Archive for July, 2009

The Evergreen

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Hey Friends,

This past week we have enjoyed poolside with family and friends. One of the highlights for me was when my honey and I drove past the first home we owned as we began our married life together. We were shocked to see the tiny evergreen tree we loving planted outside our front door now towering above the second story windows. It was very cool. The house is yet to be air conditioned, the bright yellow walls I was so adamant to paint my still lovingly shine on the tiny walls that make up the house. I wondered what the backyard looked like. I was tempted to hop the fence and peer into the garden I bought from a mail order catalog. Life changed, our family was about to expand from two to three when we left our first home.

It got me to thinking driving down the road that marked the beginning of “our life together” how different things are today. Three children later we find our life in a different county, surrounded by holly trees and deer, with few evergreens to be seen.

The gigantic tree that stood proud and sprawling over the tiny front lawn stoically swayed in the wind. It was a wonderful reminder of God’s love for me. The girl who moved into that house years ago had hopes and dreams for the future. My biography of transformation is written with a different story line, one I would have never dreamed up for myself and yet the Author of my story continues to show me that my life circumstances will constantly change, people will continue to enter and exit my life but His love will remain the same. 

Our tree inspired me to continue to embrace change. To allow the branches of my life to grow and extend and on the days where the changes and challenges seem to be too much to bear I can picture my tree and know the source of all growth is holding me steady. 

 

Psalm 52:8 (The Message)

 8 And I’m an olive tree, 
      growing green in God’s house. 
   I trusted in the generous mercy 
      of God then and now

Journey On

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Power Source

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Good Morning,

I am sitting in my favorite chair enjoying a lazy morning. My “to-do” list is running through my head and yet I sit……and am okay with that..for now!

I was recalling a conversation I recently had with my mom in which we were talking about graciousness. I got to wondering what the dictionary has to say about grace. I know what the Bible says but wanted to know how the world recognize grace. I took this from the site, “The Free Dictionary.Com”. 

Idioms: (sayings)

in the bad graces of

Out of favor with.
in the good graces of

In favor with.
with bad grace

In a grudging manner.
with good grace

In a willing manner.
 When I read those sayings I realized how often my lack of grace towards others is not a true reflection of Jesus. He is the author and creator of grace. He offers grace freely, with no strings attached. It is never forced, or contemplated. It is one of His amazing responses. Reading the list of responses that merit grace in the worlds eye I was challenged to be intentional about being a woman who is truly gracious. Truthfully when it comes right done to it I often “pretend” to be gracious when my attitude does not reflect my action. Jesus heart attitudes always matched his behaviour.
As I have talked to  the Lord about the discrepancy in my attitude and actions, He responded with grace and reassured this girl that my heart attitude may always be a challenge for me and yet it is not a journey I need to take alone, nor in my own strength.
As we are anticipating an amazing vacation, I am keenly aware of those people who I am very gracious to and those who leave me “grace deficient”. My prayer is that I choose to relay on the Source of Grace to get me through those interactions.
How about you, have you met with the Source of Grace today?

Matthew 11:28 (The Message)

 

 28-30“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

 

Journey On

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