Sacred Blooms: Tiger Lilies

A Series from the Psalms

I welcome the confidence unfolding within me
as I watch tiger lilies bloom tall and proud.

Fun fact: Tiger lilies have bold orange petals with dark speckles to deter predators. They’re resilient and often grow in places other flowers avoid.

Tiger lilies.
Wild and bold.
Blooms swaying back and forth,
as the summer breeze refreshes the soul.
Slender and tall, they lift toward the light,
as if to sprinkle love where other plants won’t grow.

Tiger lilies are early spring risers. They grow wide, and they are stubborn fellas. Their growth begins in late fall, when they store energy in dormant bulbs.

As the bulbs wake from a long winter’s nap, they get busy growing, bending toward the sun in every which way, gracing us with their vibrant presence.

Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

A tiger lily mirrors our souls. We rise each day, tall and wild, and we firmly plant our feet on the floor. They remind us to be ready to face whatever comes.

Their speckles tell a story, too. Life is full of surprises. Good and bad. And we carry each of these experiences in our hearts. They are the marks we carry. The marks make us proud. They reveal where we’ve been, what we’ve survived, and how God has shaped us along the way.

May courage rise in you each day.
May you trust the strength God is forming in you.
May you bloom boldly, bravely, and beautifully —
just like the tiger lily.

*Image Credit: “Tiger Lily” by HandsLive is licensed under CC BY 2.0.*

#SacredBlooms #Psalms #Faith #Poetry #LoveJourney #Flowers #LifeJourney
#Hibiscus #Tulips #Daisies #Lilies

Sacred Blooms: Daisies

A Series from the Psalms

I welcome the idea of resilience.
I welcome the unfolding within me as I watch daisies wake
from their cold winter’s nap.

Fun Fact: The word “daisy” comes from the Old English day’s eye, because the flower opens with the sun and closes when the light fades.

Daisies.
Simple and white.
Petals dancing in the wind,
push through thawed ground,
lifting toward the light,
as if to kiss us with the sun.

Daisies are early risers, like the tulips. They grow, thin and slender, swaying in the breeze. Their petals are delicate yet elegant. Their “eyes” glow as if they are smiling at the saddest heart. So bright and cheery they are.

Daisies follow a rhythm. They open with the morning light and close again at night. The white petals and golden centers invite us to breathe, soften, and find rest for renewal.

Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul.

— Psalm 131:2

The daisy mirrors our souls. As we rise each morning, we are like daisies. Simply fragile. Simply human. We choose to stand in the light to move forward. As we are drawn to the steady stream of light that shines on us through the day.

Daisies remind us that faith is simple. It’s quiet. It’s choosing to stand in the light and trust God to provide rest.

May your soul find rest in the simplicity of God’s love.
May you breathe deeply and trust the gentle rhythms of grace.
May you stand in the light you have today.

*Image Credit: “daisy” by Jon Bunting is licensed under CC BY 2.0.*

#SacredBlooms #Psalms #Faith #Poetry #LoveJourney #Flowers #LifeJourney
#Hibiscus #Tulips #Daisies #Lilies

Digging Deeper with Calla Lilies

A Series from the Psalms

I welcome and embrace the presence of God.
Let the calla lily’s funnel remind me to stay open —
to God, to myself, and to others.

Spring is not just a season.
It’s a reawakening.
A time to see.
A time to feel.
A time to experience.
Nature waking after a cold winter’s slumber.

We turn inward.
Toward hope.
Toward grace.
Toward holiness.

Psalm 96:9 reminds us, “Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”

Like a calla lily waiting for the right moment to rise through its tangled tubes, we wait for God’s breath to bring color back into every part of our lives.

And like those lilies, we weave our way through the messes of each day, figuring things out as we go.

Not all at once.
Not in a rush.
But slowly — deliberately —
trusting that clarity will come.

God is untangling us. Refreshing us. Renewing us.

There is no pressure.
No expectation.
Only an invitation.

The calla lily teaches us that reverence begins with a willingness to let God do the untangling, so we can grow in the way we were meant to. Its color reminds us that holiness doesn’t look the same on everyone.
Some of us are quiet.
Some of us are bold.
Some of us are simply ourselves.
And all of it is beautiful.
All of it is welcome.

May you be who you are.
May you grow in grace.
May you feel abundantly loved each and every day.

Image Credit: *“29March2008344” by LukeGordon1 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.*

#SacredBlooms #Psalms #Faith #Poetry #LoveJourney #Flowers #LifeJourney #Hibiscus #Tulips #Daisies #Lilies

Sacred Blooms: Calla Lily

A Series from the Psalms

I welcome the calla lilies that whisper prayers
as they unfurl in the early spring.
Let them remind me to open my heart
and breathe in gratitude each day.

Fun Fact: Calla lilies originated from Africa. Lovely as they are, they’re not even lilies. And don’t let their beauty fool you. Their flowers are toxic.

Calla lilies.
Graceful and pure.
Slender and elegant.
Rising from deep green leaves,
they lift themselves toward the light
and push through the soil to offer prayers to heaven above.

Calla lilies are summer-blooming bulbs. They grow in confidence as they inch toward their full thirty inches. They are often white, yet they do bloom in various colors. Truly gorgeous.

Their grace is often present in chapels, churches, and other spaces for worship. Their funnel shape reminds us to stay open to what’s coming our way.
To receive what we need from God,
let go of what weighs us down,
and to be present to each moment as a gift.

Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
Psalm 96:9

The calla lily invites us to slow down,
to breathe deeply,
to remember that reverence is about presence —
showing up before God with honesty and awe.

May your spirit be open to the sacred.
May you feel God’s grace shine upon you.
May you pause and be present a little more with each passing day.

Image Credit: *“Calla Lillies” by Ani Carrington is licensed under CC BY 2.0.*

#SacredBlooms #Psalms #Faith #Poetry #LoveJourney #Flowers #LifeJourney #Hibiscus #Tulips #Daisies #Lilies

Digging Deeper with Tulips

A Series from the Psalms

I welcome the light of the morning,
which gives me the strength to rise and answer God’s call.

Tulips respond to light.
Even after they are cut, they continue to stretch, reach, and open.
There is something sacred going on.
A kind of persistence. Do you think?

Psalm 30:5 reminds us that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Morning is not just a time of day.
It is a time when we wake.
We listen.
We hear our heartbeat.
And we turn toward hope. A hope that God is going to do something incredible. Even if we can’t see it yet.

Like a tulip waiting for the right moment to burst through the ground, we wait for God’s hand to guide us through the seasons of life.

Like tulips, we move through seasons of darkness and cold. We have nights that feel long and moments that lack clarity. But God is always working behind the scenes, like in the ground where tulips prepare to bloom.

God is shaping us. Polishing us. Preparing us.

There’s no pressure.
No expectation.
Just an invitation.

The tulip teaches us that beauty is not rushed. Growth is not hurried. And joy—true joy—arrives in its own time, carried by the faithfulness of God. A God that loves us with an everlasting love.

May you feel the warmth of God’s light.
May you grow in the ways you need to grow.
May joy rise in you like morning light and
be full of promise and hope.

*Image Credit: “Assisted Growth” by FeatheredTar*
*is licensed under CC BY 2.0.*

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Sacred Blooms: Tulips

A Series from the Psalms

I welcome new beginnings. I welcome the unfolding within me as I watch tulips wake from their cold winter’s nap.

Fun Fact: Tulips close at night and reopen in the morning, responding to light. They are also one of the few flowers that continue to grow even after their stems are cut.

Tulips.
Soft pastels.
Bold ones, too.
Push through cold ground,
Lifting toward the light
As if to smile and welcome love.

Tulips are the early risers of spring. They grow with confidence and like the cool air that still lingers all around. Their colors vary from soft to bold. So elegant they are.

Tulips have a mind of their own. Some unfold slowly, others open up quickly. They reveal their beauty one petal at a time.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

— Psalm 30:5

The tulip mirrors our souls. As we rise each morning, we are like tulips. Long, slender, and rising up to the light. We long for that steady stream of light to pull us through the day. God’s steadfast hand guides us all the way.

May your heart open gently to the new things
God is growing in you.
May joy meet you in the morning.
May you bloom on your schedule and not someone else’s.

*Image Credit & Source: “TULIPS!” by The Glass Beehive* is licensed under CC BY 2.0.*

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#Hibiscus #Tulips #Daisies #Lilies

Wine & Faith by Nadia Crane: Reflection #4

A Reflection Series for Mental Health Awareness Month

The Stress of Walking on Eggshells

Excerpt from Wine & Faith – 19 Days in Napa

It’s the day before Jill’s trip to Napa. Her husband, Derek, enters the bedroom.

Derek: “Jill, what in the world are you doing?” Derek’s tone exuded disbelief.
Jill: “I’m packing,” I said calmly.
Derek: “…Stop packing!… You’re not going anywhere. Who do you think you are?…”
Jill: … “You told me to go to Amelia’s…You and Dr. Kate agreed…”
Derek: “I didn’t mean that literally. Are you stupid, Jill?”
Jill: “No… Are you saying I shouldn’t believe anything you say?…”
Derek: “…. Go! Get out of here! Good riddance.”

He stormed out of the bedroom in a huff.

Faith Reflection

Have you ever had the feeling of being one misstep away from a blow-up? Or a sense that your words are twisted despite your calm tone and kind intentions?

When we feel this psychological wear and tear, it is exhausting. Over time, the body stays on high alert. Trapped in a never-ending loop of fight-or-flight. Eventually, emotions become harder and harder to regulate.

You begin to second-guess yourself. Then, you start to wonder if you’re the crazy one.

But sometimes, this feeling of walking on eggshells is a signal. It tells us that something needs to change.

In Wine & Faith, Jill isn’t just packing a suitcase. She’s on a quest to unpack years of silent suffering, invalidation, and anxiety.

She is stepping into a place of self-preservation. A sanctuary where she can confront the reality of her life.

To reflect.
To unravel the complexities.
To seek clarity amid the chaos.
To reclaim her identity.

In this pivotal scene, Jill clings to the hope of transformation.

Jill stands up and draws a line in the sand. She wants the walking on eggshells to stop. But Derek sees this moment as a betrayal. A boundary crossed.

God sees Jill’s line. And He honors it.

Even when others twist your words or belittle your truth, God never will.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

God knows what was said, what was done, and how it made you feel. He is our safe place.

Haiku

Words dig deep within
Crackling eggs beneath my feet
Divine presence awaits

Reflective Questions

Have you ever felt like you had to watch every word or action to avoid someone’s anger? How did it affect your sense of peace, trust, or identity?

What boundary do you need to place (or reinforce) to reclaim peace in your inner sanctuary?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to do so.

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Overwhelm #FeelingInvisible #EmotionalIsolation #WalkingOnEggshells #Relationships #WineandFaith #NadiaCrane #thepaiseleyfrog #LifeJourney

Wine & Faith by Nadia Crane: Reflection #3

The Weight of Emotional Isolation

Excerpt from Wine & Faith – 19 Days in Napa

This dialogue takes place after Jill and Derek attend a parenting workshop.

Jill: “Derek, what did you think of the workshop?”

Derek: “Well, you know, it is all psychobabble. Goals. Talking together. What is the point? Our kids are fine…”

He doesn’t get it, does he? Can’t he see that he is too authoritarian? It was his way or the highway, which left me feeling like chopped liver.

Faith Reflection

Have you ever been surrounded by people and still feel alone?

Emotional isolation is feeling disconnected despite being physically present. It is a heavy burden. Relationships thrive on mutual understanding and validation.

When you try to share your thoughts, and they’re met with dismissal, it can feel like your voice is lost. Like you don’t matter. This lack of connection breeds loneliness and mistrust. It’s like the person you want to count on and have your back – has checked out.

In Jill’s story, she longs for a moment of mutual understanding but is met with a wall of indifference instead.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. – Psalm 55:22

This verse reminds us that God sees our pain. Even when it is hidden from others.

When you feel isolated, turn to the One that is always there.
God!

God knows your heart and hears your cries. Go ahead. Bear your soul. Let God lift the burden from you.

Haiku

Spoken words dissolve
Into a sea of loneliness
Where God whispers love.

Reflective Questions

When was the last time you felt emotionally isolated? How did you cope?

What steps can you take to make your voice heard?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to do so.

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Overwhelm #FeelingInvisible #EmotionalIsolation #Relationships #WineandFaith #NadiaCrane #thepaiseleyfrog #LifeJourney

Wine & Faith by Nadia Crane: Reflection #2

A Reflection Series for Mental Health Awareness Month

The Stress of Feeling Invisible

Excerpt from Wine & Faith – 19 Days in Napa

Jill is confiding in her friend Amelia about feeling invisible in her marriage.

Amelia: “Do you feel invisible with Derek?”

Jill: “Incredibly so. I’ll tell you a quick story. My friend Carla and I rearranged the living room one afternoon, having a great time mixing things up. When we got back from the store, Derek had moved everything back without saying a word. When I asked about it, he snapped, ‘I will do what I want. You are not the boss of me!’ I felt dismissed, like my preferences didn’t matter.”

Faith Reflection

Have you ever felt invisible to someone you love?

It’s not a great feeling. Is it?

It’s a unique kind of loneliness. You are physically present yet emotionally disregarded or ignored. This type of feeling creates distance. Not only that, it attacks your self-worth, and you begin questioning.

Yourself.
Others.
And God.

In relationships, it’s natural to want to be noticed.

To be acknowledged.
To be affirmed.
These are fundamental building blocks of a relationship.

When others brush aside our efforts or desires, it’s easy to question our value. Jill’s story reflects the tension between longing to connect and being met with indifference.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted – Psalm 34:18

Feeling unseen erodes self-worth and drives a wedge between partners. Seeking support is not a weakness but a step toward healing. When you feel unnoticed, hold onto the truth that your feelings matter. Even when you think they don’t.

Haiku

Eyes that never see
Words that vanish in the air
God is there for you.

Reflective Questions

-When was the last time you felt unseen in a relationship? How did it affect you?

-What steps can you take to feel more valued and heard?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to do so.

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Overwhelm #FeelingInvisible #Relationships #WineandFaith #NadiaCrane #thepaiseleyfrog #LifeJourney

Wine & Faith by Nadia Crane: Reflection #1

A Reflection Series for Mental Health Awareness Month

The Weight of The Overwhelm

Excerpt from Wine & Faith – 19 Days in Napa

Jill, the main character, is having an internal dialogue with herself about her husband, Derek…

“With the teacher conference conversation still fresh in my mind, I felt at a crossroads. I saw a pattern. Derek did not. My good kids were morphing into out-of-control kids. As a mother, I had to fix this problem….So, I decided to call Amelia and finally take her up on her offer for a visit.” – Jill Mandela

Faith Reflection

Have you ever felt like you were at the end of your rope and had to do something fast?

When we get overwhelmed, it feels like the walls are closing in. And there is nowhere to escape. In other words, it is that crushing point when everything feels urgent.

The people we love hurt.
Responsibilities pile up.
And there is pressure to “fix it.”

But sometimes, feeling overwhelmed can be a signal. It tells us that something needs to change.

Jill realizes she needs distance.

Not to escape – but to find clarity.

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” -Luke 5:16

In this passage, we read that Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray. He needed space to breathe. A place to pause and regroup. Clarity doesn’t always come through effort. Sometimes, it arrives in stillness and prayer.

In several key moments in the book, Jill reads scripture and then seems to receive a divine message. All leading her to greater insights and a softer heart.

Haiku

In the tangled noise
Clarity waits, whispering—
Step back, take a pause

Reflective Questions

When life feels too full, where do you go for clarity?

What’s one area in your life where stepping back could help you see more clearly?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Please comment and “like” this post if you feel led to do so.

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Overwhelm #Relationships #WineandFaith #NadiaCrane #thepaiseleyfrog #LifeJourney