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How Can a Childhood Game Remind Us to Pursue Godly Behavior?  

Jeannie Waters39 Comments on How Can a Childhood Game Remind Us to Pursue Godly Behavior?  

Before the blog post … I have EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE WITH YOU!

I’m delighted to introduce my beautiful book cover! I absolutely love it and hope you do, too. I can’t wait to see it wrapped around the words God led me to write.

Bold Vision Books, my fantastic publisher, will release the book in late August 2023!

Watch for A Place at His Table: God’s Daily Gifts to Satisfy Your Heart, a 40-day devotional.

And now, let’s focus on

How Can a Childhood Game Remind Us to Pursue Godly Behavior?  

When I read 1 Timothy 6 last week, the childhood game Red Light, Green Light popped into my mind. Paul’s words in this letter instructed the Ephesian church pastor, Timothy, and they teach us today. From this passage we learn to stop and go—stop certain behaviors and go forward with others.

My childhood friends on Summer Hill Drive and I played Red Light, Green Light under the streetlights on warm evenings. We stood in a horizontal line while the leader walked a distance away and counted aloud with her back to us.  

We’d run forward as she counted until she said, “Red light.” The object was to assume the role of leader by arriving at her location first.  She’d count, “One, two, three, four … red light!” Then she’d spin around to see if anyone was still moving.

When we stopped on the call of “red light,” we stayed secure in our advanced location. If she caught us moving, she sent us back to the starting line. She could count to three or further, so we ran fast and listened carefully.

Stop and go on cue were the winning strategy words.

Our loving parents also spoke in stop and go language to teach us. We made progress toward healthy adulthood when we stopped one behavior, pivoted, and moved toward better conduct.  

  • “Stop talking on the phone and finish your homework.”
  • “Stop running in the house and go clean your room.”
  • “Stop watching TV. Go outside to get some sunshine and exercise.”

Even as adults, we sometimes hear directions, such as “Stop eating cholesterol-laden foods and choose more fruits and vegetables.”

How can the childhood game of Red Light, Green Light and the directions we hear from medical professionals remind us of Paul’s teachings?

Although a Christian’s relationship with God remains secure, the Bible teaches us many stop and go lessons.

Although a Christian’s relationship with God remains secure, the Bible teaches us many stop and go lessons. Share on X

One of the blessings of the Christian faith includes the assurance God accepts us based on a personal relationship with Christ, not on our daily performance or lifetime achievements.

Still, because we love God and want to serve Him, we pay attention to the Bible’s stop and go lessons.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

Paul instructed Timothy and urged him to identify and guard against false teaching (1 Timothy 6:3-5) and an unhealthy craving for money (vv. 8-10). He encouraged Timothy and all believers to stop those behaviors—to “flee those things” (v. 11).

Paul’s inspired words tell us to “Fight the good fight of the faith” (v. 12) against those sins.  

When we fight against something because of our love for God, we flee. We pivot quickly and run in the opposite direction with a better goal in mind.  

After telling Timothy (and us) which behaviors to avoid, Paul gave the green light. His list of behaviors and attributes help us move toward a goal of godliness.

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:11-12 ESV

When we pursue a goal, we want to remove hindrances, fix our eyes on the finish line, and use the tools God gives us “so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10 ESV).

This week I plan to pray this verse.

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.”

Psalm 25:4 ESV

When I read my Bible, I want to pay close attention to the stop and go instructions I read—the behaviors and attitudes I need to flee and the actions God promises to work into my life. Perhaps you’d like to join me.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.

2 Peter 1:3 ESV

Your Turn

Please share your thoughts on how Christians can pursue the qualities listed in verse 11 above. Thank you for contributing your ideas.

Here’s another announcement: Book winners!

As I promised in the last post, I drew names from the readers who left a comment.  

Congratulations to these two winners!

Peggy Ellis won a copy of Katherine Pasour’s book, Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle.

Yvonne Morgan won a copy of Destination Hope: A Travel Companion When Life Falls Apart by Marilyn Nutter and April White.

I highly recommend both books, as well as the others I included in the last post.

May 9, 2023 post on JeannieWaters.com

Need Ideas for Mother’s Day, Graduation, and End-of-the-School-Year Gifts?

Jeannie Waters26 Comments on Need Ideas for Mother’s Day, Graduation, and End-of-the-School-Year Gifts?

Today I’m sharing gift ideas for Mother’s Day and other May celebrations. Here’s what you’ll find:

  •    Mother’s Day gift ideas
  •    an opportunity to win a FREE BOOK!
  •    links to additional posts:

            – gifts for older women

            -practical graduation gifts of influence, inspiration, and legacy

-graduation and end-of-the-school-year gifts

Books as Gifts

Are you searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Consider books—gifts that keep on giving. Flowers and candy are delightful gifts and are fun to receive, but books last longer. You can reread them, donate them, or give them to a friend when you’re finished.

Today I’m sharing some books I love. Maybe your mom, aunt, or grandmother would like one of these I’ve enjoyed.

Flowers and candy are delightful gifts and are fun to receive, but books last longer. Share on X

An Opportunity for Extra Mile Steps

Do you know another woman who’s blessed you or who needs a gift to say she’s special?  A friend, neighbor, or church member? Why not call, send a card to assure her of your prayers and appreciation, or ship a book to her?

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25 NIV
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NIV  Share on X

FREE BOOKS

I’ll draw two names from those who post a comment below before midnight May 12. I’ll mail those two readers a book anywhere in the US. LINKS BELOW.

For Love’s Sake: The Life-Changing Facets of Love in 30 Bible Studies, Devotions, & Christian Living Articles

Destination Hope: A Travel Companion When Life Falls Apart

Refresh Your Hope: 60 Devotions for Trusting God with All Your Heart

365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning LIttle Moments into Lasting Memories

Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lif

Additional Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day, Graduation, and End-of-the-School Year

This link opens to a Mother’s Day memory and ideas for older moms.

Window Box Begonias and Gifts for Older Moms

Here’s a post with ideas for graduation, Mother’s Day, and end-of-the-school-year gifts.

https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/gift-ideas-for-may-2018/

I shared this beautiful graduation gift post written by Marilyn Nutter last year.

https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/graduates-practical-gifts-of-influence-inspiration-and-legacy-a-guest-post-by-marilyn-nutter/

Your Turn

Please share your favorite Mother’s Day memory or a suggestion for blessing another woman.

Spring Beauty Teaches 7 Powerful Lessons About Abiding in Christ

Jeannie Waters35 Comments on Spring Beauty Teaches 7 Powerful Lessons About Abiding in Christ

My walk to admire seasonal beauty opened my eyes to more than flowers. Here’s what I noticed about abiding in Christ.

Lesson 1

Our snowball bush boasts huge, ball-shaped flowers and commands attention and appreciation. Its branches held so many blooms this year, I couldn’t imagine one more fitting on its limbs. This stunning shrub reminds me of God’s blessings—bountiful and perfectly selected for us.

God’s creation calls our attention to Him when we take notice of all His wondrous works. I wonder how many times I miss them, and how many times I notice but forget to thank Him. Abiding in Christ includes being aware of His presence, noticing His blessings, and thanking Him for them.

Heavenly Father, lift my chin to notice the numerous ways You bless me. Thank You for the beauty of spring and eyes to see it. Teach me when I read Your Word, Father, and open my eyes to Truth.

Lesson 2

The snowball flowers display their beauty by remaining on the shrub and growing from bud to full bloom. We grow in Christ as we abide in Him and draw spiritual nourishment from our relationship with Him through Bible study and prayer.

We can define abide as “to live, continue, or remain … abiding in Christ is not a special level of Christian experience, rather, it is the position of all true believers.” 1  

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

John 15:4 ESV

There’s so much God wants to teach us—about Him, life with Him, and how to bear fruit to honor Him.

Father, as I walk with you each day, help me enjoy the adventure. Open my spiritual eyes and ears to know what you want to teach me.

Lesson 3

When I continued my walk, I noticed two spirea bushes. I called those plants “Bride’s Bouquet” when I was a child because they bloom with tiny bunches of white flowers. These graceful shrubs add a delicate, lacy touch to the spring extravaganza and make me smile.

God’s blessings also delight us, adding joy, grace, beauty, and wonder to our lives. They help us pause and remember who He is. We can exchange fear for His gift of peace. We can lay down our doubt and pick up faith. 

God’s blessings also delight us, adding joy, grace, beauty, and wonder to our lives. They help us pause and remember who He is. Share on X

Heavenly Father, remind me when I carry around heavy burdens you never planned for me to bear alone. I want to embrace all your gifts and live for You.

Lesson 4

When our granddaughter took a bouquet of spring flowers to our neighbor, I thought about how God gives us gifts to share.

Father God, thank you for blessings to enjoy—like beautiful spring flowers. Thank you for Your presence in my life and Your faithfulness. Remind me Your blessings are not mine to tuck away and admire. Instead, they’re designed to remind me of Your love and care and to share with those You place in my path. Make me a worthy steward and help me share my blessings today.  

 Lesson 5

After admiring the large shrubs, I wandered around the yard and noticed weeds and wildflowers peeping through the grass. The onion grass with its characteristic smell peppers the lawn with light green stems and white flowers. But weeds are a nuisance, I thought.

Upon closer examination though, I observed the pretty, delicate little flowers heralding a new season. Instead of characterizing onion grass as a pest, I decided to appreciate it as a unique sign of spring and another of God’s creations.

Do I look for the good in everything or am I too quick to complain? As I reflect on this, I realize all God’s gifts are good.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 

James 1:17 ESV

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Heavenly Father, remind me to thank You in all things—all the time. 

Lesson 6

The next wildflowers I spotted impressed me with their royal color and dramatic shape. They stood in sharp contrast to the surrounding grass and urged me to take a closer look. Although they were stunning, I’d almost missed them. Like the striking wildflowers, I wonder if I overlook people on my path whose lives would enrich mine or vice versa.

Heavenly Father, slow me down when I’m too busy to notice the people You send to teach me and the people You plan for me to serve.

Lesson 7

As I studied other wildflowers through the lens of my camera, I realized they would disappear as soon as my husband cuts the grass. They would provide colorful accessories to spring’s fashion show for only a few more days. How I wished they could stay.

Some blessings are fleeting—ours to enjoy for only a brief time. A sunrise. A sunset. An opportunity to share the good news of salvation in Christ Jesus—the Creator Who gave us such gifts as spring flowers and opportunities to share our blessings.

Lord Jesus, let me fix my gaze on You each morning so that I notice and embrace all the gifts You prepare. May I not miss a single opportunity to share Your love with others.

Your Turn

How does God use His creation to remind you of blessings or teach you about abiding in Christ? Please tell us about those you’ve received or shared recently.

  1. “What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ?” Got Questions, Got Questions Ministries, January 4, 2022. https://www.gotquestions.org/abide-in-Christ.html .

How Can We Imitate Christ and Please God with Our Actions?

Jeannie Waters31 Comments on How Can We Imitate Christ and Please God with Our Actions?

Thank you for joining me in this four-part series where I’m sharing from my study on how we can open all parts of our hearts—our thoughts, words, and actions—to the Light of Christ. Here are links to Open Our Hearts PART 1,  Open Our Hearts, PART 2 about our thoughts, and Open Our Hearts, PART 3 about our words.

Here’s PART 4 about our actions.

At age six, my younger brother Carson wanted to be just like Daddy, the man he admired. He patterned his actions after Daddy’s and even matched his clothes as closely as he could.

When my dad came home from work and traded his suit and tie for work pants and a plaid button-up shirt, Carson scurried to his room, selected similar clothing, and followed Daddy to the garden. If Daddy used a rake to smooth the soil, Carson retrieved his child-sized version and raked while looking up every few minutes to observe his role model’s actions.

Carson wanted to be like Daddy, and we want to be like our Father. Let’s look at Scripture and ask the Lord to show us how we can emulate Him in our hearts and actions.

All who surrender to Christ become God’s children (John 1:12) and inherit the privilege of looking to Him for direction about our actions. We can read about the life of Jesus when He walked on the earth, and we can apply biblical values like prayer, Bible study, good deeds, and forgiveness to the way we choose to spend our days.

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

1 John 2:6 ESV *

Jesus didn’t isolate Himself and limit His care to His family and friends. He noticed needs and brushed shoulders with people who lived or traveled nearby. He sat down with His disciples and taught them. He fed hungry multitudes. He conversed with a Samaritan woman many avoided. He visited Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector. With the words He spoke on the cross, He testified to a thief and forgave him when the thief believed.  

Jesus interacted with people and met physical and spiritual needs. God gives gifts, talents, time, and possessions to us so that we can discern, demonstrate His love, and give to people in need—in need of food, clothing, friendship, encouragement, or the gospel message. He said,

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

John 13:34
God gives gifts, talents, time, and possessions to us so that we can discern and give to people in need—in need of food, clothing, friendship, encouragement, or the gospel message. Share on X

The following passage mirrors the heart of Jesus as He loved and ministered to those around Him. These words Paul penned can guide our actions.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4

Recently, I’ve observed examples of unselfish believers who “looked to the interests of others” by using the time, gifts, and opportunities God has given them. Their actions reflect the heart of Christ.

  • Kimberly donated a percentage of her yard sale proceeds to a homeless shelter for veterans.  
  • Jimmie befriended a stroke victim by taking him on rides in the car, pushing his wheelchair around a track, and later helping him learn to walk again.
  • After Will opened a car door for Anna, she smiled and said no one had done that for her in decades.
  • John and Phil built a ramp for Sandy who had broken her ankle.
  • Joann coordinated food delivery for a church member who had surgery.
  • Laurie shared the gospel message with an employee in a medical facility.
  • Beth transported a friend for medical appointments and shopping needs.  

Paul prayed Christians would “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

We can look to Jesus as our example, pray and ask God to open our eyes to needs around us, and study the Bible so that our actions represent Him and minister to others.

Your Turn

My brother Carson followed in our dad’s footsteps and patterned his actions after Daddy’s. How can we pattern our actions after the life of Jesus? How have you seen other Christians “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord … bearing fruit in every good work”?

*All verses are taken from the ESV.

How the Right Role Model Can Shape Our Words to Honor God

Jeannie Waters30 Comments on How the Right Role Model Can Shape Our Words to Honor God

In this series, I’m sharing how we can open all parts of our hearts—our thoughts, words, and actions—to the Light of Christ. Here are links to Open Our Hearts PART 1 and Open Our Hearts, PART 2 .

Today in Part 3, we’ll talk about our words.

As a third grader, the person I admired most was Señora Carmen, our Spanish teacher. A tall, beautiful Puerto Rican lady, she dressed in stylish clothes and wore gorgeous drop earrings—along with a radiant smile and enthusiasm for teaching.

I wanted to look like her, but more than that, I wanted to sound like her. I hoped to please her with my acquisition of Spanish vocabulary and my accent.

At home I practiced the Spanish words Señora Carmen had taught us. My class of dolls and stuffed animals listened as I clomped around in Mama’s high heels and clip earrings, confident my smile and my Spanish accent matched my teacher’s.

I wanted my words to sound like hers.

By the time I entered fifth grade, I realized I’d never sound like a native Puerto Rican. However, when we study and pattern our language after good role models, we learn to imitate them.  I focused on every word my Spanish teacher spoke.

At age seventeen, I met a different role model. Pam, a Campus Crusade for Christ representative who spoke at our church, helped me understand that although I knew about God, I didn’t know Him personally. But I knew I needed Him desperately, and after she talked, I prayed and gave my life to Jesus.

I watched Pam and listened to her for months as she led group studies and befriended my friends and me. Her words, often straight from the Bible, encouraged me. I wanted to sound like her—to share excitement about my walk with Christ and to quote Scripture like she did—and to encourage others to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord.

God continued to teach me through Pam, our pastor, and my personal Bible study. I learned early in my walk with Christ that He is the role model believers need to follow. God’s children love Him and want to be more like Him, to sound more like Him, and to honor Him more.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Ephesians 5:1 ESV

If we want to imitate God, we can learn more about Him by observing His character traits as revealed in the Bible. As we read, we can search for what He likes and what He despises. We can learn from His words.

We’ll never develop a perfect, divine nature like His, but we will begin to “sound” more like Him and to reflect His glory into the world by the way we act and talk. We’ll learn more about how to share the truths He teaches and how to speak to others according to His instructions.

When we open our hearts and ask God to teach us, the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to shape our words so that they please Him.  

When we open our hearts and ask God to teach us, the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to shape our words so that they please Him. Share on X

As the apostle Paul urges in his letter to the Philippians, we also learn from the lives of mature believers (3:17). We can ask God to develop in us the Christlike traits we see in them, like Pam’s exuberance for God’s Word and her faithfulness in sharing the gospel.

Although our relationship with Christ is not governed by a checklist or set of rules, because we love Him, we want to obey His teaching in the Bible about our speech. As I studied this topic, I found a wealth of verses about the words we speak. I’m using the collection below as a checklist to examine my speech.

Your turn

Please share words of wisdom you’ve learned on this topic. What helps you monitor your speech? What have you noticed about conversations with those who honor Christ?

Here’s my collection of verses about our words. Perhaps you’ll want to read them and answer the questions I’m asking myself.  

Do My Words Please God?

There is no score tally, but God uses Scripture to renew our minds and transform us to the image of Christ. All verses are from the ESV.

Is my speech free from words God prohibits? Which words should I subtract?  

Ephesians 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

Proverbs 11:12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

 Proverbs 17:9 Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

What kind of words should I add to my speech? How can I please God with what I say?

Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

How will these verses change my conversations?

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 21:23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Matthew 15:11 It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.

Morning prayers for my words

Ps. 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Did you leave a comment to enrich our time together? I look forward to reading your words. : )

A BONUS FOR YOU: A GOOD READ

My friend Annie Yorty wrote a delightful book entitled From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed Through Down’s Syndrome. The lessons she learned through her daughter Alyssa apply to any challenge we face. Alyssa wrote one chapter. I’m loving this book and think you will, too. Here’s a link.

From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed Through Down’s Syndrome