Bloom Where You're Planted: Daily Devotions to Enlighten and Brighten Your Relationship with Christ: Bloom Daily Devotional Series, #1

By Mary Rodman

Mary's unique style of writing intertwines daily situations with biblical stories to deepen your relationship with God. She inspires you to look past the chaos and the commonplace routines in your life and experience Christ's presence around you.

Through laughter, memories, and even sorrow, Mary helps you see the Bright Morning Star, named Jesus. Discover her humor in the devotional, Bird Poop, as she highlights the biblical example of Abigail and how you might handle unwelcome life circumstances.

You will chuckle as you read Mary's exhilarating ride down the mountainside, and grab your "Oh help me Jesus handle" as she relates the twists and turn of her trip to real life situations.

Bloom: A flower, especially one cultivated for its beauty. Cultivate your beauty as you grow closer to Christ through Mary's words and her personal testimony. These meditations include both Old Testament and New Testament scriptures. The 99 devotions are easy to read and thought provoking. Each one provides great Bible study and reference materials and a variety of options, such as suggested scripture readings and soar with Jesus tips.

The devotions in Bloom Where You're Planted range from laughter to tears and can be used like a reference handbook full of encouragement. Life is so hectic that we often feel more like an object than a person. In the devotion, Object or Person, you are reminded how important you are to God. So important that He knows you by name.

While visiting the temporary memorial in Shanksville, PA, Mary was reminded that Jesus loves everyone. She shares her devotional, Flight 93 about the 911 tragedy, on her blog post. Please join the conversation with your thoughts, prayers and concerns for those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. 

Mary's Christian quotations are popular on Social Media and especially on Pinterest. Follow her on Social Media as MrsMaryRodman.

A few words about Bloom Where You're Planted from Mary's readers.

The book is very up-lifting; there are real life experiences that I really appreciated. I couldn't help but think about my own life and agreed with the title BLOOM. What an excellent title. I thank you for your love, endurance, faith and patience in sharing your life. This book, I will read again…EXCELLENT. ~ beverops, Barnes and Noble Customer

The daily devotions in Mary's book are absolutely wonderful. Each devotional applies to life and is an encouragement to read every day. Mary has definitely written these devotions from the heart. Thanks Mary for taking us along with you on your journey with the Lord. ~ Kim Retterer, Barnes & Noble Customer

For someone who much prefers paper or hardbound books, I feel it shows just how wonderful this book is, that I was able to enjoy it as an eBook.

And, while I personally much prefer KJV Bible verses, I like the versions the author used, and the way she mixed them up in the text. The chosen verses work very well in each usage.

All in all, an exceptional devotional. I would definitely recommend it to anyone with a love of flowers or just an interest in blooming as a follower of Christ. ~ JC Morrows, Barnes & Noble Customer

• Language: English
• Publisher: Legacy Lane Publishing
• Release date: Nov 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781733123433

Mary Rodman

Mary resides in Radnor, Ohio with her husband, Jim. Together they enjoy farm life, hard work, vacations, family and friends. She is a farm girl who discovered her niche as a Christian author and speaker. Mary loves sharing about the Lord through both her written and spoken words. Mary’s life is an open book as she shares her joys, struggles and embarrassing moments. As a Christian author and speaker, Mary’s objective is to point you toward Jesus. Her words are simple, and her examples are relatable, but when Jesus touches your heart it is amazing. When you follow Him wholeheartedly, and align your dreams with God's will, the outcome is life altering. The first goal of Mary’s ministry is to offer you encouragement and inspiration. She is a "seed planter." The person who sees a glimmer of hope in the small day-to-day routines of life. Therefore, the key verse for her ministry is: “When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” (Romans 1:12). Once the seed of hope is planted in your heart, Mary motivates you to stay in God's Word to seek wisdom, and learn more about Jesus' amazing grace. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." (James 1:5). Mary’s prayer is that you have a personal relationship with our Redeemer, because when you Bloom with Jesus, you become a child of God who is cultivated for your beauty. This beauty does not happen overnight, it is a gradual change within your soul, because of your relationship with Jesus. For more information of God's grace, go to www.MaryRodman.com/gods-promises/.

Book preview

How to use this devotional

Your devotional can be used in multiple ways.

• You can read it like a book, as you enjoy one God story after another.

• Read one devotion each morning and allow God to speak to your heart throughout your day.

• You can randomly select a topic of interest each day, and allow God to lead you to the title of choice for your morning devotions.

• Read the book with a friend or a group. Conversations and discussions with others will always provide more insight on the topic. You will be amazed how each devotion speaks differently to others.

• Journal your thoughts each day. There are sample pages from my Bloom Where You’re Planted Journal below. You will find a Daily Gratitude section which challenges you to focus on a new blessing each day. You can purchase the accompanying journal at www.maryrodman.com/shop.

Thank You

Thank you to my family and friends who allow me to tell our stories and use our lives like an open book for ministry. Without these stories, Bloom Daily Devotional Series would not be possible. No matter our struggles, joys, or blessings, our lives are a witness to Jesus and His sovereignty.

Diane K. Bell of Legacy Lane Publishing—you are a special blessing to me. Thank you for your expertise on how to publish and market my books. You have greatly contributed to the success of my Bloom Daily Devotional Series.

I want to thank all of you, my readers, for the huge success of Bloom Where You’re Planted. This second edition has the same devotionals, with a few corrections, a new look, and additional information. One of my corrections is the number of devotions. The devotion The Lost Sheep says the book contains 99 devotions, but I discovered there were actually 100. If you would like a copy of the first devotion I ever wrote, you can receive a free copy at: http://www.maryrodman.com/BookBonus

As my readers, your positive feedback and reviews keep me humble. I am constantly reminded that without Christ none of this would be possible. (Philippians 4:13)

Like sitting down with a mentor to chat. The style is conversational and easy to digest, although the content is not surface material alone. I felt everything had a solid biblical undertone and appreciated the way theological truths were taught in a simple, yet full way. ~Kindle Customer

"I love this devotional! It has relatable stories with corresponding scriptures. I loved it so much I bought 2 more copies for family members. ~ Beth Mowry

"Mary Rodman is a talented author who has inspired me to be better in her glorious, inspiring devotional book that is the perfect book for Christians. Her beautiful, moving words and stories will have all readers falling madly in love with her extraordinary talent. If you are a reader looking for a devotional book, then please read this wonderful book because it is beautiful. ~Red Headed Book Lover Blog

Thank you to my Lord and Savior for both the struggles and the blessings in my life. The ups and downs of life not only provide me with writing material, they strengthen my relationship with You. You give me the ability to see Your hand at work in life through both the difficulties and the beauty of life.

A thank you gift for you...

Download these free products at www.MaryRodman.com/BookBonus.

Inspire U Stay in touch by using our messenger’s treasury of transformational inspiration, insight, and guidance. Download and join the free Inspire U app for additional personal resources on your mobile device today!

Bloom in God’s Promises Sneak Peek Enjoy these devotions as you learn to count your blessings, rather than grumble about the little problems in life.

Live Life in Full Bloom Favorites A group of devotions from Book 2 of the Bloom Daily Devotional Series. This group will encourage you to align your dreams with God’s will for your life.

Fall Harvest The first devotional I ever wrote and the inspiration to publish Bloom Where You’re Planted.

Serving Christ,

Mary

About the Author

Mary resides in Radnor , Ohio with her husband, Jim. Together they enjoy farm life, hard work, vacations, family and friends. She is a farm girl at heart who discovered her niche as a Christian author and speaker. Mary loves to share about the Lord through both her written and spoken words. Mary’s life is an open book as she shares her joys, her struggles and embarrassing moments.

As a member of the Central Ohio Emmaus Community, Mary finds joy in helping others cultivate and grow their relationship with the Lord.

She is the author of the Bloom Daily Devotional Series where her beautiful, moving words and stories will have all readers falling madly in love with her extraordinary talent (Red Headed Book Lover Blog)." Her devotional books are a journey through her life. You will laugh and cry as you relate to Mary’s day to day life with Jesus. Her unique style of writing intertwines the gospel with her easy to understand stories. Her devotional formats vary and leave you searching for more. They include—Points to Ponder, Suggested Scripture Reading, a few poems, and even recipes created in her own kitchen. Bloom Daily Devotional Series Books: Bloom Where You’re Planted and Live Life in Full Bloom can be purchased at www.MaryRodman.com/shop

Purchase your matching journals! These are only available at www.MaryRodman.com/shop. Bloom Where You’re Planted Journal and Live Life in Full Bloom Journal each contain a Daily Gratitude section with a quote from the daily devotion. It is a great way to track your thoughts as you look for God’s presence in your daily life.

Bloom Daily Devotional Series Book 3 is Bloom in God’s Promises. It will be available in the future, but tidbits of encouragement from the book will be shared at www.MaryRodman.com/BookBonus and on social media, just follow the links at www.MaryRodman.com.

Book Mary as a Speaker-Facilitator for a Weekend Retreat

Who Are You? Discover the woman God created you to be. Proverbs 31:29 There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all! www.MaryRodman.com/speaking

When we were looking for someone to talk at our fall women’s retreat, someone mentioned Mary Rodman. I did not know Mary at the time, but have since come to see her as a friend and Sister in Christ. We meet with Mary and talked about our retreat and what we were looking for and gave her the theme. Mary ran with the theme and gave us not only talks but small group questions and devotions for each session. The attendees found the talks relevant to our lives and the small group questions meaningful and thought provoking. Would definitely use Mary for a retreat again and would highly recommend her to speak at your retreat. ~Shirl Hensel Co-Chair, Women at the Well, Trinity Lutheran Church, Marysville, OH

Mary’s retreat will transform your walk with Christ as she shares her funny stories, biblical examples, and powerful messages. The topics include:

Defining Moments Are there really any bad defining moments in your life? Mary challenges you to look at your bad defining moments in a positive light when used as a witnessing tool for Christ. Biblical story: Woman caught in adultery.

God Loves You God loves the woman He created you to be—exactly like you are, with all your flaws, gifts, talents and idiosyncrasies. Biblical story: Samaritan Woman.

Who Are You? Mary challenges you too envision yourself as the person Christ created you to be. Biblical story: Mary Magdalene.

Dare to Dream Regardless of the defining moments in your life God loves you unconditionally. You are God’s chosen, precious, beloved, royalty so dare to dream of ways to serve Christ. When you align your dreams with God’s will for your life amazing ministry will transpire. Biblical story: Caleb.

The weekend retreat is available in multiple formats.

Mary as a speaker only. She will present the four talks and provide breakout questions for your small group leaders in advance.

Mary as both the speaker and the facilitator for your event. At the end of each talk, she will facilitate questions and discussions with a larger group of ladies.

Optional music by Angie Howard. Angie’s musical talent as a worship leader and soloist is uplifting and inspirational.

Book Mary as a Speaker – She provides transformational messages on a variety of topics.

Something Out of Nothing While in a season of grief Mary discovered she could make something out of nothing which changed her outlook on life. She will help you find blessings on those most difficult days of grief.

Dare to Dream What you dare to dream of, dare to do. Sarah Jane Shoaf. Learn how to follow your dreams and be motivated to accomplish them by aligning your dreams with God’s will for your life.

Bloom Where You’re Planted God calls us to—Bloom through adversity. Bloom with joy. Bloom in the silence. Bloom in Spirit. Mary shares biblical truths through her stories of humor and heartache.

The Woman God Sees The Lord delights in you. (Isaiah 62:4). Mary’s personal stories and scripture will lead you through these four biblical truths: You are Chosen. You are Precious. You are Loved. You are God’s Royalty.

A Christian Farm Wife’s Perspective As a woman who wears many hats, from farmwife to speaker and author, Mary shares her struggles as a newlywed on the farm and how they learned to build their marriage around Christ even on the most stressful days.

Faith, Farming and Career As a farmwife Mary shares farm statistics to increase awareness of the family farm. She incorporates how faith, farming, and her career as an author and speaker all intertwine and work together for God’s glory.

Custom Topic All of Mary’s speaking topics are a result of special requests. She is open to speaking opportunities on your topic of choice. Please allow a minimum of six-weeks preparation unless previous arrangements have been made. For more information, please contact Mary at: www.MaryRodman.com/speaking

Book Mary as a speaker for your next event at www.MaryRodman.com/speaking.

To learn more about Mary as a speaker, to follow her on Social Media, or purchase her books, follow the links at www.MaryRodman.com.

What readers are saying...

This book is a delight! This beautifully written book is a delight, filled with wonderful stories from her life and awesome applications of God’s truth. It will lift you up and speak words of truth and encouragement into your life. It will not only bless you but makes a wonderful gift to to bless others. Mary has a delightful way of balancing laughter and tears while showing how God works all things together for good.

~Doris, Edgewater Alliance Church, Edgewater Florida, Author of Goodbye, Regret: Forgiving Yourself of Past Mistakes

Bloom: A collection of stories and God’s moments that the author has experienced and wants to share with the reader. The collection covers different subjects and can be a help to all who reads them. She shares how her experiences have helped her grow as a believer and gave her hope many times. The collection can be read as a devotional or just for that moment you need a little encouragement. I found different ones very helpful.

~ G. Winlolt

This daily devotional book is one that touches your soul and helps you to connect to everyday things that help us to remember Him wherever we are. It is a wonderful gift for those strong in the faith and those just blossoming.

~ Anonymous Customer on Barnes and Noble

Thank you for sharing your life and walk with Christ through your books. After meeting you and reading your first book, I feel I can call you friend. God bless! 

~Pam J, September 2019

Foreword

Ilike to call them God-incidents. You know, those moments where you feel the presence of God in a powerful way during your everyday activity, or perhaps it’s when you’re having a difficult time in your life and someone unexpectedly contacts you to see how you are. Mary has a gift for looking at these God-incidents in her life, interlacing them with scripture, and putting them down on paper.

Mary and I met several years ago at a spiritual renewal weekend called, The Walk to Emmaus, and have served together on several more of these weekends. It was during one of these Walks that Mary shared one of her writings with me; one of her God-incidents. Mary shared with me she had several more if I would like to read them. I was deeply touched by what she had written and how she related scripture to the events. I and several others encouraged her to continue writing and put the writings together in a book. I’m glad she listened and followed through.

One of my favorites happens to be Bird Poop. Yes, you read right. Mary’s husband, Jim, challenged her to write a devotion about bird poop and she did just that. She related how we step into those unexpected problems in our lives and we feel like we are in the midst of bird poop. I’ll let you read the devotion for yourself to see how Mary has taken those God-incidents in her life, related Biblical stories and scripture to them, and woven them into the wonderful book you now hold in your hands.

When you finish reading, I hope you will embrace Mary as a friend and come to see similar God-incidents in your life as well. I am proud to call Mary my friend and look forward to sharing more with her in the future.

Pastor Kathy Reiff

Introduction

Bloom Where You’re Planted is a group of stories about my life and the lessons God taught me along the way. Life has so much to offer. Many of us wish there were only good times, but if there weren’t trials in life, when would we grow? My prayer is that you will see Christ woven throughout the stories and my life. You will find an assortment which includes: Childhood memories, parenting, travels, country living, farm life, and the joys of grand-parenting. Our journey on earth offers so many twists and turns, and I always try to see God’s lessons in the little things.

I find joy when a harvest is plentiful or a vacation view is breathtaking. These moments bring me peace and great reflection upon the graciousness of Christ. At the end of the day I can rest in God’s arms and meditate on verses such as Psalm 4:7–8, You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Sometimes life offers us sorrow and pain. Though walking through the difficulties of life can be trying, it is during these times we grow. God didn’t promise all our days would be filled with joy, but He did promise to always be with us. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Peter 1:6–7).

Solomon, in his wisdom wrote Ecclesiastes 3:1, For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. This verse is true for each and every one of us. Life is filled with everything from unspeakable joy to great sorrow. The devotions which follow will show a glimpse of the wonderful hand of God as He helped me set deep roots of faith, even in the rocky soil of life. I thank God for both the blessings and the trials in my life, for without both I would not be where I am today—firmly grounded in Christ ready to BLOOM wherever God plants me.

I pray the words which follow, will help you Bloom Where You’re Planted as well.

Gold Band

At the age of eighty -five my mother, Mildred Conklin, was faced with a very tough decision. The doctors discovered she had a large aortic aneurism just above her heart. Her choices: Risky open-heart surgery or take her chances that it wouldn’t rupture. The odds weren’t good with either option! My mother said, I don’t have a choice. I’m not done living for my great grandchildren yet.

She opted for the surgery and was moved to a larger hospital in Columbus where surgery soon followed. As Mom was about to go into surgery the nurse asked her to remove her wedding band. Mom said, No, you can just tape it. It has never been off my finger.

The nurse explained that Mom needed to remove the band because it would burn her finger if they had to shock her. Mom reluctantly agreed, but told Dad that he had to remove it, because he was the one who put it on her finger sixty-six years ago. So, Dad removed the wedding band and gave it to me.

Following a seven-hour surgery, Dad was escorted to see Mom in recovery. The rest of us were winding down the hallways to a waiting room. Suddenly Dad and his escort appeared. Dad wanted to put the ring back on Mom’s finger, and I still had it in my purse. He put the ring on her finger but it was once again removed due to the swelling in her hands. Three days later, and upon Mom’s request, Dad permanently put the wedding band on her finger again. What a testament of love and commitment!

The band is worn and tattered. After sixty-six years of marriage the gold is much thinner than that of a small paperclip. It is so fragile and no longer quite round. There is nothing beautiful about it to the eye, but great beauty lies within. It represents hard times, good times, hard work, raising a family and all the trials of life. It is a symbol of their commitment to their marriage vows. Vows which were taken and upheld to the highest standard.

Just as my parents are married and committed to one another, Christ asks the same of us. In the Bible, we are often referred to as the bride of Christ. He desires a covenant relationship with each of us. One such example can be found in Hosea.

I will betroth you to Me forever;

Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice,

In lovingkindness and in compassion,

And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness.

Then you will know the Lord.

(Hosea 2:19–20 NASB)

Can you hear God calling you into a love relationship with Him in these verses? Just as the gold band represents commitment to my parents, God asks us to be fully committed to Him. It is a lifetime commitment to walk with Him daily. We will face trials, but when we are devoted to Christ, He will strengthen us.

Trust in the Lord and do good. 

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the Lord, 

and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord. 

Trust him, and he will help you.

(Psalms 37:3–5)

Commitment. It can be a short-term commitment, maybe a few days or weeks to complete a task. It can be a sixty-six-year, death-till-we-part commitment like my parents. But a lifetime, loving relationship with God will be like no other commitment you will ever make. He will lead you and cover you with grace during times of failure. Please make a promise to the Lord today by praying, Yes Lord, I love you with all my heart, and I trust You. I will follow wherever You lead me today and always. Amen.

Oh, the wonderful places He will take you, once you give yourself to Him wholeheartedly.

Tears

It amazes me how God’s Word continually speaks to my heart. He knows exactly what I need to hear and when I need to hear it. During my Bible reading this morning, a verse spoke to me. I have read the passage before, but today it became a verse of great comfort, one which shows a very compassionate God. All of us have been through difficult