We Are God's Garden

  I love gardens, even though I feel like a horrible gardener!  I have good intentions.  After the garden plot is cleared, I plant my seeds in reasonably straight rows and wait for them to sprout.  With Spring comes gentle (sometimes not so gentle!) rainfall which waters them and the warm sunshine causes them to pop up through the soil.  I get so excited as I check on them and see the growth.  Of course, there are also weeds, although at this time they are fairly manageable.  I bend down and pluck out the tiny nuisances and move on.

Life intervenes and it seems I’m days before I re-enter my garden and suddenly there are more weeds than plants from the seeds I’d planted!  As I pull the weeds, I also often, uproot the fragile plant sitting next to it.  

Our faith ministry is a lot like this, I think.  We consciously plant a seed with a friend, neighbor, or even a family member.  We have good intentions, and often do reach out a week or so later to see how they are doing, but then something happens, and we realize it’s been a month or more before we even make contact again.  The nurturing of the seed we’d planted was left to ‘grow’ on it’s own.  Instead of being ‘gently watered’ by God’s Word, they’ve been left to feast on what the world offers, which is not close to living a godly life.

Sadly, this can even happen to us, as Believers.  We focus on study and stay in touch with God through prayer and reading His Word, until that fateful day when life changes our pattern.  It just takes a day to throw us off balance and we find when we finally return to what was ‘normal’ it isn’t normal at all.  Our fingerprints show up on the cover of the Bible, our note taking or thought processes we last had are dated over a month ago!  

We are left wondering what happened and why we are struggling with life’s ‘happenings’ and why we can’t seem to reach God with our prayers.  Truth is, even when we aren't ‘doing anything spiritually’ things are still happening.  When we don’t nurture our spiritual health daily with what is good and right, then those things which are detrimental to our spiritual health have a ‘hey day’!  

Satan jumps with glee as he begins walking through our thoughts, twisting and turning what we know is right and true, into something vague and now blurred.

Our life shows only signs of weeds and poison plants which threaten to uproot what was a beautiful garden within our hearts.  Life is harsh.  Our hearts become hardened and the cultivation of what was a vibrant spiritual garden is being thwarted by our choices of what is important.  This upheaval not only affects us, but those around us, including someone we’d witnessed to months before.

To keep growing we must keep an active process of being in the Word, in prayer and spending time with other Believers.  In this way we are able to better spot those pesky ‘weeds’ that sprout and ultimately shift our roots and sometimes completely stop growth and begin a quick decline of all that was right and good!  This is true not only for those with whom we share the Gospel, but within our lives, as well.

Photo Credit :Gardens

For Such A Time As This

  Many Jews around the world celebrated Purim a couple weeks ago.  It began on Thursday March 13 and carried through March 14th.  Purim celebrates the time, years ago, when Jews living in Persia were on the verge of being annihilated.  Haman, one of the king’s men, had an intense hatred of the Jews and had a plan to eliminate them entirely from the area. 

Mordecai, Esther’s uncle learned of Haman’s evil plot and implored Esther to help save her people.  She was now queen, but the king was not aware of her Jewish heritage. Mordecai told her, (paraphrased) ‘Perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.’ (Esther 4:14)  After much prayer and fasting she agreed.  She’d kept her identity secret but risked everything, even her life, to save her fellow countrymen.   

When I consider what Mordecai said to Esther, it makes me wonder if that statement can’t be for each of us, as well.  Sometimes we are very unhappy about our circumstances.  We feel trapped or insecure in our workplaces, or dream of doing something entirely different than what we do every day.  Perhaps we live in the mountains and want nothing more than to live near the beach.  We may be a bank manager and desire only to be a in the music industry or a hundred other possibilities which seem totally impossible .

Yet, in Esther’s case she was chosen, like many other young maidens at the time, from around the kingdom to become part of the king’s harem.  Once she arrived, she, along with all the other candidates, went through a 12 month beauty preparation!  Six months was dedicated to oils; and six months of perfumes and cosmetics. Ultimately, Esther become royalty.  She was beautiful and had the king’s attention!  

Today’s world, with all the modern technology, would have revealed the one flaw Esther had in her background check….She was Jewish!  She had kept that part of her identity hidden!  Yet, it was just this sliver of information that enabled her to save the Jewish community!

Has it ever occurred to you that maybe, just maybe, there is something unique to you, that God can use where you work or where you live, or even in the realm of people you know, for the Kingdom?  We are each given unique gifts and abilities with which to serve.  But could there be a chance we could be used for more, if we had the courage to totally trust God with our very lives?

Esther’s beautifying regimen did not change who she was on the inside, although there may have been quite the ‘makeover’ on the outside.  Haven’t many of us ladies dreamed of having a ‘makeover’ so we could ‘feel’ more beautiful?  Would this feeling enable us to risk doing a daring thing for the Kingdom, or would we just revel in the experience of looking incredible?

It’s not about being ravishing on the outside; it’s about being ‘beautiful’ on the inside.  It’s about having a ‘God heart’.  It’s about prayers; searching about what God wants us to do and how we are to present ourselves first to Him, and secondly to our worldly peers here on earth—‘for such a time as this’.

Photo Credit: Purim

Wearing Shoes For The Kingdom

 

         My husband loved shoes!  Each was worn with a specific purpose. He had different styles for different functions or different colors for different occasions.  He had dress shoes for church or other dress occasions, sneakers for fun, easy walking, work boots, hunting boots, lots of slippers of different levels of warmth, dress boots, cowboy boots, work boots, shoes that tied, slipped on and even a pair or two of velcro!  

Paul talks about shoes in Ephesians 6.  He calls them the ‘shoes of preparation.’  When I think of shoes, I am pretty adamant about not wanting to be without them while I’m outdoors!  I want something on my feet to protect me from bugs, hot or cold surfaces, sharp stones or holly leaves. (We have a lot of holly trees in our yard and while I love them, I loathe stepping on a holly leaf which has fallen to the ground!) 

We are told over and over again, to walk in the way of the Lord.  The Bible instructs us to walk as Jesus walked.  Back when Jesus was on the earth, he wore sandals.  The roads he traveled were dusty and long.  In one story we hear about his feet being washed by tears (Luke 7:36-38).  Even in the Upper Room, Jesus washed the disciples feet. (John 13:1-17).  Surely this indicates care of our feet are important.

But wearing our shoes, which obviously protect our feet, are a symbol of the ‘Gospel of Peace’.   The Good News is supposed to be spread by all Believers.  When we ignore taking care of ourselves we are unprepared (physically, emotionally or spiritually) for ‘going out’ to share God’s Word.  How then, can we ‘walk’ or simply ‘go’ to share about the Kingdom?

Further we are described as ‘soldiers in God’s army’.  As soldiers, we are to put on ‘the armor of God’ which includes shoes, that help protect us from literal, physical harm, on where we ‘walk’, but also in the sense, that we are covering any space an arrow from Satan could pierce us--and you can be absolutely certain, if he can get an arrow of any type of hindrance or temptation in, he's going to try!  By being ‘shod with the Gospel of Peace’ we are equipped to enter the spiritual war zone, where we must travel.  Our shoes allow us to walk without fear to—and in --places we’d never travel barefoot!  

While it’s true, because of our very modern devices which disseminates information in an instant; we as Believers, must still carry the message to those who need to hear it.  Just as it was personal for Jesus, it should be personal to us. 

As we carry out our ‘marching orders’ given us by Jesus, himself, we are provided the means to fulfill the mission before us, regardless of the, sticks and stones, briars and thorns Satan will absolutely put in our path in an effort to reduce progress and success.

Are you ready to put on the ‘armor of God’, including shoes which you need, to traverse areas unkind to your feet—-and ultimately your faith!?  Prepare to share the Gospel fully equipped, by wearing the full protection God has provided!   By doing so we can each make a difference right in the ‘little corner of the world’ where we live!

Photo Credit: Men's Shoes

I Am A Child Of God

        I know I am a wife, mom, grandmother, friend, student, quilter, writer and along with what seems like twenty other hats I wear.  I have no problem identifying my very human characteristics which define me.  Yet to say, “I am a child of God” seems surreal.  It is something so profound when I say it, it doesn’t seem possible.

There are scriptures which I’ve tried to memorize which validates this truth, because long ago I did accept Christ as my Savior.  It’s something I’ve believed for as long as I can remember, yet the idea that God calls me as one of his, and specifically His child is amazing.  

I reflect on my human parents.  My mom took care of me as an infant and my dad was wonderful in situations where my mom wasn’t strong.  My siblings and I were close, while we were children and I’m grateful.  It isn’t much different with my Heavenly Father.  God absolutely takes care of me, Jesus gave his life, so that could become truth for me.  The Holy Spirit is also always close by for comfort and direction.  Each one of the Trinity ‘grows' me like my earthly family.  And add to this my ‘church family’ and other Believers, I have a huge family on whom to rely and take counsel from, should I need it---and ask for it!

Once this reality totally sinks in, I can acknowledge God cares about my tears, my questions and frustrations.  He finds joy in my successes and will reprimand me when I sin, through conviction.  His gentle arms surround me when I need a hug and his heart breaks when mine does.  He knows my weaknesses and my strengths; and knows how to use my flaws for his good.  He cares about the little things just as much as he cares about the big ones.  

He teaches me through his word, through experiences, and other Believers.  He not only cares about my questions, but will lead me to the answer if I’m willing to look for it.  God cares about our heartbreaks, economic status, death, diseases, sin, and yes, even me.

Even knowing all this, as I face days that seem overwhelming in their struggles, I cower.  I want to just hide.  How self-centered of me!  I should instead be standing strong and face my struggles like Paul did when he was imprisoned.  He would sing!  I often can’t sing when I’m sad!  Songs seem to accentuate the element or level of my despondency and discouragement. 

Still, when I physically pick up His Word or cry out to him, I am overcome with a calmness that is almost palpable yet indescribable.  I feel washed in His Stillness.  Then I am able to rest, physically and emotionally; and perhaps more than that, I'm able to accept all the spiritual rest that His comfort brings.

As humans, we sometimes find it difficult to rely on the comfort of a God we cannot see with our eyes.  Yet, when we look around at all his provisions every day, even moment by moment we can accept this truth for what it is.  We are a family and I am a child of God.  One day I will be with him in Paradise.

Photo Credit: I am a child of God

Growth In Suffering

        No one likes to suffer. Yet we are all, at some point in our lives, suffering.  There is death of loved ones, illnesses of family or friends, financial problems, broken relationships, physical deformities or mental illness, abuse, and a long list of other ways a person can experience pain and hardship.

David, the author of Psalms was not a stranger to grief, pain and despair.  He was hunted by Saul, made huge human mistakes and paid the consequences of his sin, which included losing a son, and so much more.  Job was tested by God and lost everything!  And even Jesus was no stranger to temptation, pain, agony and suffering. 

He [Jesus] came in human form so he could experience fully what we do as humans.  This act of obedience was painful from a human perspective, but even more so when you consider the price he paid on a cruel cross for the redemption of the human race!

As we experience pain and deal with the burdens of life, very often we learn who we are, what we’re “made of,” perhaps what we want out of life and what is important.  It’s what we do with what we learn, that can turn the tide for someone else.  Our suffering can be a place where we learn not only sympathy for someone going through a similar trial, but empathy.  God can use our burdens to bring others, who may not know him, to come to a place where they recognize their need for him.

We are able to give comfort, where otherwise, we probably would not have known how to respond.   In some crisis situations, very often we tend to consider who we are taking care of, and forget to take care of ourselves.  This compounds our misery.  We lose sleep, sometimes weight, due to our lack of focus on self-care.  We then, like those we are tending, become ill, even if differently. Our ‘agony’ overrides good sense if we don’t do something about it.

I have a friend who has dealt with a husband who had PTSD for years.  He finally went to counseling and has medication to deal with his illness.  She on the other hand, has never seen a counselor for her own emotional upheaval for all those years.  I learned recently, after visiting the doctor for another reason, she is finally going to see a counselor.  This doctor saw something that triggered red flags, and asked the right questions..  

She needs to work through her feelings, and God will likely use this!   Yet, for all this person’s grief and suffering, she holds fast to a God who carries her when she can no longer walk!  He holds her in the palm of his hand, and that is so reassuring; not just for her but all of us!  

God says he is strong in our weakness.  I see myself as weak.  I’m outgoing, yet find myself filled with anxiety and fearful, when life is filled with mayhem.  We should all be holding fast to the Father, so that when life spirals out of control, sending us to the depths of despair, we can be like Jesus and say, ‘Not my will, but yours, Lord.’  That’s where I want to be.  

Photo Credit:  Suffering

El Shaddai

        Names and how they are given, are fascinating.  This not only applies to people but places. In the earliest days of urban development in what's now the United States, streets were often named for landmarks, like Church, Market, Monument, Canal, Wall, Court, Dock, etc. or obvious topographic or hydrological features like Hill or Water; or references to the street's position like East or Middle. Often major streets were named for symbols of power and authority, like State, King or Queen.  After the American Revolution, the names of heroes and leaders like Washington and Jefferson also served this role.  Martin Luther King Blvd is in many cities while Dolly Parton Blvd is found in TN and Jeff Gordon Blvd is in IN.

           Often, seeing a monument immediately causes observers to recall knowledge about the event or person.  The Crazy Horse memorial is just one example.  Many know who the Indian, Crazy Horse was, because of his history.  The same holds true for Mount Rushmore and others.

            It fascinates me how some Native Americans chose to wait to name a child until the child “developed” their name. Often the name had a personal or possibly a “sacred” meaning.  Nature was often used in naming, as were descriptions of the child or even birth position.  As a child grew, sometimes his name changed, even several times, as names were altered to commemorate a significant life event.

            In our modern world, as parents, we often choose to name our children with traditional family names, or from a TV show we’ve seen, after a particular person who has impacted our lives, or even Biblical names.  One family I know well, chose Azariah and Malachi for their son’s names.  How special!

Even our animals sometimes take a while to name.  We recently ‘adopted’ a white German Shepherd puppy.  Our former dog, of the same breed was named ‘Tatanka’ —because of the white Buffalo from stories…and photos of years past.  The dog was huge and aptly named after his namesakes!  While liking that name, I didn’t want to name our new one the same, so we opted for just ’T’ and that worked for a while, but didn’t seem long enough!  We tried several ’T’ names like Tornado or Tecumseh, but ultimately, he is dubbed, ‘Thunder’.  It fits!  He has these huge bursts of energy, like the roar of thunder!  It’s perfect!

            Have you ever wondered if your name reflects who you are?  When someone speaks your name might they recognize a particular characteristic that matches the name?  I suggest most would not, but it happens when considering the many names of God.  Each name shows a different characteristic of Him.  El Shaddai, a name used seven times in the Bible, is first used in Genesis 17:1 describing God as being “All Sufficient” and “Lord God Almighty.”  When used together we are seeing a God who takes care of all our needs with great strength and power.  He is a God who looks after His children with tenderness, yet with intensity and authority, just as we would see to the needs of our own children.

            As a human parent, however, we do not have the ability of working out all the problems our children have, or often, even our own problems.  We are not mind readers, don’t have a clue how things are going to end up and often don’t have a solution, to make everything we would like to accomplish, work!  We can only make decisions based on what we know, (or think we know), from life experiences and what we have been taught. 

God however, has a way of “showing up” just when we need Him! He seems to work out the details of a problem or issue in the most peculiar way that is ‘just perfect’….and in ways we would never expect.  This is possible because He does know the beginning from the end.  He knows our hearts, minds and motives.  And he loves us more than we, as parents, can love our own children.  He is God, and treasures each of us in our differences, our strengths and weaknesses, our likes and dislikes, abilities or the lack thereof.  He loves and accepts us just the way we are…..  and right where we are.   He is Lord God Almighty who is “All Sufficient.”

Photo Credit: El Shaddai

God's Awesome Power

  Some years back, my daughter was in a horrific car accident.  The damage to the car was incredible!  As the rescue team cut her out, I was terrified we may lose her.  Her major injury, however, was a broken arm.  I’ve repeatedly said God was in that car with her!  I express this view to Christians and non-Christians alike when I share the story.

The awesomeness of God is breathtaking.  The Centurion and guards near Jesus that Resurrection Day those 2,000 years ago were terrified and knew they’d witnessed the Messiah’s death.  But God’s power superseded all that was natural.  He caused the earth to shake violently, the curtain in the temple to tear in two, from top to bottom, and caused rocks to split.  The power of God is no small thing!

God’s power isn’t just demonstrated in big, supernatural events.  Sometimes they are as delicate as the opening of a flower or soft as butterfly wings or the tiny, beautiful snowflakes that fall from the sky.  He causes the sun to shine, food to grow from a tiny seed, and a gentle rain to fall.  Yet, this same God can heal cancer within a body, cause the blind to see, deaf to hear and the lame to walk.  

His awesome power has the ability to change the course of plans we humans make, for his purpose.  A friend of mine, as a young person, wanted to be a missionary.  While in college, in preparation for this field, she developed an autoimmune disorder that nearly took her life, but ultimately stole most of her sight.  She found herself asking “why?”  Her dream was noble, but God had other plans.  Her loss of sight put her in the center of the “disability people group” and she now ministers (and is missionary) to these special people.  God used her for his purpose and she is overwhelmed with gratitude, even though she can barely see. 

I’m a writer.  I wanted to write articles and stories and yes, even books.  His power, however, was displayed when he took my writing abilities and turned it toward the special needs people group.  

It is here where “Paxton the Prairie Dog and friends” share and learn about special needs and disabilities for children.  This was not my plan, yet God has used me to make a difference in a genre I knew little or nothing about, but where I have the opportunity, to make a positive difference.

If we open our eyes and recognize Jesus, who indeed died on a cruel cross, we too, can witness this awesome power.  God's power was inside the car with my daughter that day, years ago.  God kept that car from collapsing in on her when she hydroplaned, lost control and flipped over while trying miss a deer.  He was with my friend when she became horrifically ill with an autoimmune disease and he’s with me daily as I write.  He's with you when you are following his call for your life, if you can't see the 'why'.

God’s power is awesome.  He demonstrated this when his Son died on Calvary and resurrected Him three days later.  He continues to demonstrate it in our lives every single day. All we need do is open our hearts with faith, open our eyes to see and open our ears to hear and then...be receptive to his voice.

Photo Credit:  God's Awesome Power