I SMILE, YOU SMILE

Dear Friend:

I greet you in the Lord Jesus Christ. Where have I been? Out of town. But when I got back I sat at my computer,  my fingers hit the keys vigorously with excitement. I could not wait to see God help me write a message from my heart and then pass it to your heart. May God richly bless you in this new Season. Summer can be a fresh start. 

I took a bike ride. During which, I slammed on my brakes blurting out “Sweet nibblets.” I almost raced by and missed this glorious display of God’s beauty. Have you ever seen a Catalpa tree? If not Google Catalpa tree. The ground around the tree, full of blossoms, appears to look like it snowed in the summer. I love it! I picked up a blossom. I wish I could send you a picture. I will post one on my facebook for anyone to see. (friend me at Elaine James) It smells so sweet! 

I left for my bike ride with much on my mind. I was processing. Or maybe over processing. Over thinking. Thinking too much. Wasting time. When will I learn!  I slammed on my brakes to a complete halt and focused on the blossom. I allowed myself to enjoy nature. That helped me to just appreciate the now. I took a deep breath and told myself “God is in control.” This is what matters now. Taking in the moment. Appreciating what God gave me. A glimpse of heaven through His creation. It turned my day around. I went from “Elaine’s world” to “God’s world.” That is a good thing.

Friend, do you understand what I am telling you? Each day is a new day. A new opportunity to smile and appreciate even the smallest of things, like a blossom. I nodded and said “Hi” to someone and that felt good inside of me. I smile, you smile. (I am not singing a Justin Bieber song at this point, but I am tempted to).  It brings peace throughout your whole being.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3).

New birth means. Strength from God to:  love the unlovable, to have an deeper awareness, to see good in others, to stop saying I can’t when you can through Christ. You are a new creation in Christ the old is gone. This knowledge can help you stop being impatient, unkind, uncaring and be more like Christ.

Below is a writing that was published in the last month. I pray that you enjoy this new season realizing you have been given a new birth.

Pray: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In your great mercy You have given me new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Thank you. Help me to understand this new birth for daily living. In Jesus’ name. Amen.