Month: May 2020

Scripture

Psalms 56:3-4, 8-9

When I get really afraid I come to you in trust. I’m proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust in God. What can mere mortals do? You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book. If my enemies run away, turn tail when I yell at them, Then I’ll know that God is on my side.

Observation

The hibiscus is considered a very feminine flower and so is usually given or worn by women. In North America especially, a hibiscus means a perfect wife or woman. In Victorian times, giving a hibiscus meant that the giver was acknowledging the receiver’s delicate beauty.

Application

I am not the perfect wife. Shhhh…don’t tell my husband. We have been through a lot in our marriage. There have been lots of smiles and some tears. One thing has remained through it all…God. As a matter of fact, God has been with me since I gave my heart to Him when I was seven. That is lots of sleepless nights and tears to track. Each one of those made me who I am. Each one has taught me to become fearless and trust God all the more. Praise God for being by my side!

Prayer

Lord, I am not the perfect woman or wife. Thank you for being by my side as I try to be one. ~Amen

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Scripture

Deuteronomy 31:6-8

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Observation

Petunia flowers are symbols of anger and resentment, but they are also a symbol of comfort and feeling good with someone. 

Application

I am guessing I am not the only one when I say, ‘I don’t do well with the unknown.” I mean seriously, if there is going to be change in my life, I want it in typed in triplicate, three weeks in advance, with neon signs that say turn here along the route!. That is how I want to deal with the unknown. Very rarely do we get that information. However we can take comfort and feel good with God’s promise. “The Lord goes before you and will be with you.” Let God be your eyes and ears. He doesn’t know the meaning of ‘unknown’.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for being my eyes and ears along this journey. ~amen

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Scripture

2 Timothy 1:6-7

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Observation

Gardenia flowers are associated with several meanings including purity, love and refinement, which makes them an appropriate choice for wedding occasions.

Application

In high school, banned books became an issue, including bibles. My librarian inspired me with a display. He stood up against this tyranny by placing banned books on a shelf for all to see. I decided no one could silence me either. I brought my bible and placed it on my desk in every class. As Christians, we don’t have to be “in your face” about our beliefs, but we should never be silenced either. The world today is calling for tollerance. Well then, they have to give us what they expect to get!

Prayer

Lord, refine in me your Spirit. My love for you will not be silenced. ~amen

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Scripture

Psalms 118:6-9

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Observation

The most common meaning for tulips is perfect or deep love. Because tulips are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, they can mean rebirth. Victorians often associated tulips with charity.

Application

My favorite VeggieTales episode is “Where’s God When I’m Scared”. I am in my forties and I still find myself singing ‘God is Bigger than the Boogieman’ when something frightens me. It is so important to remember no matter what we face, God is still there, right beside us. He will not only see us through, He will walk through with us. After all, love will always see us through and there is no more perfect love than God’s love.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your perfect love and being so much bigger than the boogieman! ~amen

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Scripture

1 Peter 5:6-8

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Observation

The Forget Me Not flower’s message is take the time to remember those you love, even if they’re still with you right now. Make memories that last and extend your caring to those that need it the most. Respect the dead and make sure their stories are still being told to future generations.

Application

Satan prowls around to keep us afraid. He wants to keep us distracted and filled with anxiety. He does not want us to be sober and have a clear mind. If we do, we will remember who we are in Christ. We will remember the power of God within us. Then we become dangerous. Why? Because we remember the secrets to defeating him. We not only remember, we share it with others and awaken them. So, awaken dear sisters and brothers! Do not forget who you are and to whom you belong.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for never forgetting me! ~Amen

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Scripture

Psalms 94:18-19, 22

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy, But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

Observation

The morning glory flower blooms and dies within a single day. In the Victorian meaning of flowers, morning glory flowers signify love, affection or mortality. In Chinese folklore, they represent a single day for lovers to meet. They also represent the month of September and 11th wedding anniversaries.

Application

God’s love last for much longer than one day. It is not here today and gone tomorrow. It is not just one day a year It will never die. He is there when are feeling anxious or in trouble. He is the place we can run to for shelter and He delivers us joy in are darkest moments. Our love for Him should be the same. We don’t choose to love and follow Him only when it is convenient. It is not meant to be one day a year. So share your love today and every tomorrow with God and others.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your everlasting love. ~Amen

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Scripture

Psalms 34:4-8

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Observation

A red poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.

Application

I had to watch my grandmother forget all of us, including my mom. It hurts when someone you loved so much retreats into her mind and lose all her memories. I don’t believe for one second that she let go of her love for me. I also know the Lord, will never forget or stop loving us. No matter where we are, all we have to do is cry out and He will remember who we are and rescue us. We are His children and His love is never failing. My grandmother has gone to be with Him and I am sure she is remembering and loving me all the more too!

Prayer

Lord, it is so wonderful knowing that just by saying Lord, you answer, “Yes, Tabetha.” ~Amen

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Scripture

Psalms 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Observation

According to a Christian legend, carnations grew from the Virgin Mary’s tears as she watched Jesus carry the cross. This is how they became associated with motherly love.

Application

Growing up, no matter what, when you walked in the door of our house there was always food. My friends would gather and mom would have snacks. My grandmother was the same way. No one left their houses hungry. “I lack nothing” are beautiful words. When you make the Lord center of your life, you will lack nothing. This doesn’t mean you will have all the riches in the world. It means you will have what you need. You will have the Lord! He will be there to walk through anything with you and you will never be alone. When you have Christ, you have EVERYTHING!

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for giving to me everything I need, You! ~Amen

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Scripture

Isaiah 43:1-2

But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Observation

Because lilacs have one of the earliest bloom times, they symbolize spring and renewal. Lilacs also symbolize confidence. Violet lilacs symbolize spirituality.

Application

When I was a child, we would sing the King James version of these verses. They were to remind the children of Israel where they have been and what God had already done for them. To remind them God will be there no matter what we face. Each trouble we go through is a renewal for us. It is a growth moment. It may be a scar, but remember those scars are battle badges. God saw us through again, as He always will!

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for all the battles you have fought by my side and for me. ~Amen

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved

Scripture

Matthew 6:33-34

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Observation

Black-eyed Susans are considered a symbol of encouragement and motivation, which can be attributed to the plant’s adaptability and widespread availability.

Application

Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew tells us not to worry about tomorrow, but there are other places in the bible that add don’t worry about anything. It says to be anxious for nothing and leave our worries with God. So, don’t worry about tomorrow, today, or yesterday! Take each moments trouble and hand them off to God. Learn from the Black-eyed Susan. Be adaptable and encourage and motivate others to carry on!

Prayer

Lord, it so easy for me to say don’t worry. Help me remember to take my own advice! ~Amen

 Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Frick All Rights Reserved