I have an herb garden....well, I have an herb garden planter. It's four clay jars stacked in a pile. Really cute. But so far, I haven't been successful in growing anything in it. I have seeds planted now, though. And I'm hopeful.
Every time I walk by it, I wonder if I need to do anything for it. Does it need more water? Should I move it outside? Did I plant the seeds deep enough? I know it's going to take a little time to get going, but still I wonder if there is anything I can do to help it along.
Maybe that's how God feels about me. He has given me everything I need....His Word (to know Him more), a loving family, great church, friends that build me up...But when will I take off and GROW?! I'm so glad He is patient! I'm so glad that He is the gardener. (John 15:1) That gives me hope!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Little Duckies
My neighbor has a pair of ducks. They roam all over our yard, eating who knows what from between the blades of grass. They are fun to watch. Sophie and the cat will watch them from our deck for hours. But yesterday, I spent quite a bit of time watching them too.
I first noticed them because of the noises they were making. There was a steady low quacking, with sudden outbursts. It almost sounded conversational. They were nosing around in the pine needles quite a bit. Gathering little pieces of "stuff" and bringing it back to one particular spot. They were nesting! The female would settle in, then get up and search for things to add to the nest. As soon as she would leave the nest, the male would run over and sit in it. She would head back in that direction and he would move out.
Now these ducks are pets. They have a little fenced area where they spend the night. Their owners watch over them and keep them watered and fed. There's really no way that they could lay an egg and hatch it in my backyard because they have to go home at night. But they were doing what they are designed to do. Making a nest in a secure spot and laying an egg. Just like the seed in Lesson 1, it does what it is designed to do. Grow into a plant; stalk, head and the full kernel.
Don't you think it's safe to say, that if God has designed these creatures with a specific purpose in mind, he certainly has a purpose for our lives? We may have goals and dreams that we are working toward each day. But we will only reach a complete and perfect joy when we allow Him to lead us into the specific plan He has for us.
I first noticed them because of the noises they were making. There was a steady low quacking, with sudden outbursts. It almost sounded conversational. They were nosing around in the pine needles quite a bit. Gathering little pieces of "stuff" and bringing it back to one particular spot. They were nesting! The female would settle in, then get up and search for things to add to the nest. As soon as she would leave the nest, the male would run over and sit in it. She would head back in that direction and he would move out.
Now these ducks are pets. They have a little fenced area where they spend the night. Their owners watch over them and keep them watered and fed. There's really no way that they could lay an egg and hatch it in my backyard because they have to go home at night. But they were doing what they are designed to do. Making a nest in a secure spot and laying an egg. Just like the seed in Lesson 1, it does what it is designed to do. Grow into a plant; stalk, head and the full kernel.
Don't you think it's safe to say, that if God has designed these creatures with a specific purpose in mind, he certainly has a purpose for our lives? We may have goals and dreams that we are working toward each day. But we will only reach a complete and perfect joy when we allow Him to lead us into the specific plan He has for us.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Spring has Sprung!
I think it's finally here. Every year I like to share a little poem about Spring with my friends. I wanted to do it 2 weeks ago when I thought we were done with winter. Glad I waited, because that was a false alarm!!
Spring
The golden rays of sun
The sharp smell of the green grass
The bright sight of the red tulips
smell so delicate
Rainbows spread their beautiful colors
The clear drops of rain
Drop to the earth below
Spring is like a dream in heaven
Dovie White
January 2001
Getting ready for this new study, The Word about Gardening, has been fun for me. And a little confusing. Jesus speaks to the people in parables. And so, it takes some insight to really get the message. But that is what is so exciting. It's a Living Word and speaks to each of us individually!!
God uses the simple things to teach us. And even though we may not have green thumbs, almost everyone has a certain knowledge about how things grow. The kingdom of God, the Power of God and the Love of God are all described in terms relating to gardening. So as we get our hands dirty in our earthly gardens over the next few weeks, let's be sure to look for ways that God is teaching us about the spiritual garden.
Spring
The golden rays of sun
The sharp smell of the green grass
The bright sight of the red tulips
smell so delicate
Rainbows spread their beautiful colors
The clear drops of rain
Drop to the earth below
Spring is like a dream in heaven
Dovie White
January 2001
Getting ready for this new study, The Word about Gardening, has been fun for me. And a little confusing. Jesus speaks to the people in parables. And so, it takes some insight to really get the message. But that is what is so exciting. It's a Living Word and speaks to each of us individually!!
God uses the simple things to teach us. And even though we may not have green thumbs, almost everyone has a certain knowledge about how things grow. The kingdom of God, the Power of God and the Love of God are all described in terms relating to gardening. So as we get our hands dirty in our earthly gardens over the next few weeks, let's be sure to look for ways that God is teaching us about the spiritual garden.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
It comes in threes.
Haven't you heard that. Bad things come in threes. And it seems like that is how it plays out. Well, I just read the story of Balaam and his talking donkey. Three shows up there!
Balaam is called upon to put a curse on the Israelites. God tells him no, the Israelites are my chosen people. Leave them alone (paraphrased). But after a second group comes to beg for Balaam's help, God permits him to go. However, Balaam can only say what God permits him to say.
Balaam has God's permission to travel back to the land of Moab with the princes of Balak (the guy that needs help conquering the Israelites). So he is not anticipating any problems with his trip. But, for some unknown reason, Balaam's donkey veers off the road, into a field. Naturally, Balaam does what any donkey-rider would do. He beats her into submission and goes on his way.
Soon, the path they are traveling comes to a very narrow spot. Balaam's donkey presses close to the wall of the passage and crushes Balaam's foot. This makes for an angry rider! He beats her again.
A third time, the donkey behaves in an unacceptable manner (she just lies down and refuses to move). Balaam has just about had it! He beats her again and then....he gets the shock of his life. His donkey talks back to him. She asks,"What have I done to make you beat me three times? Am I not your donkey? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?" (Numbers 22:30) And then, God opens Balaam's eyes to see the danger that the donkey has saved him from. An angel of the Lord was in the path, prepared to kill Balaam.
The angel had a message for Balaam. Really a repeat of what God had already told him. "Speak only what I tell you." Drastic measures to get the message heard. Aren't you glad that God will go to such measures to get our attention? I am, because I know that I'm not a good listener. I'm not proud of that fact. I want to be a better listener and move when God puts something on my heart.
But in the event that God ever uses Sophie (my puppy) to get a message to me, you'll be the first to know!!
Balaam is called upon to put a curse on the Israelites. God tells him no, the Israelites are my chosen people. Leave them alone (paraphrased). But after a second group comes to beg for Balaam's help, God permits him to go. However, Balaam can only say what God permits him to say.
Balaam has God's permission to travel back to the land of Moab with the princes of Balak (the guy that needs help conquering the Israelites). So he is not anticipating any problems with his trip. But, for some unknown reason, Balaam's donkey veers off the road, into a field. Naturally, Balaam does what any donkey-rider would do. He beats her into submission and goes on his way.
Soon, the path they are traveling comes to a very narrow spot. Balaam's donkey presses close to the wall of the passage and crushes Balaam's foot. This makes for an angry rider! He beats her again.
A third time, the donkey behaves in an unacceptable manner (she just lies down and refuses to move). Balaam has just about had it! He beats her again and then....he gets the shock of his life. His donkey talks back to him. She asks,"What have I done to make you beat me three times? Am I not your donkey? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?" (Numbers 22:30) And then, God opens Balaam's eyes to see the danger that the donkey has saved him from. An angel of the Lord was in the path, prepared to kill Balaam.
The angel had a message for Balaam. Really a repeat of what God had already told him. "Speak only what I tell you." Drastic measures to get the message heard. Aren't you glad that God will go to such measures to get our attention? I am, because I know that I'm not a good listener. I'm not proud of that fact. I want to be a better listener and move when God puts something on my heart.
But in the event that God ever uses Sophie (my puppy) to get a message to me, you'll be the first to know!!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Victories in Our Lives
Victories take many forms. The Branson Men's Basketball team has experienced victory on the court this year and will play in a Championship game tonight. The people of Egypt recently experienced victory that they hope will lead to more freedoms in their country. Just last week, my cousin received victory over a drug addiction that plagued him most of his life. While studying about Nehemiah's victory, I came across this quote....
"Every victory in our life should take us deeper into praise. If we are not praising God more, and more deeply, with each passing year, are we really having much victory? Maybe we are making it "through" tough times - but coming out more bitter and sour than ever. That is not God's victory! His victory leads to a sweeter spirit, and deeper praise! "
David Guzik’s Commentaries on the Bible
The victory of finishing the Jerusalem wall in 52 days was clearly a God victory. It couldn't have been done by man alone. This makes me stop and consider my own victories in life. What good are my victories? I want to be a part of God's victories!
Now, I believe, everyday I am engaged in what will be another of God's victories. My part, as Mom, is to train my children in God's ways. To love and encourage them. To live a life that centers around God, not one that only lets God in on Sundays and holidays. (Duet. 12..loosely paraphrased) My children are some of God's Victories. Some of his finest work! (A little bragging? Shouldn't we all feel that way?)
So again, I look at my life. God has carried me through some tough things. He has shown me victories in my life. And as I rely on him more and more, I see how truly great He is. I see how He loves me. And I see that the victories that matter are the ones that cause me to praise Him more!
So again, I look at my life. God has carried me through some tough things. He has shown me victories in my life. And as I rely on him more and more, I see how truly great He is. I see how He loves me. And I see that the victories that matter are the ones that cause me to praise Him more!
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