Christian Women Speaker, Motivational Speaker, Keynote Speaker

How Does Your Garden Grow?

by Nancy B. Gibbs

Last year, I placed a flower pot on my patio. It was only half-filled with potting soil. There wasn't any sign of life. There were no seeds to grow. So as you can imagine the flowerpot remained barren.

Last week, I decided that the neglected flower pot needed a little lift. I went to a garden shop and checked out the blooming plants. While trying to decide which flowers to purchase, I went to another store and ran across some flower seeds. I picked up one of the packages and read the instructions for planting.

"I am up for the challenge," I thought. Many people have green thumbs, but I have always insisted that I don't. Either I water my plants too often or not enough. I either bake the plant in the sunshine or place it in areas that are too shady. I know some plants like it hot and wet; while others like it dry and shady. But for the life of me, I cannot remember which are which.

As I stood holding the envelope of seeds, I felt the urge to see if for the first time I could actually make something grow. I purchased several packages and returned home with a gardener's determination and drive. I immediately planted the seeds in the almost forgotten flower pot. For a couple of days nothing happened. But I continued to water the soil.

On the fourth day following ?planting day,' I actually saw green sprouts as they had just broken through the soil. I was so excited. The tiny shoots brought a smile to my face. I called Roy to come to look at them. Maybe my thumb wasn't completely off-colored after all! Maybe I could make something grow!

I thought about how growing flowers are much like growing happiness. Our lives are sometimes like the empty pot. Our days are filled with worldly tasks and possessions. But because worldly things are of such little importance, we lack a feeling of completeness. We sense there is something missing. The missing ingredients in my flower pot were the things that created life itself - seeds. The things that we may be missing in life are seeds of hope, love, faith, and determination.

When we accept the fact that our life gardens will produce exactly what we plant, we become more concerned as to what we plant. I planted a variety of flower seeds that day. I understand that the zinnia seeds will produce zinnias. The morning glory seeds will produce morning glories.

Likewise, if I plant happiness in my daily life, low and behold, I will find joy in everything I do. If I plant negative thoughts inside my heart, I will only grow more discontented with each passing day. Whatever is planted inside my heart will grow.

If we plant seeds of hope, we can expect miracles. When we plant seeds of passion, love will come back to us. The Bible tells us that without faith we cannot possibly please God. Shouldn't we all plant seeds of faith? And if we plant seeds of determination, there is absolutely nothing that can stop us from being the persons God created us to be. When God is pleased with us, our blessings multiply much like the blooms produced from a tiny seed.

In the next few days and weeks, I am expecting the tiny sprouts to grow taller. Then I am expecting a flowerpot filled with blossoms. The once neglected pot will hold beautiful flowers of assorted colors, simply because I planted faith along with a few seeds.

This past weekend, our granddaughters Hannah and Katie came for a visit. Katie wasn't initially fond of the idea of returning home. When her Daddy told her that he had missed her, she looked up at him and whispered, "But Daddy, I was just so happy at Nana and Pa's.

Could her happiness have sprouted because Nana and Pa planted the right seeds in her little heart? We laughed together. We played together. We blew bubbles in the backyard. We watched television together. We went to the zoo. And we went on a picnic. The weekend was ours to do nothing but to plant seeds of happiness in the hearts of our granddaughters.

Are you planting seeds of happiness in the hearts of those you love? How does your garden grow today? If your life seems empty, like my neglected flowerpot, won't you go to God? He wants to grow you into the best you can possibly be.

The Importance of a Minute

by Nancy B. Gibbs

Have you ever considered the importance of one minute? Many people view a minute in much the same way as they view a penny. They think neither a penny, nor a single minute is worth much. While it is true that we cannot buy a great deal, if anything, with a single penny these days, we can do a lot with one minute? I think you will discover that with one short minute we can make a big difference in the world around us.

While considering the importance of one minute, I thought of many things we can do in sixty seconds or less. We can give our lives to Jesus Christ and have the assurance we are Heaven-bound in sixty seconds or less. That particular sixty seconds would be the best minute we would have ever spent. Every moment we spend talking to God, will help us find greater peace when trials and troubles invade our lives and homes.

In one minute, we can also share the gospel with another person and help him or her to have the assurance of eternal life, as well. In one minute we can encourage our loved ones to seek eternal blessings through God, His Son, and The Holy Spirit.

In sixty seconds, we can say "I'm sorry" to those whom we have wronged. We can also forgive those who trespassed against us in one minute or less, if we so desire. We can express gratitude when we are grateful for a kind jester someone performed on our behalf. "Please" is a simple word and takes less than a minute to verbalize. Saying that magic word, however, gets us much further toward getting what we want or need than we could ever imagine.

In one minute we could make our children's day if we dropped a handful of chocolate kisses or a couple homemade cookies into their lunchboxes. In less than a minute we can write a love note and place it in our spouse's brief case. A gentle pat on a loved one's arm or a firm handshake with a friend doesn't take much effort, but both are greatly appreciated. An employer can cause his employee to feel much more job satisfaction by speaking a minute's worth of kind words, such as "good job" or "thank you for a job well done."

Sending a kind email, a greeting card, or making a quick telephone call can bring joy to those who may be homebound, living in a nursing home, or spending a few days in the hospital. It doesn't take a great deal of time to make someone feel loved.

On the other hand, one angry minute, one rude telephone call, a minute's worth of blame, or sixty seconds worth of hate can cause us to lose a friend, damage our testimonies, and cause divisions between those who at one time cared deeply for each other.

A flapping, gossiping tongue can ruin an innocent person's reputation while at the same time bring disgrace to the gossiper. Careless words, spoken in sixty seconds or less, have probably hurt more people than sticks and stones have in a lifetime.

When you put this newspaper down today, what will you do with the next minute? There are sixty seconds in every minute, sixty minutes in every hour and 1,440 minutes in every day. Minutes turn into hours and hours turn into days. Our days turn into weeks - our weeks into months - and our months into our years. And our years make up our lifetimes. Have you noticed lately how quickly the years fly by? Do you now see the importance of every minute?

If you think sixty seconds doesn't have much value, go back to the minute just before a loved one passed away. Think about the time you slammed your foot on your automobile breaks one minute before you collided with the car in front of you. Think about the minute you fell in love or looked into your newborn baby's eyes for the first time.

A first impression only takes a minute. What impression do you want to leave on those you meet each day? In one minute you can either tell the world you care or leave a bitter attitude behind. We have this moment and it is the only time we are guaranteed.

Do you see any value in this moment? I do, and at this very minute I have something important to say to you. Jesus loves you! Won't you take the next minute to return those same sentiments to Him? Then determine that you will live every minute like it is your last. Remember - it very well could be!

Good Friday

By Nancy B. Gibbs

What are you longing for this Good Friday? Are you awaiting a telephone call or desperate for an answer to a question that has been haunting you? Are you dreading the coming days? Are there those who dislike you and are actively trying to destroy your testimony? Do you wonder today how you are going to pay your bills? Are health issues getting you down? What is on your heart and mind this Good Friday?

Today, we are all probably facing certain concerns and worries. We have wants and needs. Very seldom is everything perfect in life. That's because we live in a world where sin runs ramped and disgrace sits on every street corner.

Jesus lived thirty-three years in this sin-corrupted world. He could have chosen to stay in heaven with His Father. But because of His great love for the world, He came to earth, lived here as a man, was tortured, and suffered a horrible death. The shadow of the cross bore upon Him each and every day of his life. He expected His life to end in the exact way it ended. Jesus knew what He was to face; yet He faced it willingly. What He expected to receive came to Him on the first "Good Friday."

In Mark 15:24 (NIV) we find these words. And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. Can you imagine how Jesus felt, as He hung on a cross, being held up with nails in the palms of his hands. He ached as the sin of the world wracked every muscle of this innocent man's body. Blood streamed down his face because of the pricks of the crown of thorns that was set firmly on his head. Jesus owned the world; yet He chose to give it all up, so even those who mocked and hated Him could find eternal life.

Jesus willing gave up his clothes and every material possession He owned. He gave everything; including His life for those who were, and still are today, unworthy. While everything was His, He gave it all up for us - even down to His own life.

I cannot imagine how Jesus could look down at those who despised Him; yet He loved them anyway. If we are disciples of Jesus shouldn't we love those who hate us, as well? It's not easy; but God's Word tells us that we must love others in the same way we love ourselves.

There are those who try to destroy Christian testimonies. There are those who use their tongues to put Christians down. There are those that would like to take everything we own, use it for their own good and laugh as we lose it all. God is not happy with these people. And we can be sure that those who crucified Jesus and sinners who have not received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will pay an eternal price.

On the first "Good Friday" God's Son died a horrible death for us. He sacrificed His life for all sinners. You can consider this day a "good" day for yourself if you give everything to God, put Him first in your life, decide to love your neighbor as yourself, and accept the gift (salvation) that Jesus provided as He died on the cross.

An innocent man gave His life for you. What are you willing to give up for Him? This Good Friday can be the best day of your life, if you are willing to accept the love Jesus died to give us on the cross.

Will You Choose the Better Way?

by Nancy B. Gibbs

Spending quiet time with God is the most important part of my day. Almost every morning, I spend a few minutes in my rocking chair. Sometimes I listen to Christian music, but most of the time I sit quietly, listening for what God might have to say to me that day.

One of the things that I most appreciate about my life now is that I don't always feel that I have to be busy. I have learned to be content and to meditate on God's Word. During my time with God, I think of scriptures verses that have touched me in particular ways over the years. I ponder the blessings God has recently sent my way. I consider the miracles He has performed in my life and in the lives of those close to me.

By the time I begin getting ready for the day, I have shown gratitude to God for the things He has done for me. I have expressed my sincere love for Him. And I have listened for Him to speak to me. Many times, God speaks to me loudly and clearly. At other times, He sits silently with me. And that is okay. When we sit with those we love, we don't always have to be talking.

Some of the most refreshing times that I spend with my husband are when we are not talking. Roy practices his music, while I write or read. During those times, our love is not revealed in what we say, but the contentment we feel just being together.

When our granddaughters come to visit, I spend a great deal of time holding and rocking them, as well. We get quiet and snuggle under their favorite blanket. As they drift off to sleep each night, I see pure contentment in their little faces. They are happy to be with me and I am thrilled to be able to spend quiet time with them.

I have a feeling that God enjoys the quiet time I spend with Him each morning much like I enjoy the time I spend with the girls. When was the last time you simply sat still in God's presence?

In Luke 10:38 - 42 (NIV) we will find a story of two sisters. Mary and Martha were as different as night and day. Martha was the busier of the two sisters. In this text we find that Martha opened her home to Jesus. She was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. In my mind's eye, I can see Martha cooking and baking while frantically trying to get her house ready for Jesus' arrival. Like all good hostesses, Martha thought everything had to be perfect.

Now Mary, on the other hand, had no concern about the cleanliness of the house or even whether or not the food was prepared. She was so consumed with Jesus that she sat at His feet, listening to the things He said to her.

Martha became somewhat irritated at her sister. In verse 40 (NIV), Martha went to Jesus and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42 NIV)

Does Jesus' response to Martha tell us something about our schedules today? We all need to spend quality time listening to what Jesus has to say to us. Spending quiet time with Jesus is by far the better way to start our days.

Will you put down your daily chores for a few minutes and stop worrying about the many things that you feel you must do and, like Mary, choose the better way?

In Psalm 119:2 (NIV), we can find these words. "Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart." Mary sought after Jesus with all of her heart. Therefore, she chose the better way.

How will you start your day today? Will you, like Mary, choose the better way?

Let Go and Let God

by Nancy B. Gibbs

God's Word tells us that when we talk to Him, He hears our every word. We know that God knows everything about us, even down to the number of hairs on our head. Therefore, I can reason He knows even more about me than I know about myself.

Have you ever spoken to God when it seemed He wasn't listening? You pray and you pray. You wonder if He even cares about you or if He hears anything you have to say. At times like these, God seems frightfully distant. I once heard a man say that during some of the fiercest storms of his life, it seems like the words of his prayer falls from his mouth and lands flat on the floor.

If you are like me, I worry when it seems that God isn't listening. At times, I find myself stunned by His silence. I am convinced if God knows the number of hairs on my head, He hears every word I speak. Sometimes, God simply wants me to wait for His answer and to fully trust Him.

At times, God tests our faith to see how we will react when He doesn't immediately answer our prayers. Faith is when we believe that which we cannot see or feel. When God is silent, do you remain faithful to Him? Do you love Him regardless of the stillness that surrounds you? Will you continue to carry on doing the things He has called you to do? Or do you become angry or bitter? Do you wonder if God even cares about you any longer? God wants to know how you will respond to His silence.

Recently, a friend told me that she had heard a pastor on television say that when God seems distant, he has learned to ?pray and obey.' We pray; yet sometimes it takes weeks, months or even years before God directs our paths. What do we do in the mean time? I have to admit those are the times that are the most difficult for me. But I also know that it is during those quiet times that I am drawn closer to my Heavenly Father.

You may be wondering how I am drawn closer to God during the quiet times. When God is silent, I spend more time reading His Word. When God seems distant, I call His name more often. When I feel alone, I regularly meditate on God's word. When God doesn't readily answer me, I know He is calling me to draw closer to Him. And when I stop pushing God for an answer to my prayers, it is then and only then, that I hear his clear answers.

It is when I have proved myself faithful that God shows up. God does remarkable things in my life when I am obedient to Him. It's easy to be faithful when we're seeing results. But God wants us to be faithful when all we can do is trust Him.

Do you feel like God is a million miles away today? Do you have problems that you are certain that only He can fix? Have you recently checked your mailbox, hoping for something other than bills and junk mail; yet finding nothing good? Have you waited for the telephone to ring without any response? Are you depending on God to heal you of a chronic illness or take you out of the despair depression? Are you seeking and searching; yet feel like you're coming up short - no matter what you do?

If you answer yes to any of the above questions, let me make a few suggestions. Stop pleading with God and simply trust Him. Stop expecting too much. Spend both quiet time and quality time with God. Quit worrying about God's answer and just know His answer will come in His time. Get busy serving God in whatever way you can.

God will work miracles in our lives when we trust and believe. And when we finally turn our problems over to God, He will give us a peace we never knew was possible.

This kind of attitude takes time and effort. It won't happen overnight. So remain patient in Him. Remember, God is in total control of your life. He knows your every need. God wants to show you how to be the best you can possibly be. Won't you let go and let God steer you in the right direction today?

Have an Absolutely Beautiful Day Today

by: Nancy B. Gibbs

What will you do with your day today? Will today be a day just like yesterday? Do you sometimes feel like your life is in a rut and you simply can't escape? Will this day be filled with boredom or excitement? Will you change your approach toward life and allow God to guide your every step?

I believe with each new day, God gives each of us a brand new beginning. We shouldn't worry about the days we have already lived. We can't change a thing by worrying. Worry can, however, affect our today. And it will most assuredly hinder our tomorrows. We will never be all that God would have us to be if we cannot let go of yesterday or if we carry our heartaches from one day to the next.

I found several things in Isaiah (NKJV) that we can do that will assure us of an absolutely beautiful day today.

First of all, we should put on a happy face. When we face the world with a smile, the world smiles back at us. Isaiah 60:1 says, Arise, shine. In the real world, most of us have to get up at a certain time and start our day early. Wouldn't the world be a brighter place if we all decided to shine at the very moment that we arise?

Isaiah 1:16 says, "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good;" When we start our days with clean spirits we feel much like we do with clean bodies. We feel fresh and ready to face the day. Because we live in a sinful world, dirt and grime have a way of making us filthy, both on the outside and on the inside. To make the best of the day, we must allow God to clean us from the inside out. In this sinful world, evil is our default. We must work at doing good things. Are you ready for God to clean up your heart and soul? Just ask Him and He will!

Verse 4 of Isaiah 60 says. "Lift up your eyes all around, and see:" When was the last time you stopped long enough to notice the beauty of the world? Today, as you step out into the world, won't you intentionally notice God's great creation? Too many times, we let negative forces place dark shadows on our days. Bitter hearts, spirits filled with unforgiving attitudes, and arrogant opinions oftentimes hide the wonderful things that Jesus died to give us. When we focus on all the wrong things, we cannot expect good things to come our way. But when we lift up our eyes to Jesus, our hearts will be filled with great joy.

Won't you step out of your comfort zone and share the good news of Jesus Christ with someone else? In Isaiah 52:7, How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation.

The only real peace we will ever have comes as a result of loving Jesus? Sometimes today, you will meet someone who needs God. Will you be ready to share the good news with that person?

Won't you completely and wholeheartedly give this day to the Lord. Won't you decide that just for today you will be everything God created you to be? Won't you show kindness to those you meet? Won't you be patient with those you don't understand? And won't you love those who hate you? If we truly give this day to God, we can't carry anger or hate; even for those who have hurt us in the past.

Do you want to have an absolutely beautiful day today? If so, give it to Jesus, arise and shine, make yourself clean, lift up your eyes, and be determined to share God's mercy and grace with someone in need this day.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Won't you live it with gusto and joy? But more importantly, won't you live it with Jesus?

Trust, Believe, Receive

by Nancy B. Gibbs

Do you trust God when you don't fully understand Him? Do you believe that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-willing to give us great and wonderful things? Are you ready to receive His greatest blessings? If you can answer "yes" to all of these questions, you can have that life of abundance that Jesus came to give you.

I remember as a child going to my father when I was afraid. I climbed onto his lap when I had bad dreams. He held me when the wind was blowing, thunder was rumbling, and lightning popped outside. I trusted my father to protect me to the best of his ability.

I didn't understand the nightmares that frightened me. Nor did I fully understand the weather. I oftentimes wondered why some days were pretty and some were nasty. I now understand that it takes both sunshine and rain to make the flowers bloom. I also know that God is more powerful than any storm and that He promised to protect me. I have no reason to be afraid.

There are times when I go to God with questions such as these. Why are so many people indifferent toward you? Why do you allow suffering in the world? Why do our loved ones have to die? Why can't good things last forever? I will never know the answers to these questions, and others, while living here on earth. One day, however I can be sure that all the answers will be crystal clear. I oftentimes wonder, however, if the answers to those questions will be important to me when I am in the presence of God and living in a mansion that was built for me in heaven.

For now, I simply trust God to be God and to do all the right things. I have come to understand that things happen as they do because they are within God's will. I must trust him completely, even though I don't always fully understand His will or His way. "Trusting" is a key to understanding God.

How many times do we ask for something in Jesus' name and walk away not believing we are going to receive it? When our prayers are not answered in the way we expect, we are not surprised. We waste our breath if we pray with an unbelieving spirit. We should always ask, knowing that God is faithful to answer our prayers. "Believing" is the key to having our prayers answered. In John 12:46 (NIV) Jesus said. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

We must remember that ?receive' is an action word. When God offers us good things, we must take action and receive those things. Salvation, hope, miracles, and love are among those most-highly wanted blessings. Have you reached out and accepted God's redeeming mercy through faith? Do you have the hope that God so freely offers? Do you see each day as a miracle given by God? Have you accepted God's unconditional love? "Receiving" is the key to prosperity, good health, and a happy life. In Mark 11:24 (NIV) Jesus said, Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

I, like everyone else, experience times when I feel depressed and blue. I question the fairness in life and long for more excitement, understanding and peace. But I know that until we give our negative attitudes, our depression, our grievances and our arrogant spirits to God, we won't find true happiness or peace here on earth. We won't understand God. Our prayers will not be heard. And prosperity, good health and joy will always be just beyond our reach.

Jesus said in John 14:27 (NIV). Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Jesus is offering us peace at this very moment. He doesn't want us to be afraid or worried. He gives us the keys to happiness, joy and contentment. He only asks us to trust, believe and receive. And when we do, multitudes of blessings will come our way.

A Glimmer of Hope

by Nancy B. Gibbs

"I need a little glimmer of hope, God," I begged. The prior six months had been hard for me. My best friend had passed away. My husband, son and granddaughter had all been hospitalized for critical or unusual illnesses. We were still fighting some of these problems. The doctor told me that my husband had an incurable heart disease. That didn't make me feel any better.

My daughter had been involved in a minor car accident. She wasn't hurt but her car had to be replaced. I had several physical problems of my own. Earlier that week the doctor informed me that I needed to have surgery.

While sitting in my recliner feeling as low as I have ever felt in my life, I made my request to God. I felt the urge to go outside even though the air was cold. We had had several cold days that week.

The trees were barren, the grass was brown and the world seemed lifeless - much like the way I felt. When I closed the backdoor behind me, my dogs became excited to see me. I went to their section of the yard, opened the gate and went inside to play with them. A few minutes later, I saw my glimmer of hope. In the corner of the yard was a single daffodil. It was perfect. The bright yellow flower instantly warmed my heart. I knew right away that it was God's answer to my prayer.

With tears falling from my eyes, I picked the flower. I took it inside, placed it in a bud vase and admired it for several days. If that little flower could make it during that cold, windy day, surely I could endure the storms in my life too. All I needed was a little glimmer of hope.

When we put our hope in God, God gives us thousands of reasons to carry on. -Nancy B. Gibbs