Author: daisyrayofsunshine

Gods garden


It’s Spring and gardening has begun. I love the act of putting seeds in soil and watching God grow amazing things. I was looking at the plants and thinking about them and how each is unique when it struck me that plants and gardening can teach us a lot about people. 
When we first plant our seeds we are so excited to check on them. We want to water them, take out any weeds that try to sneak into our planters, and sometimes we even feed them with Miracle Grow or some other fertilizer. When the garden is new, we cultivate the soil, we lovingly tend out plants and most gardeners like to talk about gardening. We want to tell othersabout what we are growing, ask what you are growing, and share tips and tricks of the trade. Likewise, when we become Christians, we begin to tend out relationship with the Lord. We feed and water our souls with prayer and Bible study, we try to pluck those weedy sins from our lives. We want to share what God is doing in our lives with others and we want to hear what he is doing for them as well. 
1Peter 3:13 
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
As we tend our garden the seasons change. You know it gets really hot in Texas and some years rainfall is abundant. Other years, you have to drag the water hose around and water your garden daily or it will wither and die. The hotter it gets, the more time and effort it seems to take. And the weeds don’t seem to mind the drought. They keep thriving all the while. If that isn’t a metaphor for life, I don’t know what is. When weeds abound and a spiritual drought seems to grip us, we need to spend even more time cultivating out relationship with God. We should dig into our Bible like never before to remind ourselves of God’s truths. We need to sit with Him and water our souls in His presence.  We should keep plucking away at the weeds, growing each day to be more like Jesus our Savior and as we spend time with God, the fragrance of the Father will rub off and cling to us like the most fragrant flowers.
Psalm 63: 1-3
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
    my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
    beholding your power and glory.
3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,
    my lips will praise you.
A thriving garden is so exciting. We love to pick the fruit and veggies we’ve planted. Isn’t harvesting your crops the most fun?! My fellow growers know what I’m talking about. After the time and effort spent on your crops, it is thrilling enjoy the fruits of your labor. We like to pick the tomatoes and peppers, squash and cucumbers. We feast on them all season long. Where I live, we are in Zone 9, I think, and we have a pretty long growing season, and certain plants thrive here that may not do well in other locations. Luckily, God’s growing zone is infinite, and you are never out of season with the Lord. He can transform hearts all year round. In every situation you find yourself, the good seasons, the painful seasons, they are all used by God to grow us closer to Him and to make us more like Him. Sometimes the cultivation doesn’t feel nice, but it helps us bear pleasing fruit for God. So don’t give up when the weather turns bad or the work seems hard. Keep going. The greatest gardener, God, never leaves you on your own.
Galatians 5: 22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
There is one thing that has to happen for you to thrive in God’s Garden. You have to plant the seed of your heart in Him. Those who may read this who don’t know Jesus as their Savior, please listen. God can grow glorious things in your life, even among the weeds and drought and floods life can bring, but first you must trust in Jesus. God is holy. He is perfect and sinless, but we people are sinful. That creates a huge problem. You see, God cannot be with us in our sin, so we are cut off from Him now on Earth and for an eternity in a real place called Hell. But God loves us so much that he sent his one and only son Jesus to die in our place, on the cross we deserve, so that we can be reunited with God through the sacrifice of His son. So now, all who trust Jesus to be their Savior and ask Him to be the boss of their life will live forever with God. He gives you the choice. Please invite Him to be your Savior. 
John 3:16 
“For God so loved the world,[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Go plant a garden if you haven’t yet. It is good for your mind, and body, and soul. Every time you look at your garden and examine it for what it needs to thrive, take a second to examine your life and see if you are getting the things you need to thrive. Don’t worry, none of us are perfect, but when you nourish your soul like you should, the greatness of God is made manifest. How pleased must he be, our God and gardener, when he sees a lovely harvest in us.
 

Jesus wept


“Jesus wept.” John 11:35


Last week, I had to care for someone that was victim to some of the most atrocious human behavior. As I looked at the mental and physical scars, everything just felt so heavy and hard. I was sharing with a friend how I was just feeling weary at the state of things, and she reminded me that Jesus wept when Lazarus died. 


I’ve thought about that day a lot. Mary runs to him knowing His power and His kindness. She had sat at His feet. He was her friend. She boldly tells Him that if He would have been there than Lazarus wouldn’t have died. The scripture goes on to say that Jesus was deeply moved and troubled by her weeping. Here’s the thing. He knew He would raise Lazarus. He knew death wasn’t final. Jesus was moved to tears because of the pain of His people. 


It’s easy to feel guilty for being sad as a believer, like maybe hope and faith are commodities and your supply dried up. Perhaps there is a tendency to think that faith means avoiding that tension where you actually feel like it’s all broken and wonder if He is paying attention. This week I’m reminded that not only is God not angry with that tension, He is moved by it. 


He will defeat evil for good. The kingdom is coming, now and forever. But if you feel weary while we wait, take heart, the Wonderful Counselor knows what it is to weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn. Even when He knows He will work all things together for good, He still holds space to wipe your tears. 

Caught up

Lately, it seems I have found myself all caught up in my thoughts. I confess that those thoughts bring about anger, worry, confusion, and other feelings that are not godly. It has been brought about by hearing or seeing someone say or do something and then allowing my mind to dwell on what I heard or saw so much that it affects my actions and feelings in negative ways. It has been quite the struggle for me recently. 

The enemy is cunning and will attack us in the mind. He knows our thoughts can lead us to our Savior or lead us to defeat. His goal is defeat. As believers, we must take our thoughts captive so that we can be obedient to Christ. We must allow Christ to renew our minds and transform us daily. That is how we battle the enemy victoriosly.  

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭5‬ 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ 

Daily renewing and transforming means we have to relinquish power and give our thoughts and feelings over to God. We have to let Him control them and change them. If we desire to live above our negative thoughts and feelings, we must dwell on the words and actions of Jesus, which are all out of great love for us. When we focus on our loving Savior, we are able to take our thoughts captive, renew our minds, and experience joy in life and victory over the enemy.

Slowing down


I saw a post recently circulating on my feed about the busyness and burdens of life. The never-ending to-dos, the endless demands, and the insane hours of work, school, practices, chores, etc. I, too, feel overwhelmed by all of our obligations at times. 


It made me sad to see how many women felt seen, validated, and understood by that post. Many commented, shared, and added in their own struggle of being stretched too thin. 


Can I share a statement that steps on my own toes?


Burnout is not inevitable, it is preventable…
We don’t HAVE to live this way, we allow ourselves to live this way.


I had to sit with this statement for a while.
I ran through my own seasons of struggle.
I reflected on the way I spend my days.
I tallied the time it took me to do various things.


I recognized I played a large role in allowing myself to run dry, live burdened, and ignore the abundant life He offers in John 10. I remembered that it’s not supposed to be this way. I realized a few truths that shaped the changes I needed to make:


1. We were NOT called to do it all, but simply to do our all for Him.
Even Jesus didn’t do it all. What are you currently doing out of obligation or the need to keep up? Do you really HAVE to do it or are you choosing to do it? 




2. We can say no…without explanation. 
No to filling our schedules. No to rushing for no reason. Just no.
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. A well-used no can often lead to your best…and good rest.


3. We are commanded to rest.
Real rest, not couch rotting. Rest that allows us to give our best. Rest that includes and honors God. Rest that energizes and empowers.


4. We do have some control.
While God is in control of life, we make daily decisions that dictate how we care for that life. We get to choose how we care for that life. He orders our steps, but we choose to obey each day. He made a way, but we have to choose that narrow, counter-cultural, abundant way.


I recognize that some seasons are busier and feel burdensome due to life’s circumstances, but I also realize that we serve a God of abundance and grace. A God who came and made a way. A God who has new mercies for every day. A God who calls us to make the most of our beautiful, abundant lives. 


Here’s to slowing down, saying no, and living His way every day, my friend 🫶🏼

Words matter

Our words are important. Whether you realize it or not, someone is always listening. As Christians, we are called to be disciples and act as a lighthouse to those around us. We have an amazing opportunity to be a witness through our words!

If you are a parent, you have the responsibility of being the head disciple to your children. The words we speak to our children will help shape how they see themselves and God. Let them know they are loved greatly and can be made new through a relationship with Jesus. As parents and disciples, planting seeds for God to cultivate is the ultimate kingdom work.

Having discernment before speaking is not easy all the time. There are days when emotions and hardships will get the best of us. In those moments, take a step back and think, “am I glorifying God with what I’m saying?” God commands us to keep ourselves in check, because words matter and they can be used to further the spread of the gospel. 

It’s no secret that words can be hurtful. Maybe, you have been hurt by someone who claims to be a Christian. Remember that everyone has done wrong and we all fall short because of sin. It’s a great thing we don’t rely on people and their own words for salvation. We rely on a perfect God who has a whole book full of truths we can utilize to guide our lives here on earth. The Holy Word should be a guide for the things we say to others.

Now, let’s use the power of words to build up, encourage, and point others to know Jesus!

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:19

Struggle

Let’s be totally transparent and talk about mental health today.

We all struggle with some form of it. Whether it be anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, or fill in the blank, we all have something we are battling. 

Me, Myself, and I – I entertain anxiousness. Or as I like to say, “I am strung-high.”

Besides the fact that I have some autoimmune diseases that are intertwined with anxiety, I am also a doer. A go-getter. I like a plan, and I want my plan to have a plan. I like a to-do list, and nothing gives me more of a dopamine high than checking something off of said list. 

My mind is constantly racing. When I am almost finished with one task, my brain has already moved onto the next – swirling and whirling. 

It’s good to be task-oriented, but for me, it’s a blessing and a curse. I can easily drive myself and everyone around me crazy. At least I know my faults, right?

Therefore.

Therefore, I am working on myself.

For the past four weeks, I have been taking intentional steps to help my mental health.

-more time in the word

-more praise and worship

-less scrolling

-way less scrolling

-spending time in the sun

-exercise 

-more water intake

-more vitamins

-more writing

-sipping chamomile tea at night

-speaking I cans to myself instead of I can’ts

And last but certainly not least…

Drum roll please….

I’ve decreased my coffee intake.

[Gasp] 

Now, don’t be crazy. I’m still drinking my precious coffee – I’ve just significantly decreased the amount of caffeine that my already wound up soul takes in.

I said all of that to say this: It’s ok to struggle. It’s real to struggle. Just make sure you take that struggle to God and be intentional about working on it. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

(I am not a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing severe mental health issues or need support, please reach out to a licensed healthcare provider.)

Spring

Spring is almost here!!! 

The darkness and gloom of winter will be gone and will be replaced by sunny days, blooming flowers,budding trees, and new life. It makes me think of how seasons not only change in nature but also in our lives. 

God designed it that way. He allows us to have seasons of joy, happiness, pain, and sorrow which lead to renewal and growth and also times for rest. Each season has a purpose whether in nature or in our lives. It is all according to His plans for us. The one thing we can be sure of is that in each season God is faithful! He never changes, He will never fail us, and His mercies are new every morning.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

I think there are days when we all can admit we wake up and feel discouraged and beat down before we even get out of bed. We grumble and complain because we are tired of doing the same mundane things day in and day out. We may also have days when we doubt God’s faithfulness. It is no different than when the Israelites grumbled and complained against God in the desert. God supplied them with food and water and ultimately delivered them from Egypt and they still lacked gratitude and faith in God. 

They were focused on their circumstances not being perfect instead of how faithful God had been to them. God had a purpose for this season in their lives. He wanted to humble them and to reveal their dependance on Him. He wanted to see if they would keep His commandments and accept His faithfulness to them.

“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” Deuteronomy 8:2

I believe God allows wilderness seasons in our lives just as He did the Israelites. He wants to humble us and test our hearts in our everyday lives. He wants us to come out of the wilderness knowing that He is faithful and constant. He wants us to trust Him no matter the circumstances because He provides our every need. Even when we grumble and complain like the Israelites, He is faithful and just. What a privilege that we can wake up every morning and know that God has allowed us another day. He has given us a chance for new opportunities to live for Him. To choose better than the day before. Mostly to give him the glory and honor for everything under the sun!!!

“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” Psalm 89:1

Self love

Good Morning ladies! 

As I pondered on what the Lord would have me write about I heard him speak in that still small voice, and I said Nope! Not that Lord! I struggle with that … these ladies are smart, these other Sunshine writers are so talented, give me something profound!!!! 

He said nope! 

So ladies, as we end out the last days of February, the glorious month of love and hearts and chocolate … let’s take a moment to discuss the most difficult of loves… the one I struggle with most. 

Self love. 

We are mothers, wives, house keepers, full time job holders, aunts, daughters, and sisters. The list goes on and on, and we still feel unworthy. We will pick ourselves apart over a muffin top after birthing children. We will try on 15 different outfits and mumble things like I am so fat or I look disgusting . 

The Bible instructs us to love our neighbor as ourselves, but how can we love our neighbor if we don’t love our self? I do not mean the massages, spa treatments, pedicures and nails done (although these are important too). I mean that deep in your gut belief system about who you are! How special you  are! How worthy you are! You are a daughter of the KING! 

I am still learning this lesson as I watch my teenage daughters pick themselves apart in ways they have heard their mama do when I didn’t realize they were listening to my self talk. Your self talk today is important. I encourage you to say 1 Godly affirmation in the mirror each day this week. 

I am loved. 

I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 

Thank you God for this body that gave life. 

You ladies are a powerhouse. Energizer bunnies that keep going and going! Remember to rest in him. The Father and creator of life created you. He has a purpose and a plans. 

Love God, love yourself, love others ❤️

Imagine

God’s plan really is the best plan. 

It’s not gonna make sense. 

It’s gonna take longer. 

It’s probably gonna be out of “your” way. 

But His path is filled with miraculous, jaw-dropping stops. 

Now – I want you to visualize the miracle that happened the day God parted the Red Sea. 

The water slowly begins to part and forms two strong walls. 

Tall. 

The ground – dry. 

Firm. 

Can you imagine? 

And if they would have taken the much easier [11 day path] they would have missed it all. They would have missed being a part of one of the most miraculous  events that has ever taken place in all of history. They would have been attacked. Taken back into slavery. Maybe killed. 

I mean what did the fish do? Were they as shocked as the humans? I digress. 

I just want to remind you today that when the journey gets long and hard and down right miserable – keep going. You’ll never know the miracle that God has waiting for you if you take a different route. 

“Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.” Exodus 14:16

So I let go

Although I’m now closer to fifty than I am to fourty-five (that’s so weird), I’m still a kid at heart.  I love youth games at summer camp like capture the flag or a battle of tug-of-war during field day activities!  

I’m not as strong as I used to be, but I still relish the challenge that accompanies a healthy competion.  The problem?  I absolutely LOATHE failure. I mean, I’m undone if I can’t “beat” the estimated Google Maps arrival time I’m given for a journey from point A to point B. It’s unbearable every time I lose a “Game Pigeon” contest on my phone.  

Yes, I have issues. Clearly, I should seek help.

My real issue, however, is that I DO seek help from the Lord regarding all major issues in my life–marriage, children, extended family, friendships, career–you name it, I pray about it.  I seek God’s guidance for everything in my life, fully admitting to Him that He is in control of my life, and that I want His will to be done above my own in every aspect of my life.  And then…I start pulling on the rope.

I play tug-of-war over control of the details of my life with the God of the entire universe.  As I’m sure you can imagine, this does not go well for me. I pray on Sunday evening that God be in control of my life, and by Monday morning, I’m in full-control mode over all the challenges ahead, plowing through my day in my own strength (which is never enough), tyring to be victorious in my own right over all that I face. I want to be the best devoted wife who cares for my husband’s every need.  I want to be the best mom who shows patience and provides attentive nurturing.  I want to be the best teacher and coach who always shows compassion and emparts wisdom.  I want to be the best friend who is thoughtful and actively supports those who lift me up.  And how is that going? 

The reality is that I fail to be the best at anything, and I beat myself up for failing.  So, is it just not God’s will for my life to be the best wife?  Does God not want me to be best mom, or teacher, or friend?  I mean, I pray about it.  I tell God that He’s in control.  But with every detail of my day, guilt and fear overwhelm my heart and I pull on that rope that I metaphorically tossed up to the Lord in prayer and try to take control of my life…again!  I neglect work to try and be a better wife and mother, or become a work-a-holic and forsake my husband and kids.  My friends don’t remember what I look like anymore, and I’m exhausted and just want to go to bed.

But God.  

He is so full of mercy and grace.  He loves me just where I am, just for who I am.  He meets me where I am and knows my troubled, control-freak heart. When I spend time with Him and open His Word, He says to me in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  For every tug I take on that rope of control, He returns it by drawing me nearer to Him through His Word.  He pulls me closer to Him when He says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3), and even closer when He tells me, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). And, finally, Galatians 5:1 states, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

These verses reminds us that Christ’s sacrifice grants us true freedom—a freedom from the burdens of self-reliance and the constant need to control every detail of our lives. When we release our tight grip on control and trust in God’s plan, we embrace the freedom He offers. The truth is, I will never be the best at everything—or anything, for that matter—because that was never my purpose. My purpose is not to win at life, to prove my worth, or to strive for a perfection I was never designed to achieve. My purpose is to glorify God in all that I do, whether in success or failure, in strength or weakness.

Every time I spend time in His Word, I loosen my grip on the rope. And, when I loosen my grip on the rope and surrender my need to control, I find peace. Not because I’ve mastered balance or figured out all the answers, but because I am held by the One who already has. He doesn’t demand my perfection—only my trust. And the beautiful irony? When I stop striving to be “the best,” I become the person He created me to be: a wife who loves, a mother who nurtures, a teacher who inspires, a friend who cares. Not because I’m winning, but because I’m resting in the One who already has.

So, I let go. And in letting go, I find freedom.