In The Garden

I've been trying to get in the habit of reading a devotion in the afternoons and spending a few minutes outside each day. Ya know, 'getting rid of the day' before settling into the night. It's amazing how quickly we can take on responsibility and pressure that doesn't belong to us. And it's equally amazing how only a few little minutes can reset the tone.

Long gone are the days that 'I need a drink' to unwind. -I mean I probably need to unwind more often, but for the most part, I've been sober for almost three years now. (Minus very few exceptions.) The new habit didn't necessarily coincide with exchanging the old but multiple adjustments allowed for one thing to completely replace another- or perhaps what I hoped the other would provide.

Last year, I started tinkering in my uncle's garden. I've never been a gardener before. But it seemed a shame to let something so beautiful sit unused just because he wasn't with us anymore. Especially, when he loved it so. -LOVED US so, and being able to provide for us, through it.

This year, it's been calling my name, and I couldn't wait to get started. Having this place so close to home is easier to find my way to. I can't tell you the peace I feel simply being near it. A new significance already seems to be blooming. -What a way to honor him, by making something of it.

And as my mind wanders over the details that I'm sharing, I can't help but notice that you have to look at your past and where you've come from, to see where you are and how it lines up to the path to your future. There is a connectedness in progress and in becoming.

I sat on a bench in the garden tonight and read the devotion below. I originally intended to share the pictures with a short caption, but again the connection evolves... into something else.

The truth is, I see a lot of similarities in my uncle's garden and our Fathers. Out of his great love for us, he hath provided and promises us his own kind of rest under that provision. In a sense, HIS realm is your garden. We may have to choose to leave one thing in order to accept another. But even the smallest change on our end can produce something so unexpected and so gradually in the making that you might not notice. --And then all at once you do.

Again there is honor in believing that he is able to do just what he promises. You may produce something as a result of your time there with him but somehow all the while it is YOU that does the growing.
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“THEY will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” ‭(‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬) -Thank you Father.

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I supposed you can save the pictures below for tomorrow. Will you find another 15 minutes?

Certainly, you could spend your quiet time anyway that you feel led to but if you need a little direction, try this: Go somewhere outside. Read a devotion or passage of scripture. Then set a timer and put the phone away. Do nothing. You can take a picture before or after if you'd like but it can't be part of the timed session. Do no other task. If you pray during this time, I would even limit that to only thanking God for the things that he's taking care of. 

Blessings to you!

Day 1 | Helping Hands, 2016

Day 1 - For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. - Philippians 2:13 [Amplified version] 

***

Throughout the Bible, trees are used to represent Godly examples of the Lord’s people. Jeremiah 17 says “her leaves are always green”. Proverbs 3 refers to “trees of life”. Isaiah 61 says that “we will be called Oaks of Righteousness for the Lord’s splendor”.

Yet trees are never seen frantically running around, worried, preening or even applying miracle grow to themselves. In fact, when you study a tree, you might note instead that each of them is born with a crown, even before it appears. Their arms are always raised and their usefulness and beauty multiplies as it ages. So long as it remains in the Son’s light, as intended.

The Bible also tells us that we have fruit and that others will know us by it. Instead of peaches and blossoms, we will one day produce, love, joy peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
 

Matthew 6 tells us that the Lord provides for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. They neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns and yet our heavenly continues to provide for them. In just the same way, He is what produces the goodness within each tree. Whether it’s in the ground or within you or I.

Think about it

1. Do you spend as much time with the Lord meditating on what a scripture means to your life as you do memorizing the order of the words? Or the same amount of time trying to get in the presence of the Lord as you do getting perfect attendance at school? 

2. What if simply being obedient to the things that the Lord wanted you to do, made all of your other efforts that much better. As if while you were taking care of his commands, he was taking care of your other tasks. Trusting him to strengthen you his way, allowed you to produce a better result elsewhere, even if there was less time or resources?

3. How much of your day is spent in the Son’s light? What would you need to change/rearrange in order to get more time in it? Are you willing to do it, why or why not?

___

These devotions are used during personal reflection time at the end of each day during Helping Hands Mission Camp.

Growing in Christ | 1 John 2

Hi there! I'm reading 1 John 2 this morning and I'd like to share with you 7 things that will help you grow your walk with Christ. So grab your Bible and follow along!

1. Repentance - (v2) This guy is the most important. That's why every walk begins right here. Whether you just accepted the Lord and you're trying to figure out where to go next or if you've been walking with the Lord for 50 years; Repentance is the first thing to check, when your walk isn't feeling so "Fresh". It's not just confession but once it's brought to mind and confessed; we should also turn from the thing you are confessing.

Not only does repentance help to remove the wedge of sin so that there is nothing between you and God. Repentance also helps to keep us humble by reminding ourselves that we too are sinners. This makes it easier to love others, particularly when they aren't so lovely. It also aids in teaching us how to depend on Christ. When we are weak, He is strong.

2. Obedience - (v3-6) - "We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands in a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." 

I really don't need to add to that. But the point of Jesus dying on a cross was so that the Holy Spirit could come and live with us. This Holy Spirit is full of power and can help us overcome any situation or sin. So, if the Holy Spirit lives in you and you are spending time daily with the Lord, you will not be sinning in the exact same manner as before.  I say exact because we are all sinners. We will all still have sin present but you should be able to see areas that you have overcome in time. (So should others.) As God reveals an area in your life that is sin, you should have the strength to overcome it and then on to the next.

It's also a good exercise to start a timeline for yourself with all of the main points about your relationship with God. You can add to it any personal milestones, etc. Not only will this encourage you in those dark areas but it will also give you a skeleton to build your testimony on.

3. Check your love walk - (v9) "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness." My commentary says that "Love is the key to walking in the light because we cannot grow spiritually while we hate others. Our growing relationship with God will result in growing relationships with others."

It sounds good on paper or a blog but stop to consider your past week. You may have gone to church or spent some time with the Lord praising him for how awesome He is BUT-

Does your neighbor make your blood boil?  Is everything that you've said to your husband this week snarky? Do you have a short fuse with your children? Have you gossiped about a co-worker? Real love reaches out and looks for ways to make a relationship work- not how to avoid it!

If you're struggling in this area, let me tell you a very simple prayer: Dear Jesus, I see that this area of my life is sin. I struggle to love, like and/or be near _______. Please help me see and even love him/her the way that you do.

Then look for ways to build that bridge or reconnect!

4. Not being held back by yourself or the devil - (v12-14) Look, it says here that all of the junk in your brain that keeps you from moving forward has already been defeated! This includes your past. We're all weak and imperfect by ourselves. But remember we're not alone. The helper is with us!

You remember what happened to the guy that hid is talent, right?  Yes, you do have talent! So, don't even go there. You just might not have developed it yet. (You get that when you practice it.) So, insecurity, sin, doubt-  We all have it! You're not isolated or special. Whether it's service, preaching, befriending, or anything else you're feeling led to do, show some faith that God will meet you in it and give Him the reigns.

And the devil well, he's just a liar. He's the one probably whispering all of the above stuff in your ear. Jesus overcame him too. So just walk on by.

Don't let the Devil's lies rob you of God's promises!

5. Not Loving anything in the world (v15) - Wait, What? Didn't you just tell me to love my brother and sister?  Yes, and we know they are all "in this world" like you and I. It is good to love others. It's natural to also love your hobby, your job, your collection and your car. -BUT you can't let that love come before God. So, when you get your paycheck on Friday and you really want to go to a show but you only have enough to pay tithes OR the tickets. Well, your love for God should be bigger. When you're having a temper tantrum and you only want to do what you want but a friend or even a foe has a need, your love for God should help you overcome yourself so that you can put your brother or sister first! -But in contrast, if you feel like the Lord's leading you to do something, you can't not do it because of what someone else might think. You must put the Lord first.

6. Not Denying God - (v22) So, I don't want to skew this. Clearly this verse is describing the antichrist as someone who denies that Jesus is the Christ. BUT for the purpose of growing in your walk, I'd like you to scale this item back to simply "Denying God" in general terms.

Not denying (or withholding) God can be a tough one, even for seasoned believers. You know when you're starting out in faith. You're curious enough to get more into it but you're just not sure that you want others to know about that side of you. So you don't mention God. Later, we might have times and places that we feel more comfortable with doing so but certain situations can still make us hesitant.

Yet, the "soul" purpose of our walk with God is to raise disciples and other believers; to save the lost and to glorify His name by pointing everything back to Christ himself. If you [we] can't mention Him, you're missing a critical nutrient in your own soil.

If you need a little encouragement here Philemon 1:6 says that your testimony builds YOUR faith. Revelations 12:11 says that the Devil will be defeated by the blood of the lamb AND the word of their testimony. -Both involve your pretty little lips and the word of God!

7. Reading the word - (v20-27) John 1:1 says that in the Beginning was the Word [When He first spoke it] and the Word was with God [As the Trinity] and the Word was God [His Name]

His word is still alive and active! It was all that he used to form the earth. It's all that he uses to speak into your heart and transform life. It's all that you need to call upon in a moment of strength! Whether written or spoken the word of God is who God is!

If you're not reading the word, how on earth can you know what it says? How can you possibly know him?!

The best part is...

While 1-7 might sound like a bunch of rules, if we continue in Christ as it says in the final verses of this passage, then these items actually become the fruit of that effort alone. Something revealed after or throughout our walk, not done only in order to have one.

You will want to repent because you won't want any wedge between you and God (1). You will want to do what Jesus did (2) because your interests change and your ways begin to mirror his; which includes loving others (3) and trusting in God not our self (4), putting God first (5) and bringing everything back to him (6).

So spend your time in the word friend and let his water simply wash through you; bringing life to the roots of your soul.

***

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

Photo Credit: Taken from here: http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Seedlings and then modified.

The hole in your heart | Testimony

Because I believe in the power of Testimony, I'd like to share a little about a recent experience. It's not just that God is working in my life but that I think sometimes it's so hard to see how personal he is. This will probably result in a long list of details strung together but I hope that it helps to confirms for someone that our God is indeed is a close, living, loving, personal God. (The hairs of each and every head are numbered; He knows when we sit and when we rise; That he has a plan for each of us and knows us by name.)

Two weeks ago, I went to an annual training for Living Light Ministries in Newport News, VA. Before the music was playing, I was already crying. That might not be a big deal but I have become very emotional or sensitive in the last few years and when I cry, it's not a little trickle, it's a flood. I know that there is something more to it than me just being "emotional". It was a confirmation.

Before the training takes place, Sharon Thomas gets up to give a little testimony from her own personal life. She tells a story about getting to the bottom of a tube of face soap and how God stretched it, her and her faith over an extended period of time. And she says "Through Christ, God has put more inside of us that what we can even imagine. Are you willing to squeeze your life a little bit so that God can get more out of it?"  Yes, Sharon. I am! I've been squeezing. God's been squeezing. I know there is more! -Confirmation.

So this ministry is actually a group of 3 sub ministries. Cherished, is a ministry focused on women in the sex industry. Jail friends is a friendship ministry to women that are currently incarcerated. Building Bridges with Books is a ministry that helps women, who are in jail, bond with their children through books.

We listened to each of the leaders describe each of their ministries and how each of outreach has grown over the past year. Because this is a ministry, it is important for all volunteers and leaders to stay in bible study and to memorize scripture. All the leaders & volunteers of the Jail ministries stand up and read a chunk (not a verse) that they have memorized. It sounded like most of Philippians 3. I read Philippians 1 that morning and Philippians 2 the day before. It could've been coincidence but -It hit me like a confirmation.

[Bunny trail]

I've also been at a cross road with my job. Not only was I promoted last year to a management position but it has somewhat led to a crossroad of self. I knew that I was supposed to take it but also knew that it was the end of me either at the bank or as I know myself. That feeling has continued to bubble up as the path unfolded. Then just this summer I hit a place where I suddenly knew that I had to quit. I even told my Supervisors. But at I sit at the intersection of "quit", I also see the sign "not yet".

It has led me to seriously soul search, pray and dream with God. It has led me to work with HR and my managers. It has led me to attend a Christian based counselor and I have even begun the process of being tested for ADHD because of some of my struggles in this new position.

So just this week in the first phase of the ADHD test, I sat with a counselor who reviewed my childhood history. I want to preface this by saying that I resist talking about others in my life on this blog because I don't ever want to paint someone else in any kind of light that might be un-glorifying to them. -Especially when there are other details far more worthy of being shared. (Like how much we've all grown since these events!) But in order to get this, like it got me; I will need to share a little of it.

As a child, I moved nearly every 3 months. I went to 18 schools between 4th grade and my senior year (and that includes skipping a grade). My father was in the Navy and out to sea for years on end but because of his upbringing he didn't know how to connect with me and so we went YEARS without speaking, writing or any kind of contact. My mother who also, because of her upbringing, and who also may have experienced a nervous breakdown in my early childhood, was also not able to be available to me; sometimes emotionally but sometimes also physically. Then by the time that I was in high school, she too, attended a job out of state with my step father.

I was an only child and so not being able to speak or even see people that you live with, particularly at such a young age (elementary school), it made it difficult to connect, communicate, or feel loved or worthy, yada, yada. The rest of my family was a thousand miles away. There was no one else around. I made friends easily but had trouble staying connected to anyone and anything. While I blame moving, I don't think it was because of any one thing or something that was or wasn't done. Please know that it wasn't because my parents didn't try or didn't want to but-

As an adult it has skewed the way that I connect with others. In that sometimes I connect too closely, even in awkward gushes or maybe inappropriately to some (even complete strangers) while not being able to connect fully or consistently in some ways to others. (Like sometimes even with members of my own family.) (I'm not labeling here. It's just a tendency.)

So this counselor says that some of the things on my report cards like "talks too much" and "poor reading comprehension" and "fidgets"; yes, they are symptoms of ADHD that present usually in elementary school BUT sometimes children in chaotic environments show all of those symptoms even though they are not ADHD because they have trouble regulating themselves. You learn how to regulate from your parents. And well, I just don't remember seeing much of mine. We talked about a book called Attachments and about how sometimes those early connections and attachments continue their rhythms even as adults; even if or after we make peace with the past. Sometimes...

Suddenly the last year flashed before my eyes-

As an adult I forced myself to be rooted in so many things because I wanted to connect to something FOR GOOD. In this last year, I felt God lead me away from a church that I have been at for 10 years. He led me from a position that I have held for 12 and possibly a career that I've held for 14. I lost my oldest dog and cat. (I had never had a pet that we kept until it died.) I lost one of the dearest, kindest, heroes, anchors and blessings that any family could have. And I've even gone through a new loss with my mother as she goes through her own radical journey. Just as it seemed we were making momentum in our own relationship; she returned to Florida to embrace her roots. This is something that I know she needs to do.

Then on top of that it has been a season of flat out chaos. It is no wonder that I feel like I am falling apart and can't keep myself together. God is poking around in one of the most tender places of me, breaking all of those legalistic things that I needed to hold onto and breaking connections that I needed to make so that I can learn to hold onto him instead.

I mean really- WHO and WHAT are we to be attached to anyway???

And EVEN NOW, with every one of those connections breaking, that little piece of me comes back that cannot regulate my response to what is happening. Even the things on my report card are coming back like, talking too much, fidgeting, and not being able to remember or pay attention... haha. -Crying and getting angry in all the wrong places. Getting my words so mixed up that I say something so contrary or not even on the same page as what I want to say; feeling so awkward that it just spills out without my own knowing that it might happen.

Oh man, a little validation and con-fir-ma-tion!

[End bunny Trail]

So as I listen to the women describe these breakout sessions, it sounds like the Book ministry started to take off about last fall. It was last fall that I first discovered and wanted to attend this training. Life was just too stinking busy! hmmm confirmation?

What you don't know about this ministry is that in some of these jails, children under the age of 16 are not permitted inside. Even for visitation if their mother is incarcerated. Read that again! Heartbreaking!

This ministry takes NEW books to these women. They get to pick which ones they'd like to read. Then we record mothers reading them. We burn it onto a cd and then mail it to their children so that those babies can hear their mama's voices.

And well, I've had this knowing that I need to do something in grief related studies (like post abortion and sexual abuse studies that I've led). Needing something to humble me as a mother so that I can connect even more with my children. I saw myself suddenly as a child that longed to touch her mother being able to help a mother make that connection with her child. And maybe somehow being able to help one of those women look into her own grief to find this same God I am getting to know.

I was reduced to a pool of tears and confirmation.

Stefani, the Leader of this ministry, read her anchor verse from Isaiah 61:1-3 and when she got to the piece about the Oaks of Righteousness- well, if you know me at all; you know that I have a thing for trees. Confirmation.

But also in this season of dreaming with God as I have considered writing greeting cards; blending my love for good corny cheer with the sword of scripture in order to encourage someone else in their dark place; I have also started writing a children's book about trees and she referenced a verse that I was considering putting in the closing pages. -Could that be another confirmation?!

But then I look up and what do I see above her head but a message on a white board about trusting God. A message that he is recently been telling me again and again.

Confirmation!

***

You know it's hard to try and tell someone "I heard this..." or "I know this...." -Especially when it's not like finding a rock in the front yard and physically being able to show someone the shape and size; so that they can hold it for themselves. (Anyone can see the same words in scripture, right?)

I also realize that it sounds like a bunch of weird signs and coincidences that I maybe forced to add up to this perfect conclusion. And just for the record, I don't recall ever hearing an audible "go and do this" from the Lord.

But if I tried to explain it-

One of my favorite movies is The Family Stone. There is this scene where Dermot Mulroney (Everett) and Clair Danes (Julie) are talking. She tells him a story about a guy in Alaska that carved an amazing totem pole, he felt called to do it, saying that he felt like he had a hole in his heart and it was something that he needed to do in order to sleep at night.

And well, sometimes, it's the hole in the heart that calls. You might not know about totem poles or grief or book ministries or even x, y or z. You might not even know exactly what it is that calls. You can stuff that hole with hobbies and purchases or sedatives and it will still twist like the pea under the princess, keeping you from rest. -Or you can give it to God (and let him in) and still move forward in some way that might glorify him, even if it's still only hobbies and doing something. The difference is that when you allow God in, even the twisting is different when you know that someone is in it with you.

As for me, I felt led to take the promotion. There were a lot of things that I didn't know how to do. I tried to fill the space with more practice, more responsibility and trying different things all geared around the job. I felt a hole but maybe I confused it with the inadequacy that I felt in that position. Something else was calling and the hole was stretching to reach it. 

2 things stopped the ache.

The first was that I verbally said "I quit". Whether that was just permission to myself to let go of how I would fit the mold or a step in faith that really leads to quitting, I am not sure. -But I had to be ready to do it and the words had to leave my mouth. He may very well have just wanted to see if I was willing to give up one of my roots for one of his.

The second thing that I did was contact Established Footsteps ministry. It was the first call that I made and I wouldn't have done it if I didn't think that I was quitting because I wasn't sure how I could squeeze in one more thing.

While I have ideas, I don't really know the sum of those 2 things together. But if you follow that whisper- (you will still make mistakes and struggle with time). BUT WHEN you seek the Lord, HE puts it together when you get to that junction that he needed you to be at. Then he will bring out all of these confirmations like tidbits that you've collected along the way. Then he will suddenly present them in a new order, like he rearranged a room with the pieces from your basement. You recognize every single piece and you just know....

When that happens, it stills storm to a whisper and satisfies the thirsty.

My testimony here is not just about landing on the right scripture at the right time. A group of a hundred people can stand up and read random verses and never have one hit you. -But when it's for you, the Holy Spirit moves you from the inside out. And it satisfies more than all the physical things that you could have picked out for yourself. Even if they were perfect!

In fact if you go all the way back to a verse in that 3rd chapter of Philippians where this started, you will see:

"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage that I may gain Christ."

Yes, he really is that good!

If you're being squeezed friend and having trouble knowing which end is up; just keep seeking God. You might even ask if one area of your life is out of balance. Are you unintentionally giving more attention to one area of your life while perhaps even something else is calling? Give that to God and press forward in those areas. I bet you're closer than you think!

My Tuesday Challenge for next week will actually be 8 pages of Daily Devotions that I received from this training. So check back early next week and you can start before Tuesday. :)




P.S. If you haven't seen that movie, it might not be appropriate for everyone. It has language and some scenes that are definitely not for family viewing. I'm not into raunchy films and this one isn't raunchy but there are some scenes that make me flinch just thinking about them and it's been a while since I have seen it.

Credits: 

I actually hijacked the description for the movie from cinemacatechesis.wordpress.com 

Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/163607398939677190/

Why Do I Even Have To Ask...

I will never forget working some years ago for a construction company that was building a golf course in a nearby town. One of the Sales Reps and I didn't get along. Everything he said and did drove me crazy. I am certain that I must've frustrated him too. I don't know how it started but the minute that I saw him, I would cringe. Throughout the day, I was full of snarky comments and sighs whenever he came my direction. (It's not a better side of me, I know.)

One day I finally let him have it and I told him all of the reasons why I didn't like working with him. I don't remember now what was said or even why I had an issue in the first place. I do know that while it felt good to "get things off my chest", it felt cruel to have such an ugly opinion of someone and even worse to share it.

That evening I went home and prayed. I asked for forgiveness for my attitude and for God to not just change my heart but to make me see my co-worker the way that God saw him. It was nothing short of a life changing prayer for me.

I didn't end up staying at that job for more than a year. But I did apologize to the salesman and we became friends before I left the company. That prayer has become a staple in my mental "prayer book".

It seems silly sometimes to ask for forgiveness. Especially when we think we're right or justified. We might ask God to make people or situations change for our comfort but in that prayer; I was asking God to change me in order to fit the circumstance. And looking back, it felt like he did it, instantly.

I don't want to cheapen the power of prayer but every time that I think about that story, I think of the following scenario. How many times do we go to a grocery store looking for something in particular? We search the isles and end caps and all the little places that we think something might be. When we can't find it, we do one of two things. We either leave without it or we go ask someone where it is.

But what happens when we ask?

When we finally get the nerve to go ask for directions, we're more inclined to follow the instructions (or follow the one leading us back to the thing that we were looking for). While this picture might sound too simple, I've found prayer to be quite similar. All I have to do is ask. I either get an answer or I don't. If I don't, I keep looking and praying. If I do get an answer, I usually try to follow the conviction on my heart.

But asking turns my heart toward the solution.

Our stubbornness is sometimes amazing isn't it? Early on, I too, would say "I won't pray for that because God is busy and he has better things to do" or "He already knows what's on my heart". While it might sound on the surface to be so trusting and faithful, underneath it kind of takes the accountability off of us and pushes it back to God, huh?  "Let him fix it".

But let me share a verse with you- Matthew 7:7 says “Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  There is a little action on our end in each solution. 

Anyway, when I was looking for the image to go with this post I found the one below. I just love it. Especially because it's pertains to trees. It's a wonderful reminder to be rooted in prayer but let me also encourage you with it. We might want a Giant shady Oak on top but sometimes God needs to change or grow the roots a little underneath in order to sustain the tree. While I know that I will always be a work in progress, I am thankful to not be the woman that I used to be. It is all because of his hand in my life.

If you are in a situation that you've been resisting prayer over, please take a moment to fix that now. If you have been asking in prayer but aren't seeing the solution that you were hoping for, consider what you've been asking. Does God need to change something in you instead?

I'll be "rooting" and praying with ya! ;)

Eating the fruit

Most of us are fairly familiar with Proverbs 18:21. "The tongue has the power of life and death..." My impression of it has always been contrary to the old sticks and stones rhyme; what you say really does have the power to hurt someone (death) or build them up (life).  Even when we allow that verse to have more meaning, we still might only consider its direct impact on others and not ourselves. 

        But
  did you
          know???

There is another half to that verse. It says "and those who love it will eat its fruit." 

This addition might sound more like a do unto others; if you speak life about someone else then others will speak life about you. Or if you are careless, and/or use your words to hurt others, then they will come back to you the same way.  

While some of that may be true, I'd like to suggest an even deeper meaning...

In 1 Samuel 18:8-10 an evil spirit enters Saul because of Saul's jealousy and anger over David. Because Saul allowed those thoughts, it opened a door for an evil spirit to torment him. 

If that kind of damage enters because of our thoughts, how much more can we open ourselves to life and death by letting thoughts become more? Our verse in Proverbs 18:21 says those who love it will eat its fruit.

Well, I know many (self included) that love to talk but eat...?

To eat does not mean that we give to someone else, or wait to see if you can cover it up, or make it different later. It means to put inside. -That by letting our thoughts manifest into an action or a word, we will put something inside of our own bodies, soul, & spirit in that moment. Opening our mouth, opens us up as well.

In fact the verse immediately before it says From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

In the same way that what you eat determines how well you nourish your body; your harvest of words will nourish your own soul. 

Boy that is literally a lot to chew on. Bad-ump-bump!


So what does that look like in our day-to-day? 

I can't remember where it came from but I once heard the statement that you can't complain and praise at the same time. Have you ever had a song stuck in your head....?  Why not come up with a "go to song" to change your tune in the heat of the moment. The minute that a groan starts to take shape, recall the song and just start singing... Its okay if your don't know a "Praise" to sing. You can look for one. Until then, even singing "Old Mac Donald" would keep you from the groan. ...um, success! Until you learn a praise song. Or just say "Hallelujah" or "Jesus" over and over.  After all, there is something about that name.

If scripture is a weapon why not speak that instead of gossip or possibilities or fears? Hebrews 4:12 says that "The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." I don't know about you but I'd like to be and occasionally need to be separated from some of my thoughts! If it will help me separate- YES PLEASE!

But what if we also tried a little role reversal and let the conversations with our friends stay in our mind while talking out loud to God instead? Or how about word reversal, if you need social activity; how about deliberately looking for someone to encourage, compliment or pray with regularly instead of just talking about the weather or the day.

Not to drag this list out but it appears that I'll be finishing this post on Thanksgiving. In honor of that, what if we said more than just "thanks". What if we were deliberate and intentional about who did what, why it was so significant and how that has left us for the better? In fact check out this video. Gosh, why can't we do this every day!?

Lastly, we tell ourselves that less is less but sometimes, it is truly more. Proverbs 17:28 says "Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues." Meditate on that and see where you might need to hold back a few words, even if they might not all be "bad" ones.

Because of that verse and this theme about the "fruit of words" I think this picture is the perfect finale. When I was a child my parents had fruit trees. I remember them removing buds and smaller fruit before it could fully mature; even when it looked completely healthy or was just beginning to bloom. Yet, this was done so that that the fruit remaining on the tree would become bigger, sweeter and even more nutritious. Not only is it better for the fruit that is produced; but too much fruit could actually damage the tree. 

In both scenarios it is the fruit that can damage the body from which it came. Let us all meditate on this post. I hope the words really marry together in your heart and mind. What words might we keep or let go of; and how would doing so guard not only our health, but also our offering to others and to the Lord? 

I hope this post is a blessing to you. Thank you so much for reading. I wish you safe travels and a beautiful day spent with those you love in celebration of ALL of the Lord's good works!


Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, THANK YOU for yet another opportunity to be thankful not just for what we eat of the physical world but also for what is given in nourishment by spirit. Bless not only the fruit of the earth, but also the fruit of our mouths and of our hearts. Forgive us for overlooking the deceit in our tongues. Let even the most private places of our heart be a PLEASING offering to you. Teach us how to apply the "righteous" living that we all crave. Let us discover MORE of your power and glory in our day to day. Let us be awed in love for you and your people. -Then to propelled to give from the thankfulness that overflows within. We love you Lord. Thank you for your many blessings!


If you enjoyed this, you might also like 2 other timely links that I've come across this week. 

• A sermon on how Thankfulness opens us up to God (click the sermon from 11/23)

• An Article on the The 7 evils of a complaining spirit copied from a book, "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" by Jeremiah Burroughs

photo credit - Thanks to my sweet, sweet Sophie. :)

Redeemed

This morning on my way to work, I just started thinking about how much my life has changed in the last couple of years. -How much motherhood has changed me. -How much faith has changed me.

Sometimes on a blog it might seem like I think too much about myself or my things but there's verse that says to remove your own plank before looking at another. That verse has really meant something to me. How can I get closer to God? Isn't that plank the wedge in between? How can I remove as much sin as I can from my life? Obviously there are still places where I still have lots of sin but don't we all...

Then a song comes on the radio that says "complete me because I'm yours completely..." It just seemed to embody EVERYTHING that I've been learning. Shifting into. It's like YES, that ONE line is the key. Just look at how much God has bridged all of these gaps in my life and filled all of these voids and is still filling.

I think of the post that I wrote about my husband, and a marriage between a man and woman or Christ and the church; how I didn't know that I was so untrusting. The closer I get to God, the more I realize just how far away that I was.  ...somewhere else.

We turn into my mother's neighborhood and Jackson is fascinated, pointing and yelling from the backseat "Whuts-dat mama? Whuts-dat?" I look out my window and notice the fog and it is so thick that it looks like a blanket hovering above the field. In just the way that the light was shining, it was so thick and so pretty.

Sophie and I roll the windows down and I pull over to take a picture with my cell phone. There is this tree and it's really not even a pretty tree. Infact a good part of this tree is dead but the way that it's in this light, it just stands out so separately and it looks so different to me. I know what it is but I see something else instead.

And gosh that's what faith is [doing] to me!

I can't put that more into words. I've tried to answer that question for such a long time. What is faith? While I have no stinking clue about so many other things, I am so thankful to be at this place now! The tears form in my eyes and then they spill over and run down my cheek.

Another song comes on by Big Daddy Weave, called "Redeemed".  Sophie turns to me and asks me why I'm crying. All I can muster up the words to say is, because I love God that much.  -And the look on her face... I wish that I could have frozen it right there. It was a look of  total satisfaction. As if she was glad that I knew that answer.

I continue on that one of my sincerest prayers is that she and each of her brothers and her Daddy love God that much too.

Then we continue to listen to the song. Then she asks me what the word redeemed means. It was such an emotional discussion. Don't you remember waiting as a child to be just a little bit older or even an adult. Waiting to make decisions and waiting to be big. Then you get there. Somehow it's not every where you thought you would be; you're still waiting for another place.  -Waiting to find something.

But just like that tree, when you get into the light, SUDDENLY, you've been found. Loved in spite of your flaws. Right where you are, gaps overflowing. Wanted. Saved. Bought with his blood. Cherished. Forgiven. Healed. Delighted in. Chosen.

Redeemed...

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. -1 Peter 4:8

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. -Proverbs25:2

Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.

He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

He reveals deep and hidden things;

he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:

You have given me wisdom and power,

you have made known to me what we asked of you,

you have made known to us the dream of the king.

-Daniel 2:20-23

The Life Of A Tree

The Life Of A Tree

7/21/13 – Original

8/6/13 - Verses
10/1/13 - Revised

The following passage was taken from a study that I taught.

"Imagine a large and lovely tree, a tree that invites creatures to come and nest. A tree whose leafy arms hold the promise of comfort and rest. A person who is a shelter is one who affords those that enter her life the joy of relaxing in her love. She has come alive to her longings and the beauty of offering her soul without contempt or pressured performing. This aliveness is not a fruit that she uses to adorn herself. Rather, it is for the explicit purpose of having more to give to others for their well-being and to God for his Glory." -Dan Allender, The Wounded Heart.

I actually carry around a copy of that passage because it speaks so much to me. There is also a different picture of a tree that I post in various places to remind me of this.

In the last few weeks, I've really felt like God was trying to talk to me about trees. I am captivated by every one that I see. Collectively and separately, I am stirred with so much thought and adoration. 

I can't help but wonder what that would be like? -God making me into a tree. If I were a tree; what kind would I be? An oak is usually what comes to mind, even though I haven’t necessarily decided.

You know the old adage that "You are the company you keep."  If I spent more time in the presence of trees, could I in fact become more like them?  What are some characteristics that I could gain? -Might I already have? 

I started coming up with the following list, starting with the most obvious. Consider it slowly. I hope that it speaks to you as well.

1. It’s the greatness of a tree that people imagine, not the sapling or damaged areas. - 1 Peter 5:10

2. Able to sway but never bend. - Romans 12:2

3. Arms always raised. - Psalms 63:3-4

4. Food/nourishment is always evident in fingers. Scattering seed. - Titus 2:1-5

5. Appearing to ‘dance’ through the blows of life. - James 1:12

6. Strong enough to hold a house within arms, or a nest, or two. - Proverbs 3:18

7. Sought for admiration, pleasure to a child, shelter from sun and rain, or as a choice material in building. – Philippians 2:1-4

8. To be a necessity to others in order to sustain life. - Proverbs 31:20

9. To only produce such quality and high value resources. - Galatians 5:22-23

10. What doesn't get consumed by others has potential to become the next offspring. - Deuteronomy 4:9-10

11. I've heard that if you follow the longest limb on a tree, you fill find that it covers the longest root. What a smart tree to always protect what makes it stand. – Psalms 91:2 (Check out the whole chapter).

12. Injuries & disease turn into interesting knots and scars. – Mark 5:19

13. Trees do not restore and repair wood that is injured and infected. Instead they compartmentalize off the damaged tissue. They don't work to replace those cells, they just grown around it! - Romans 6:4

14. Even decay can be used for the benefit of others. – Romans 8:28

15. Within the bark, appears to be a grooved road map for others to follow. -From the ground, up. - Isaiah 26:7

16. Only growing up. Never looking back. - Philippians 3:13-14

17. A tree does not waiver. It always stands ground. – Hebrews 10:23

18. Anyone can tell, simply by looking at the tree, what kind of tree it is, or that it is in fact, a tree. - John 15:5

19 It knows the difference in seasons, waiting and producing. – Hosea 12:6, Galatians 6:9

20. Flourishes in light, wilts in darkness. - 1 Thessalonians 5:5

21. Lives –only- on God's provision. – Matthew 6:11

22. The wood of a tree is an arrangement of living, dying, and dead cells. (Sounds just like our habits, huh?) – 2 Corinthians 4:12

23. To make no sound ever, except when moved by something. - Proverbs 15:4 | Branch

24. Born w/a crown. (The name for the upper portion of a tree). - Romans 8:17

25. Most of where I would retain water would be underground, hidden from sight. (I couldn't resist.) - Psalm 139:15-16

26. Trunk would be skinniest part. (Oops it happened again.) - Psalms 147:10-11

27. There's a fullness inside that only God gave. It can't be filled with money, food, compliments, etc... - Ephesians 3:16-19

28. That fullness is what gives the tree its strength. – 2 Corinthians 4:16

29. Satisfied with stillness. – Psalm 25:4-5

30. Some trees are self-pollinating, but they will often produce larger yields with a cross pollinator. – Philippians 4:13

31. Oak Trees grow incredibly slow. If they are overshadowed by bigger trees they spend most of their energy just trying to grow tall enough to see the sun. They do best when they are directly in the light and separated from other trees. – Psalm 27:8

32. For the rings, the past is tucked away on the inside, no one would know unless someone sought its heart. – Luke 9:62

33. Never stops maturing. – Job 12:12-13

34. Always a pleasing fragrance. - Ephesians 5:2

35. Most can weather any storm. They may be changed but not destroyed. –2 Corinthians 4:7-9, Romans 5:3-5

36. It's what's the roots are in, that determines how quickly it grows, how large it becomes and what it can withstand. - Matthew 7:24-27 | Branch

37. Trees trap more of the sun's energy than any other group of organisms on earth. (Son’s energy) - 1 John 4:4

38. One large tree can lift up to 100 gallons of water out of the ground and discharge it into the air in a day. (Living water & Profession) – John 7:38

39. They produce enough oxygen for 2-4 people to live. - Proverbs 11:30

40. It's the way that the crown is worn that makes a tree appealing. - Matthew 5:14-16

41. However, it's chosen for the consistency of the heart. – Proverbs 18:16

This might be another list that I come back and add to over time. Feel free to come back and check. I hope that it was a blessing to you.

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”

- Jeremiah 17:8