Funny how you can read a passage dozens of times, and all of the sudden something pops out and rocks your world. Such was the case over the past few days mulling over this one. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from  me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers;…

There is an old song, “There’s a river of life flowing out of me…” What if that were really true –  consistently, in abundance, without regard to personal cost? Can you imagine the impact this would have on our world? On our friends? On our familes? On our workplace? Let’s reel it back for a moment and look at a few “fly over” verses in the book of John. When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”…

It is still early. It is Easter. Christ is alive and on His throne. He will never be moved or shaken. Every knee will bow! Glory to His name forever. With the angels, I say, “Hallelujah!” I love You, Jesus. Your saving grace is stunning – overwhelming. May I be a reflection of Your shining light. Today, as I reflect on life, on God, on the “real” things, it moves me to my core. This heart God has given me – the optimist, the Encourager…so grateful He crafted me. He didn’t have to. Yet, He did.

Scientists tell us that space is vastly empty, with great distances between stars. Other than our magnificent and perfect sun, the closest star to Earth, Alpha Centauri, is a little over 4 lightyears from us. That’s an enormous amount of space, to say the least. On days such as New Year’s Day, 2023, where resolutions and hope abound, it is a good time to recollect what this whole thing we call “living” really is. Is it interactions with others? Is living comprised of your hopes and dreams? Is it God’s plans for you? Is it the inner voice chiding or complimenting you? Yes, and no. Maybe this thing we call…