I remember learning to ride a bike. My father bought me a tricycle first. It was red with white handle bar caps and streamers at the end. I loved that bike and rode it until the seat would no longer stay on the bike—at least not without careful maneuvering.
So, daddy declared it unsafe and forbade me to ride until he could get me what he called a “big girl’s” bike. Well as any child would do, I “listened”….for his footsteps as I continued to ride my bike behind Granny’s house (my father’s grandmother).
One day, as I rounded a bush, I lost my balance, causing the seat to tilt. Yep, there was nothing but post after that. I still have a scar on my thigh to this day! Nevertheless, daddy was there to clean me up.
Months later, I had that “big girl’s” bike, and after a few potentially bad knee scrapes, I got it. Then, I moved from the lawn to the road.
I read somewhere that once you master balance, speed, and momentum, you will be riding with abandon. The author was right. In just a short time, I was shouting, “look, no hands…no hands!”
I am also learning there’s nothing like living life in Christ with true abandon. We just have to lay aside everything—sin and/or “weighty” things that would hinder our effectiveness—(Hebrews 12:1). In other words, whatever does not help us run the race, we must put it aside.
The Master has given us all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) so that we can live it with true abandon. Whole-hearted obedience is the key (Psalm 119:9-11).
I am still peddling, using three wheels these days (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). On good days (when I stay in step with the Spirit—Galatians 5:16), my face is in the wind with eyes closed as I shout “look, His hands…His hands!”
Of course, there are those “big girl” falls when I take my eyes off Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Thankfully, Dearest Daddy, my Heavenly Father, is always there to clean me up (1 John 1:9).
~Shelly Johns


Searching for Hidden Treasure
As a child, I can remember my cousin, Jackie, and I would dream of finding buried treasure. We would even dig under trees and rocks in hopes of finding a box of jewels or money! Needless to say, we were never successful in our quest!
But we all have a treasure trove that we can “dig” into….Proverbs 2:4-5 says and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word opens a multitude of treasures: knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and insight into who God is and what He wants for our lives.
We should take time daily to read His Word and unearth nuggets of truth for our lives. Many Bible scholars recommend reading one chapter of Psalms and one chapter of Proverbs along with whatever other chapters or verses you might read. Proverbs, the book of wise living principles, lends itself easily for daily reading. There are 31 chapters in this book of the Bible…one for each day of the month. So on the 3rd day of the month, read chapter 3, and so on.
The treasure is right there in our Bibles for us to discover…then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path, for wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you and understanding will guard you. (Proverbs 2:9-11)
May we all be treasure seekers today!
Donna Coffey