Spring is blossoming here in Central Florida. We can see waves of pollen float through the breeze. Our cars, clothes and everything in sight is covered with a golden dust of pollen. AAAAHHHHHCCHOOO! It is warm and we need rain! Rain would wash the air and help us who breathe to fill our lungs with oxygen again!
The last few mornings I awoke to the birds twittering outside my window. There is a tiny purple flower growing in the middle of my yard. A mother opossum has set up house in our shed and new babies are on their way! The earth is alive with new life!
I wonder sometimes why God made the earth to live in cycles. why not make it Spring always? Or maybe Winter ? I enjoy the changes and I do think each season teaches us something of God. In Spring I see His desire for life, His resurrection power, His creative color combinations, His love of musical sounds, and the truth that His mercies are new every morning! I am delighted by my Fathers' gift of spring! I wonder how He could love me so much?
Spring is a gift from God like the surprise gift of flowers from my husband! It doesn't happen every day , but it is a delight and wonder when it does. I feel loved, beautiful and ready to be with the one I love. It is my gift to Him to receive with joy!
Oh my Prince of peace, the lover of my soul, I receive You and all Your gifts with delight! Thank You for loving me! Thank You for giving me beauty and seeing beauty within me! Thank You for calling me to come away and spend time with You!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
John 15:5
I am the vine you are the branches. If a man remains in Me, and I in him,
he will bear much fruit. Apart from Me you can do nothing.
Without God I have no existence, no life, no purpose, no being. I may try to work apart from Gods' influence, but without Him and I being connected, I cannot accomplish anything that will last.
This sentence begins with the word "Apart" and ends with the word "Nothing." In the middle is "Me" and You. " When I am in the center with God I belong to something marvelous and lasting, but away from Him I am apart and nothing.
I also noticed that within the entire verse we see a change. First it talks about "He" who remains in God and then uses the word "You." My questions were why does the verse change from he to you? Could it be that it is addressed to different groups of people? or is it addressed to all people?
I could put myself into both statements. I remain with Christ through my commitment to Him not just in name only. I also agree that apart from Him I can do nothing. Not everyone who reads this could be put into the first statement, because not every Christian remains in Christ and bears fruit. This statement seems to apply only to those who are committed to live their lives as disciples of Jesus and remain close to Him no matter the circumstances.
The second statement (Apart from Me you can do nothing) applies to all people everywhere! We cannot exist or accomplish anything of even temporary value without his sustaining power. We depend on him for our next breath, for our food, light, air etc. Our lives are in His hands even when we do not believe in Him.
Lord, Author of Your Word and Holy Spirit , who speaks into my heart, I am amazed at You! I am awed by your workings in my heart and mind and soul and strength! You alone are the one I can turn to find truth and understanding. I believe You when You have said that I can do greater things because You are the one who accomplished those greater deeds when I am willing to remain in You. You have designed me for this very purpose: to do Your work, in Your way, in Your time. In this alone can I find satisfaction and delight. I give You praise and may the Glory be Yours!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Reunion
It has been 40 years since my High School graduation. I really don't feel that old! I do look like the years have grown on me though, and so I have been fussing about losing some weight, looking my best and making sure I present myself in a good light to people I may not see for another 40 years!
Is this reunion really about me? Is it about us as a class? Or could there be a spiritual side? Could it be that God has some work to do through me while I revisit the past? I would think it could be important to let my friends from long ago see the change in me for the better. I think God would be glorified if I brought a confident daughter of The King instead of the girl who wanted so much to please others and be accepted in the in crowd.
So, yes, I'll work on losing a few pound because I've been doing that already. Yes, I'll present the best of who I am. The difference is that I will go, not focused on myself, but how I can love others and make friends for God. I will choose to be kind, friendly and respectful of others. I hope to report back that God did a wonderful thing through my choice to honor Him over myself.
Lord of the past, present and future, You are to be glorified in all my days. Be the light and salt that makes a difference in our reunion celebration.
Is this reunion really about me? Is it about us as a class? Or could there be a spiritual side? Could it be that God has some work to do through me while I revisit the past? I would think it could be important to let my friends from long ago see the change in me for the better. I think God would be glorified if I brought a confident daughter of The King instead of the girl who wanted so much to please others and be accepted in the in crowd.
So, yes, I'll work on losing a few pound because I've been doing that already. Yes, I'll present the best of who I am. The difference is that I will go, not focused on myself, but how I can love others and make friends for God. I will choose to be kind, friendly and respectful of others. I hope to report back that God did a wonderful thing through my choice to honor Him over myself.
Lord of the past, present and future, You are to be glorified in all my days. Be the light and salt that makes a difference in our reunion celebration.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Free as a Bird
My feet are dragging through this Lenten List I have made for myself! I think it is time to set myself free and write something new and different.
Tuesday afternoon I watched a baby bird fly into our screened porch through the door my granddaughters don't take time to close. He hopped back out a short time later, evidently not finding anything of interest. The day before I watched a squirrel take a trip around the porch and then leave empty handed! I enjoyed watching the little critters, but I also did not want them to take up residence in MY space!
The experience brought to mind the scripture, "The meek shall inherit the earth." Psalm 37:11a It was as if they were house hunting. I'm glad it did not suit their taste in living quarters and I hope they will not direct their relatives or friends to check us out! Someday my worn out house may be a playground for them and their friends but it is not theirs yet!
I thought about what I could learn from this display of natures wildlife. I didn't recognize myself in the real life picture at first. I was sure God had sent these little friends for me but I didn't think it was because I was Cinderella, though I do sometimes feel that way! Later on as I prayed about my struggles, God reminded me of the tiny bird and squirrel. He told me that I was looking in the wrong place to belong. I want to fit in where I don't fit in. I want to try being someone I am not meant to be. It was time for me to return to Gods' place for me.
I can't be a happy squirrel living in a porch. I cannot be a free bird living in a confined space. The only place I can be happy and free is in God! He is the home I am looking for!
Father, I am coming home to You! I am rejecting the worlds' ideas about where I should go, what I need to be doing and what You have called me and created me to be! You will make me happy and free!
Tuesday afternoon I watched a baby bird fly into our screened porch through the door my granddaughters don't take time to close. He hopped back out a short time later, evidently not finding anything of interest. The day before I watched a squirrel take a trip around the porch and then leave empty handed! I enjoyed watching the little critters, but I also did not want them to take up residence in MY space!
The experience brought to mind the scripture, "The meek shall inherit the earth." Psalm 37:11a It was as if they were house hunting. I'm glad it did not suit their taste in living quarters and I hope they will not direct their relatives or friends to check us out! Someday my worn out house may be a playground for them and their friends but it is not theirs yet!
I thought about what I could learn from this display of natures wildlife. I didn't recognize myself in the real life picture at first. I was sure God had sent these little friends for me but I didn't think it was because I was Cinderella, though I do sometimes feel that way! Later on as I prayed about my struggles, God reminded me of the tiny bird and squirrel. He told me that I was looking in the wrong place to belong. I want to fit in where I don't fit in. I want to try being someone I am not meant to be. It was time for me to return to Gods' place for me.
I can't be a happy squirrel living in a porch. I cannot be a free bird living in a confined space. The only place I can be happy and free is in God! He is the home I am looking for!
Father, I am coming home to You! I am rejecting the worlds' ideas about where I should go, what I need to be doing and what You have called me and created me to be! You will make me happy and free!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Family Unity
Bloodline. Covenant. These two words are the glue of which families are made. The connection between parents and their children born from their union creates a bloodline and they become family. But there is also covenant parent/child bonding in adoption. The covenant of marriage joins a man and woman together in a way that connects them as one.
The unity of bloodline and covenant lasts even when we as sinful people rend in two the relationship. Pain and heartache are the symptoms that prove the union stronger than our will.
If we are connected by blood or covenant vows, we belong to one another. Belonging is a comforting word. It can be true that we belong to a church family, but if there is no covenant with Father God, we do not find family there. He has bound us with covenant and with blood so we can be in his forever family only if we choose.
The truth is that we can find family by happenstance or by choice. Who will we choose to forge covenant family ties? Will we be willing to be faithful to our families so that our unity will remain strong?
Family unity is a God inspiration! May it inspire us!
The unity of bloodline and covenant lasts even when we as sinful people rend in two the relationship. Pain and heartache are the symptoms that prove the union stronger than our will.
If we are connected by blood or covenant vows, we belong to one another. Belonging is a comforting word. It can be true that we belong to a church family, but if there is no covenant with Father God, we do not find family there. He has bound us with covenant and with blood so we can be in his forever family only if we choose.
The truth is that we can find family by happenstance or by choice. Who will we choose to forge covenant family ties? Will we be willing to be faithful to our families so that our unity will remain strong?
Family unity is a God inspiration! May it inspire us!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Family Crisis
Now that mom is getting up in years we are more frequently visited with the question, "What do we do now?" In planning for the comfort and care of mom we have found our family dynamics to interfere. Sibling rivalries, jealousies, and mistrusts spark emotions that cloud the issue at hand.
Shouldn't we have grown up and grown past these rusty old weapons for battles long over? Yes, we should, but in a single moment or a long ago heard accusation we bring out the oil and ammunition ready to make ourselves the hero. All the while, Moms' needs are being pushed aside for another day.
Dealing with an aging parent is stressful and sad at times. We do not want to face our own aging and maybe that is why we revert back to our childish ways. Could we be hoping that Mom in her fragile state will rise up and become strong, settling our squabbles with wisdom and a firm hand? Oh, that it could be so, but time does not turn back our strength like our emotions do.
Father God, I hear You whisper, "Let go! Let Me lead. Let my Spirit guide your emotions, your words, and your ways. Trust Me!" Thank You for taking us with You on this timeless journey. You are love and we who are Your children live in You! Let me learn Your ways, Lead others, and love You with all my heart and soul, mind and strength and others as I do myself.
Shouldn't we have grown up and grown past these rusty old weapons for battles long over? Yes, we should, but in a single moment or a long ago heard accusation we bring out the oil and ammunition ready to make ourselves the hero. All the while, Moms' needs are being pushed aside for another day.
Dealing with an aging parent is stressful and sad at times. We do not want to face our own aging and maybe that is why we revert back to our childish ways. Could we be hoping that Mom in her fragile state will rise up and become strong, settling our squabbles with wisdom and a firm hand? Oh, that it could be so, but time does not turn back our strength like our emotions do.
Father God, I hear You whisper, "Let go! Let Me lead. Let my Spirit guide your emotions, your words, and your ways. Trust Me!" Thank You for taking us with You on this timeless journey. You are love and we who are Your children live in You! Let me learn Your ways, Lead others, and love You with all my heart and soul, mind and strength and others as I do myself.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Family Heritage
A newborn baby is examined closely to see which traits he/she carries from other family members. As the child grows, remarks are often made that the child behaves just like his Daddy or just like Mommy. Our spiritual inheritance, though totally our own choice, is also influenced by others.
Growing up in a Christian home is not a guarantee that a person will follow the beliefs growing on the family tree. However, the open communication of beliefs can be the first step in learning to trust God. Parents are urged to train up a child in the way they should go. In my opinion it cannot be done unless the parents are also walking consistently in the way of Christ.
The question today is do we believe with the strong conviction that we are following God, and we desire our children to follow the truth? Or are we half-hearted believers who are willing to risk the eternal salvation of our children? If we believe, we must live it out. If we live it out it will influence our children and others as well.
Good Father, You are the firm foundation of truth. You can be trusted to fulfill Your promises. Since You are believable, You will be the leader and we will follow. As for me and my house we will serve You Lord!
Growing up in a Christian home is not a guarantee that a person will follow the beliefs growing on the family tree. However, the open communication of beliefs can be the first step in learning to trust God. Parents are urged to train up a child in the way they should go. In my opinion it cannot be done unless the parents are also walking consistently in the way of Christ.
The question today is do we believe with the strong conviction that we are following God, and we desire our children to follow the truth? Or are we half-hearted believers who are willing to risk the eternal salvation of our children? If we believe, we must live it out. If we live it out it will influence our children and others as well.
Good Father, You are the firm foundation of truth. You can be trusted to fulfill Your promises. Since You are believable, You will be the leader and we will follow. As for me and my house we will serve You Lord!
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