How is Your Soil, Seed, and Spirit Growing?

Zinnia and Bees

Are you beginning to just think about your spring gardening? True, Spring is officially still 51 days away on March 20th, but supposedly this takes planning. Of course, some of us are gardeners and some of us definitely are not! In fact, many of us humorously have what is called a “black thumb” as compared to a “green thumb” that can grow nearly everything under the sun. And even worse, house plants turn their back on us, wilt, and die no matter what we do. It’s either we watered too much, didn’t water enough, or talked to them until they were sick of our voice! (Insert smile!) 

Many serious gardeners, though, know exactly what to do. They have a knack for preparing the soil just perfectly to produce a beautiful garden. Starting with a firm foundation is obviously a key ingredient, so they start with materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and compost. The point is to arrive at soil that will drain well and be filled with air, minerals, and living organisms among other things.      

Much effort goes into producing a healthy garden. Besides a good soil mixture, there is everything from testing soil to creating the perfect texture and type, air, water, soil life, organic material, mulch, fertilizer, pH, and nutrient deficiencies just to name a few subjects in the libraries of a gardener. It could blow our minds just trying to grow a simple garden! But many, many people enjoy this amazing hobby and they are so good at it! We send out our utmost admiration if you are one of these amazing creatures!

Soil, Seed, and Spirit

Not all of us, though, have the same talents and gifts. Yes, some people are excellent gardeners and that’s good for the rest of us. But others naturally have cultivated their own “gardens” and have found great success. Think about what we would do if our children did not have the perfect math or music teacher. Or we didn’t have a great surgeon to perform our knee operation. How about language translators, those who volunteer, people who use their gift of hospitality to serve others, and those who can brilliantly explain things to others? 

Good Garden Soil

There are so many talents in our world it could take a book to list them. And, don’t forget this: we all have a special gift given to us by God. Oh, yes, we do! It may not be apparent right now. But down deep inside, if we really think seriously about it, we know what gift has been given to us. It has been part of us from the first breath we took as a baby. Just like the good garden soil, we have a firm foundation. Now, it may very well be that we have not “watered or fertilized our soil” and, therefore, nothing has grown there yet. It’s dormant. But waiting.

We can find how to use our unique gift if we make a habit of reading God’s Word—the Bible—everyday. Several places in His book of instruction and knowledge list the many Spiritual gifts. If we get stuck, we can visit with a pastor for guidance. Many churches also have classes for discovering our Spiritual gift(s). When we approach God’s teaching on this matter with sincere hearts, God will gladly lead us to our purpose. He will provide clarity for the dream we’ve had from the very beginning. And then, He gives us the vision of how to “produce good fruit” from our garden.  

Who Doesn’t Love a Good Story?

One of the very best stories (parables) in the Bible is about planting His seed. If you haven’t read it yet, we suggest stopping for just a moment and reading Luke 8:11-15. This story is all about seed and various types of soil. It all makes perfect sense. Even if you are not the best farmer, your gift will produce a big harvest when you follow the Master Gardener.

“This is what the story means: The seed is God’s message. And the seed that fell on the good ground is like those who hear God’s teaching with good, honest hearts and obey it and patiently produce good fruit” (Luke 8:11, 15 NCV).

Feeling Stuck? This One Thing Will Fix It

Library of Learning

Some of us, if not most, have taken a college class of some sort—either for a four-year degree, just for a semester, or a night course. Maybe we have attended a seminar or two for our employers. Or, more popular in this electronic age, perhaps a podcast (a series of digital audio or video episodes) was more easily accessed to study a subject.

Whichever method we chose to “enlighten” our viewpoint and learn something new, sometimes it became more than we expected. More involvement was required (homework anyone?). Interactions with other participants working in teams seemed to slow us down or bore us. We quickly lost interest. Our brain did not comprehend our part in the process and therefore, the knowledge never had a chance to grow. We got stuck!

One Thing to Get Us Unstuck 

It’s happened to all of us at one time or another. Nothing to feel bad or guilty about though. We simply didn’t check all the requirements of the course and ended up taking the class or seminar just because our best friend was doing it or because it sounded like the popular thing to do. That’s how it usually presents itself. And it’s always a bad idea!

The better choice is to find out what we truly like to do—and are good at--and stick with that idea even if no one else understands us. It's the one thing that will get us unstuck! Even if others try to distract us or persuade us not to go that way, we know deep down inside what we want out of life. If not, then we can expect to feel less than fulfilled, frustrated, and ready to quit before the search has done us any good. 

Grow deep in good soil

Listen, that is not us! We are stronger than we think, but we won’t really know until we go after what we were made for in the first place. After all, who got us safely here at this surprising point in life anyway? Let’s take a moment and be perfectly clear and honest. God did not orchestrate our divorce as many may think. In fact, He said, “For I hate divorce!” [Malachi 2:16]. But, He was right there beside us anyway holding our right hand and helping us to stand on our own two feet when we could do nothing else. Saving us from permanent harm. He was the One who kindly brought us to this point because He still has a plan and purpose for each of us, even now!

          

Teacher of Love

So, let that “lesson” sink deep into our brains so we won’t forget it. God has a message: He loves you—even as a single-again woman! He loves me! He loves each one of us! He can do nothing else because He is the very definition of love. Where we come into this plan, is to simply “signup” for His “class” on life and stick with it. He has been keeping that “syllabus” (our purpose) safely in His hand until we were able to accept His message. This is your perfect time. And your choice.

“This is what the story means: The seed is God’s message. . .The seed that fell on the rock is like those who hear God’s teaching and accept it gladly, but they don’t allow the teaching to go deep into their lives. They believe for a while, but when trouble comes, they give up” (Luke 8:11; 13 NCV).

Simple Ways to Increase Your Faith

Pour Good Thoughts

Have you already said something like, "I hope you have a Happy New Year!" Or, "I hope my plans for finding a new job this year work out." What is actually going on in our brains with these kinds of wishes? 

Positive thoughts like these are truly an act of faith welling up inside us. We can't see them, but they rise to the surface and pour out of our minds and mouths. We can effectively use positive words to encourage others (or ourselves) and make them feel less worried about their situation. 

Our soul rejoices--like a little giggle creeping up--when we place our faith in things God has already planned and arranged for our lives. Of course, we have no idea what will happen to or for us next week, next summer, or next year. But our Creator knows. He knows! 

Sure, not everything that takes place in our lives is great. Or fun. Or what we want. That is because none of us are perfect. We make mistakes. We don't pay attention to what we are doing. We waste time, talents, and tempo.   

But there is a better way to live and enjoy life. So, first, we can identify that faith is definitely what we cannot see with our eyes, nor can we predict future events with our minds. We have to rely on our faith. If you are open to this idea and principle of faith, then, secondly, we know through experience that our faith fluctuates at times just because we are all human. It's like a thermometer. When we are sad, depressed, or even apathetic about things in our lives, our faith takes a dive and barely registers. If we are happy, joyful, content and positive, our faith soars! 

What Is the Answer?
Is there something we can do when our faith is low? This answer may seem too simple and quite opposite of what we are now thinking, but the solution is actually thankfulness! Yes, that's right. Stay with me now--there is something tangible we can do to change our situation. Have you ever tried expressing thankfulness and courting depression at the same time? It doesn't work.  

Since faith is something that can't be seen, we are suggesting keeping an on-going, daily journal on the subject of thankfulness and gratitude for every tiny thing God has given you. It's not a big chunk of time out of your day. Just take 3-1/2 minutes each evening before bed and record three things you are grateful for from that day. Be specific for big as well as all the little things each day. 

Start Your Thankfulness Journal

Thank you, God, for yellow tulips in my garden, fresh snow on the lawn, new sweater to wear, getting eight hours of sleep, friends who call, a new book to read, food in my refrigerator, and answer to my prayer for physical healing.        
   
Result? When you write down what you are grateful for, it can be seen later or tomorrow or next month. This reminder really, really works to increase the temperature of our faith thermometer!    
     
Moving Mountains
If we give God a chance, He will bless us with all the promises He has to help us enjoy a satisfying and abundant life. It's when we leave Him out of our plans--out of our lives--that things get all messed up. One of the amazing gifts God gives us is free will. We can do whatever we choose to do right or wrong; God will not stand in our way. But if we ignore His direction and plans for our lives, we cannot really expect our faith to grow. It is our hope and faith in Him that will make our paths straight. The Bible tells us that even if our faith is only as small as a mustard seed, it can move mountains! (Matthew 17:20). Nothing is impossible with God on our side!

"Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see" (Hebrews 11:1 NLT).

How Will You Make 2019 a Happy New Year?

VW Bug

Most vehicles with wheels normally have the ability to go forward as well as backward. We've seen trains travel in reverse in order to either switch tracks or connect with a different car or caboose. But they most certainly do this quickly in order to go forward which is their main purpose to get to a new destination. 

Obviously, our cars go forward and backward so we can maneuver properly in and out of garages, parking spaces, and so forth. Yet both trains and cars constantly deal with the danger of traveling backward and avoiding an accident. Amazingly, planes have no way to move in reverse! They can only go forward on the ground. And believe it or not, crash statistics show flying is the safest way to travel. Now there is something to remember!

Making 2019 a Happy New Year
This is the New Year and we are tempted to look back over 2018 to reminisce about things that have happened to us. True, we do need to learn lessons from yesterday, but constantly dwelling on every regrettable past event is a danger to our future and similar to a train traveling backward unable to stop!

We can imagine what would happen if that occurred. Derailment. An alarm should go off in our heads right about now. We simply cannot move forward with our new lives while we are simultaneously going backward. It's so much more exciting to travel ahead and see the sites!

This is our chance. We have a New Year to celebrate and are able to make plans for a better future. You may already have vague plans in the back of your mind that you wish to activate but are not quite sure how to go about it. Or maybe you haven't found the time yet to think about plans. (Careful. Don't look backward!)

With seven days already into 2019, it's time to start your new single-again life. Grab a pen and notebook or journal and make some notes. Here we go:

My Journal

Clear Thinking. Avoid vagueness in your plans. Instead, strive for developed ideas. Write down just one specific sentence or short paragraph that describes what you wish would happen now. This gets the idea out of your head and onto paper where you can see it and start planning. 

Something New. If you've had jobs before that you didn't enjoy, list three ideas to try that you are good at even if it means accepting an entry-level position. You'll be much happier!

Building Relationships. It may be time for some new friends (while hanging on to some really good friends), especially those in your same situation. They are there. You have to look for them. This could be at a new job, a friendly neighbor, or supportive Christian friends. 

Face Forward
Looking back into your past keeps God from moving you forward. Repeat that out loud! Write it on your refrigerator. Even before you were born, God made good plans for you. Not plans for disaster (that was human error). He's just been waiting for you to face forward and listen. With God absolutely nothing is impossible. This is why you need Him in your corner, especially now. Just ask Him! 

"May he grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed" Psalm 20:4 (NLT).

Did You Leave Seven Surprises Under the Tree?

Christmas Candy Apples

Most of us can agree we sure don't always receive the gifts we expected at Christmas! The long return lines at every store are proof. Sometimes returning a gift comes with a valid reason like the item of clothing didn't fit or, we received two of the same kitchen gifts we already have in our cabinets! 

Then there are those gifts that are perfectly fine, but some would rather just have the cash. It's tragic we tend to turn a beautiful celebration like Christmas into a retail nightmare. 

So, let's get rid of this disillusion and find something real. Often, the last week of the year is a good time for reflection--finding the priceless gifts left under the tree that will last throughout the coming year. Gifts that will make a difference in our new, adventurous life journey. 

Seven Surprises Under the Tree!
They may not be obvious at first, but if we look hard enough, we'll find the real blessings to take into 2019:  

1. Survived the first...second...third...Christmas on our own! 
2. Shared time with new friends
3. Discovered laughter is good medicine
4. Enjoyed a calm and happy home  
5. Found our heart's desire
6. Made what's old into what's new
7. Recognized change is good for the soul

Don't Forget the Key

Did you notice? None of these blessings needed gift wrap! They are ours to keep. But we do need a "tool" to further expand them into a whole new life of faith, confidence, and hope. The tool needed to open these forever gifts is Prayer. Much of life is extremely difficult without a daily conversation with God. He is the Giver of Gifts and delights in presenting them to us. Check the verse today at the bottom of this message for a clue how to receive the best He can give. And never give up!

"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you" (Luke 11:9 NLT)

Do You Know the True "Happy Birthday" Story?

Birth of Jesus

"Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus."

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire (the first census taken) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.

And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and the Angels

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Luke 1:30-31; 2:1-20 

How Do We Get Back to Love and Joy?

Christmas Roses for You

The phrase "I love ____" is so common that the true meaning of love has nearly lost its meaning. We become so attached to an object, we associate human feelings to that "thing." Therefore, human affection and constant caring of another person becomes diminished and somewhat unimportant, or casual. Is this, perhaps, where the concept of a "Bah-humbug" idea of Christmas comes from? How do we get back to Love?



Love Is. . .
It's easy to forget this is the season that abounds in love! Cranky attitudes, bad behavior, crime, materialism, greed, and on and on discolors Christmas with a splash of "bleach." Amazingly this year there is even a trend of black, artificial Christmas trees being successfully sold. Strange considering black technically is not even a color (it's the absence of all color)! True, we know about the whimsical pink, blue, purple, and silver trees too. More oddities that many people enjoy immensely. Or we may prefer an all-white tree (another non-color that at least reflects all other colors). The choices are mind-blowing! But back to our point. . .

The kind of love we all look for is unselfish and shares warm, cozy feelings with those around us at home and in our friendships. We gladly decorate our houses to welcome family and neighbors into a gracious home. We put up Christmas trees to light up dreary December days. We plan and shop for just the right present to give to those we love. 

Frosty Christmas Star 

It's amazing how giving becomes a contagious, attractive pursuit, especially during the month of December. And not just with our own families. We've all seen in the malls, the Angel Trees with paper tags of little boys and girls names and ages. We buy and return the gift to the tree and a child is not forgotten. We hear of stories about firemen and policemen giving gifts to children in need. We willingly participate in the U. S. Marines Toys for Tots program.  To Share Your Love, CLICK HERE 


And in our home environment, we lovingly give a gift of joy. Each year our Mom made dozens and dozens of cookies and sweets to fill numerous gift tins. She started in November and baked all the way up to Christmas! We gave out these welcome food gifts and in the process, mom taught us how to share our love. The reward was seeing the expressions on the faces of the receivers!

A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. —Tenneva Jordan    

Joy Is. . . 

Of course, the true meaning and joy of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Baby Jesus. In many families and Christian churches, children are welcomed to attend a "Birthday Party" for Jesus and it brings to life the events surrounding this glorious occasion. Then families attend evening or midnight church service, many times with lit candles, where the Christmas Story from the Holy Bible is told to all. What a joy come to life!

"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them" (Luke 2:6-7 NLT)

[The entire Christmas story can be found in the Holy Bible, Luke 2:1-20]