Garden Tending

"I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser."  John 15:1

After reading this and thinking about all a vinedresser does to keep the grapes healthy and productive, my mind showed me a picture of our current greenbean garden.  I know what I need to at least attempt today - hand hoeing around them to get rid of the weeds.  It amazes me how fast those weeds grow in comparison to the bean plants.  I can look at the garden one day and say, "Well, the weeds are beginning to grow.  I need to get out the hoe."  The next day I will go out to discover that they have practically taken over!

The fire of the Holy Spirit is placed in us to rid us of weeds so that His water can then be poured over us and make us productive.  Yes, the flames scorch and hurt, but the end result is growth and mass fruit production.  We do not like the pain, so we tend to quench the Spirit with the waters (self-protection, self-gratification and all the other "selfs" you can think of) of this world.  If He is quenched, how can He destroy the weeds?  If we are overrun with weeds, how can we produce any truly good fruit?  The fruit will be stunted, diseased and there simply won't be as much of it.  BUT, if we allow God's Spirit to remove those weeds, pull them up by the roots and burn them, then the soil of our heart becomes soft, easily fertilized and soaks up the Water of His Spirit with enthusiasm.  We begin to grow and produce fruit even when we aren't trying.  It becomes automatic due to His work in and through us.

"Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times."  Mark 4:8

Lord, make the soil of my heart fertile.  I want to be productive.  Sometimes it can be scary to think about being productive, Lord.  When we think of all the tasks waiting to be accomplished, to think of something possibly being added to that list can be overwhelming.  But, Lord, you compare us to wheat.  Wheat is planted by the Sower, weeded by the Sower, watered by the Sower and even harvested by the Sower, so why do we fear?  It is You that does all the work in and through us.  All we need do is rest in Your arms, listen to and obey Your voice and we will produce everything that You have placed in us.  Make me productive.  Tend the soil of my heart and help me to stand strong and not quench the fires of the Holy Spirit as He sets out to destroy the weeds that would try to choke me out.  I love You and desire to serve You with all of my heart.  In Jesus' name.

Happy Father's Day

This is a blog I wrote last year, but did not share. I thought that this year I would share it and say thank you to all those dad's out there doing their absolute best to display God's love to their wives and children so that they, in turn, can accept the love of their heavenly Father and choose to serve Him through accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord through the power of His Holy Spirit.  So.........................
THANK YOU!!!!!  And Happy Father's Day!!

This Father's Day I awoke, groggy from having had surgery three days prior, but intent on teaching Sunday School, when this thought went through my mind:  This is your first Father's Day without a dad on either side of the family.  My husband's dad passed away 9 years ago and mine did in October of 2011.  I teared up, but then smiled at the thought that they were having a wonderful Father's Day in heaven with their heavenly Father and that it would seem like only a moment before I get to see them again compared to eternity.  Thank you to Dad for rearing a son to know the unconditional love of his earthly father so it was easy to accept the unconditional love of his heavenly Father.
Thank you Daddy for rearing me in the admonition and fear of the Lord and revealing His unconditional love through your actions toward me.  Never did a day go by that you did not reaffirm your love for your children.
I am amazed at God's goodness and grace towards me.  I know just how rotten I am inside, yet he continually pours out His blessings on me.  He has given me the most wonderful husband a woman could ask for and all I had to do was say yes.  I didn't and don't deserve such a wonderful man, but He gave him to me anyway.
When we were dating, I was a spoiled brat and when God laid it on my heart that I was to marry him, I knew I would obey, but I just HAD to argue the point for a while.  I thought I had to check and make sure God knew what He was doing.  I didn't realize this at the time, but I see it VERY clearly now.  I was scared He might be making a mistake.  Talk about spoiled and prideful!  I am so VERY grateful that I obeyed.  I am still spoiled, but recognize the fact that it is love from my Father through my husband, family and friends and I no longer simply expect to be treated so well, thinking I deserve it, because I definitely do not. 
My husband is the most generous, self-giving, thoughtful, caring man and I would never have had the intelligence on my own to choose him for a husband, because not only was I spoiled in my thinking, I was self-centered and prideful.  After 35 years of marriage, I look at him in awe of my Father's love, fore-knowledge, grace, mercy and wisdom.  How could there have possibly been a better match?  When I have needed discipline, he has been there to dish it out, but always in love.  When I have needed encouragement, he is there to not only say what needs saying, but to help out physically in each and every situation in some way or another; whether it is hanging decorations, cutting out pictures, making a prop I can't figure out how to make, coming up with a better and easier way to do something, etc.  When I need a shoulder to cry on, he holds me and reassures me that all will be well in the end.  When I am in desperate need of a laugh, he MORE than accommodates.  As a father, he loves our children unconditionally, desires what is the VERY best for them even if it means giving up comfort for a time, is there to lend a helping hand each and every time needed and has reared them with a great work ethic that causes today's society to stand in amazement.
As a grandfather he goes well beyond what is expected.  He plays with them, cooks with them, lets them help with job details that would be MUCH easier to do on his own, walks in patience and takes over for me when babysitting when he sees I am feeling stressed, hugs and kisses them and teaches them without effort.  I sit back and smile as I watch him with them as each thing he does with them is an educational experience without them evening recognizing the fact, because he makes it so fun!
I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us over the next several years and rejoice in knowing that however long or short the time may be here, I have all eternity to spend with him as He is God's child too!
Happy Father's Day, Handsome!

Hurdle Jumping

For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you."  Isaiah 41:13

up·hold  /ˌəpˈhōld/

Verb Confirm or support (something that has been questioned): "the court upheld his claim for damages". Maintain (a custom or practice).

Synonyms support - sustain - back - maintain - second - back up

The above is the modern translation.  From the Hebrew word found in Isaiah there is a deeper meaning - support, sustain, establish, strengthen, comfort.  It is nice to have someone back you up in something, but even nicer when they comfort you regarding the obstacles you've just been forced to hurdle.
This morning I dreamed I was in a store with my husband.  He had to leave, but would be back shortly.  While he was gone, a tornado developed.  All the women moved to the women's restroom and the men to the men's.  I looked out the window and the tornado was headed straight for the women's restroom.  I offered a swift prayer, including that I trusted God for the best outcome, even if it meant my death.  In the dream, the tornado indeed entered the building, but it simply caused the walls to bulge and look as if they were going to split open.  We held our breaths as we watched it continue on, leaving our room in tact.  When all was over we walked out to find everyone fine and the sky clear as a bell; a beautiful blue with only wisps of white clouds in the distance.  My husband turned up a few minutes later and I told him what had happened.  He was skeptical to say the least.  Our associate pastor's wife was there.  He asked her what she knew about it.  She smiled and said she was hanging on to the picture I had given.  I turned to the girls who had been with me in the restroom and asked if they had seen the walls bulge.  They all started talking at once about how yes, they had seen and how scary it was.  My husband hugged me and all was well. I woke up and knew immediately what the dream was about - the turmoil in the church since our pastor's death. 
Last evening we had a business meeting that lasted 2 1/2 hours.  Our associate pastor started the evening reading reminders of how we are instructed by God to be in unity with no division.  Wise move.  Many, many questions were asked, but there seemed to be no real anger or bitterness involved.  There was disagreement, but no ugly or harsh words.  I left feeling relieved it was over and we were all still in tact emotionally, though I know of some who were most likely wrung out due to the roles they had to play. 
This morning, as I sat down to write this, the words our associate pastor's wife spoke in my dream, "I want to hang on to the picture she described," rang in my ears.  I believe God is telling me to cling to that picture over the next several months as we go through the process of regaining a lead pastor.  It will not only help sustain me, but it will be a great comfort until that great day.
Lord, help me remember that there is no storm too great, no hurdle too high, no battle too strong that You cannot handle it and bring about the victory.  As a matter of fact, You have already won the victory through Jesus.  Our job is to stand strong in faith, knowing You are there upholding us with Your right hand.  Keep us strong and courageous in Jesus, through the power of Your Holy Spirit.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

Towers

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.  Proverbs 18:10

As I read this chapter, insurance popped into my mind.  I thought about all the towers we try to build through it.  Dental, life, death, health, car, house, property, rental, flood, disaster, eye, and, even though I cannot think of any more of them off the top of my head, I am sure there are many more types.  These insurances are supposedly designed for our protection.  When you really think about it though, how much money do we put into them compared to how much we use?  We spend $2100 per year on car and home insurance; not that much compared to some folks.  However, the cost has gone down as our vehicles depreciate in value, so I can't give a true amount as to what has been paid over the years.  When I think about the fact that in 36 years we have used car insurance about three times total, and twice it was for broken windshield, I shudder to think how much money could have been placed in savings.  We have used homeowners twice, once for a new roof damaged by hail and once to do minor repairs when a tree fell against our house.  Why then do we continue paying?  Just in case and because the government tells us we have to with even a threat of jail time if we do not.  These safety nets we have built for ourselves are not even completely dependable. 
Once our eldest son was making a left hand turn and a young lady ran a red light and totaled his car.  The police came and when they saw his car expected to find someone extremely injured or dead.  However, our God truly is a strong tower and no one had a scratch.  The insurance, on the other hand - not so dependable.  Since the young girl had the same insurance as my son and there were no witnesses (in their opinion), even though the passenger with my son told what happened and the police report was (in their opinion) inconclusive because they did not see the lights change, they decided to fault our son and the girl equally.  This balanced things out for the company and they didn't lose any money.  My son, on the other hand, had to pay $2000 to finish paying off his car and pay extra for one month on his insurance to compensate them.  I'm not sure what they were being compensated for, but that's the law.

God charges nothing for rescuing our son and his passenger or the girl ever.  He simply asks for gratitude and love.

I wonder just how many strongholds I have built up in my life.  Insurance is easily recognized, but what about the walls I try to build to protect my heart, my life, my desires, my loved ones and so on?

Father God, You truly are a strong tower and my righteousness.  I need to learn to run to You at every turn in life rather than build walls to try to keep myself running in a safe direction.  Your walls of safety are all I need.  The world has drawn us into its lust for self preservation so deeply that it is difficult to recognize the danger in it.  Forgive us and open our darkened eyes to the light shining in Your tower of safety and grant us the wisdom to run to You rather than worldly ideas of protection.

Shield of Stone

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me.  Psalm 3:3

Several years ago I was driving our van we had at the time.  I was traveling along Richardson Road, but I don't remember where I was headed.  What I do remember is how that vehicle simply quit on me.  Not only did it die, but the power steering went dead, so I had to really work to get it onto the shoulder.  No sooner did I get it there than a police car drove up and stopped behind me.  An officer, and not a very large one, got out of the car and came to my window.  He asked if he could help me.  I told him that if I could just get the van into the parking lot ahead and down a hill, I could call my husband to come get me.  He told me to put the van in neutral.  I did so and he pushed the van, with no hesitation whatsoever, up a slight incline, down the hill and perfectly into a parking spot.  I was amazed at how quickly and smoothly it all went.  I got out of the van and saw a pay phone.  The officer came to me and asked if there was anything else he could do for me.  I thanked him "so much!" and said I would go use the pay phone.  He asked if I were sure.  I said yes, smiled and started to walk toward the phone.  After a few steps I turned back to thank him one more time.  Somehow, in those few steps, he had managed to climb back up the hill, start his car, drive away and be completely out of sight.  No sign of man or car.  I proceeded to call Michael, who immediately left work to get me, but as I waited I could not help but wonder if I had just encountered an angel.  I kept looking at the landscape wondering how in the world he could have gotten away so quickly otherwise.  I intend to ask when I get to heaven.

This event, and several others, has caused me to wonder just how many times God has been my shield and I didn't realize it.  I have been most likely protected too many times to count and will never know about them until I reach my heavenly home.  I look forward to the amazement of that day.

"Lord, open my eyes of understanding.  Help me to recognize Your protection not only in my life, but my family and friends' lives.  Help me remember that You WANT to protect us.  You desire to be our Shield and Defender.  Help us learn to depend on Your resources rather than our own."

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  Psalm 18:2

Celebrating Righteousness

I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.  Psalm 7:17

Last week was our anniversary week.  We've now been married for 36 years.  While I feel like my husband has always been part of my life, at the same time it doesn't seem possible that 36 years has passed.  They say, "Time flies when you are having fun," and I've been having a blast.

All throughout this amazing week I have marveled at God's generosity to me.  He has given me everything I will ever possibly need through Jesus, yet He keeps pouring more blessings on me so that they cannot be contained.  That is nice, because I must share then, or burst. 

We started our week visiting: Momma, my aunt, and one of my sisters and family.  Next we moved on to our traditional anniversary celebration in Branson.  While there, we received a surprise at nearly every turn. 
Once we were in a shop and one of the workers chose to talk to me.  She whispered in my ear that there were some candle holders on the counter that they had just reduced from $12.99 to $3.88.  I went to look at them and had an inspiration to use two of them in our bathrooms.  Talk about surprise savings!!  I believe my Father laid it on this lovely woman's heart to share that with me.  I received it as a gift from Him. 

The day of our anniversary we were surprised to be given a bottle of sparkling grape juice by the hotel owners.  They also placed a small refrigerator in our room to use all week.  What a nice surprise!  I thought I was going to have to give up my yogurt for the week, but now I was able to enjoy it!

There were several other events I could share with you, but suffice it to say, our God is FULL of surprises!!  When I read this verse this morning my heart sang His praises, for all He has done and all He is planning to do in our lives.  Then I read on and came across this verse: God, "made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." II Corinthians 5:21

Jesus, perfect as a newborn babe and more so, took every sin that has and ever will occur and claimed it was Himself.  It was God crying out that He was taking the blame Himself for our sins.  It was as if He were saying, "Satan, I gave them freewill to choose, so I take responsibility and am paying the price."  I am sure this thrilled Satan, as he thought he had won a great victory.  However, in his great victory was utter defeat.  Jesus paid the price through death; "The wages of sin is death..." and brought eternal life through His resurrection from the dead; "but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  Romans 6:23

People are always crying out that God should take responsibility for all the wrongs in the world.  The absolute Truth is...HE DID!!

He didn't have to.  We chose to sin, He didn't force us to.  As a matter of fact, He gave us rules to live by that would keep us from it, IF we obeyed.  We chose disobedience.  He could have wiped us out and started over, or simply chose to forget us.  He chose to love us instead, chose to become sin for us in our place, chose to pay the penalty and chose to give us His life in exchange our ours if we will simply ask Him to do so.

So once again I look back at that first verse and I declare, "Lord, Your righteousness is so far greater than we can ever imagine.  Thank You for deciding it right and just to pay the price of sin for us.  We did not deserve it by any means, but You did it anyway out of love for a filthy, decaying, smelly, dying people like me.  Thank You for bathing me in Your own righteousness, because I had none of my own.  Help others see Your righteousness in me and desire it for themselves.  Grant me words of wisdom and actions of grace to draw others into Your loving embrace.  In Jesus' precious name!"

Make me Quick!!

quick·en  

/ˈkwikən/

Verb Make or become faster or quicker: "she quickened her pace, desperate to escape"; "I felt my pulse quicken". Spring to life; become animated: "her interest quickened"; "he looked with quickening curiosity through the smoke".

Synonyms accelerate - hasten - speed up - precipitate - expedite Quicken us, and we will call upon Thy name.  Psalm 80:18 Before I could write anything here, I felt led to reread John 3:1-21.  As I did so, I noticed that Nicodemus came to Jesus obviously with a question on his mind.  However, he never asked it.  Why?  Did they leave out part of the conversation?  Possibly, but I rather think that Jesus simply knew what Nicodemus needed and plunged into the answer before the question was asked.  The Father had already quickened His Spirit with what to say to Nicodemus and He said it.  There was no need for the question to be uttered. Jesus was 100% obedient to His Father's voice.  The definition of quicken says it all.  Not only does God's Spirit make us feel alive again when he speaks to us, but He makes us quickly capable of doing what He asks of us.  When I was 12 years old, I heard the flute for the first time in my life.  My heart was lifted up.  I became excited and knew this was an instrument I needed to learn to play.  I had not yet turned my life over to God's control, but knew I would understand one day and do so.  Evidently that is enough for God.  He knows our hearts and our futures and placed a quickening in my spirit to play the flute.  I wanted this so desperately that I didn't follow the instruction of the band director when he told us to start with just the mouth piece and learn to make a sound.  The flute is one of the most difficult instruments to get a pure sound from, but I was determined.  The funny thing is, I had no trouble.  I picked it up, put it together, blew and voila!  I played through the first half of the first book in a week.  This inspired our director to tell the rest of the band that the standard had been set and they needed to pick up the pace to keep up.  I practiced for more than an hour every night (until my parents said to stop and come eat.)  What normally takes three years or more to accomplish, our little band accomplished in a year and a half.  We were moved into the High School top band.  By my sophomore year I was first chair.  I loved (love) the flute!  God not only quickened (sprang to life) my spirit to play the flute, He quickened (hastened) my ability to do so through obedience. Father God, quicken my spirit to obedience to Yours in every area.  Oh, to be obedient to Your voice at every turn.  Forgive me in my failures and don't give up on me.  Continue to speak and may your servant hear and obey.