How Does YOUR Christmas Story End?
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s Christmas Eve, and my Heart is more focused on the Greatest Gift than anything else in this world. If not for the birth of my Savior, He never would have died for me…and without that sacrifice, there would be no Hope at all. There are no words to describe my love for Him and no way to express my Gratitude for the Greatest Gift of all. When it comes to my Reason for Living, sometimes I’m left speechless. This morning, as I sat before the Throne of the Living God, I thanked Him for it ALL – His birth, His death, the Reason for my Hope, the Purpose of my Life, and for Eternity that is possible ONLY because of the Greatest Gift and the Greatest Price that was paid for you and me. Isn’t that the way you see Jesus, too?
It’s hard for me to comprehend how people can still deny that Jesus Christ is Lord, especially when His Life…from birth to resurrection… was predicted hundreds of years before it ever came to be. It’s almost as if the earth knew a Savior would be born, but mankind STILL can’t fully comprehend it. It’s not easy to accept that the Son of God could be born to a virgin, but with God all things are possible, and that’s what happened as surely as I breathe. It’s hard to imagine that God could “become flesh” and that He could “dwell among us” so that He could Teach the world about Love and Redemption and everything else in between…but that’s what happened as surely as I breathe. It’s not easy to wrap your head around the fact that a total “stranger” would be willing to Pay the price for every wrong we ever even thought about doing long before we were ever born to do it…but that’s what happened as surely as I breathe. It’s almost impossible to imagine how a dead person can come to Life and be transfigured for others to see what’s possible after death for those who Believe…but that’s what happened as surely as I breathe. Leave it to Jesus to go above and beyond! He even had a fish fry with His friends to drive home the Truth about what is in store for those who Believe. Had that “little baby lying in a manger” never been born to the virgin, none of these things would have been possible. It all began with the Birth of our Savior, and without Him, we’d have no Hope at all.
It’s so sad to think that there are still lots and lots of people who don’t believe that a Redeemer was ever born and then died for them…and it’s even sadder to consider their Destiny because they don’t. Some people convince themselves that when the body dies, it’s all over for them because they don’t understand what’s Possible for those who Believe. Some people think it’s ridiculous to believe that a baby could ever be born to a virgin or that a woman could give birth to the Son of God, but that’s because their heart is closed to the Truth. Plenty of people share the story of Christ when Easter rolls around, but it’s Christmas that marks the day of a Promised Future…the birth of a Savior…a Redeemer to dwell among us to share the Truth…our ONLY Hope. I wonder how many people take the time in the middle of a “hectic” Christmas schedule (and endless celebrations) to share the Gospel with the lost world? Had He never been born, He couldn’t have died for you and for me. That’s an all-year-long, no matter what’s going on kind of Message, and sharing it is what we’re ALL commanded to do…every day…including…especially…at Christmas.
I’m excited to see most of my family tomorrow, and I’ll miss the ones who can’t be with us this year. We’ll “eat, drink, and be merry,” that’s for sure…and we’ve got some gifts to share to express our love for one another. But more than anything else we’ll be celebrating the Greatest Gift the world has ever known, and the Message of the Gift won’t get dimmed for the festivities…EVER. He’s the Reason for our existence. He’s the Head of our family. He’s the Source of our Joy. He’s our ONLY Hope…our Savior…our Redeemer…the reason we Live. And THAT’S what Christmas is all about, amen?
Merry Christmas, world!
Don’t Get Caught up in The Tinsel…
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I met with the One I Celebrate all year long from inside a warm house with an even warmer cup of coffee. I’m more tired than usual this time of year, but not because I’m caught up in the shopping and wrapping. I’m more tired than usual because I’m busy focusing on the greatest gifts of all – TIME and simple gifts made with my hands. There’s nothing better than going the extra mile for people you love. So, I’d much rather focus on TIME with my loved ones than any gift money could buy. Every piece of this holiday season is about Love at the farm. You won’t find anybody in this family squealing over a luxurious gift or a big price tag, although they’ve received plenty of those throughout the years. But you can be sure they’ll feel blessed to be spending time together as a family, and they’ll be sincerely grateful for all the gifts…especially those made with my heart and hands. What a sweet reminder to me this morning, straight from the Throne of my God, that the most precious gift is Love, and how we express it makes all the difference in the world.
In many ways, this time of year resembles a contest to me…who has the best lights in the neighborhood or the best presents under the tree? Who has the best Christmas party with the finest food and wine, and who sends out the most cards? It’s funny and sad all at the same time when you think about it – most people celebrate Christmas…even the ones that want nothing at all to do with Jesus Christ any other time of the year, and they don’t mind telling you that they’re offended by the mention of His Name. The glitz and glamour, the lights and gifts are just too good to refuse, so the ones who don’t Believe and all the ones who do ALL set out to make it a Christmas to remember, and before you know it, you can’t tell the Believers from the non-believers throughout the “holiday” season at all. Believers are happy to say “Merry Christmas” as if we just “won the right” to speak His Name…but beyond the words, does it really look and feel like the Celebration of the Birth of the Greatest Gift the world has ever known, OR do we slip in a little Jesus in the midst of the festivities?
It’s a good thing Jesus has the capacity to Love greater than any man, that’s for sure. Leave it to Him to keep Loving and Forgiving while His People blend the Message of the Birth of the Greatest Gift the world has ever known with Hollywood-style glitz and glamour. How sad to see His People teaching their children to give credit to a fictitious man who checks their character before showering them with gifts…as if the Message of the Birth of a Savior is not enough fun for the family. How pathetic to see images of that big guy in the sky mixed in with THE Big Guy in the sky as if sharing a Birthday with a fictitious character and giving him credit for the gifts would be pleasing to the Lord. Jesus wants us to be joyful! I’m confident that He had plenty of fun with His friends and family, too! After all, His first miracle was performed at a wedding feast where he turned the water into wine.
The Bible says that there is ” nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful.” Having a great celebration is NOT the problem…and neither are the gifts. It’s the mixing together of the message of Hope…our Savior…our Redeemer…in with all those things that take the focus off of Him and onto the world…NOW that’s a problem. We don’t stand out to the lost world by saying “Merry Christmas” – we stand out to the lost world by making SURE that the world knows Who we Celebrate…and nothing else.
I’m excited about celebrating Christmas with my family in just a few days, and we’ll definitely have lots of fun! The farmhouse is decorated for the Occasion but you won’t find Santa hats or any other sign of him in the middle of our celebration of the Birth of the King of Kings. There will be plenty of gifts from the heart and a feast fit for our King….after all, it IS His birthday! We’ll laugh…and laugh, that’s for sure. But my tribe will NEVER lose sight of Who we celebrate, and we’ll be giving Thanks to Him for every gift…especially the BIGGEST Gift that He was born to give…the gift of Love, and Hope, Redemption, and Forgiveness so that we can have Eternal Life with Him. Now THAT’S something to celebrate, Amen?
MERRY CHRISTMAS, WORLD.
“The greatest of these is love.”
Do You See What I See?
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s a crazy-busy, beautiful time of the year, but nothing is permitted to get in the way of my Time with the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. When you think of Him that way every day, why would you ever put Him second to anything? As I looked out over the fields this morning, I thought about how things are rarely how they appear to be on the surface. The sunrise is beautiful…but the fields look barren even though they’re not. It’s focusing on the surface of ANYTHING in life that can so easily fool us. Beneath the barren “look” of the fields is actually life that will be ready to spring forth again in just a few months with a little Help from the Living God, AND all the outer influences He provides – like the sun and rain. And so it is with life. Isn’t that the way you see your Journey of Faith, too?
If there’s anything that can get us into trouble, it’s drawing our own conclusions based on what we see on the surface of life. A smile doesn’t necessarily equate to happiness, no more than the winterized foliage equates to barrenness. Seeing someone with material things doesn’t necessarily mean everything is okay behind the wealth, any more than seeing someone without material things means they’re not happy. Seeing someone dressed for success doesn’t equate to a full bank account, no more than seeing someone not dressed for success means they aren’t. Driving a shiny luxury car doesn’t equate to plenty of expendable income, and driving an older car doesn’t necessarily mean that they lack the means to upgrade. Living in a mansion doesn’t equate to it being filled with joy, and living in a humble abode doesn’t equate to regrets. There’s no end to the assumptions we make about what we see on the surface of life. It’s looking beyond the surface where the truth is found. Without looking below the surface, we never know what the view of life really looks like from where we sit. This is the Key to finding the need within each one, so we know how to “fill it” with Hope.
Of all the assumptions we make about life, the most dangerous assumption comes down to Faith. Going to church doesn’t equate to being a Christian, no more than going to a bar equates to being an alcoholic. Being able to quote Scripture doesn’t equate to being a Christian, no more than quoting science equates to being a genius. Feeding a few hungry people for the holidays doesn’t equate to being a Christian, no more than breaking bread with relatives once in a while equates to being a family. Being a Christian comes down to a personal relationship with the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace – and when we have that part “right,” we spring forth with Living Water, and the Love and Compassion cannot be contained. When we get that part “right”, we dig below the surface of life with everyone in our path – never judging – because we understand the brokenness of man and we celebrate Forgiveness. We never stop Searching for the Condition of the Heart, and sharing our Faith becomes as natural to us as breathing. We love our brothers and sisters in Christ enough to be sure that they’ve not grown barren in the Journey and we never make assumptions based on what we see on the surface. It’s the Holy Spirit that should be dwelling below the surface of every person of Faith and it’s His Spirit that prompts us to Search beyond what we see with our eyes. When He dwells within us, we never look at barrenness without seeing Hope…in and out of the community of Christians.
God used the barren-looking fields this morning to remind me not to make assumptions based on what I see on the outside. Many people can easily be left behind all year long based on assumptions we make about what we see on the surface of life. So, as I celebrate the birth of the King of all Kings, I’ll keep digging below the surface to check the Condition of the Heart of all He puts in my path…beginning with myself, and I won’t assume anything based on what I see. I’ll be Armed and Ready to share the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace throughout the season and every single day of the new year. And THAT’s what the “great commission” looks like below the surface.
How about you?
Today I’ll Focus on Love…
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. The sun burst forth in the morning sky as if it were proclaiming that the day would be warm(er) and more beautiful than the day before. It’s been cold lately, and we’ve already had a bit of snow, but they say these next few days will be in the 50s. Since I like nothing more than fields covered with snow for Christmas, I’m hoping for the temperature to drop soon, along with the snow. When I met with the Living God this morning, I had the hardest time trying to take captive every thought to bring His Word into my spirit. A long list of things to do kept popping into my head, and my Praising turned into planning over and over again. All of the holiday preparations filled my mind, and instead of focusing on the Greatest Gift of all, I was focused on all the gifts I’m making for others. I finally confessed my weakness to Him, and it didn’t take long for Him to take me to the Spiritual Woodshed with a Firm Reminder about the Heart. No matter what I do – no matter what need I’m trying to fill – no matter who or how I serve – no matter what I say – no matter how elaborate the gift I make – if I don’t have the right Heart, all of it is MEANINGLESS. I began to weep as I thought about how my labor of love could so easily transition into lame projects. I never want to “go through the motions” when it comes to the Living God, and I never want to work myself into a frenzy just for the sake of doing good. Isn’t that the way you see the Journey of Faith, too?
I know that without the right Heart and without a Prepared soul, I stand the risk of being “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” because without Love there is no meaning to my words at all. No matter if the words warm the heart and no matter how profound the words sound sometimes, without Love, there is no meaning to my words at all. The “greatest of these is love,” and no matter what act of kindness I do today, if the kindness is done to make me look and feel better and not out of Love for the other – it is worthless to the One who matters the most.
No amount of nice things I do for my family and friends and no matter how many handmade gifts they’ll all receive this year, if they aren’t given and driven by Love they’ll be meaningless to the receiver. Love is the greatest of all things, and it takes a whole lot of Love to do the Will of my God, no matter what’s going on in my life. Nothing I do for Him can earn His favor in my life or justify the Sacrifice He made for me, but when I do His Will with Love…no, no matter how large or how small…my Works are priceless in the Kingdom of God and I know that they’ll have an eternal impact.
Today I’ll focus on love. The love I have for the Living God and the love I have for His people. The love I have for my family and friends, and the love I have for strangers I’ve yet to meet. Whatever I do today, I’ll do out of love despite the distractions that come my way. As I busy myself making gifts for my family, I’ll focus on Love a lot more than “perfection,” and those simple little gifts will be Priceless when I do. The distractions will just motivate me to try a little harder to battle against the one who brings confusion to life. Absolutely nothing will change my heart OR my direction as long as I’m doing the Will of a Mighty God, and I’ll continue to persevere through the obstacles until I succeed.
How about you?
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing”
There Really IS a Secret to Being Content!
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. A few days ago, we had a dusting of snow, high winds with a wind chill factor in the teens, and today isn’t much different. Welcome to the Four Seasons of Virginia! I met with the King of all kings inside a warm farmhouse, and I gave thanks for all that He is and all that He does for me. I “relocate” this time of year for my quiet time. It’s too cold outside, my office has been repurposed, and the Christmas tree blocks my view of the fields from my living room desk. I’m not necessarily happy about the changes…BUT that’s just a selfish human reaction. Like Paul, I’ve learned to be content in all things, so a little cold, icy weather and a blocked view of the porch, all because of a beautiful Christmas tree, won’t stop me from spending time with the One who died for me. He’s my King, and I’m His child…how could I ever want for more?
It’s a blessing beyond measure to be content, but unfortunately, Genuine Contentment doesn’t come to the average Heart. The average Heart wants what it wants when it wants it, and we aren’t happy when life circumstances cause us to “relocate.” Death, debt, disease, and divorce have the potential to knock the wind out of our sails, and sometimes we question God as a result. But NONE of those things have the power to rob us of our Peace or contentment UNLESS we allow them to. The God of the Universe is already in tomorrow…nothing takes Him by surprise…AND all things really do “work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His Purpose”. If He knows our circumstances even before we do, and if He’s ready to turn the “bad” into “good” (anytime we’re ready to surrender it), then how can we not be content in all things? The secret to Genuine Contentment is understanding that He ALWAYS has a Plan for Good, no matter what it looks like to us on the outside. When you think about it, the outcome of our circumstances isn’t about whether or not He’s willing to change them…it’s about whether or not we’re willing to Trust Him instead.
Just like Paul, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty”. Although I can’t say I was necessarily joyful when I’ve been in need, I CAN say that I Trust Him with my circumstances and I believe Him when He says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” and that’s enough for me. I know what it is to sit in a cold farmhouse living without heat all winter long because I couldn’t afford to buy it – and I know what it is to turn up the thermostat to be sure my family and friends are warm when they visit. Even better yet, I know what it is to have the means to pay to keep someone else warm and cozy for the winter. I know what it feels like to struggle through this life on my own for decades and what it feels like to be responsible for every piece – AND NOW I know what it is to lock arms with my God-given Covenant partner, ready and willing to ease the burdens of the Journey of Life for me. I know what it is to be well-fed, and I’ve been blessed to have dined with “kings”, and I know what it is to be hungry and worried about what I’d feed my family. I know what it is to be surrounded by amazing people who love me and aren’t afraid to show it, and I know what it feels like to be betrayed by the “closest” ones. Despite my circumstances, I have had the favor of God ONLY because I give it ALL to Him, day after day and year after year. I have genuine Contentment because I Trust Him through it all.
There are lots of people in the world who are stressed out over the holidays. Most of them are stressed about where to find the perfect gift and how much room they have on their credit card to buy it just to please someone else. They don’t think much about the hungry (and cold) ones because they’re too focused on the sizzle. It wouldn’t occur to them to dial back their spending enough to pay a utility bill for a suffering soul, or what it would look like to modify their own food budget to provide a meal or two for a hungry family. Sadly, these people will NEVER find Genuine Contentment in life UNLESS or UNTIL the world quits revolving around them, and all those things they think they “need” become less important than meeting the needs of someone else. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” so I know that EVERY morsel I’ve shared, EVERY spare room or bed I’ve shared, EVERY penny I’ve shared to meet the needs of another I DID FOR HIM and I pray I hear “well done, good and faithful servant!” when He calls me Home. Until then, I’m content as long as I can do the work of my Lord and Savior, and I’ll give and give until there’s nothing left.
How about you?
Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Blessings…Too Many to Declare!
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I woke up just as the Master woke up the world, and I kicked off this new day in His Presence to give Praise and Thanks for this new day of a new year of my life. A new year is something to Celebrate from the inside out, that’s for sure, and even though I don’t like what I see in the mirror these days, I like what I see on the inside much MORE than I ever have. After a really good dose of Wisdom from my Instruction Manual and a hot cup of coffee, I’m ready to Celebrate this beautiful new day in my Journey of Life in a manner that will Please the One Who “knit me together” in my mother’s womb…the One who died for me! Without Him, I might be celebrating a day, but with Him, I Celebrate my Life. Isn’t that the way you look at your birthday, too?
My heart overflows with Gratitude this morning for countless things. Psalm 40:5 says, “Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” It’s impossible to count my Blessings – there are too many to declare. But on this day, in honor of my birthday, I’ll declare a few…
I’m thankful for a saving Faith and that I know, with all that I am, that One Day I will spend the rest of my days in the Presence of the One who died for me and with all those Faithful ones who have gone before me. I’m thankful that all my children have a Saving Knowledge of Jesus Christ too, and that parting from this earth won’t mean parting forever for us! We’ll have a Family Reunion in Heaven one day that will be so beautiful it will defy words. I won’t just see the people I’ve loved here on earth in Heaven, I’ll also see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Daniel, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, Job, and countless others that I read about in His Word! I’m grateful for the promise of Eternity for those of us who Believe – “too many to declare.”
I’m thankful for the world’s most amazing family. The Love that runs through my children for me and for each other is only possible through God, and it’s an answer to a daily prayer since I became a Mom. God blessed me with children I don’t deserve, and He has answered my prayers for Wisdom to raise them, a Heart to love them unconditionally…to forgive them just as Jesus forgives us…a Heart to speak Kindness and to reflect gentleness no matter what. I’m thankful for the strength and health of each one of them and for joy and laughter year after year. It hasn’t been a perfect journey, and there have been plenty of storms, but we’ve Celebrated Victory together after the storms, and we’ve always clung to our Faith to see us through. The things I’m grateful for are “too many to declare.”
I’m thankful for my Covenant partner…my husband, my brother, and my friend…a gift to me from God in the final chapter of my life. After decades of being content to fly solo, God brought me the perfect man for me, and he has filled my life with Love. My covenant partner loves Jesus MORE than he could ever love me, and THAT’S how and why he’s so good to me…Christ is the center. Together we serve the King!
I’m thankful for my friends. Some I’ve known for decades, and some who have entered my life in this winter season of my Life. Some I’ve never met in person, but I love them all the same. Each one has Blessed me in ways “too many to declare.” I’ve felt their prayers in the trying seasons of my life, and we’ve celebrated Victories at the end as I climbed back up to the mountaintop while they cheered me on – and we ALWAYS give thanks to God for the new Testimony they know I’ll BOLDLY Share with the world. The goal of Christian friendships is to “spur” one another on to be all that we can be for Jesus, so I spur every chance I get, and I’m grateful for when they spur me on, too. I love to belly laugh with them at every given opportunity, and my Heart and prayers can be counted on when they need me…and I know that theirs can be counted on when I need them too. “Too many to declare.”
My morning is already filling up with calls from my family and friends – each one with a priceless message of love for me as I celebrate a new year. Today I’ll celebrate over lunch with a few friends, and tonight I’ll be serving the King by way of a Bible study. What better way to honor the One who died for me? Our family will gather soon to decorate our Christmas tree, and we’ll be celebrating each December birthday (there are 4) – decorating the tree for my birthday has been a tradition for as many years as I can count. Our home will overflow with love and laughter, and I know that all the things I’ll be grateful for on this day as I celebrate my birthday will be “too many to declare”.
Thank you, God, for another day – ANOTHER YEAR to make a Difference in this Journey called Life. Thank you for each life MY Life touches throughout this coming new year. May I be a Reflection of you as I share the Truth with them with Christ-like Love. May I not squander even one day of this new year so that I can Live it out for Jesus Christ! Thank you, God, for the Peace and Love that overflows in my life.
Thank you to my precious tribe and to all of my friends for each sweet birthday message for me.
My thanks are “Too many to declare”. My heart overflows.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!
Watch Out For All Those “Little” Things!
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I met with the One who breathed Life into my soul, and once I got into His Word, I couldn’t get enough. I read Words I’ve read many times before, but they Touched me in ways they never had before, and today they had New Meaning just for me. I’m growing more each day because of Him AND because I’m a Willing student. No doubt my days are getting shorter and shorter, and there’s no longer “all the time in the world” for me. So I work hard to get my nature as close to the Nature of the Perfect One who died for me as humanly possible before He calls me Home. Like the branches on these trees, there are pieces of me here and there that need Attention so that the smaller, weaker parts of me can eventually become Mature like all the others. If I keep strengthening some parts, but overlook all those other “little” things that need to Mature, I can’t become ALL that He Created me to be. So, I keep working to become the Best I can be for Him. Isn’t that the way you look at your life, too?
It can be so easy to feel good about ourselves based on Maturity in some areas of our lives, while we overlook the importance of developing all the other “little things.” We can be strong and well-rooted in some ways, but as weak as a newborn colt in others. If we continue to pour Living Water on the strong parts, no doubt they will stand firm for the long run, BUT if we overlook the “little things” that need attention too, we risk thwarting the entire Journey of Faith. Sometimes those small branches need to be pruned to make way for all the others, and sometimes they need to be cut away entirely. Either way, unless we pay attention to the “little things” that stand in the way of us becoming all that He Created us to be, we never reach the Ultimate Goal. There aren’t many things that scare me as much as thinking I could end my Journey with a “MISSION INCOMPLETE” all because I refused to address the “little things” that stand between my God and me.
Sometimes we don’t realize our Journey is being thwarted, but that’s because we excuse away the “little things” as if they don’t matter. We easily deceive ourselves into believing that the “little things” don’t matter as long as there are some Strong parts…but THAT’S NOT TRUE. After all, the human body is made up of TRILLIONS of cells, but all it takes is a few active cancer cells to prevent all the others from thriving…and the same is true for the Journey of Faith. We often tell ourselves that “nobody’s perfect,” and while that’s true, that’s no excuse for not giving it everything we’ve got to be more like the Perfect One who died for us. Don’t take my word for it – He says, “Be holy as I am holy”. It takes each piece to Grow into a Strong Vessel that is worthy to be used by the King, and sometimes it’s all those “little things” that are standing in the way of Spiritual Growth, no matter how many other Strong branches we have. As long as we’re Willing…and Seeking His Face…and Determined to please Him more than we’re determined to please ourselves… He’ll keep revealing those “little things” that need our Attention, and He’ll teach us how to Prune them out of our lives so that we become the Vessel He intends for us to be.
The Lord used the winter backdrop of dormant trees this morning to drive home a message to my Heart, and I’m grateful for the Pruning we did together. He loves me. HE Created me for a Purpose. He wants to Use me. He wants me to be Strong. He has command over every cell in my body. He wants me to Grow. He wants me to be a Walking Testimony of His Love and Grace in every area of my Life. If I need to go through a little pruning and cutting away every once in a while so that I can be the Best for Him, it’s WORTH it. He’s WORTH it.
I won’t reach perfection on this side of Heaven, but that won’t prevent me from trying to be more like Him every day until He takes me Home. “MISSION INCOMPLETE” isn’t an option for me. Is it for you?
How Deep Are Your Roots?
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s cold outside, and I’m grateful for a warm house to spend my time with the Living God inside looking out today. For some reason, I woke up with a heavy heart this morning, and it took a little Work for me to find my Joy. But when you have the Right Foundation, and you know how to Follow the Instructions for Life, Joy can be found no matter what’s going on. So, my Heart went from heavy to overflowing in no time at all. As I looked out at this old walnut tree at sunrise, God used it to remind me of the importance of having a Firm Foundation. A hundred and fifty years or so after this tree first took root, it has a firm foundation with hundreds of limbs of growth drawing on its strength still today. What a Sweet Reminder straight from the Throne of a Loving God this morning that because of my Strong Foundation, hundreds of Limbs will draw from the Strength of my Faith over my Lifetime. Hallelujah! Isn’t that the way you look at your Life, too?
It can be so easy to get caught up in circumstances that make the Heart heavy, but we (willingly) surrender our Joy when we allow that to happen, and we show signs of a weak Foundation. If this old walnut tree lacked a firm foundation, even the tiniest breeze could potentially make it fall. But its roots run deep, and the foundation is strong, and this tree has had the strength to endure many storms because of it. Life is like this walnut tree. Sometimes we experience a strong wind, and once in a while, we’ll even lose a limb or two in the process. But if the Roots are Deep and the Foundation is Strong, we might waver here and there when the winds pass through, but we will never Fall. The root system is the source of the strength and longevity of this old tree, and it’s the roots that can’t even be seen with the eye that are forever digging in deeper. It’s through the root that the tree receives its nourishment, and if the roots get compromised, it will cease to bear fruit and grow limbs…and eventually it will fall. The same is true for you and me. Jesus Christ is the only way to a Strong Foundation that can endure all that life brings our way, and it’s the key to leaving a Remnant behind that will last long after we’re gone, just like this old walnut tree. The Bible says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
One day, this old walnut tree will have had enough, and it will die as surely as I will. Nothing lives forever on this earth. There’s no way of knowing how many meals it provided to the squirrels or how many birds found refuge on its branches. There is no way of determining how many other walnut trees around this farm were planted from this one or how many strong limbs it has managed to sprout. There’s no way of counting all the prayers that were prayed over this old tree or how many times thanks were given for its beauty. There’s no way of knowing how many people sat in its shade or how many limbs have fallen over time. With a foundation strong enough to last over 150+ years, it’s impossible to calculate what it has produced during its lifetime. I know that if I have a Firm Foundation and a Deep Root System, the same will be true for me and my life. There won’t be any way of calculating how many branches took Root on their own, all because of my Firm Foundation, or how many new trees were planted because of mine. I won’t know how many people took refuge in my Branches or found refuge in my Shade… or how many prayers were prayed for me in my lifetime. But I DO know that the Foundation of my Faith will bear fruit for generations to come…if I stay Strong and if I’m diligent about making sure my Root is Deep enough to withstand even the strongest storm.
God used this old walnut tree to touch my heart this morning, and I went from feeling downcast to Celebrating because of Him. I’ve put in the Work to secure my Foundation, and my Roots are growing deeper every day. I may not get 150+ years on this earth like this walnut tree, but the Impact that my Faith will leave behind will last for all Eternity…one Branch at a time.
How about you?
Bold and Beautiful…Seen AND Heard!
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s cold and rainy this morning, and there was no color to cling to at sunrise, so I spent my time inside looking out. As I considered what the Master has in store for me on this new day, my attention went to this simple plant. While the birds and the squirrels are outside fighting to find their food, this plant will be nourished inside by the hand of man. Fighting for good things… righteous things… is AWAYS a GOOD thing. But when it comes to those things of God, so many people are unwilling to “fight,” and they’re content to hide the “color” of their Faith inside and away from the world, just like this poinsettia plant. Is that the way you see your Journey of Faith, too?
It’s so easy to sit back and wait for somebody else to do something, especially when it comes to those things of the Faith. Just like this poinsettia plant, our Faith can be bold and beautiful when we’re inside in the warmth of our home, but it’s an entirely different story when we’re out in the world. There’s a battle going on in the world, and it’s a battle that threatens all people of Faith. It’s not a time for wussies, and it’s not a time to refuse to do Battle. Some people have been convinced that people of Faith are to be seen and not heard, but that’s surely not according to God. Some believe that we are to live in peace no matter what, and they refuse to take a stand even when it comes down to defending those things of our Faith. But that’s not according to God either. Some people believe that we are prize-worthy if we just turn the other cheek and ignore the offense against us. But that advice was given by Christ in reference to how we are to forgive, NOT how we are to Live.
It’s bizarre how willing people are to stand up and be heard when it comes to defending one of their own. For instance, when a child is bullied in school, moms and dads fight like pit bulls to defend them. When innocent animals are needlessly harmed, plenty of people will stand up and speak about the injustices. Many people fight for those animals much more than they would ever fight for a human being. Some people are willing to do jail time as they fight for environmental things that threaten our planet, while there are other groups that keep the fight going as they demand to be seen and heard and accepted for who and what they are, no matter what. When people are passionate about what they’re “fighting” for, they’ll defend it to anybody, anyplace, and any time…no matter what. It’s the passion that drives the human heart and the passion that gives us strength and staying power. But when it comes to things of Faith, most people remain silent, and they cower down under the threat of persecution or political backlash. They hide the “color” of their Faith away from the world, and they have been convinced that this is what God wants. The REAL problem is that they lack passion for the Living God, and because they lack passion, they refuse to speak up or stand up for all that He is…our only Hope…our Savior…our Redeemer. These people live out their Faith just like the poinsettia plant…bold and beautiful but hidden away from anything and everything outside of the home. How can God be honored in silence?
I’m always ready to do battle because I know who my enemy REALLY is, and I’m confident that I have what it takes to be Victorious every single time. I know that I infuriate my enemy… but that’s okay because He doesn’t scare me at all. I don’t need to insult people or do them harm as I do battle, I just need to lean on the One who Protects me, and I need to be willing to walk the walk AND talk the talk for my God. I don’t need to preach, and I’m not called to judge, BUT I am Commanded to be courageous and passionate, and willing to Serve. ALL people of Faith have been Commanded to tell the world about Jesus Christ…the God of Hope and Redemption, no matter what kind of adversity we face because of it.
How is that possible if we remain silent and hidden away from the world? Nobody ever won a battle by doing nothing! I’m doing battle for my Faith today and every day, and I “take one for the Team” more often than most people can imagine.
How about you?
Refusing to Get Lost in The Shuffle…
Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s 25° and snowing, so I had the most important Meeting of my day inside the warm farmhouse with a hot cup of coffee, and I gave thanks for the warmth to the God of all Creation. I don’t think most people pause to give thanks for something as simple as a heated home, but that’s because they’ve never been cold. Our plans are to shop for our Christmas tree today, and I can’t think of a better way to grab on to the Christmas spirit than to shop for a tree with snow on the ground. This time of year is filled with family and festivities, and if we aren’t careful, we can find ourselves in a state of exhaustion even before Christmas Day arrives. It’s this time of year that takes more focus on equipping myself for the Season, so it’s this time of year that I am sure to take the time for me and my God despite the madness. My focus won’t just be on the birth of baby Jesus and presents under the tree – my focus will be on the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life, and I’ll be sharing Him far beyond the manger. Isn’t that the way you see the season, too?
It’s so easy to hoard for our own pleasure this time of year if we aren’t careful. We get busy decorating our homes with a tree and some lights and a multitude of other things, as if there’s a contest we hope to win, and somehow the gentle beauty of the season gets lost in the shuffle. The 3 wise men may have found their way to the manger where Jesus was born by following a beautiful, bright star, but I’m sure the rest of the sky wasn’t lit up in bright, flashing colors in celebration of the birth of the King. We’ll shop until we drop for our loved ones, and we’re inclined to spend money that we don’t have to make people happy, as if the more we buy for them, the sweeter the season will be. But the 3 wise men KNEW that they were headed to meet their Savior, and they didn’t bring a U-Haul to shower the King of all kings with gifts. Sadly, we’ll see a whole lot more of Santa than we will of Jesus in and out of our homes, and somehow the legend of a mysterious guy in the North Pole bearing gifts has overshadowed the greatest Gift of all and the reason we celebrate this time of year in the first place. We’ll cook, and we’ll bake and we’ll have more treats than any human could possibly consume, while countless others will spend the season alone and hungry…and cold. Yes, we are definitely inclined to hoard this time of year for our own pleasure – I just wonder how that feels to the One who was born to die for you and for me?
I’m not legalistic, and I KNOW how to have fun. I don’t believe for a second that Christians are supposed to be broke and miserable. I’m filled with Joy for my King every day of the year, and when I celebrate Christmas with my family, it will be obvious that the day is all about Him and not about us. I’ll have a Christmas tree, and I’ll put out a few decorations in my home. I’ll be busy making gifts for my family and a few of my friends so that I can share a piece of my Heart with them that carries a whole lot more meaning than merely pulling out a credit card. You won’t even find a HINT of that mysterious guy named “Santa” in the farmhouse because we’ll be WAY too busy celebrating the birth of our Savior and giving thanks to the King of all kings…our Prince of Peace.. our Wonderful Counselor and Almighty God for ALL that we are and ALL that we have and for the Hope that He brought to the world when He was born in that manger so long ago.
I’ll have a lot of fun with my family (and a stray or two as the Lord sees fit), and this old farmhouse will rattle with laughter and love. We’ll exchange gifts, and we’ll eat too much food while we give our time, our attention, AND our Honor to the REAL reason for this season…and we’ll give thanks for the warmth. I’ve got a feeling that the One who was born to die for me and for you likes it that way.
How about you?
My Front Porch 
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