Let’s take a moment to consider all the many different kinds of
flowers that God has blessed us with. There are Roses, Daisies, Peonies,
Tulips, Sunflowers, Zinnias, Poppys, and the list goes on! All of these are
different in color, require different care, and benefit us in all different ways.
All of these flowers were created by our heavenly Father, to bring beauty to
this earth.

Imagine yourself as one of those beautiful flowers. God has planted
you. Are you blooming for Him?

The common phrase, “Bloom where you are planted” can be
extremely hard to actually live out. Have you ever questioned why God has
allowed a certain happening to take place? Why is life so hard? Others seem
to have such an easy, normal life, and I’m stuck here, among all the rocks
and thorns!

A quote that I saw on a church sign: “Sometimes when you are in a
dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but you have actually been
planted.” Remember, there is always a reason for what God allows to come
our way! It is alright to have a “Winter” in our Christian lives, as long as we
don’t stay there. Lift your “drooping” head and reach out to the Son! He will
fill you with his love. Just as a flower needs sunshine and water to live, we
need Jesus to satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst. Are we reaching out to
Jesus each day in prayer and Bible reading? As we are faced with unpleasant
circumstances, it’s important to use that time to dig our roots deeper into
God’s word.

Are you experiencing growth in your Christian life? If not, take time
to consider what could be hindering your growth. When you plant a flower
seed, you eagerly await the day that the tiny little seedling pops through the
ground. As you continue to water and give it light, it keeps growing. But
sometimes there are those annoying weeds that start choking out the new
plant. Do we make an effort to “weed” out any known sin in our lives?

Sometimes it can seem so small and not a big deal, but just as weeds, sin
will take over before we know it. “Search me, Oh God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.” -Psalms 139:23-24

Contentment is an important part in being able to “Bloom where you
are planted”. As soon as we start looking around and noticing how much
better others have life, we start taking our eyes off of God. Try writing a list
of “Blessings from God” and soon you will realize how much you had taken
for granted! Take joy in knowing that God has a reason for where you are
planted, the people you are surrounded with, and the circumstances you are
currently in. Paul says in the Bible, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I
have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” –
Phililppians 4:11

Flowers are used for all different purposes. Some are used for
medicinal reasons, others can be used for food, and some are just there so
you can have fun making a gorgeous bouquet for your table. We all have
different callings to fulfill. God might send you across the sea, or call you to
be an encourager right there in your hometown. Whatever God has for you,
do it with joy and pleasure. Find ways to reach out and be a blessing to
others. Let the beauty of Jesus shine through you.

What are practical ways that we can “Bloom”? I have five ways listed
below, but of course it’s not limited to only these.

Dear “Flowers”,
YOU are BEAUTIFUL! Spread some cheer to this dark world!
Remember, it is GOD that planted YOU!
So “BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED”!!!

Wow, this is such a good reminder. Sometimes, because we do not look like others we think we are worthless but this is so not true! Each of us has special talents and a job to do in this world. May we all “Bloom were we are planted.”

Thank you Miss Danae for being willing to write for us! We are so grateful for your friendship and for the blessing you are. May Jesus continue to bless you with wisdom as you care for your family and all the people around you.

Why have personal devotions? Is it even important? Today we are going to take a look into the necessity of having personal devotions. I know from experience that it can be hard to take the time to have devotions. But I also know that there is a major blessing in spending time alone with God.

You cannot expect to have a deep relationship with Christ without putting anything into it. To build a human relationship, you need to spend time together. It’s the same way with Christ. The more time you take to study the Bible and talk to God, the deeper your relationship will grow.

It’s easy to read your Bible and pray a quick prayer first thing in the morning and then go on with your day and never actually take in what you read. But if you truly want to study the Bible and have a meaningful time with God, He will bless that desire. Before you read a chapter ask God to help you understand what you read and make His Word come alive to you. Something I have found helpful is to write a portion of Scripture in my own words after reading it. I’ve found that this makes me think about what I have read and helps it stick in my mind. The more we read the Bible over an over the more it makes sense and new things stand out. Make it a point to read your Bible everyday and allow God to speak to you through His Word, silence and prayer.

Focusing when having devotions can be a struggle for me. Sometimes I find it helps to ask Jesus to clear my thoughts and help me to focus. I have been told that when you have so many thoughts going through your mind to simply pray about what your are thinking on and give it to Jesus. When I am struggling, I find it helpful to write a list of things for which I am thankful.

I have been continually blessed in the times Jesus has blessed me with Himself in my time of need. Times when I just felt too tired to read my Bible but did, Jesus gave me a verse that helped me so much. Journaling has been a big help for me. Coming to Jesus in prayer by writing my heart to Him. When my mind feels too full to focus on His Word, I write.

An easy way to communicate with Jesus is simply having solo time with Him. Come to Him in stillness and quietness. We need to come to Jesus as we are. Invite Him to wherever you are, in whatever state. He already knows our needs, but He wants us to present them to Him. Even our angry questions and hard feelings. Then come to Him in thankfulness and praise. Praising Him because you know He already knows and has a plan for you. Ask Jesus to come to you continually, and allow Him to guide your words, actions, and thoughts!

You greatly encouraged us to share some more personal things, so here is a peek into the recent weeks of our life! We hope you enjoy!

” Fear not ye: for I know that you seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here for He is risen, as He said! Come, see the place where the Lord lay. ” Matthew 28 : 5-6

I’ve always loved Easter because of the hopefulness of it. This year I was especially blessed by what Jesus did for me. The intense pain and grief He faced was for me. But the most amazing part of Easter is that Jesus didn’t stay in the tomb. In one swift action He defeated and rose to give me life! If He wouldn’t have risen, salvation wouldn’t have been completed. It is only through this wonderful sacrifice on the cross and triumphant victory over death that I am what I am. This is what Easter means to me!

All of we girls were together for a short time and had a special time at the coffee shop! I am so grateful for encouraging and inspiring friends. We are designed for healthy relationships. Ones that upbuild, and push you closer to Jesus!

We had the privilege of capturing a kitchen session for a friend; making macarons! She allowed us the learning experience of making a batch in her kitchen also. The detailed shots of the food were so fun for something different. I was happy with some of the shots we got! Photography is so fun ya’ll!!!

We were blessed by a friend who invited us girls over for a relaxing and special day. She made such a yummy lunch; Tostadas and crepes with cream and fresh strawberries! If you have never tasted tostadas I would highly recommend them!

And on that same special day with our friend, she showed us how to make magnolia wreaths. Right from her own bush in the yard! They are really beautiful and fairly simple to make. So we thought that we would share how we did it. The pictures will hopefully be a little visual help.

1: Pick lots of nice leaves

2: Collect a empty wreath and wire

3: Tie three similar sized leaves into a bundle. Make enough bundles to cover the whole wreath.

4: Wire the magnolia bundles onto the wreath with each one overlapping the other.

5: Continue unto the whole wreath is filled in. Spread the leaves so that it looks even. You may need to hot glue the leaves in order to keep in place. They are so simple and pretty! They will eventually dry and turn to a coppery brown that looks fallish. If you do not want a fall wreath you can spray paint them green again so it keeps its fresh look.

I will admit that when I got elected to write the post on good aspects of technology, my reaction was “this will be a short post.” I don’t tend to think of technology as a positive thing. But the more I studied this subject, the more I realized that there are a lot of ways that technology is beneficial. Whether it’s social media, texting, podcasts, YouTube, the list could go on. It’s not all bad!

Social Media

Most people’s tendency when posting on social media is to present their best self. We all want to look great and appear to be living a brilliant life. But what if, instead of focusing on ourselves, we would post things with true meaning- posts that will point people to God? I am not here to say sharing pictures of a trip or adventure is wrong, I don’t think it is, but be sure everything you do and say on social media is honoring to God and points people to Him. 1 Corinthians 10:33 “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” If you still feel like you can’t make much of a difference on social media, visit No Greater Joy . One way this mission uses technology is by placing Facebook and Google ads for Christian literature. The way they can do this is by people like you and I giving donations to their work.

Texting

In my life I have received many encouraging texts. This form of technology can be used to send inspiration and encouragement to friends who need it. Especially if you have friends or family in foreign countries. Some of them cannot get mail, but they can get a text from you. So instead of using texting to hurt other people or be silly and flirtatious, use it to bless! 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Internet Resources

Imagine if you lived in some far corner of the world as a missionary. You obviously could not take your entire bookshelf or every translation of the Bible. So you have your laptop and an app or two and you can still have many resources to teach the native people. Or even if you live in America with modern conveniences, there are many Christian sermons recorded, podcasts, and blogs. The blog that you are reading now has no reason for being here unless it is an encouragement to the readers. Our sole purpose for this blog is to show Jesus to everyone.

Just a reminder though, be sure what you are reading or listening to is Biblical. There are many “Christian” websites out there that do not line up with God’s Word and will be detrimental to your spiritual life. Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of you mind, that you can prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”

There are also many websites that can give us new inspiration for daily life. Pinterest, YouTube, blogs, etc. can all be used to help us be more efficient and serve better.

Always be sure that you have your priorities right when it comes to technology. Set guidelines for yourself and always be sure that God is more important than your phone. For me, I don’t allow myself to pick up my phone until I have had my personal devotions in the morning. Technology can be an amazing tool if used correctly. Make sure you control it and it doesn’t have power over you.

Written by Ginger