Spring

Spring Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass March 21, 2012

And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years. Genesis 1:14 NIV Although the official start of spring was just a few days ago, it feels like it has already arrived. The spring season will last about three months and is a season that most people look forward to. It is the tilt of the Earth that causes the rising change in temperature and also the longer days of daylight. This time of year represents a renewal in many ways. Lawns appear to come back to life, flowers and bulbs bloom in a kaleidoscope of color and the foliage of trees and branches spring forth in greenery. God has given us beauty beyond words on this Earth. It is the natural scenery that surrounds us that is so captivating. The bold yellow of daffodils, the majestic purple of hyacinths and wiry forsythia branches all contribute to the colors of Spring. For some blooms, it means “a coming back to life, a “rebirth,” and for others, it is a “new beginning, a brand new start.”   The mild winter is now behind us and we can spring to life too. It’s the season for sprucing things up like painting the house, bringing out the lawn furniture, or getting our hands in the flowerbeds, to work the soil. But these are all material things. So what about our lives? What lies deep inside of us waiting to be born? That is a question to take to prayer. Real change takes place in the depths of ones soul. For a person to seek a new beginning, it may take getting rid of old mindsets and adapting to different ideas or thoughts. To some, it may mean seizing the opportunity to learn something fresh and exciting through a book or class, that stirs a passion. Or it could be that it is time to give back, by volunteering time and God-given talents, to help others in need. Making positive changes in daily living has its rewards that are reflected in our mind, body and soul. But in making adjustments, it is important also to stay in balance to be sure there is ample time for prayer, work, rest and play. Spring is a good time to launch into action and accomplish a goal or a dream. But we should not forget that God has given us life and we are His. Prayerfully taking our lives to God, and asking for His lead on what to do in the next season of our life, is a starting point. He will bring us direction if we earnestly seek it. The hibernation of winter is past and it is time to awaken our lives in a way that is pleasing to God. Search Him for guidance to a “fresh start” this Spring and delight in the joy that awaits us.

Sunshine

Sunshine

The Lord watches over you-

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm-

he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

-Psalm 121:5-8 NIV

At this time of year, waking up to a day with sunshine always brightens my spirit. In contrast to the gray days of winter, a sunny day gives me that extra motivation to get things done so I can step outside to enjoy it, if only for a few moments, before retreating back inside. One day it is winter coat weather and the next day it feels like Spring! I think the key word here is being adaptable in what awaits us each day, no matter what it is.

To adapt suggests that we modify, conform to or accommodate what lies before us. We often get thrust into situations that we would prefer didn’t exist. Like being confronted, being misunderstood or misjudged. Circumstances like this, no one enjoys, but sometimes they cannot be avoided. We are not responsible for other’s actions towards us but we are held accountable for how we treat our accusers. When unpleasant things come up and have to be dealt with, just remember that Jesus had to deal with situations too and He was mistreated. We can gain strength from His example. Take heart and know that God knows everything. It is also important to teach our children to listen, to be fair-minded and Christian in their actions and reactions to people and situations. If we all do this, then we will know that we have taken the high road and God will give us His peace

Lifeline

Lifeline Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass March 08, 2012

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20 (NIV) My puppy loves to go on walks whether it is our neighborhood, the park or the marina. But he must always be on a leash. I call it his “lifeline”. Without the leash, his explorations and wandering curiosity would surely put him in harms way like chasing squirrels into traffic or losing his way and not being able to find his way back home. Or worse yet, falling in the water. While he seems quiet and restful lying at the foot of a park bench, it would only take a second for him to wander off and we couldn’t risk losing him. When my dog and I go to the marina for walks, we notice all the boats are tied up with lines and the boats have life jackets on board. Anchors are used to keep from drifting when out on the open water and some of the larger boats even have life rafts. Lifelines are essential. I just finished a wonderful Bible study on the book of James. There are so many nuggets of wisdom in that book. Too many to mention actually but worth the time to delve into it. Today’s’ verse is the one that really spoke to me and it is a “call to action”. Many of us, me included, will sometimes shy away from speaking to a loved one or a good friend when we see them taking the wrong road. We rationalize that they are old enough to know what they are doing and we look the other way and hope for the best. That is not what we are being called to do. If after praying for wisdom, seeking God’s Will and we show ourselves willing to help, God may equip us with the courage and strength to bring a person back from sin. We have to be careful here because we can become righteous for the wrong reasons, but when God asks us to help to offer a lifeline to one of His people, we should step up. What comes to mind are teenagers that are overwhelmed with choices and temptations and often times succumb to the wrong influences in their life…and there is no one to notice or say anything. That is just one example. Good people that get out of balance with too much of a bad thing needs a loving friend to tap them on the shoulder and pull them back. We can love someone back in a loving way with dignity rather than preaching, taking a superior tone or threats. We can be the lifeline that brings someone back to God which saves them and their soul. Biblically, we are responsible to help if we can.

Blooms Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass February 29, 2012

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. -Psalm 51:10 NIV The Outer Banks is beginning to burst into bloom with flowering trees, flowers and bulbs announcing the arrival of spring. I have always associated the spring season with a time for new beginnings. The outdoors looks fresh and rejuvenated with new growth and buds. The colors of the emerging blooms are vibrant, especially the yellow forsythia and daffodils. We have learned to have faith that a flowering tree will bloom again as it has in year’s past, even though it was just a mass of bare limbs weeks ago. Remembering also that beneath the barren ground there is a cluster of bulbs that will soon give way to a colorful display of beauty that can’t be ignored. Spring is a showcase for nature in its purest form. It is the season of eternal hope. I have seen the phrase, “Bloom Where You Are Planted” on many greeting cards. In spiritual terms it could also mean to take what God has given you and make the most of it. There are things that happen to all of us. Painful experiences, deep wounds, emotional disappointments, hardships. No one escapes them as they are part of life on this earth. However, we don’t have to make them the focus of our life either. Talking about our problems to friends over and over and living in self-pity keeps it fresh, day after day. What we can do is to leave negative experiences behind in our thoughts and minds. Dwelling on those times of sorrow or loss after an appropriate time has passed has an amazing impact on us. Reliving events in our minds and hearts can be as though they have happened to us again! We have to change our focus from disappointment and sadness to God and get back to where we belong. We can get stuck in a lifeless cycle where nothing good happens because we don’t expect it to. Letting go and releasing painful experiences and attitudes to God will free us up for a new beginning. We can pray for a clean heart to accompany a new positive steadfast spirit towards our future. Let the old pass away to make room for the new!

Being Prepared

Being Prepared Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass February 22, 2012

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. -Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT Each morning before I take our puppy for a walk, I check the weather and the temperature. I need to know whether to put a coat on both of us, carry an umbrella to shield us from any rain or grab the sunglasses and a hat on a sunny day. Even though I check the weather reports and predictions, I don’t know what to really expect until I actually walk out the door. I think I am fully equipped but many times the rain gives way to sun and vice versa and I realize I am not prepared at all! We are told to put on the full armor of God each day. What is the full armor? The belt of God’s truth. The breastplate of righteousness which protects our hearts and emotions. The shoes of peace. The shield of faith which helps us to see past our troubles and remain focused on God. The helmet of salvation to keep from doubting God and the sword of the spirit which is God’s Word, our offensive weapon when we are in battle against darkness. When we cloak ourselves in the full armor of God, we can be assured we have all we need to meet the day. Each day I specifically ask in prayer that God equips me with His full armor. But why is this so important? As in the weather, sudden storms come up, hurricanes can cut a swath through our geography and lives, snow surprises us wit a covering over the sand and so much more. You get the idea. In our life, how many times have we “planned” our day but things seemed to come out of nowhere. We were thrown off course, off balance. When we are outfitted with the whole armor of God we know we can rise up over our problems while keeping God at the center of our life. We know we won’t lose control of our emotions, that we will be able to see things as they really are because God’s truth resides in us. We have an abundant faith inside of us to make it through. We will not doubt God or His existence in our life or the situation we seek wisdom to deal with and we have God’s Word to back down the enemy when he tries to come against us. On the coldest day of winter you would automatically put on your heavy coat and when the rain comes, you’d seek an umbrella and maybe boots. You have trained yourself to do those things instinctively. So it goes with the full armor of God. We should make putting it on as an essential part of our morning until it becomes second nature to us. How could we even think of going through the day without Him?

Rudder

Rudder

Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass
February 15, 2012

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. -James 3:3-5a NIV The power of the tongue is awesome. Sometimes it is used for good and sometimes not. Think about it. If a small rudder can move a big ship, I suppose if we had a rudder, it would be our tongue. A prepared and experienced pilot will have his charts out and studied before he sets sail. Before he engages his rudder, he knows the places to avoid and charts a safe course for his ship. We aren’t always so prepared when it comes to what we say. Sometimes our mouth starts speaking and before long, we find ourselves in a heap of trouble after having offended someone, being curt, making assumptions and more. One thing for sure though, we have to go where our tongue takes us. How often do we have to clean up the messes we have made with our mouth! It has happened to all of us. So many tidbits of wisdom come to mind. “Think before you speak and if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” In our everyday life we are given a choice of how to react or speak in almost every situation. Just take a moment and think about what to say first. Some of our choices may have long lasting effects, so it is important to think things through and not speak or react in haste. Offenses are often carried around for years like old luggage and some even carry grudges to their death and it was all because of a few spoken words. So often a little prayer helps. Just saying, “Please God, give me the right words” is all that is needed to change a possible negative outcome into a positive one. Today, we have to try to use our mouths for good. To uplift, build, encourage, fortify and boost ourselves and one another. It is a good time to check our rudder to be sure we are heading in the right direction. God tries to nudge us when we get off course and it is up to us to remember Him in all we say and do.

Architecture

Architecture Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass February 09, 2012

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. -Psalm 127:1 NIV Many books have been written about the uniqueness of the architecture found on the Outer Banks. It is likely that you could see many different kinds of structures on the same street…older block homes with flat roofs, newer homes with exquisite detail and extraordinary windows or just a simple dwelling, known as the “beach box”. And the most talked about Outer Banks homes are located in Nags Head on Cottage Row. These homes are historic, grand in size, well constructed and sturdy. They have endured much. Many homebuilders today try to incorporate many of those architectural elements from the past, found in the old homes, on the newer ones being built now. That specific Old Nags Head appearance suggests homes with wraparound porches, gabled roofs, shingled exteriors and shutters . A homebuilder starts with a plan, literally. Before ground is broken, the blueprints have been studied, reviewed and approved by all. There is a pattern in which to build a home. First comes the foundation, then the framing, plumbing, and so on. Planning is also very important in our personal life but think about how often we do something without the proper preparation. I believe that it is important to also give our prayer time with God some structure, too. My blueprint for prayer is simple and is as follows: begin by first thanking God, praising Him and offering thanks for who He is and what He does for us. Next, seek forgiveness for our sins where we may have fallen short. Then ask God to send His holy angels to surround us and protect our families and us. Next, ask that He remove and bind anything in our life that is not of Him. Then I ask Him for the covering of His armor, followed by seeking the Holy Spirit to fill me completely. After saying The Lord’s Prayer, that is where I will pray for people by name and then I ask God to give me a scripture so I can spend time in the Word. The foundation to a Christian life begins with prayerful communication with God. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete. Luke 6:49 NIV

Beacon

Beacon

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

-Matthew 21:22 NIV

The definition of a beacon is a flashing light, a lighthouse or signaling buoy that produces a flashing light to warn or guide ships. There is beauty and history in each lighthouse that dots the Outer Banks. Some coastal areas can only boast of one lighthouse, but from Corolla to Ocracoke, we have four! Each one is different from the other and most unique. Stories of past are told, to the next generation, to keep the history of these lighthouses alive and protected, for those yet to come. It is still a wonder to me how these magnificent beacons of light defy the storms, hurricanes and wind, but they do. These mighty structures deserve the recognition they have received, past and present.

If a lighthouse is so sturdy that it can withstand adversity and the test of time, how can we tap into that kind of strength? I have received a flood of emails this week from people, some I know and some I don’t, that are sick and are asking for prayer that God would heal them. Several years ago, I was treated successfully for breast cancer. I know firsthand that when we are stricken down, prayer can take on a whole new meaning and importance. We are pleading for our life. God allows things to happen to us sometimes to strengthen us where we are weak. If we have drifted from Him, He wants to draw us close again. He will use us in ways to help others, because of the new insight and understanding we have gained from our own illness. Anytime we are asked to pray for someone who is ill, we shouldn’t miss the opportunity to do so. This is called intercessory prayer. Making time to pray for others is something that God calls us all to do. I don’t know where I would be today if it weren’t for the many prayers that were lifted up on my behalf. God can change the results or outcome of any situation, if it is His Will. Never lose faith and hope. He hears all prayers. None are wasted. Prayers do make a difference. God is our beacon of light in those dark days of sickness and our strength to overcome it is in Him. "Go and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. Isaiah 38:5 NIV.