Spirit Wind: His Love In Motion
Dear Friends,
The cold winter wind has blown the leaves around the yard and some are pressed against the fence. In the spring I'll rake and clean up the dried, wind blown leaves, but for now I see a message in the leaves against the fence.
I don't want to be like the leaves being blown around without purpose or like the dried leaves against the fence. Each day we have an opportunity to pray that God give us a vision for Him. Where can we spread His love today? Who can we touch with kindness?
We are near the end of a year, about to begin a new year. Many people use this time to make changes in routine and lifestyle improvement. Spending time in the Word and prayer can help us focus each day renewed and ready to see the opportunities that He has planned for us. Small acts of kindness can do a lot to brighten the life of someone who is having a hard time.
The Spirit wind is love in motion.
Hebrews 10:24
"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."
Sheep, a Star and a Stone
Dear Friends,
Just as parents today are excited to announce the birth of a new baby, our Heavenly Father celebrated the birth of His only Son! He was so excited to announce this miracle to the world! The fulfillment of His ancient prophecies was coming! Angels filled the sky announcing His birth and the shepherds went to the stable and worshipped the newborn Messiah! Wise men saw a bright star then went to Jerusalem and followed that star to where they found Jesus. They brought special gifts and worshipped Him. They knew of Herod's plan and returned home by a different way. A dream warned Joseph of the evil plan and Jesus was taken to safety.
The Father had planned each detail to bring redemption to this world.
I find it interesting that a lovely flower called 'Star of Bethlehem' is used as a health remedy for trauma injuries and anxiety situations to bring calm and healing to the body and mind. Jesus was a healer of broken bodies, minds and hearts. His touch and His words brought peace, comfort and redemption to the world.
When His time for death had come and His body was sealed behind a large stone the earth quaked and that stone rolled away! An angel announced His Ressurection to the women who had come to the grave. The announcements of His birth and His Ressurection were followed by amazement! Shepherds, wise men, and fishermen fell to their knees and worshipped Him! Those who heard the Good News had a burning desire to spread the message. Our Messiah, the Star of Bethlehem lives!
Mark 16:15
"And then He told them, " Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone."
Crazy Quilts, Wrens and Gardens
Dear Friends,
In the middle of December I really start to miss my time outside in my little cottage garden. I miss my little wren friends who brighten my days and I even miss the physical work involved in growing my flowers. Today I was out there in the cold filling the bird feeders and putting some pots in the shed. I noticed some curly parsley and feathery fennel still growing in the midst of dried morning glory vines, leaves and twigs. My garden is a bit like a crazy quilt.
Crazy quilts are an arrangement of multicolored fabrics of different textures and shapes, often with bits of scrap material from discarded items. After the scraps are sewn together decorative embroidery, lace, buttons and beads are added giving the piece beautiful detail interest.
In Genesis chapter one we read about the creation. Our God is the amazing Creator of this world of details. These details are the basis for human creativity. His details give our minds food to fuel our imaginations and we make pictures with pencil, paint, fabric and words. What a beautiful world He made.
Genesis 1:31
"Then God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good!"
Drought In The Garden: Mary's Song
Dear Friends,
Just the other day a friend said that for her at this particular time it is a time of drought.
December may seem like an inappropriate time to talk about a drought but this is what I have on my heart today.
A place that is experiencing a drought is different from a desert place. Unique plants and wildlife live in the harsh climate of deserts. Desert winters are times when rain falls and cisterns are filled. We know that desert animals like camels can live without water for much longer than animals in non desert places.
A drought can bring the climate of a desert to an area that isn't used to those conditions making it potentially destructive to the plant and wildlife there. Because of the harsh conditions activity needs to cease for a time. The drought my friend was speaking of is a temporary time that is different from the usual. It's a quiet, sort of alone time.
In the gospel of Luke we see a time like this for Mary right after the angel came to her the first time. He told her that she was highly favored and she responded with a desire to be a vessel for His purpose to bring forth the Messiah. Then the time of drought took place. She quickly left the town where Joseph and her family lived. She traveled to the hill country of Juda to be with her aunt and uncle. No phones or Internet or quick visits back for weekends, only miles of silent separation. God met her in that place and ministered to her through her aunt Elisabeth. He confirmed His message to her and gave her a song.
Drought is a time to expect a miracle.
With less activity and less noise it can be lonely and sad. Come and sit in the shade with your prayers. Sit and wait with a song of hope in your heart. We can be thankful for this time of drought. Our Savior is near in this quiet time.
Luke 1:46-47
"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."
