Author: Jeannie Waters

Three Ways God Brightens Our Days

Jeannie Waters24 Comments on Three Ways God Brightens Our Days

 

Three Ways God Brightens Our Days by Jeannie Waters

One bright spot of color changed my view of the landscape. I warmed my hands with a mug of coffee and gazed out the kitchen window. Under a sunless sky, bare tree branches and the straw-like grass, pressed low by winter’s cold, mimicked a brown-toned painting.

The scene echoed the cheerlessness of my struggling emotions.

Then a fluttering burst of red swooped into the dullness and changed my view from bland to bright. A red cardinal landed in the grass and bobbed for seeds. Another cardinal joined the scavenger hunt, followed by a blue jay. I thanked God for three spots of bright color that changed my perspective.

The birds provided a striking contrast against the bland palette of my yard. Their splashes of color reminded me of how God brightens our gray days when dismal outlooks threaten to capture our thinking. Days when clouds seem to obscure our view of God. Days when challenges hide blessings. Those days when everything goes wrong.

I thought of three ways God helps us on those days.

First, His blessings.

God often sends splashes of blessings to grab our attention and remind us of His presence in a world that can be bleak. A brave pansy blooming in February. A child’s giggle. A note from a friend.

Father, help me notice all you bring into my life to focus my heart on you.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 ESV

God often sends splashes of blessings to grab our attention and remind us of His presence in a world that can be bleak. Share on X

Second, His people.

God sometimes sends an attentive believer who notices a need. He may urge us to visit a friend who needs a kind word or deed. Conversely, He may whisper to a friend’s heart to share an encouraging word with us, to meet a need we have, or to simply listen.

Father, thank you for the gift of friendship. When I’m having a challenging day, would you send a friend to encourage me? And when my friends are discouraged, nudge me to be an encouragement to them. I’m listening.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV

Finally, His Word.

God uses the Bible, His letter to us, to remind us of His character and His promises. To strengthen our walk with Him. To transform us. When we read the Bible regularly, the Holy Spirit brings truths to mind. Our Father guides and encourages us through His Word.

Transform my heart, Lord, as I read Your Word.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 ESV

Your Turn

How has God brightened your days? Please share to encourage all of us.

 

What Can We Create This Year for the Glory of God?

Jeannie Waters24 Comments on What Can We Create This Year for the Glory of God?

Have you read the answer from an online quiz, then, based on the result, decided the program must be flawed?

At the end of December, I took an online quiz that promised to present the perfect biblical word for me to focus on this year.

I thought about words my friends have chosen to study like peace, holiness, faithfulness, or an ouchy one—self-control. My quiz response this year? Create.

A Puzzling Word 

Surely, the answer was wrong. Frankly, it didn’t sound as holy as my friends’ words. Maybe I should pick grace or faith or love?

Create? Create what? I’m a writer, but I’m not sure what God wants me to write this year.

I don’t knit scarves or make jewelry, nor do I sew quilts from t-shirts. I don’t draw, paint, or sculpt—unless you count the Play-Doh snowmen I make with my granddaughters. I even use a recipe when I make chili—yes, really.

Create? I didn’t think so.

I almost erased the word from my notes. Instead, I prayed and decided to see if God would use the online quiz to teach me.

Then I put it aside and forgot about it.

A New Year

On New Year’s Day I started my new Bible reading plan.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 ESV

The familiar verse reminded me of my word, create. God created. A Latin term in the margin caught my attention—ex nihilo, to make from nothing. God made the world and all that’s in it from nothing.

I can’t create from nothing, but I can create from the gifts, ideas, memories, experiences, and biblical truth God gives me.

That same week, I listened to Reagan Rose on the Redeeming Productivity podcast. He suggests we write goals to steward the next year for the glory of God.

Redeeming Productivity podcast

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

As I prayed, God connected my unusual word to the goals He’s leading me to accomplish.

With my new word, I’m even more excited about how my goals will help me steward 2025 for the glory of God:
  • Create more relationships, beginning with two neighbors I recently met.
  • Create more meaningful relationships with people I know.
  • Create an organized home for hospitality purposes.
  • Create a more in-depth Bible study plan.
  • Create a monthly nachos and game night for my family.
  • Create simple meal recipes for a weekly Bible study with friends.
  • Create a wisely planned budget.
  • Create a new notebook to record prayer requests.
  • Create a notebook of memorized Scripture verses with notes.

I wonder what else God has in mind. This year my word is create. I’m excited to see how God will equip me to create for His kingdom’s work as I seek Him.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

                    Your Turn       

Do you have a word for this year? If not, borrow mine. What do you feel led to create in 2025? We can’t create from nothing as God does, but we can create using the gifts He gives to us.

I can’t wait to read your thoughts below in the comment section. Your examples will encourage the rest of us as we seek to steward 2025 for the glory of God.

How to Embrace a New Season of the Heart: Take Steps and Rest

Jeannie Waters18 Comments on How to Embrace a New Season of the Heart: Take Steps and Rest

 

In Georgia, we moved from early Spring to, as we say around here, pollen season. Although the heavy coat of mustard-colored powder required me to clean my deck and car, pollen serves a purpose. It signals a time of bees, butterflies, and more flowers. Like Spring, every season is beautiful, a creation of God—in nature and in our hearts.

I needed to repeat the wash-off-nature’s-pollen chore several times, and the freshness led me to the next step—replacing the deck pillows, potting colorful annuals, and moving my quiet time moments from inside to outdoors.

Now, in late Spring, I’m wondering how God will lead me in this new season of the heart. He promises to continue His work in believers (Philippians 1:6). I don’t want to miss a single step.

God promises to continue His work in believers for every season Share on X

Sometimes direction means move, take a step. Sign up for the Bible study class, send a card, or put the soda down, girl, and drink more water (Maybe that’s just for me).

Other times, the next step is pause, sit down, be still, listen.

If you’re in a new season, perhaps lessons I’m learning will help you.

My lessons include action steps—to follow clear commands in Scripture and to spend quiet, still moments to pause and absorb truths from His Word as I wait for His direction.

The combination of action and quiet reminds me of a spring walk in a pretty wooded area.

Walk.

Breathe.

Pay attention as you go.

Sit on a trail bench and rest.

Listen, soak it in, absorb the moments, and rest to prepare for the next section of the trail.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV

Your turn

What lessons have you learned about following God into and through a new season?

For any season

For every season—and every day—God gives us the gift of His presence. What joy to pull up a chair to His table each day and spend time with Him in prayer and Bible reading. Time spent with God equips us to honor Him and pass along blessings to others.

My book, A Place at His Table: God’s Daily Gifts to Satisfy Your Heart, includes stories that occurred at a table. Each one leads to biblical truth about a particular gift from God, such as acceptance, help in trials, and rest. There are also fun Table Tips at the end of each devotion.

Readers have purchased copies of A Place at His Table, applicable to any season, for birthday, hostess, and get-well gifts, and for an inspirational summer read.

Here’s the link:  https://amzn.to/3qTTt0k

If you’ve found blessings in my book, please consider leaving a brief review. If you’ve already left one, thank you.

How to Find God’s Blessings in New Seasons of Life

Jeannie Waters28 Comments on How to Find God’s Blessings in New Seasons of Life

 

Weeks ago, I noticed tight flower buds had popped out to decorate the bare limbs on my Bradford pear tree. A glance out my kitchen window days later revealed one cluster of newborn blossoms bouncing in the breeze.

Like God’s blessings in the Bible, the tiny flowers offered hope of more than I could see—more growth and beauty to come. More of God’s blessings. More opportunities to honor my Lord and serve others.

Around town I noticed purple flowers on Japanese magnolias and clumps of sunny daffodils. But I enjoyed the signs of spring in my yard and neighborhood the most. I thought of them as personalized gifts from God to my neighbors and me.

Examples of God’s gifts fill the pages of the Bible and offer hope for the ever-changing seasons of our lives.

Every season.

Hard ones and easy ones.

Those we choose and those that surprise us.

Examples of God’s gifts fill the pages of the Bible and offer hope for the ever-changing seasons of our lives. Share on X

Whatever our challenges in this current season, God’s presence and His gifts assure us of His help and guidance and His promise to meet our needs. They also speak of spiritual growth and opportunities to serve in His kingdom’s work.

As buds and flowers decorate your yard and neighborhood with the hope of spring, notice God’s blessings in your life. When you study your Bible and pray, list His gifts you find especially dear in your current season. Ask God to let them blossom in your heart and offer the hope and help you need as you determine to honor Him each new morning.

That view from my kitchen window prompted me to stare in wonder. My Bradford pear stood covered in white, lacy blossoms like a bride anticipating her walk down the aisle.

In this season of my life, the tree’s beauty represents to me the assurance of God’s presence and the promise He will meet my needs as I seek Him first (Matthew 6:33). When we behold bouquets of His blessings in nature, let’s embrace the gifts in His Word as we walk into each new day with praise and service.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33 ESV

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

Your Turn

Please share a dear-to-you verse or blessing in your current season or an encouraging one you held close during past challenges. Let’s encourage each other.

 

Enjoy the Sparkle of a New Season of Trusting God

Jeannie Waters19 Comments on Enjoy the Sparkle of a New Season of Trusting God

Our new Camry sparkled in the sunlight like a pocketful of new pennies scattered on the ground. When the engine purred to life, we grinned with giddy excitement. But the feature we enjoyed most was the scent.

The aroma of a new car’s interior wakes up our olfactory senses and prompts a deep breath. Did you smile just thinking about it?

Many of us like the aroma so much, we install “new car smell” vent clips in our older cars. This manufactured scent comes close to tricking the human nose, but the benefits are short-lived. As short-lived as most of our New Year’s resolutions.

In the media, we hear less now about our annual lists of promised improvements. Maybe they report less on new resolutions because most of us could paper the walls of our home with good—but unmet—intentions.

In January we enjoy closing the door on the past twelve months and putting out the welcome mat for a bright new year. A straightened house after a holiday season radiates with freshness. New calendars and renewed plans bring hope. Renewed determination to exercise lightens our step.

Perhaps we open a new devotional or start a new Bible reading plan. Whether we develop a different menu planning system or reorganize our sock drawer, new feels good.

New is good, but humans are human. We falter. Our want-to lags behind our meant-to. Energy wanes, and we chase distractions like a puppy following a butterfly. When we attempt to practice new character traits or behaviors, results are temporary at best.

Aren’t we thankful God specializes in creating NEW?

We don’t have to stay the same. Our God, who fashioned the current heavens and earth and plans to form new heavens and a new earth (Revelation 21), promises to continue His renewing work in us.

We don’t have to stay the same. God promises to continue His renewing work in us. Share on X

What about the days when we don’t feel new—when we feel like our spiritual tires are stuck in the mud and spinning? Even then, we can trust God through each new season to continue molding us like clay into Christlikeness. We can say with Paul,

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6 ESV*

What new transformation will God highlight in your life during this season? Will the light of Christ shine from your countenance with new brightness? Will the sound of your voice in prayer and ministry honor the Father and encourage others in new ways? Will the sweet aroma of Jesus permeate the rooms and relationships in your life with new intensity (2 Corinthians 2:15)?

Ready for God to do a new work in you this year? Meditate on these verses and read them in different translations. Then enjoy a sparkly new season of trust and excitement with God.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Psalm 32:8

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Your Turn

Do you fear or embrace new seasons? How is God leading you in new ways? In which areas of your life do you want Jesus to shine this year—and throughout your life?

*All Scripture is taken from the English Standard Version.