Lately, life has been difficult. I have had to find inspiration in new places. Surprising places. Today, I would like to share one of those muses with you. Nature is a wonderful and mysterious thing, and I am discovering a new appreciation for flowers. Specifically, the resilience of flowering plants. The weather in New England, where I live, is ever variable. However, this spring and summer I have appreciated the beauty of flowers and how they continue to shine even on cloudy or rainy days. For today’s post on The Ladybug, I have selected 12 of my favorite flower photos that I’ve captured using my cell phone camera. Gazing upon these images during a particularly difficult day gives me hope for the future. If winter can be followed by these dazzling splendors, then my dark days must be leading up to new life and good times ahead. I know that God promises darkness will not last forever. It is my wish that these images inspire you as well. Never give up!
With Perseverance, G.
“‘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
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19
Confession: I am in a spiritual desert. Perhaps you can relate. Does the spirit just not feel quite as alive within you? Well, that is my experience. The major cause for me personally is stress!!! I would love to believe that I am such a great Christian as to not drift away from God during intense periods of stress, but who am I kidding?? When life is hard or unfair, I blame God. In my anger I step further and further away from Him. It may be a childish reaction. It may only make my circumstances more difficult. And…it may lead to the desert. Then I am alone and struggling.
So, what is the easy solution? There is none! But opening my eyes and looking around at my desert surroundings is the first step. I must realize that my toes are sinking in the sand. The desert is vast and mysterious. The first step is admitting that I’ve wandered there. If I stay in denial about my spiritual health, then God is unable to heal the relationship with me. Let me be very clear about one fact: God never steps away from us; we step away from Him. God always desires a loving and close bond with those He created. God never causes bad things to happen to His beloved. Instead, God longs for our relationship with Him to aid us in conquering the stress of a broken world.
The next step is sticking true to your personal spiritual rituals Even while you are in the desert. For example, if you connect with God in nature, then take a walk! If you connect with God through music, then lift your voice or other instrument! If you find God in art, then dance or paint! Never Give Up! The key to finding your way through the desert spiritually is to keep on trudging under the sun’s hot rays. Staying true to your passions connects you to the Spirit of Love. In turn, the Spirit intercedes for you with God, as described in Romans 8:26-27 in the Bible. I like to paraphrase this Scripture as such: the Spirit is a friend inside your heart that can relate to God what your thoughts and yearnings contain, all without words.
Ultimately, re-establishing a connection with God is the best tool for surviving the deep desert that we all may experience from time-to-time. Therefore, a third tip I will share is that trying something new in your spiritual routine or coping skills set is a great way to re-gain that connection. For example, in March 2024, I began volunteering to be a worship leader and sermon preacher at a local church. Previously, I mostly volunteered doing mission work, which I loved. However, I have now found that I have a passion for delivering sermons and organizing prayers. I feel the Joy of God when I engage in these activities. I find leading worship to be challenging and exciting as well. I would not have felt these wonderful feelings if I was afraid to try something new!
In addition, I want to make space for the fact that sometimes, engaging in new spiritual activities that require a healthy body or mind are not possible. I, myself, have experienced this reality recently. I have been struggling physically with a severe tick-borne illness, as well as the mental stress that results. If you are depressed, or facing any other mental health emergency, please seek professional support. I am blessed to benefit from an excellent support system of professional mental health care. Also, I would advise some other types of low-key forms of exercise. Some types I have used include: a stationary-bike, a yoga mat, and 2lbs weights that allow me to “work-out” gently. Movement can be beneficial for both chronic medical and mental illnesses. I find that moving my body, even slowly, connects me to God.
I will close by saying that though the journey is tough, it is worth it! God is a beautiful constant in a world of chaos. Draw close to Him, even if you are stressed, and He will respond. Keep Going on the road of faith! The desert is cruel and dusty, but even Jesus walked there, and with the aid of His Father in Heaven, Jesus walked out into eternal glory. He will help you out of desert living as well!
In Living Water, G.
PS: A picture of my time writing to you, Ladybug readers!!!
Today, I would like to share a relaxing post about my favorite way to de-stress. Whenever I am upset, sad, anxious, or just overwhelmed, I go for a walk. Specifically, I try to connect with nature. Yes, I am a tree-hugger. I feel that the natural world is the best therapist. When I walk in the woods, I feel God with me more than at any other time. The silence of the forest, and the occasional interruption of bird song, puts me in a Zen state of mind. I consider myself blessed to live in New England, where I can experience four unique seasons, and the beautiful weather that goes along with each one. We are certainly living in troubling times in our country and world, and so my daily walks are becoming more precious to me. I decided that the best use of my blog in this post would be to spread some joy with a little nature photography exhibit. Below are ten nature photos that I simply took with my smartphone during my winter walks this year. Please relax and enjoy! If you feel so inspired, go outside for a little dose of nature yourself! Blessings, G.
First, I would like to update you, readers of The Ladybug, on my progress towards The American Cancer Society 31-miles Walking Challenge for January, which was the subject of my first blog post, Walking for a Cause. I have successfully completed the challenge, by walking a total of 42.56 miles in the month of January 2025. The goal of the challenge was to walk 31 miles total, and so I was quite pleased with the result of my efforts. In addition, I was able to raise 151.00 dollars for The American Cancer Society from donations of generous friends and family members who sponsored my walking. Completing a goal is always rewarding, whether the goal was large or small, and walking for charities is one of my most important values.
As I have mentioned previously, I struggle with chronic physical illnesses, which can make exercise difficult on any given day. Two of my diagnoses are: hEDS (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility subtype) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). These two illnesses do not have cures, and are managed through lifestyle changes. Exercise is highly suggested for both conditions, and can help the body stay stronger. Beyond physical health, the benefits of walking for mental health cannot be overstated. When I am in nature, I feel calm, serene, and connected to God. Nature reminds me that the problems of the world that seem huge, can just melt away with some sunshine and the songs of birds.
I feel that when I ask my body to walk, even if she is tired or the weather is difficult to endure, I need to find a way to reward my hard-working body. One of the ways that I do this is by drinking homemade matcha green tea lattes. Matcha is an ancient green tea that was drunk by Buddhist monks in a special ceremony. There are multiple benefits to matcha, including its antioxidants and natural caffeine. Personally, I find the little ritual of making my matcha lattes to be rewarding. First, I heat water, but not to boiling. Then, I whisk the matcha powder with the water. Finally, I add cold oat milk, and whisk everything together. The drink is then poured in a glass and finished with a couple ice cubes. It tastes earthy, rich, and sublime. This is my personal thank-you to my body after getting me through another work-out.
I recommend that everyone be on loving terms with their bodies and find a special way to engage in some self-care. Self-Care is unique to what each person enjoys. I would simply define it as: being gentle with the wonderful bodies and minds that God has given us. Whatever challenges you may be facing, or difficult goals you may be pursuing, take some time and be gentle. Read a book in your favorite genera, wear fuzzy slippers after a pedicure, play an instrument, paint a picture, soak in a bath, or make a list of the blessings in your life. It is the little moments of joy that heal us and keep us going. Take on your challenges armed with self-care! Until the next quest…keep healing, G.
P.S. Below are two pictures from my walking adventures in New England, and two pictures from my matcha making ritual at home. Not sponsored! Enjoy!!
The Ladybug 