Barb Boswell, Author and Speaker

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RAMBLINGS FROM A WANDERING MIND

WORD FOR 2021 KINDNESS

Kind: friendly, generous, considerate, understanding.

At the end of my Facebook live readings in 2020, and repeated in 2021, I always closed the reading with, BE KIND. In 2022, I feel called to focus on this thought, this feeling, this ACTION.

Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT ACTION

The set up: Ephesians 4:31
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

The action: Ephesians 4:32
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Read back a couple of verses to Ephesians 4:29. This is one of my favorite verses, and my goal. Our words should be gifts to the hearer.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Kindness is the fifth “fruit” listed in the Fruit of the Spirit.

Being kind to our enemies or those people who rub you the wrong way, is loving your neighbor as yourself. This includes being kind to those who have a differing opinions. (You don’t have to respond to every Facebook post you disagree with. Scroll on by!)

Look for opportunities to be kind. Make it a lifestyle. Say hello, hold the door open for someone, smile (even behind our masks, people can see your eyes are smiling. I know, because someone told me just that), let a car merge in front of you. Listen to someone. Have coffee, or lunch. Send a note. Those are on my list. I don’t think I have to tell you how to be kind. Being kind doesn’t take a lot of effort. It means being nice. Didn’t we learn that in kindergarten?

Remember this: Be kind to yourself. Don’t keep knocking yourself down. Why can you be kind to others, but not yourself?

Because your loving KINDness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. (Psalm 63:3 NKJV)

Do you want God’s kindness in your life? Ask Him! He’s waiting for you.

* This is for ME and YOU.

1/1/2022

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Last night, as I was reading my Bible and looking at my prayer list, I stopped and wrote something down. You see, at the top of the world event side of my prayer list (the other side is friends and family) is that the Covid-19 virus would cease, either by God’s hand, or by Him working through those searching for a vaccination. Next on that side of my list is praying the peaceful demonstrations, which have turned violent, would return to being peaceful. Once the fires were lit, the windows were smashed, the stores were looted, the graffiti was sprayed, and the tear gas was released, I lost sight of what was being protested. Yes, I believe Black Lives Matter. I believe all lives matter, but I get it. As a white person, I haven’t had to struggle to feel (or prove) that my life mattered. My friends, who are black, have. I’ve had conversations with those friends. I’ve listened. I’ve heard how they feel. I’ve not said, “this is how you should feel” because I haven’t walked in their shoes. Things that are offensive to them, might not be offensive to me. At least that was true, until I listened.

That all said, I mentioned I wrote something down. It was, “Why do people ask where is God while this is going on?” Most who I hear ask that, aren’t followers of Jesus. And then I wrote, “If you are going to ask WHERE is God, perhaps you should ask WHO is God?” Perhaps you should get to KNOW Him, before you BLAME Him. Because, why would you blame someone who you don’t believe in?

I’m all about protests, vigils, marching, and taking a stand for what is right. I was on a college campus when the National Guard invaded Kent State. I picked up flyers daily from the Student Union and brought them back to the dorm for an information table I had set up. (Watch out for those people who grew up during the 60s.) Barry McGuire sang a song in 1964 with the lyrics, “Don’t you know, we’re on the eve of destruction.” Seems like we are still imploding, but it’s self-inflicted. Can’t we have peaceful demonstrations? In this day and age, it’s hard to believe what the news media reports. Then it gets on social media and the info really gets distorted.

I’m saddened by it all. My heart hurts for my country, and it hurts for my friends who are black. In the land of the free and the home of the brave, some of are not either. Yet I am still hopeful because of where I place my hope … in Jesus Christ.

I invite you NOT to tear me apart. I invite you NOT to add negative comments. I invite you to NOT say, “yes but they started it.” I don’t care who threw the first punch, or stone. We have the power not to hit or throw back. (I learned that in kindergarten.)

Where is God? Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”

Psalm 139:7–8 reminds us we can’t escape Him: “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.”

The problem in this world is sin. All of us sin. What can we do? Believe!

“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for ‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Romans 10:9–13

To my Christian friends, here is our challenge: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

So how should we live? “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you? But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Now, I know some people reading this think I’m full of you know what. You can have your opinion about me. I’m only concerned about what God thinks. And He thinks I’m great! So great in fact, that He died for me.

For those of you who don’t believe and think this is a bunch of fairytales, I respect your opinion. I don’t agree, but I respect your opinion and I will never call you out.

I ask you who ARE believers to storm the gates of heaven with prayer. Prayer is not passive! John Lennon sang, “All we are saying, is give peace a chance.” And it begins with us. It begins with Him, it begins with love.

STAY AT HOME

Sitting here thinking of what has been cancelled "thanks" to the virus.
A trip to Texas with the girls, family time in California, summer plays in Leavenworth, beach trips, not to mention time touching grandkids, a hair cut (!), eating out, and baseball (!). And the cancelled speaking events.
Then I had a moment of clarity. The most important thing in my life that has been cancelled, forgiven? My sins!

" If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will FORGIVE us our sins." 1 John 1:9. Cancelled!

In light of eternity, my disappointment on what I'm missing out on is nothing compared to what I've received (and where I'm going.}

What about you?

EASTER QUARANTINE

I am finding it odd, yet quite meaningful, to be celebrating the resurrection in my recliner. Just me and God. No colored eggs, no big dinner to prepare, no chocolate bunnies, no flowers on the cross, no dressing up. Just me and the Savior of the world. It's nice. It's how He wanted it ... truly a day of reflection and worship.

"I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus. I'm sorry Lord for the things I've made it, it's all about You, all about You, Jesus."
(Matt Redman)

As the lyrics say, "when the music fades, and all is stripped away, I simply come..."

Since March 15th, we've been stripped of a lot of "stuff" but One thing remains and He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. We have EVERYTHING we need.

DIVINE APPOINTMENT #2 THE VISITOR

In October of last year, I shared with you about my flight from Portland to Spokane. Yes, I was being judgmental, again. My female seatmate looked very business-like and I was thankful the flight was less than an hour. By the time we arrived in Spokane, I was sorry the flight ended so soon. Pam, you are delightful! (And yes, I did give her a book and we have kept in touch!)

A Saturday in December, it happened again . . . a divine appointment. The setting, a piano recital at a church. We were between sessions, and three of us were sitting in the narthex chatting. In walks a man. Oh boy!

He was soaking wet and said he needed help. Oh ,oh, here we go. I’m judging all over again. What he needed, was his phone charged! Well guess what? I had my charger in the car. As his phone was charging, I got him a cup of coffee and some cookies. I was still a bit apprehensive, wondering when the other shoe was going to drop. Was he going to ask for money, or worse, pull out a gun and demand it? He did neither. Instead, he made his second request: He asked for prayer. He told us his name, Matthew, and some of his story. As I put my hand on his shoulder and began to pray, he started sobbing. The man was broken.

You need to understand, this was not the church we attend. We were using it for the recital. And secondly, we are in this church twice a year, June and December. What were the odds this man would come through the doors (which are in the back of the church) on one of those Saturday’s? When it’s a divine appointment, chances are 100%. We knew someone who could help him with his personal issues, and made the call. The man who came to talk with him had been there and done that, and knew exactly how to listen to this man’s problems and tend to his needs. Among other things, the guy needed a support group.

Later, I was in the narthex, tending to the refreshment table while the next recital session was in progress. I didn’t see the needy man, so I assumed he had left. But then, the door opened and there he was. Why? Matthew walked over to me, thanked me for praying and gave me a big hug.

God can and will break through your judgmental thoughts and use you for His good, His glory. Be open to it. And by blessing others, through the power of the Holy Spirit, you will be blessed back.

Divine appointments. They happen when we least expect them.

AFTER THOUGHT:

I don’t usually pick a “word for the year.” This year I have. It’s “opportunity” followed by “action.”

Scripture tells us to “make the most of every opportunity” (Ephesian 5:16, Colossians 4:5). James 2, tells us that faith without deeds (action) is dead. Read that entire chapter! Oh my!

I am also reminded of this:

Romans 12:8 (NLT)

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Proverbs 11:25

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed .

Romans 12:9

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

DIVINE APPOINTMENT #1-- PAM

So, 55 minute plane ride from Portland to Spokane yesterday.

Gal setting next to me was obviously a businesswoman. (Yes, I was judging her, but at least she wasn't wearing perfume.) I asked if she lived in Spokane or was visiting. And off the conversation went. She mentioned "the Lord" and I was wondering if she was just saying that casually.

Then she asked what I was doing in Spokane. Here we go. How much do I say before she clams up. I told her I was going to speak at a conference. She asked what kind of conference. I said a Christian Women's Conference. She asked if I was one if the speakers. I said no, I'm the only speaker. Oh my. The conversation took a deep turn.

She is from Indianapolis, designs interiors and exteriors of apartment buildings and goes to the same church as Mike Pence. It was such a fast 55 minutes. I gave her a book. She wants more for ladies she mentors. Wants to tell women's ministry leaders about me. Get me to Indy. She said "you will be hearing from me." She said God truly blessed her by sitting us together. It was a small plane. I wonder how many others were "blessed" by our conversation? LOL. I did see a lady across the aisle checking out my book.

My take-away?

1. God appointments. They show up when least expected. MY plan was to go over my message for Friday night. HIS plan was one on one ministry.

2. Don't judge someone by their appearance. She was very put together and had a love for the Lord.

3. Don't be timid about sharing who you are and WHO's you are. People are hungry and we can provide the food.

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Yesterday was Palm Sunday. As I sat in church, listening to a sermon on Hebrews, my mind wandered to Easter Week.

I was thinking about how often it is that we get hyped up for an event, and maybe the excitement continues a few days, but then that excitement fades. Palm Sunday is the day Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the back of a young donkey for the Passover Feast. The crowds lined the street, waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna! (Save us!) Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” The crowd was excited, as their King was parading by.

I thought about our local parade. Those of us of a certain age, stand and remove our hats when the American Flag passes by Tradition? Respect? Yes. How about the winning team from a sporting event? There is a parade held in their honor, and people line the street to see their “idols” pass by. If they don’t win the next year, no parade. It’s about winning in sports.

The next “event” during what we refer to as Holy Week that is noted is Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, and the “last supper.” That was Thursday. And then Jesus is betrayed and arrested. As was the custom during Passover, Pilate offered to release a prisoner. That was Friday. He offered Jesus. But the people said, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Seriously? And what, Pilate asked, should he do with Jesus? The shouting crowd yelled, “Crucify him!” Really? These same people who, at the beginning of the week were shouting, “Hosanna” had changed their tune to “crucify him!” What had happened to the hearts of these people in five days?

I thought about how I can walk out of church on Sunday, all “churched up” and as each day goes by, I can either be growing closer to God, or drifting farther away. That, is up to me. Am I as easily swayed by the crowd as the followers of Jesus were from Sunday to Friday? Does it only take a few people yelling “crucify him” for me to join in, wanting to belong? Going along with the crowd, just for the sake of belonging, of being accepted is, in my opinion, pathetic and weak.

These days we seem to be divided on black lives matter, blue lives matter, all lives matter, celebrate diversity, march for life, and who knows what else. If we disagree with each other, we hold counter marches. And we continue to live without love, peace and harmony.

All I could think about this week, was what really matters is Jesus. His life mattered, matters, and will continue to matter, at least in my life. For me, my love for others flows from my love for Jesus, and wanting to do his will. My goal is to get others to love Him, as much as I do (or more), not by ramming it down their throats, but by living His life in me out loud, in public.

On Friday, his body hung on the cross and it got eerily quiet. Then the thunder roared, the temple broke in two, and it was finished . . . or so they thought. And for those of you who want to skip Good Friday and go straight to Easter, because it’s too harsh, you can’t! You can’t have the empty tomb without a body to put in it to begin with. You can’t have “the tomb was empty” and celebrate the resurrection without the agony of the cross. No pain, no gain.

Jesus died on that cross, taking my sins, your sins, and the sins of one of the thieves on the cross. Yes, it was brutal. And he rose three days later to give us life! He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)

As you consider your own traditions this Easter, be that church, egg hunt or whatever, please know, Jesus paid the ultimate price for you, so you could live with Him for eternity. Eternity starts now, on earth. Accept Him as your Lord AND Savior. Start a new life. I did.

When Easter is over and you’ve stuffed yourself with ham or lamb, colored eggs, and chocolate bunnies, please remember that Easter was just the beginning. It’s not about bunnies, it’s about The Lamb of God.

I hear many people saying we are all God’s children. Not true. We are all created in God’s imagine, but scripture tells us, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become” children of God.” (John 1:12) How do you get there? “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

The first step is realizing your need for a Savior is to acknowledge who He is, that he died and rose from the dead. Confess your sins. Accept His forgiveness. Live your life for Him. When you do, you are good to go.

“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

6/29/17

Yesterday was a difficult day for me. Why? My Keurig coffee maker stopped working! Don't worry, I still had my coffee, as I pulled out my French press to make my “get me going juice.”

The Keurig was something I wanted, but didn't need. I bought it three years ago and handed it to my husband saying, “Here’s what you can give me for Christmas. (I've learned, you want something, buy it yourself!)

I enjoy that perfect cup of coffee each and every morning. For those of you who think I'm filling landfill with k-cups, you would be wrong. I use refillable cups.

So, I pulled out the manual, which thankfully I had kept, to look for solutions. I Googled for answers once I deemed the manual useless. I began to work on the appliance, cleaning whatever I could find to clean, including poking an open paper clip into the filter holes. I tried running vinegar water through it. Still, only a half a cup of water was produced. It also appeared that the pump wasn't working.

I finally gave up and went to Walmart to buy a new one. They had several red colored ones in the model I wanted, but no black. The department manager said she would sell me a more expensive one for the lower price as it was their fault one was not in stock. The model I wanted was on order and would be in later this week. The more expensive model had a touch screen. I wanted the one with the three blue buttons that lit up. I like simple and I don’t like new learning curves.

I went home, and tried ONE MORE TIME to fix the Keurig. Inside of the water reservoir, I discovered a floating disk that appears to go up or down according to the water level. I fiddled with that and gave the appliance one more chance to work. It did!

What did I learn? God's timing is perfect!

The issues with my Keurig, while extremely frustrating, took my mind off of other "issues" I was dealing with. I was on stress overload and I didn't have the mental ability to deal with the broken Keurig right now. But, I pressed on. I could have tossed it in the garbage and easily given up. I didn't. I sought a replacement. It wasn't there. I took another chance on the old appliance, attempting to redeem what was broken. And it was made good as new.

We do this with people too. It is so easy to give up on people when they stumble and fall. We toss them aside like a broken coffee maker. I am so thankful that God does not do that to us.

God is fixing the broken, damaged pieces of our lives. Give Him all of your brokenness. Don’t give up on Him. He hasn’t given up on you.

“God, your God, will restore everything you lost; he'll have compassion on you; he'll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered.

No matter how far away you end up, God, your God, will get you out of there”

(Deuteronomy 30:3-4 MSG).

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8 NLT).

I didn’t need the Keurig, I wanted it. I need and want Jesus! He will never break down! “He is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NLT).

Oh how He loves you and me!

©2017 Barb Boswell

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11/3/16

It seems I have two choices to make today. I'm not excited about either one.

Now that I have your attention and you think I'm getting political, WRONG. Both choices require something of me, one needs a bit more effort on my part.

1. I can wash clothes or 2. I can pack dirty ones. Let's see, which would be most acceptable?

There are two other choices we all need to make. It's a yes or no choice, with eternal consequences.

1. Will you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord AND Savior or 2. Will you reject Him? It's dirty laundry vs. clean. Though yours sins are like scarlet, they will be made white as snow.

Decision time? Your choice is not for the next four or eight years, but for eternity.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS FROM MY WALK

10/11/16

For those who don’t know me, know this: I’m very competitive. For those of you who do know me, you are saying, “duh.”

I made fun of people with Fitbits. Seriously I thought, just get out and walk! Enter the competitive nature! I had to have one. I accepted the Fitbit challenge, and have been walking my fanny off (one could only hope) ever since.

There several paths that I take through our neighborhood, the shortest distance being simply around our block. The distance is 600 steps. (No, I don’t walk around the school track or the path in the park. That would require driving, to walk.) My goal each day is 10,000 steps.

Today, I took all three walking routes and hit my 10k goal. As I type, I’m pooped! My legs are done (unless I see someone has walked more steps than I have).

But this message is not about my tired body, it’s about my sense of smell. Today on my walk(s), my nose encountered a variety of smells and that’s what I want to tell you about.

Many people were mowing their lawns as the forecast is for rain starting late tomorrow. Freshly mown lawn is one of those smells you could identify with your eyes closed. Along with freshly cut grass, was the smell of leaves, and dust, being blown around with one of those obnoxious machines. With both, you could smell the gas need to run them.

A diesel pickup started its engine and drove past me. Stinky!

As I rounded the block, I could smell freshly brewed coffee. I thought about knocking on the brewer’s door! (No time, goal to meet.)

I came upon a sweet smell and knew right away what it was. Someone had a fabric softener sheet in their dryer and the exhaust was blowing outward into the crisp air. Oh those clothes are going to smell nice.

There was a smell of food cooking. I swear it had to be Mexican food. Come to think of it, I did walk past a home where Hispanics live. (I should have dropped in there too!)

Isn’t it amazing what we can sense, when we take the time, when our mind is clear of everything?

And here is my point. What aroma do people smell when you are near? “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 2:15 NLT) Believers will like your smell; non-believers will not. Keep emitting that smell, it pleases your Father and it just might grow on the non-believers in your life.

CHALLENGE: When you encounter a sweet smell, think of Jesus. Reflect on your smell and whether or not it is pleasing to the Lord.

BTW: My mind is not completely empty as I walk. I don’t walk alone, I walk with my Jesus. I get a lot of praying done on these walks. Each lap around my block is dedicated to someone I know who is in need of prayer. Could be you’ve been prayed for.

Hi!

I'm excited to announce that my third book is "in the works." We are working on finalizing layout of stories, gathering endorsements, and working on a cover design. Then, it's off to the editor! New title you ask? "Every Time I Turn Around, God Whispers in My Ear!" Check out 1 Kings 19:11-12. God doesn't always get through to me with a whisper. Sometimes it takes a megaphone in my ear.

The picture above is my clutter chaos workspace. (It's how I roll, don't judge me!)

Don't worry, when I get the book in my hands, you will be the "first" to know.

As Easter approaches, reach my last entry and be blessed. (Blog story will appear in my new book!)

Be blessed.

__________

My thoughts the day before Easter.

It was quite a week. He rode into town on a donkey, to the shouts of “hosanna,” save us, from the people and the waving of palm branches. The people thought he had finally accepted his role as king. Yet it was not the kind of king they expected. A week of celebration was just beginning. It was Passover. There was one last meal on Thursday with friends in an upper room. Friends he knew and loved denied him, and sold him out for personal gain. Those people who called themselves religious leaders sought ways to get rid of him. He challenged their rules and traditions. They didn’t like it. He preached God, not rules. There was the kiss in the Garden. Seriously, a kiss? He was hauled away for a mock trial. The people were given a choice, him or a murderer. One would be released. The religious leaders incited the riot…give us Barabbas! Seriously? What must Barabbas have thought? A guilty man being released; an innocent man taking his place. Oh if he only knew!

The gutless ruler left it up to the people what to do with this man. “Crucify him!” they shouted. Seriously? Those people who praised him a few days earlier, who were his friends, now turned and betrayed him.

Beaten, disrobed and forced to carry his own method of death, a cross, Friday was a difficult day. Soldiers nailed him to the cross, next to two men, both sentenced to die. One mocked him as he knew death was imminent. The other changed his attitude. “Remember me.” The man in the middle said, “You are going with me.”

And the thunder roared, the temple cracked and he took his last breath. His friends took his body and laid him in a tomb. And that was that.

Saturday was a quiet day. It was over, or so they thought. The end of the story? Not even close.

Sunday morning was just another day, until they went to the tomb, found the stone that blocked the entrance had been rolled to the side. Looking inside the tomb, there was no body. Their friend was gone, in more ways than one.

It took a while, but the light finally came on. He was exactly who he said he was. He had indeed risen from the dead. Why should that have surprised his followers? He had brought people back to life right in front of them. Maybe they had been skeptical those three years they walked with him. Maybe this was what really convinced them. (Me, I would have been convinced with the water to wine trick.)

But without Friday, there is no Sunday.

As I look at this story, so familiar to many of us, I think about my own life. Those I walked with for years betrayed me. People I ran into who ran with that crowd, turned and walked the other way when they saw me. I had been told to leave, but not told why. Hung out to dry because the religious leaders didn’t like my presence. I questioned, I challenged. I wanted more of Jesus, not more fluff and stuff. That was a Friday. Saturday was calm. And Sunday came. And with Sunday, freedom!

I share this with you as a reflection. We’ve all walked the path Jesus did in one way or another. He rose above it and so can we. And when we do, there is freedom. No more bondage to rules and traditions. “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (Galatians 5:1 NLT) Sometimes the best and hardest thing we can do is to walk away. Being told to leave is hurtful, yet it also served a purpose, a plan. The chains were removed. I no longer had to behave and worship according to people’s expectations, rules. “We’ve always done it this way before” was behind me. Freedom!

2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Because Jesus paid it all, we are free. Free from bondage to sin. Free from “we’ve always done it that way” mentality. We are free to serve Him, with all of our “heart, soul, mind and strength.” (Mark 12:30)

If you are in a church that does not preach the Word of God, but the word of the world, you need to be set free. John 8:32 says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The Truth is sooooo refreshing.

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December 12, 2013

I've been lazy the past three and a half years. That happens when you feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. And in my laziness, I put my writing aside.

Today I was reminded, once again, who and what God has called me to do and be. No one can take that away from me, not a church, not a clinic picking up your "lost" books." and certainly not man. I have allowed the world to define me, instead of the One who called me. I needed to use the gifts God has given me and reach out to a lost and hungry world.

Today, He gave me this:

COME, ALL IS READY

With the threat of snow the other night, I kept sneaking peeks out of my patio curtains. I was keeping an eye on the weather conditions with the anticipation of a school kid hoping that school might be cancelled There was no snow, only frozen molehills … and something else looking back at me. I’m used to seeing squirrels in our backyard, but not rabbits.

Ok, so what do rabbits eat? Duh! Carrots! So I went to the fridge and pulled out a carrot, cutting it up in small pieces for the rabbit. I threw it out on the patio, and four days later, the carrot is still there. As Elmer Fudd would say, “Stupid wabbit!”

When the snow finally arrived and the temperatures dropped well blow freezing, I noticed no birds were flying around in search of food, or sitting on our fence. I rummaged through the garage, quickly finding the birdseed. Bundling up, I went outside and spread some around the patio, on the bench and planters. And I waited. No birds!

I thought, what is wrong with you birds? I’ve left food! Come and get it! Do you want to starve?

This morning, as the birds finally found the food, I was hit with yet another “bump into God!’

My Jesus was saying, “I have placed food in front of you and you ignore it. You are starving and you still ignore ME.”

Ouch!

The birds were looking in the frozen yard for food, and there it was, right in front of them. They didn’t even have to work for it; they just had to eat! The table prepared before them!

^“Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven.The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:32-35 NLT)

Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? Are you tired? Stop struggling on your own.

The hand of our Lord and Savior is reaching out to you. Grab it!

All is ready. The table is set. Eat.

BTW: The birds have eaten all the seed I threw out for them, and have come back for more. They know where the hand is that feeds them.

It was frightening. It was exciting. My granddaughter was born June 7 at 1:30 a.m. She was due July 29. Yep, seven weeks early. Little Clara Clementine Boswell weighed in at 2 pounds 15 ounces and was 16 inches long. Mama was in distress and baby had to come out, and come out NOW! She's a tiny little thumbelina who has captured my heart. I never played with dolls when I was a child. I liked to play "trucks." Now I know what I've missed. Just to watch her sleep, it's like looking at a perfectly formed porcelain doll. Mama and baby are doing well. Clara is still in neonatal intensive care, and mama and daddy are staying there with her. Mama is gaining her strength back, Clara is gaining weight. I'm sure they can't wait to start their family life outside the walls of the hospital. I look forward to the day when I can do more that just look at her, a day when I can pick her up and have her cuddle into my neck; a day when we can play catch or go to a ballgame. Oh how I love this little girl. Thank you Matt and Joann for making me a grandma! Thank You Jesus, for keeping them safe.

Barb Boswell, Author & Speaker