Lessons from the Parable of the Sower

by Barbara Latta

Planting season is here. Gardeners are plowing fields making soil ready to receive the seeds that will

bring a harvest in a few weeks. Water, fertilizer and sunshine will be applied to the ground. Seedlings sprout and soon large plants produce vegetation or flowers for the gardener to enjoy.

In Mark 4:1-20, Jesus told the parable of the sower as an illustration of the human heart. All of us who have been believers for any length of time have probably been in each of these groups at one time or another. The important lesson we learn from this example is what Jesus said after sharing this story with his disciples.

The parallels from the parable are:

7 Ways to Remain Thankful during a Pandemic

by Barbara Latta

7 ways to be thankful during a pandemic

If you are like me you are tired of hearing about COVID-19. Tired of hearing about it, reading about it and seeing COVID-19 written on doors of businesses and restaurants.

But despite my virus weariness, it is still a reality of life. Our lives have changed and there is a tendency (including me) for us to complain about the difference this has made in our everyday routine.

I didn’t want to write a blogpost about something I am weary of discussing,  but I felt this need to be thankful was put on my heart in spite of the germ that is creating chaos across the world.

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (I Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV). Notice this does not say to be thankful FOR all things. God did not cause or allow this virus. These things happen because we live in a fallen world.  But He wants us to be thankful IN all things because He wants us to remember Him no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in. He always has an answer.

Here are 7 ways to remain thankful during a pandemic:

1. Thankful that God is the healer. My son, give attention to my words…For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh (Proverbs 4:20, 22).
2. Thankful for the ability to have online church services and school assignments.
3. Thankful the epidemic is on the downturn in multiple locations.
4. Thankful for high tech and efficient researchers and medical personnel and equipment available to combat the disease.
5. Thankful we were still able to obtain necessary food and supplies despite the shortages of some items. I haven’t heard of anyone starving through this.
6. Thankful we could still see our family and friends through video or in person.
7. Thankful some businesses are opening up again.

Finding ways to be thankful diverts our attention from the problem to the God who is mightier than all issues we face.

What are some other ways you have found to be thankful during this pandemic? Share your thoughts.

7 ways to stay thankful during a pandemic (click to tweet)

Mother's Day Quotes

by Barbara Latta

I have many fond memories of my mother and I will always miss her. She passed away in 2018. But one memory (that is not so fond) stands out at the top of the list and it's probably because of the lesson I learned.

I lived in a small town and could walk to school. After school was dismissed, I went home with a friend without getting permission so my mother did not know where I was. Several hours later when the friend's parents brought me home, my mom was waiting for me with a wooden paddle that had previously had a rubber band and ball attached to it.

While at the time, I did not appreciate what I received, you can bet I never did that again!

From the beginning of time, Mothers have influenced their children to grow up and be the best they can be. Here are some quotes from famous people about mothers. Some are humorous and some encouraging, but all reflect the way a mother can inspire a life. 

What was the difference between Peter's denial and Judas' betrayal?

by Barbara Latta

Why did Peter repent but Judas kill himself? They both committed reprehensible acts against Jesus.

What made both of these disciples different in their approach to the sin they had engaged in?

No More Consciousness of Sin

 by Barbara Latta

Blood has been an issue since the fall of man in the garden.

The first blood shed was when God had to kill animals to make coverings for Adam and Eve. He wrapped them in bloody fur and as they looked at the blood covering their own skin, they were reminded of the consequence of what they did. They became conscious of sin.

Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22).

When God instituted the priesthood, He gave instructions for the way Israel was to offer sacrifices for their sin.

Is the Coronavirus God's Judgment?

by Barbara Latta

The world is in chaos attempting to find a cure for Coronavirus. Because God sent plagues against nations in certain situations during Old Testament times, some are proclaiming this is a judgment from God against a sinful world.

Signposts for peace during anxiety

by Barbara Latta

With chaos all around us, emotions can take control and we can feel as if peace is as far away as the moon. But God's promise is that He will never leave us or forsake us. Depending upon the Lord will bring His peace to the forefront of our soul and we can rely on Him to calm all our fear and anxieties.

Below are some signposts to remind us how to have peace during anxiety.

Please feel free to download and use these memes as you wish, but please do not remove my watermark.

Read about peace staying in peace here.

Come boldly before the throne of grace

Read about overcoming fear here.

No weapon formed against me shall prosper

God's power

Read about trusting God in difficult circumstances here.

Prayer for love and knowledge

Join the conversation and share your thoughts about staying in peace during this time of chaos we are all experiencing. 

Blessings and peace!

Signposts for peace during anxiety (click to tweet)