iandthoureflections

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 3: Trees

Trees Calm the Soul

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
Jeremiah 17:8

Trees Sing with the Wind

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Psalm 96:12

Strength in Roots

Have you ever considered a tree as a source of calm? Take a moment. Picture one in your mind.

What do you see?

Trees are majestic. Even young trees exhibit strength as they grow each year, getting taller and taller. They provide us with fruit, shade for protection and rest, and a place for birds to call home.

Much like the roots of trees, our faith can provide us with strength.

Trees Teach

Through storms and seasons, trees remain deeply rooted and unwavering. And in their quiet strength, they teach us many things.

To stand firm.
To bend and not break.
To reach for the light as we stay rooted.
And to drink deeply from the waters of life.

Trees protect us.
Like gentle guides, they lead us. If only we pause to listen to their sway, whispers, and song.

Next time, we’ll pick up from here and listen to the love song of a tree.

Image Source: “Spring Trees” by bcmom is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 2: Water

Water Calms the Soul

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.
Psalm 23:2

Let Worries Flow Away

Close your eyes and imagine water. Cool. Flowing. Endless.

Let it take shape in your mind. Hold it. What do you see?

The water that runs out of a faucet? Or the water that gently falls as raindrops on a spring day? Or the pelting rain against a wind-chilled face? Or the water that bubbles around rocks in a brook?

A Love Song

Shhh.
Take a listen.
Hear the water flow, or drop, or gush. It seems to sing, doesn’t it?

A love song only to you.

Water.

It glistens.
It flows.
It’s almost invisible.

Yet, it is so beautiful when it is crystal clear.

As the song soothes your soul, cast your worries into the water, where they will wash away.

Action

Find a body of water (even a fountain or bath) and spend five minutes observing or listening to it.

Reflective Question

What anxieties can I release and let flow away today?

Image Credit: “babbling brook” by bato93 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=openverse.

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World – Part 1: Introduction

Stress Awareness

April is a month to take a breath, relax, and enjoy a few moments of calmness. To notice how Spring graces us with blooming flowers, trees that bud, and birds that sing.

We will be looking at ways to calm our minds in the chaotic world in which we live. It is a way to pay tribute to Stress Awareness Month.

Tap into Inner Peace

In a world where we feel overwhelmed, we are called to seek true, lasting peace and calmness that can only come from the Divine. When life is loud, fast, and demanding, God whispers to us and reminds us to

Be still,
To breathe,
To rest in Him.

This month, we will explore how nature reflects God’s presence, peace, and provision. Each post will feature a scripture, a reflection, and an action step to ground ourselves.

We invite you to pause.
To see.
To listen.
To step outside, if only for a moment, and hear nature call your name.

*Image Credit:* *Calm Lake by -johnny- is licensed under CC by 2.0*

See you next time.

#April #StressAwarenessMonth #Calm #GodsPeace #Nature #Water #Trees #Mountains #Wind #Gardens #Sunlight #Stillness

April Haiku

The Radiant Moon

Lunar sphere’s golden hue,
Captivates with its beauty,
Embracing life itself.

#April #Poetry #Haiku #Moon #IandThouReflections

Women’s History Month – Part 20: Concluding Remarks

The Legacy of Obscure Women in the Bible

As we say goodbye to March, we close out Women’s History Month by reflecting on the lessons learned from each of these obscure women in the Bible. We honor their lives by seeking to be a little more like them. May we all leave a legacy that inspires faith, courage, and transformation.

The Woman at the Well

The Samaritan Woman, also known as the Woman at the Well, reminds us that living water is free to all who receive it. This remarkable lady leaves a legacy of truth and transformation. Her story provides hope. Hope that God will meet us in our brokenness and offer us eternal life.

Taitha

Tabitha (Dorcas) reminds us that faith is integral to life. Her livelihood as a seamstress enabled her to clothe and care for those less fortunate. This miracle-healed lady leaves behind a legacy of compassion and revival.

Hannah

Hannah endured anguish on many levels. Yet, she prayed at the Temple and made a promise to God. If given a son, Hannah would dedicate him to the Lord. And she did. Her son left his mark on a whole country and changed the course of history. This prayer warrior of a lady leaves a legacy of faithfulness and integrity.

Lydia

Lydia was The Book of Acts version of Martha Stewart. Her open heart and home became a foundation for the early church, proving that faith and vocation can work hand in hand. This lovely lady’s legacy of hospitality and leadership inspires us all to lead with our hearts and minds.

The Midwives

Shiphrah and Puluh, the courageous midwives, stand as models of resistance against injustice. By defying Pharaoh’s decree, they essentially preserved the future of Israel, teaching us that small acts of bravery can have lasting consequences. Their legacy of courage encourages us all to speak out for those who can’t speak for themselves.

Food for Thought

Each of these women, though often overlooked, shaped history in their own way. Their stories inspire us to live with

purpose,
faith,
and courage,
knowing that God can use even the most obscure people to accomplish His divine plan.

Thanks be to God.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Women’s History Month – Part 19: The Legacy of the Midwives

As we read last time, the Shiphrah and Puah story is a powerful example of standing up for what is right, even in the face of immense danger. The impact of their bravery extended beyond their immediate actions. By letting the Hebrew babies live, these two women sparked hope among their people.

The Legacy of Courage

Families were able to keep their sons, and the strength of the Hebrew community began to flourish. Yet, they were still oppressed. We can imagine the villagers whispering praises of the midwives as heroes.

The midwives stressed the importance of choosing God.

Not the king.

Their faith in God gave them the strength to defy Pharaoh. They trusted that God would protect and guide them. They knew in their hearts that the right course of action was to allow the baby boys to live. In so doing, they encouraged other women to look beyond their immediate circumstances.

Their legacy reminds us that every small act of courage contributes to a larger movement. Whether it be for justice, freedom, or life itself. It makes us think about our challenges and how we can respond to them. Let us stand firm for what is right. And let us respond with integrity and fearlessness.

*Image Source: http://www.photos-public-domain dot com*

May this story remind us to listen when God tugs on our hearts.

Next time, we will draw a few conclusions on the obscure women in the Bible as we finish up this series as we head into Stress Awareness Month.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

March – Women’s History Month: Part 18: Shiphrah and Puah

As we conclude our March – Women’s History Month series focusing on women in the Bible, we now turn to Shiphrah and Puah.

The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.
Exodus 1:15-17

Courageous Women

These courageous women defied Pharaoh’s order to kill Hebrew newborn boys.

Why?

Because they feared God.

Image Source: Catholicnewsherald *dot com*

The Fear of the Lord

Why is fear so important?

From Open the Bible, Pastor Colin Smith answers this best. He says, “The fear of God arises out of our knowledge of the grace, mercy, love, forgiveness that leads the person who receives it to fear the Lord.”

In other words, to fear God is to love God, and to love God is to fear Him.

Moral Integrity

The courage put into action by the midwives saved many lives. And their moral integrity was beyond reproach. When Pharaoh ordered them to kill all Hebrew male infants, they defied him. The women chose to preserve life instead. Their fear of God and their moral conviction led to the survival of many children. One special child was Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt.

Reflective Question

How can we stand up for justice and righteousness?

Next time, we will look at their legacy.

See you then.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Women’s History Month – Part 17: Lydia’s Legacy

A Legacy of Hospitality

Lydia’s home was more than just a gathering place.
It was a sanctuary.
A refuge.
A space where believers could grow in faith and find strength in community.

Her hospitality went far beyond the typical bed and breakfast. She created an environment where faith could flourish.

Lydia’s story inspires us to share our faith. We need to share it in the best way we know how. Whether it is through selling purple cloth or opening our homes for fellowship, let us share the good news with those near and far.

A Legacy of Leadership

A good leader is hard to find. They seem to hide in the strangest places. Yet, we do know that God blesses each of us with certain skills and abilities. The hard part is trying to figure out what they are.

Lydia knew what her skills were and how to use them. She had a knack for welcoming people and making them feel comfortable. She also provided words of wisdom to grow the faith community. Lydia had good business sense. There is no doubt about it.

Like all great leaders, Lydia didn’t lead from a distance. She was deeply involved in her community.

She listened.
She acted.
She believed.
She led.

And she spread the gospel.
Near and far.

While history may not always highlight them, women like Lydia played a critical role in shaping Christianity.

Lydia’s story serves as a reminder that faith is more than a journey. It is a long-lasting legacy.

How are we using our influence? Our resources? Our gifts?

Lydia’s story reminds us to say yes.

Yes, to baptism.
Yes, to hospitality.
Yes, to fellowship.
Yes, to share your faith.

Why?

Because faith is more than a journey. It is a legacy. A lasting one.

Next time, we will look at Shiphrah and find out how this obscure woman in The Bible saved an entire nation.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Women’s History Month – Part 16: Lydia’s Loyalty

Last time, we learned that Lydia’s heart was stirred and she became a follower of Jesus.

We continue with her story.

The Anchor of a Home

Lydia’s home in Philippi later became a base of operations for Paul. Her home served as a gathering place for fellow believers. I can imagine how Paul felt as Lydia invited him to her house.

To be fed.
To be encouraged.
Him, and his friends.

…Grateful.

Her role in the early church highlights her importance in the early days of Christianity. It underscores the influence women had in the early church. Make no mistake, Jesus was surrounded by smart, influential women.

Christianity grew because of these obscure women who significantly contributed to the spreading of the gospel.

Next time, we’ll discover the legacy she left on the world.

Reflective Question

How can we use our influence and resources to support and grow our faith communities?

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy

Women’s History Month – Part 15: Lydia

Today, we meet Lydia.

*Image Source & for more details on Lydia visit: https://sharonwilharm.com/lydia-in-the-bible/*

Lydia hailed from the city of Thyatira, located in modern-day Turkey. However, she was in Phillipi at the time of her introduction in the Book of Acts.

A Businesswoman

Known for her business acumen, Lydia sold purple cloth. Mind you, purple cloth was the fabric of choice for royalty and those who held high positions. So, this lucrative business suggested she had a degree of influence in her community.

Lydia met Paul and his friends in Phillipi. At the same time, Paul spread the gospel through Europe and Asia Minor. After arrival at Philippi, Paul and his entourage went to the riverside. There, women gathered for prayer.

Lydia was there.

At the river.

With other women.

Praying.

Paul’s Preaching

The Touch of God

As Paul began to speak, Lydia felt a stirring in her heart. Scripture says, “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. (Acts 16: 14)”

Of course, it was God.

Have you ever felt a stirring in your heart?

Right there.

Right then.

She and other members of her household were baptized that very day. And this was when Lydia became one of the first “converts” to Christianity.

Lydia’s home in Philippi later became a base of operations for Paul. Her home served as a gathering place for fellow believers. I can imagine how Paul felt as Lydia invited him to her house.

To be fed.
To be encouraged.
Paul and his friends.

Her role in the early church highlights her importance in the early days of Christianity. It underscores the influence women had in the early church.

Reflective Question:

Lydia’s story reminds us that faith often begins with a stirring in the heart. Have you ever felt a moment when God called you toward something new? How did you respond?

Lydia’s faith didn’t just change her life—it created a ripple effect. She opened her home, resources, and heart to the early church. But what was the lasting impact of her hospitality and leadership?

In the next post, we’ll explore Lydia’s legacy. We will see how her willingness to say “yes” helped shape the future of Christianity.

#March #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenintheBible #ObscureWomen #WomeninHistory #Tabitha #Hannah #Lydia #Shiphrah #WomanattheWell #Legacy