Vine and Branches
Madagascar Jasmine branches spreading far and wide
Madagascar Jasmine branches sneaking under roof flashing
On our upper-back deck we have Stephanotis or Madagascar Jasmine growing in a pot. The branches are reaching out and spreading far and wide, looking for a place that they can grab and hold onto for support.
Two of the branches are sneaking under our roof flashing. But they will never be able to blossom or bear fruit if they grow in there. Sure, they’re still on the vine and will live. But going to that place will not allow them to be healthy and whole…or be all that they were created to be. And it will compromise our roof!!
Looks like it’s time to bring out the step ladder and rein in those unruly branches!!
Lord, please guide all of my decisions and keep me in the places You want me to be. My desire is to thrive in all that You have for me – bearing blossoms and fruit that will bring praise to Your name. Let me always test and approve that which is Your good and pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2). Amen
Anticipating Summer Blessings
Reading through my journal today I came upon an entry from last year. As I read, it caused a deep yearning in my heart for warm summer evenings…and the unexpected blessings that come with them. I wonder if you will have the same reaction…
Thursday night was so lovely…the perfect time to water my potted plants and linger over each of them, smelling the refreshing fragrances unique to each one. When I finished my watering, I sat down to bask in the balmy summer breeze. But as I sat there alone, I felt this very special time HAD to be shared. So, I ran into the house and asked Keith to turn off the TV and come out and join me.
And out he came, heading straight for the hammock.
As we lay there, swaying gently in the twilight, music from The Muck (Muckenthaler Cultural Center) wafted over the arroyo, embellished by the occasional song of a bird that hadn’t yet nestled in for the night. The stillness, the breezes and the sweet music lulled us away from the busyness of the day, causing us to relax in both body and mind. Our ears and eyes slowly tuned in to the surrounding trees and flowers; hummingbird wings whirred; leaves and boughs danced in the breeze.
That’s when I noticed a monarch butterfly clinging to a low limb of the podocarpus tree directly above us! In all these years I had never seen a monarch in his place of nightly rest! And had we not taken this time of stillness in the garden, I might have missed it entirely! What a sweet gift!
It’s amazing what we can see, when we slow ourselves down and look for our Lord’s blessings! Our anxious thoughts of what we “need”, of disappointment, of concern for our families or finances or futures slowly disappear…and are replaced with peace…with gratitude.
I’m looking forward to a summer filled with special times with the Lord. He has placed His sweet treasures for us in the midst of those moments…and I can hardly wait.
What blessings do you think He has for you this summer?
Oh Lord, how grateful I am for the gift of your presence, which is the ultimate blessing. I’m ready to step out into these warm summer evenings to spend precious moments with you.
Sorting Through the Hurt
I came home Friday to find our home burglarized…back door wide open…things where they weren’t when I left. Initially, it didn’t appear much had been taken. What was had deep sentimental value, especially my mom’s wedding ring and my Ovation 2000 Collectors’ Edition guitar. That hurts. A lot.
For years as I’ve prayed for God’s protection, I’ve been praying that each and every person that comes to our home and even walks on our property would sense God’s presence deeply…be so drawn to Him that they would meet Jesus, as a result. You know what? I prayed that prayer for those who came here Friday and hurt our hearts…enemies that violated us…destroyed our sense of peace and security.
Now, I am praying that specifically for them.
We had lunch today with dear friends who shared a verse that encouraged me greatly. Jesus wants me to do this very thing:
Luke 6: 27 – 28 “Listen, all of you. Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you; implore God’s blessing on those who hurt you.”
Jesus, this is a hard thing to do. But when I realize that You blessed me by giving Your life for me, when I was Your enemy and had hurt You, it makes me want to honor Your request. Thank You that with Your help I CAN do this.