet unknown path. At times, I veered off that pathway by inserting my own human logic in the mix.

Finally, God got my attention 11 months ago when my last office job didn’t pan out as I expected. This final disappointment made it very obvious that God’s plans are so much higher and better than my own, no matter how illogical His ways of doing things seem. By finally “letting go” and submitting to His will for my life, I’m where I’m supposed to be today.

This past holiday season, my passion for photography became a reality when I landed two part-time gigs. The pay for both jobs definitely started at the bottom of the pay scale, but at least they allow me to use my God-given photography skills. My passion for writing is still a work in progress.

As I continued to follow God’s lead for such a big life transition, He has provided the necessities—a roof over my head and food in my belly. In the process, He has squelched my pride in exchange for humility. Other people have played a major role in this humbling process by providing a place for me to live. How these living arrangements came to be can only be described as divinely orchestrated. In turn, I’ve paid room and board for the privilege of living with fellow Christians in Charleston, and now in Florida.

Another of His major promises in my life has been the healing of family rifts. He followed through with His promise of restoring those relationships. He helped me to overcome seemingly small but significant family strongholds that needed to be dealt with. He also taught me how to set boundaries, which was discouraged during my childhood and teenage years.

Yes, God has done “it” again. He kept His promise to restored and heal as I’ve been obedient to follow His directives. And I know He will fulfill more promises as more restoration and healing takes place. I believe God will continue do “it” again and again in this upcoming new year.

Have a blessed New Year’s day!

“Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” - Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV)

Be That Friend

A flock of birds demonstrates true loyalty toward one of its own. 

American white ibis

A few weeks ago, I learned something about friendship from birds. A flock of American white ibises to be exact. 

I spotted the flock at Hospital Pond located across the street from a historic building that once served as a county hospital in Stuart, Florida, in the early 1900s.

At first, I didn’t notice anything unusual as I made my way toward the birds who are known for their orange curved bills and long orange legs. All that was on my mind was getting close enough to take some decent photos.

However, as I neared the flock, their behavior seemed erratic. They didn’t fly away, which is the norm for wild birds. A matter of fact, once I set up my camera, they would come close and then strut away, back and forth in an unending cycle. Their demeanor puzzled me. 

I soon discovered a lethargic member of the group floundering at the water’s edge, unable to raise his head. Obviously, the flock knew their friend was in dire straights and demonstrated concern for him. They were burdened by the impending death of one of their own. 

The ill-fated ibis

After doing research online, I learned that this avian species is predominantly monogamous. Hence, I can understand a mate’s unwillingness to leave the side of her lifelong partner during his final moments of life. But an entire flock?

Could this be the forlorn mate of the dying bird?

The flock’s loyalty made me think about human relationships. Friendships can be so fleeting. Yet, a person is truly blessed if he or she can lay claim to one or two dear, lifelong friends. 

In the Bible, John 15:13 mentions such a love:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Concerned members of the flock looking toward their comrade.

Granted, the birds were unable to lay down their lives for their comrade, yet they displayed great love by remaining with him. 

I didn’t stay to witness the final moments of that bird’s life, but the situation still impacted me. Isn’t that what most of us want? To have others care about us so greatly that they will have our back and stay by our side until the very end? 

With that said, I cherish my time alone. However, it took me decades to learn to enjoy such times due to the fact that I was raised in a large family. Back then, it seemed so foreign to me that others preferred to be by themselves. 

Nonetheless, as I grew older, solitude became my go-to preference. So much so that even now, I have to make a point to extend myself to others when I prefer to be alone.

Jesus did the same thing. After hearing about the beheading of his cousin, John the Baptist, our Lord needed time alone. However, a crowd followed Him. Even though Jesus was grieving over John’s death, He met the people’s needs. 

“When Jesus heard it (John’s death), He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.”  (Matt 14:13-14 NKJV)

Jesus made Himself available no matter how He felt. We should aspire do the same. 

Aspire to be available just as Jesus was. Aspire to reach out to others in need just as He did. Aspire to be a friend to others just as He was. Aspire to be just like Jesus.

Have a blessed day!

Boundary Lines

Boundaries and divine guardrails.

The other day while photographing this beach scene, I knew that the pilings and ropes were placed at the edge of the pathway to protect the sawgrass and sand dunes from unnecessary erosion. To serve as a guardrail against foot traffic.

Likewise, the boundaries established by our heavenly Father are guardrails that help keep us safe. Yet many people feel that such perimeters stifle their freedom and limit them from having a joyful life. That kind of mindset is so far from who God truly is when it comes to protecting His children.

As a comparison, let's consider what Pastor Steven Furtick had to say in regard to the freedom a dog lover gives to his canine. The pet owner installs a fence around his backyard for two reasons: to bless Fido and to keep him safe. The owner can now let his beloved dog run free within the perimeter of the fence without worrying if he will run into the street and get hit by a car. That boundary keeps Fido safe even though he has no clue that the fence is there for his protection. He is just enjoying his romp in the backyard, unaware of what his master has done for him.

The same can be said for the parameters that God places on believers. Our heavenly Father sets boundaries to bless us and keep us safe.

Pastor Furtick explained such boundaries in this way. “When God sets parameters around your life, what He’s really doing is giving you permission to enjoy His promises within the principles of those parameters so you are not destroyed by the very thing that God intended to bless you with.”

The dog owner erected the fence in order for Fido to enjoy the outdoors and to protect him for being run over by a Mack truck. In the same manner, God created the Ten Commandments as a set of parameters to bless and safeguard believers.

A case in point is the seventh commandment. “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) This law helps guard a marriage from the emotional issues caused by infidelity. It also protects the husband and the wife from contracting a venereal disease. Yes, being faithful cultivates a marriage that is protected and blessed by God. 

Additionally, divine nudges and the leading of the Holy Spirit often protect a believer from evil people as well as harmful situations that might otherwise be unseen. Such godly nudges and prods are gifts given for the safety and wellbeing of those who belong to Christ. 

Have a blessed day.

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” — Psalm 16:6 (NIV)

The Cost of Freedom

September 11th

September 11, 2001. A day that lives in infamy for our generation just as December 7, 1941, does for those who were alive during the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

As this September 11 comes to an end, one couldn’t help but notice the multitude of remembrances posted on social media and televised on flat screens. Many of the images are tagged with the line “We will never forget.”

One image in particular caught my eye. It’s of Lady Liberty with the Twin Towers in the background. That photo jogged my memory of a similar one I took a few years back while on a boat tour in New York Harbor.

My son had invited me to the city to meet his love, an Irish girl from County Mayo. Some of my descendants came from County Donegal in Ireland, and I’ve always envisioned their arrival on American soil by way of Ellis Island. Hence, I wanted to visit that national landmark and the Statue of Liberty.

When I snapped the photo above in the summer of 2015, in all honesty I can say that September 11 never crossed my mind. 

However, once I posted it to social media, a friend replied, “I will never get use to seeing that image without the Twin Towers.” 

And the American people will never forget the loss of those in the Twin Towers, in the Pentagon, and on Flight 93 that crashed in a Pennsylvania field. 

The brave Americans on board that flight thwarted the hijackers’ plan to fly the aircraft into another national treasure. The passengers knew they would die yet fought to regain control of the plane. In essence, they fought for our lives and our freedom.

Their sacrifice is comparable to the one given by our Lord, Jesus Christ. He offered His life as a living sacrifice for us. God gave His only Son so that we would be saved.

Would you give your only son for the freedom of others? The families of those brave men on Flight 93 know their loved ones did just that for us. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Have a blessed day.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16 

Wisdom of Small Things

Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise.

Finally! After two years, I’m blogging again.
I really didn’t want to stop blogging but knew I had to because my writing didn’t bring glory to whom it was due. Instead, I was doing it to please people.
You see, I had been a people pleaser since the day I was told as a four year old that people wouldn’t like me if I said certain things or acted a certain way. For decades, I literally wore myself out trying to make sure others thought well of me. Eventually, I figured out that there will always be individuals who don’t care for me no matter how helpful, friendly or peaceable I am.
However, I didn’t know how to overcome the desire to please others, but experience told me that God did. So, I asked Him for help. It took many, many years to get to the point where I am today—a person set on pleasing God instead of people. In the process, He has humbled me to be a light to others.
As I relayed earlier, a couple of years ago I discerned that I was to stop posting to my blog. I knew this because of the many divine nudges to do so. Yet, stopping was one of the hardest things to do as a writer.
A lot has happened in the two years since my last blogpost that was written while I lived on a barrier island along the Florida Panhandle. After living there for only two months, I left the island, moved to South Carolina, and worked at a dental college in Charleston. However, eventually I returned to the Sunshine State.
Shortly after coming back to Florida, a friend asked me to housesit when she flew out of state for a family emergency. During the next three-and-a-half months while living in her waterfront home, I had the opportunity to write a book and hone my photography skills.
On top of all of this, God had been healing some deep-seated strongholds within me for the last few years. At times, I’ve taken two steps forward and one step back during the refining process. I know that all of His fine-tuning is for some future purpose that I’m not privy to yet.
Furthermore, through recent trials and my numerous moves to other locales, I’ve naturally gained greater wisdom even in the smallest of things. However, such wisdom did not come easy, especially if I turned my focus away the Lord. Additionally, there has been a lot of uncertainty about what a new career will look like for the remainder of my days here on earth. Nonetheless, I know the Lord wants me to wait patiently on His timing for such a future endeavor.
During the wait, I’ve been taking a lot of photos. Below are some images of Agama lizards taken last month at a local riverside park. The colorful lizards are the male adults of the species while the smaller, more muted-colored ones are its youth.
Knowing that I am now to give glory to God in my blogposts, I wanted to include a scripture in this entry but doubted lizards were even mentioned in the Bible.
Lo and behold, I found a reference for them in the Old Testament. The book of Proverbs lists lizards as one of four things that are small but extremely wise. (Hmm, didn't I just mention that I gained some wisdom in the smallest of things?) Some versions of the Bible use the word spider instead of lizard, so of course I’m using one that mentions a lizard.
Have a blessed day.
“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.” — Proverbs 30:24-28 (NIV)

adult male Agama lizard

Agama lizard

Agama lizard