Tag: flowers

Let The Son Shine!

“For you were once darkness, but now [you are] light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,” Ephesians 5:8 NKJV

Today, I spent a few hours in the sunshine cleaning up the remains of my broken pear tree. My husband and two sons did most of the work. All that was left for me were a few stray branches obvious only to my woman’s eye.

My roses which nearly suffered a catastrophe are looking better than ever!  It appears they are enjoying the overwhelming sunlight now available to them. In addition, the increased light allowed my veggies to perk up with new vigor!

I prayed for that tree not to fall. God didn’t answer that prayer. However, with the tree’s size cut by half (we’re waiting to see if it will indeed survive) I’m reaping benefits I hadn’t thought of before.

This little event was a great reminder of how God doesn’t give me what I want but indeed what I need!

I wanted to enjoy the privacy the shady tree afforded my deck. I needed more sunlight for my roses and veggies to thrive!

Just like me and my tree, we often fail to allow God’s light to shine in some situations because we don’t want to be inconvenienced. We may convince ourselves we didn’t hear Him correctly when God’s directives don’t align with our desires. Or, we can fail to embrace God’s light all around us when we don’t understand our circumstances or find ourselves at a loss.

There are even times when we fail to let in God’s light because we don’t recognize it coming from people who don’t think like us or look like we do. How many blessings have we allowed to walk right past us because they were not packaged the way we “thought” they would be? Friendships? Opportunities?

God is faithful. God is merciful. However, I have yet to find Him predictable!  DSC_6310 (2)

Giving and receiving His light requires that we open up our hearts and minds to endless possibilities that are available through our God. The things we think are the least likely to happen are often the most remarkable of miracles.

Illuminating God’s love requires us to redefine who is “lovable.” If that only applies to your family and friends, your light isn’t going to shine too far. View other people not as they appear to you but as people created in God’s image.

The person you cringe at now may be the very soul that saves you ten years down the road! We are all changing and hopefully for the better. However, everyone goes through their own unique cycles of development. Some are longer. Some are harder.  Only God can see the our end from the beginning.

Even if you don’t bring yourself to expand your light beyond a small circle, don’t block other people from expanding theirs. A critical spirit rarely illuminates little more than a narrow mind. Don’t dampen the light in others. Dare to illuminate it. Multiply it!

Shine your light outward and draw others in.

“He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.” 1 John 2:10 NKJV

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:15 NKJV

**And in case you thought I forgot, next post is for the Sunshine Award 🙂

Broken!

“The LORD [is] near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalms 34:18 NKJV

Yesterday we experienced very high winds where I live. Thankfully, we didn’t experience the deadly tornadoes our neighboring states endured. These pictures were taken in my yard. This pear tree was severely broken. Its gaping wound is obvious. Unlike this tree, we don’t always display our wounds. Like the tree, the harsh winds of life can potentially break us away from our Source and we too can fall away. brokenbldins1

The fallen limb is wasting no time showing signs of decay. Its newly lush leaves are quickly dying. The same thing happens to us when we are pulled away from God. Without God, we can occupy space but not truly live. The limb dies when removed from the “body.” The same thing happens to us when we allow storms and winds to remove us from the body of Christ.

Sometimes we remove ourselves from God because of hurt inflicted by others. For many, it may be depression or other illnesses that leave them feeling ostracized and alone. Some people feel so overwhelmed that instead of running toward God for deliverance, fear or guilt sends them in the opposite direction.

This limb landed on top of my roses. They are crushed beneath its heavy weight. While this limb is no longer receiving sustenance from the tree, it is crushing the life and beauty that lies beneath it. Broken people can do that too.

Many broken people crush the hopes and dreams of others. Their wounds are so deep, they can’t remember when they were once a source of life to others. In their misery, hurt people hurt others. Many who are suffering don’t directly squash the people around them but instead attempt to block the Light that would allow others to thrive.

My roses will die if I don’t remove this limb soon. The dead weight does more damage the longer it is remains. It is not God’s desire that we break or crush those around us. In His faithfulness, God does what is necessary to protect us and others whether we like it or not.

You see, I lost another pear tree last summer. When it split (and fatally so) I knew I should prune the remaining two if they were going to survive. But I didn’t act in a timely manner when I was given the direction to do so. When we don’t do what we should, when we should, we usually suffer the consequences.

Thankfully, God prunes us to keep us from breaking! He cuts away things that we perceive as beautiful and wonderful because He can see the impending storm beyond the horizon. Without pruning, the world could pull us apart and possibly separate us from God! Without Him we can’t survive. We may be alive but we won’t thrive anymore than the dying limb across my roses. brokenblsdins2

Pruning is often painful. We rarely recognize it. We tend to analyze why when people and things we enjoy are gone. God prunes as necessary to keep us upright. God loves us and gives us grace and mercy to endure the cuts that ultimately leave us stronger, healthier and able to thrive for His Kingdom.

My healthy trees provide homes for several animals. They produce berries for the birds and rats squirrels to eat.  They release oxygen essential for life. For our spiritual health, it is necessary that God prunes us so we not only survive but also provide for others. 

We may lose a few limbs along the way. However, God prunes those who abide in Him for our own good.

Be mindful to not let broken people break you. Pray for them. Minister to them if they allow you. Recognize that every hurt isn’t about you but instead something inside the offending party. Seek discernment to recognize pain in others. There is no better way to show God’s love than to meet people in their pain. 

Finally, don’t break other people when you are hurting. Sometimes we experience bad breaks. There are times when God’s pruning leaves us feeling broken. Regardless of how a wound is formed, it takes time to heal. However, our God restores and comforts those who seek Him.

With God we can move forward no matter what bad “breaks” we are forced to face.

“For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease.” Job 14:7 NKJV

 

Believe!

“Jesus said to him, “If  you can believe, all things [are] possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23 NKJV”

When Jesus was crucified and laid in the tomb, His friends and family were devastated. It looked like His ministry was over. Jesus spoke to His disciples of the very events that would take place. However, His disciples didn’t “hear” Him. His friends and family couldn’t see His death in its proper context. They only saw an ending. They had no vision for a new beginning.

How often are we guilty of that very same thing?

We often face situations in life that appear dead. Joy may be gone. There may be no light shining on a particular situation. Even though God has spoken a dream into you, you can’t see any imaginable way it can come to pass.

Abraham and Sara didn’t see how they were ever going to physically produce a child in their advanced age. They didn’t see it but, they believed.

Noah couldn’t imagine just exactly what a flood was but he obeyed and built that ark anyway.

Joseph was sold into slavery and later thrown into prison. He couldn’t from his lowest point imagine his brothers bowing down to him. Yet, Joseph held fast to his faith and his dream become reality.

There are so many more examples in God’s Word of dead situations that looked hopeless but God wasn’t done.  God had a plan. God has plans for us as well!

The above photograph is of an Oak Leaf Hydrangea. I planted it years ago in remembrance of my father. It has grown beautifully over the years but now it is crisp, dry and lifeless.  Or is it?

  hly wk 2

If you merely glanced over this plant you wouldn’t see the small buds of life breaking forth. I think one of the reasons I actually favor this plant is because it is resurrected year after year. In fact the more “dead” branches on the tree, the greater the potential for blooms.

Now if God will do that for a plant, how much more will He do for us!

Believe that God cares for YOU! Believe that your life does matter! Don’t give in to fear over faith!

Resurrection is available for us!

Dare to believe because…He’s… NOT… dead!

Can You Stand the Rain?

“and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 NKJV

As I type this, it is raining and has rained all day. In order that we may receive the harvest and the bounty the rains make possible, we must first be able to withstand it. Everyone loves a sunny day. I am no exception. However, rain serves a purpose. Though often wet, cold and inconvenient, it is necessary.

There is no way we can withstand the storms of life and come out better than before without the Word of God. The above passage is from the parable Jesus taught in regard to those people who hear His truths and “do them.” It is not enough that we hear, we must carry out His teachings.

God’s directives give us what is necessary to stand the storm. His teachings are often in direct contrast to our own tendencies. God teaches us to have faith, trust and even love one another as we go through storms in life not just when we enjoy the good times. Without faith in God instead of our own abilities, most of us would undoubtedly wilt under the pressure of the storm.

When the disciples faced a storm in the very presence of Jesus they were afraid and panicked. Jesus was with them and still they were afraid. Jesus silenced their storm. Yet before he silenced it, He allowed it.  DSC_4401

The storm was an opportunity for the disciples to see the power of God at work before them.  I’ve seen the greatest miracles in my darkest hours, when my personal storms raged with no relief in sight.

Our rainy days and storms will pass eventually. When we allow His presence into our lives and have faith enough to hear and obey, His Word makes our storms are bearable. We can stand the rain!

If you find yourself rained on now or even feel like you’re drowning, what are you relying on? Is it other people? Your own abilities? If you haven’t already, try God.

God puts the rain in perspective. Some people focus so intently on their storm they never get past it. Even after the rains pass,  fear of another storm paralyzes them and leaves them feeling helpless,  afraid and unable to move.

Yet, when we focus on our Savior instead of temporary rains, we can endure. I challenge you to turn to God and give Him whatever storms  might be weighing you down. Don’t view your rainy days as if they are here to stay. Instead, view them as temporary and essential for growth and possibly a new harvest of better things to come.  DSC_4107

The Son/sun will shine and break through the rains.

“then I will give [you] rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil.” Deuteronomy 11:14 NKJV

I Would Like to Thank…

Last week, my good friend Sherri Matthews over at A View From My Summerhouse was kind enough to nominate me for the Awesome Blossom Award. Sherri’s kindness reiterated the fact that last year I have some unfinished business from 2013. The end of 2013 began the American awards season of Grammys, Emmys, Golden Globes and such.  Wouldn’t you know on the very last day of this awards season I’d be wrapping up this post as Oscars are being awarded in the background!

Sherri and I “connected” over my autism blog as we both have kids on the spectrum. Sherri and I also share our faith, a love for photography, and of course we both adore flowers! When she told me she nominated me for this award, I was not only flattered but delighted. I am very admittedly a flower fanatic.

The spirit behind the Awesome Blossom Award is one of community and friendship as we grow together and encourage one another in this journey called life. I’ve met some wonderful people through this blogging experience.

My nominees are:

Analytical Perspective shares so much! Her story and journey are inspiring. Her compassion for others shines through in every word. I’m so glad I “met” her here on WordPress.

This Ability Of Mine is written by a young lady who is the hope of every parent of a child with special needs. She writes about her kids who are on the spectrum and her love for them shines through. This young lady is destined to do great things in life!

Finally, Life in Portsong  gives me that feeling of community with every read. The writer and I “met” over a shared love of Blue Bell Ice Cream. We both have kids looking toward college. We both share a faith, love of family and a sense of humor where we don’t take life too seriously. His tales of Virgil Creech warm the heart. If you haven’t already, this blog is definitely worth checking out!

This award is the closest I can come to giving my nominees flowers. Your kindness, selflessness, consideration and sense of community bring this nomination and much love your way. Congratulations! May you Be Blessed as you continue to bless others.

The Dead of Winter

Pictured above is one of my favorite hydrangea plants. I planted it shortly after my father died over ten years ago and its beauty and vibrancy has brought me great joy. But it doesn’t so hot right now. In fact it looks very much dead.

Dead. Dry. And lifeless.

There are times in our lives when we have situations or circumstances that also appear to be dead. All of the energy we have placed into a project or even a person appears to have been wasted. The harvest we may have once anticipated from seeds sown may be non-existent.

The good news for each of us is even when we are in “the dead of winter,” spring will eventually come.

When we are at a loss, God is not. He has answers and solutions for problems we can barely comprehend, let alone solve. His love for us doesn’t stop and He never fails to provide and intervene on our behalf even though we can’t see it. With God, things are not always as they seem. That’s why we have to see with eyes of faith His promises and not simply view things as they appear before us.

As with my plant, some situations may look like they are ready for the trash pile. But never lose faith in the resurrection power of our God. It didn’t just stop at the tomb. His power is available to us now. We need only have faith for it and believe there is nothing too hard for our God. Even our most barren winters, He can use to benefit us.

Winter is not usually the season people are drawn to. It’s cold. Activities may be limited. There’s not as much “fun in the sun.”

Most people love the promise of the harvest in the fall. The warmth and beauty of spring and summer are also favorites. But after Christmas has past, many of us become afflicted with the winter “blahs.” If you happen to live in an area that is hammered by cold and snow, you often can’t wait for winter to simply pass.

Yet, in the winter things that look dead often are not. Life continues, still. In our personal “winters” God is still in motion, still moving, working, creating and saving.

Do your finances look dead? Is it a friendship that could use some new “life?” It may your own thoughts or mindset that could benefit from a resurrection.  A job situation? A marriage? Maybe even your relationship with God could stand some new life!

I have learned that for my hydrangea to bloom, that old dead wood is necessary. In fact, if you cut it away, the tree will again turn green, but it will not bloom. The old wood is necessary for new blooms.

Sometimes our “winters” are necessary for us to bloom as well. We may need time to be still. We may require the cold and quiet time to cultivate those things within us that will allow us to bloom later in due season.

If you are frustrated, weary or impatient in your current winter state, have faith that you, too, will bloom. Like my hydrangea, the apparent death is merely an empty illusion. Life will spring forth once again.

With God, even death holds promise for the future.

“Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3 NKJV

“For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him,”
Luke 20:38 NKJV

“Therefore, He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” Ephesians 5:14 NKJV

DEAD HEADS

As much as I love and enjoy the beauty of my flowers, I am compulsive and pursue “dead-heading” with a passion.

“Dead-heading” is cutting off dead and wilted flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. I’ve recently done this so my roses will bloom until the frost.

Now if only we would so eagerly “dead-head” those things about ourselves that should be removed, so we can “bloom” bigger and brighter.

Unlike pruning, which requires significant effort and deep cuts, dead-heading is easy. A few snips with the scissors and the plant once again looks healthy and whole. Not only does dead-heading make the plant more productive, it also thwarts disease and rot.

Like my plants, small things can often mar our “beauty” as well. There are things about each of us that if we would only snip them now, would give way to spiritual growth and productivity.

If I allow my roses to bloom as they do in the spring and leave them untouched, the bush will look gorgeous for a short while but then quickly decline from something sensational to instead sinister.

However, when I take the time to diligently tend to them on a regularly, clipping off the dead flowers and skeletal remains, the bush thrives.

We thrive when we snip off dead things, the things about ourselves that are no longer productive. Live flowers provide pollen and nectar. Honeybees can’t get anything from a dead bloom. They don’t even try. Yet, unlike bees, we often try to pull life from things that were once life-giving but are now dead.

We may need to “dead-head” a habit or two so we can progress from where we are to where we should be. I recently saw a local church sign that implored people to stop spending so much time on Facebook so they could have time for God’s Book.

I’ll admit I frequent the coffee drive-through way more than I should! There is something each of us can “snip” that would make us more physically, mentally, emotionally or even spiritually productive.

Often we hold on to things that are not only dead to us but potentially deadly because their familiarity is comforting. Sugar? Caffeine? Acquaintances?

Small cuts now can prevent drastic and necessary pruning later. A little self-control in the beginning is easier and less painful than loads of self-correction later.

We are implored in 1 Peter 5:8 to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” NKJV

One way to be sober and vigilant is to manage small things before they escalate into larger issues.

Think about a few things you could “dead-head.” Habits? People? Places? Whatever God places on your heart to cut away, it is for a reason and for your benefit. Don’t dismiss the prodding of the Holy Spirit and miss a greater blessing later due to disobedience.

What cuts can you make?

Heavenly Father, allow us to recognize those things we need to cut now for greater gains in the future. We are grateful for Your renewing power that allows us to bloom when we remove those things that are dead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

P is for Purpose

We all have a purpose. God loves, corrects and directs us enabling us to walk into the talents and dreams that He instills within each of us.

Purpose means that we have a job or a role to fulfill according to God’s plan. This means that no matter what we “mess up” in life, God is not done with us. He can still use us to serve some purpose in His Kingdom.

We are not here by accident and each have something to contribute no matter what the media, economy or naysayers may say. As people who have a role or a purpose in God’s great scheme we should act like the children of God that we are!

God can turn life’s “losers” into winners. Only He can transform the addict into a counselor. God can allow you to lose it all so that you are a better steward when He later restores you. God can allow the tests you endure to become a testimony that not only glorifies Him, but inspires someone else to seek salvation.

Never doubt that God has a plan for you. God can use your past mistakes as learning blocks for spiritual growth. Your experiences and failures are opportunities that you can share to show not just how God got you through the storm but how God got you to a better outcome.

We can’t possibly imagine how God places each piece of the puzzle together. However we can trust that God has a purpose and a plan, when we (deceptively) feel like we have nothing at all.

God can take the least of us and transform us into something great. God spared a baby and made him deliverer of a nation. God took a shepherd boy and anointed him King. Moses and David were not perfect, yet God used them nonetheless.

We don’t have to be perfect to fulfill our purpose. If we make ourselves available, God will surely make us able!

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.” Psalms 20:4 NKJV

 “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,” Ephesians 1:11 NKJV

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NKJV