Cast Your Bread Upon The Water

When I was young, we often took family vacations in our van, which had an 8-track. We’d listen to The Imperials over and over, pretty much until the tape wore out. I recently ran across some of those old tunes on iTunes and downloaded them. I couldn’t believe they were actually available, but I was so glad that they were. It was a blast from the past and a reminder of great childhood memories. Not surprisingly, I remembered most, if not all, the lyrics, even with my horrible memory. One of my favorite songs was Bread On The Water.

The song acknowledges that keeping the Christian faith can be difficult, especially if you don’t see God’s blessings right away, but it encourages Christians to keep on living in the way God wants you to and to keep on giving. Soon it will come back to you. This is how I’ve tried to live my life. Yes, I’ve had disappointments and discouraging times, but it’s my faith that’s brought me through it.

But don’t you waver
Keep on living
In the way God wants you to
Don’t get discouraged
Keep on giving
Soon it will come back to you

I’ve personally seen this work in my life and the lives of others. You don’t know how or when it’ll come back to you, but you will be blessed for the good that you do.

One of my favorite passages is:

Keep on working, seeking the Kingdom
Instead of working for your needs
Keep on sharing the love of Jesus
You know, growing comes from planting seeds

I have planted seeds and have watched them grow and bloom. I’m watching long-time friends who have completely turned their lives around come to the point where they are now paying it forward and planting seeds themselves.

So….

Keep on casting
Your bread upon the water
Soon it’s gonna come back home on every wave

God Sends You Signs

I firmly believe that God sends us signs, little clues, that we’re on the right track or that things will turn out ok. For me, it’s butterflies. It seems nearly every time in my life when I was at a low point or had a big decision to make, a beautiful butterfly would flitter across my path. It seems to happen way too often to be coincidental.

One of the biggest decisions I ever had to make was whether or not to purchase a house. My husband and I were touring a soon-to-be finished house (it still needed paint, floors, carpet, appliances, cabinets, etc). We were in the master bedroom looking out to the backyard. I voiced my concerns to my husband. “I love it and it’s a good price, but that’s still a lot of money.” Just then, a big, beautiful Tiger Swallowtail flitted through the backyard. My husband pointed to it, “There’s your butterfly. We HAVE to buy this house now.” And we did. It was the right decision. We named our house Butterfly Crossing and butterflies and crosses adorn its walls.

I’ve been a bit emotional this week. I’ve been laid off and it’s my last week at work. I won’t miss the stress, but I’ll miss the amazing people I work with. I know great things are in store for me. I’m not too concerned about being unemployed because God never takes anything away without giving you something better. I’m excited to see what’s next for me. Still, there are little worries here and there. I was pondering the future yesterday afternoon, looking out the 2nd story window of our building at work. A bright, gorgeous yellow Tiger Swallowtail flitted around the window long enough for me to see it and then it was gone. I smiled, as my heavenly Father knew what I was thinking and was telling me “It’ll be alright.”

These butterflies are the inspiration for this site. Pay attention and look for your own signs that God is sending you.

Remembering…

Shining WTC Cross

Ten years ago today, evil visited us and gave us a jolting reminder that it still lives and thrives in our times. There were many lives lost that day. The lives of those who survived, witnessed, or heard of these events were indelibly changed forever.

Many people prayed for the first time that day and have continued to pray ever since. For many, their faith may have been shaken. They wonder why a loving God would allow this to happen. Because He loves us, because He wants us to love Him, He gave us free will. He is always disappointed when there are those that abuse that gift of free will to hurt others. We may never see it, but those who wrongly exercise that free will answer for it eventually before the Almighty.

In the days that followed the tragic events of 9/11, differences were set aside and man helped his fellow man, showing compassion and love that seems to have long been missing in our society. It was hope in the face of tragedy. It was the undying spirit of freedom and determination in the face of pure evil whose intent was to tear us down. I am sure God was well pleased with the compassion and kindness poured out by His children in those days.

Firefighters, police, priests, and civilians became heroes that day. They helped men and women, old and young, friends and strangers, escape from harm’s way. Many of them gave their lives to ensure the safety of others.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13

One thing I know is clear. Despite the horrific tragedy that occurred on that day, God was with us. He was with those risking lives to save others. He was with those facing their last hours on Earth and making desperate last decisions. He was with those on Flight 93 who chose to fight back and save countless lives. He was with those who watched in horror on their tv sets. He comforted those who lost loved ones.

As humans, our knowledge and understanding is limited. We may never understand why this day happened. We may not always see good things that came from it. But God knows. He understands. And He’s there for us. He loves us still.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

 

 

God, the Artist

Photo: easylocum

When I see whisps of clouds blowing by and orangy-pinks splashed around at sunset, I wonder sometimes if it might be God letting loose His artistic side. He paints with both abandon and purpose. His palette is a brilliant, broad spectrum and His canvas is the universe.

For the sky and vast expanses of the universe, He opts for an abstract style, loose and full of color. For the small things, He is more intricate, but just as colorful. The wings of a butterfly

Delicate Butterfly Wings

showcase some of His best work, tight controlled strokes, amazing detail on delicate gossamer. His artwork flitters about the sky. His artwork IS the sky.

Take time out during your busy day to appreciate His beautiful artwork. It will fill you with a sense of wonder and peace.

And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:21

Think Good Thoughts

Think Good Thoughts

We’ve all been hurt at some time by someone we love, someone we trusted. Those negative words and actions against us can be easy to hold on to. The problem is, if you hang on to them, there’s less space for the good memories. Rehashing the negative serves no good purpose. It just keeps you perpetually hurt.

Clean out your inventory of wrongs, slights, and emotional wounds. Purge yourself of the negative and open up the windows to let the fresh, easy breeze of good memories and thoughts in. Focus on these things, focus on the beauty in life, focus on the truth and what is right, and it will change your outlook on life.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8

Do Not Be Afraid

Do Not Be Afraid

I recently read Max Lucado’s book Fearless (review forthcoming). In it, he discusses that one of the main messages Jesus gave us was “Do not be afraid.” Several times, his disciples are tested and, humans that they are, they give in to fear. Jesus asks them why they are afraid when he is with them. That calms them right down. “Silly us! We have Jesus with us. Everything will be ok.” (I’m taking a little artistic license here.) The mere presence of Jesus gives them peace.

The disciples may have had the benefit of Jesus’ physical  presence, but don’t forget, you have the benefit of his spiritual presence. Let not your heart be troubled. Do not be afraid. He is always with you. He will give you peace.

You’re a Work in Progress

Work In Progress

Here’s a secret. You’re not perfect. You sin, repent, and sin again. But God loves you anyway. He’s constantly working on you and in you. When you stumble or fall, and you will, cut yourself some slack. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and know that any scrapes or bruises you’ve received are there because God is busy building your character. You are one of His creations that He enjoys the most. Though you may not feel worthy of it sometimes, accept it and know that He loves His work in progress.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6

Listen Carefully

Photo: Ramon Casha

When you’re wondering what God’s plan is for your life, listen carefully. We’re always looking for that definitive answer we can point to and say “That’s His plan for me!” But sometimes His guidance can be as subtle as a butterfly flittering by on the breeze. Keep your eyes and ears open. Look for that butterfly.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

He Cares For You

Photo Credit: Robert Pos

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. – 1 Peter 5:6-7

Welcome

Butterfly Crossing is a unique site that offers a variety of butterfly and Christian themed items intended to inspire you and remind you daily of God’s promises for your life. We have recently upgraded the site so we may update more frequently. We will be adding not only butterfly and Christian themed items, but also articles of inspiration, book reviews, bible studies, devotions, and more.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. – 2 Corinthians 5:17