That's Me!

 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. – 1 Corinthians 11:1

One of Luca’s frequent sayings is “That’s me!” At just two years old, he is quick to see something in others worth emulating. Whether it’s the main character of one of his favorite PBS shows or the lead singer in a music video, he wants to take on their persona. Sometimes he assigns a role to me too. Usually I just play along. 

When Advent arrived, I pulled out my What God Wants for Christmas play & learn activity set. I used its boxes containing the characters of the Nativity to tell the Christmas story to Luca – over and over again. Soon he recognized the characters and began opening the boxes himself, identifying each one as he went. One day when he pulled out Baby Jesus, he said, “That’s me!” In a split-second, something felt wrong, sacrilegious even. I couldn’t let him think he’s God. I blurted out, “No, you’re not Baby Jesus!” 

Flowers of the Holy Spirit: Pointing to Jesus

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.—Matthew 5:16

It caught my eye as soon as I entered the store. I swooped it up and paid the cashier. When I returned home, I placed the stunning red poinsettia in the center of my dining table. Immediately its cheery color brightened the room. As I gazed at its beauty, I wondered how it became a popular Christmas decoration. I knew it originated from Mexico, but that was about all. Could its name have been derived from its pointed leaves?

A Match Made in Heaven

 

“With God all things are possible.”

—Matthew 19:26 

On this date three years ago I received an email that would change my life.

I had received the email notification from Match.com, a dating site I had previously subscribed to. After too many years of not meeting “the one,” I canceled my subscription, but apparently I failed to hide my profile.

Out of curiosity, I read the email – only three sentences long.

                                           

Hope Works: the journey to transformation

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

--Romans 5:3 - 5

I have a strong affection for dragonflies. The semblance of one dangles from my key ring; another is pressed into the blue glass ornament that hangs in my kitchen window, while others are imprinted on my porch cushions. Seeing dragonflies flutter about my flower gardens is a feast for my eyes. So what gave birth to this insect attraction?