Looking out the window this morning I immediately noticed the small burrow of dirt in the garden. It stood out in irritating contrast against the beautifully manicured flower garden. Two long stems of tangled roots were exposed and laid bare within the dirt spewed hole...no doubt the remains of a rabbits dinner the night before! As I think about roots I realize that, underneith the lovely magnolia tree and the vibrant white and red geraniums, twisted and enmeshed below the tall whisps of acacia grass and dancing tiger lillys are the true reason for all this beauty. The stark, unlovely, tangled mess of dirt clumped ROOTS!
No one would choose to sit and "ooh and ahh" over a display of roots, yet without them there would be no growth, no flowers, no trees, no beauty to behold, no tiny green shoots of hope in the spring. I think about Jesus.. "He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. Isaiah 53:2".....OH but He is our root! Apart from Him we have nothing. He is our life source and we,surrendered and connected to Him, are the beautiful display of His glory...His flower garden!
Today: Seek out and appreciate the vast array of beauty in everyone you meet and within yourself....and thank the ROOT of it all, Jesus!
Blessings!
Kim Dent
Under Construction
One day last summer, I had to take one of my son’s to the airport in Cleveland. He needed to be there by 6:00 a.m. so we had to leave home before the rest of the world was stirring. As we began our journey, traffic was at a minimum and I was able to travel at the posted speed limit. Soon, however, orange construction barrels lined the middle of the highway. It wasn’t necessary to change lanes or even slow my speed. There was no evidence of any construction work going on at all. The barrels came to an end and all was back to normal. About halfway into our journey, the construction barrels appeared once again and this time it was evident that construction was taking place. There were mounds of dirt, torn up pavement and construction vehicles along the roadway. The barrels now required me to slow my speed considerably and change lanes. Soon I had to cross over the median to travel against oncoming traffic….not something I enjoy doing especially while it’s still dark but with minimal traffic, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. After traveling at a slower speed for several miles, the barrels finally directed us back to the right side of the highway. Within a few minutes, the barrels were completely gone. We resumed normal speed and arrived at the airport with time to spare.
After dropping my son off, I headed back home traveling down the same highway. I knew I would encounter the barrels again but was confident I could maneuver through them with little trouble. While I drove along, the Lord reminded me of how our lives are always “under construction” and will continue to be until we meet him face to face. Sometimes the construction is at a minimum. The barrels are there and the Lord is at work but we don’t always see the construction taking place. The Lord may have put up the barrels to move us from one path to another in order to reconstruct some area of our lives. The barrels may show up in order to get to slow down and refocus our attention. He may allow us to return at some point to the road we were traveling or He may have us take a completely different route. Whatever happens, we can be assured the He is at work and He will continue to keep us “under construction” for His greater purposes and our greater good. So when the barrels pop up on the road you’re traveling, don’t fear. Just embrace the construction work the Lord is about to do in your life.
-Ann F.
After dropping my son off, I headed back home traveling down the same highway. I knew I would encounter the barrels again but was confident I could maneuver through them with little trouble. While I drove along, the Lord reminded me of how our lives are always “under construction” and will continue to be until we meet him face to face. Sometimes the construction is at a minimum. The barrels are there and the Lord is at work but we don’t always see the construction taking place. The Lord may have put up the barrels to move us from one path to another in order to reconstruct some area of our lives. The barrels may show up in order to get to slow down and refocus our attention. He may allow us to return at some point to the road we were traveling or He may have us take a completely different route. Whatever happens, we can be assured the He is at work and He will continue to keep us “under construction” for His greater purposes and our greater good. So when the barrels pop up on the road you’re traveling, don’t fear. Just embrace the construction work the Lord is about to do in your life.
-Ann F.
Spring Cleaning
Spring is finally here. Can you feel? Can you see it? The temperature is beginning to climb. The birds are singing their early morning melodies. The trees and flowers are beginning to awake from their winter slumber. What an exciting time of year! Everything is coming alive again. Even we humans are getting excited. As the weather begins to get warmer, we emerge from our wintertime cocoons and find ourselves heading outdoors to prepare our yards and flower beds, practice our golf game or maybe start walking to shed that winter weight gain.
At this time of year, I always think of my mom. She would decide that one week she would “spring clean” the entire house. Most of us don’t even think about such a thing. It’s hard enough to clean on a weekly basis. This cleaning, however, was unlike the weekly housecleaning she always did. During ‘spring cleaning’ week, she would disassemble each room and clean it from top to bottom. No corner or cupboard or curtain or dresser was left untouched. Furniture was moved and dust bunnies that had collected over the past year were swept away. All bedding and curtains were washed, hung outside to dry, ironed and returned to their proper place. Knick-knacks were taken down from shelves, washed and dried, then put back sparkling clean. You could tell that something inside the house was taking place because of the fresh clean smell. Mom was exhausted by week’s end but there a certain satisfaction with a “job well-done’.
As I was doing my devotionals one morning, the Lord impressed upon me the importance of a good “spiritual spring cleaning” in my own life. He reminded me how necessary it is to clean out the junk that I’ve let accumulate in my life. And believe me, it does accumulate, sometimes on a daily a basis. It is so important to deal with things as they come up instead of hiding them in the deepest, darkest corners of our lives and hearts. This spiritual cleaning should take place more than once a year like cleaning the house does. When we do this cleaning, we need to look into all those hidden places, dig out the stuff that’s buried down deep, and bring it to the surface so it can swept away just like the dust bunnies. We don’t have to do this alone. God is there to help us with the cleaning. He will do his part but we need to do ours. Are you uncertain about what needs to be cleaned up and cleaned out? Prayerfully ask the Lord to reveal those things to you and to “create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me” – Psalm 51:10. Just as the house had a fresh feeling after the spring cleaning, we too will feel a difference in our lives. As we make this cleaning a part of our daily spiritual walk, we will know when, and if, a deep-down cleaning needs to take place. Don’t you want to feel spiritually clean all the time? Why not start your “spiritual spring cleaning” today. You’ll be so glad you did.
-Ann F.
At this time of year, I always think of my mom. She would decide that one week she would “spring clean” the entire house. Most of us don’t even think about such a thing. It’s hard enough to clean on a weekly basis. This cleaning, however, was unlike the weekly housecleaning she always did. During ‘spring cleaning’ week, she would disassemble each room and clean it from top to bottom. No corner or cupboard or curtain or dresser was left untouched. Furniture was moved and dust bunnies that had collected over the past year were swept away. All bedding and curtains were washed, hung outside to dry, ironed and returned to their proper place. Knick-knacks were taken down from shelves, washed and dried, then put back sparkling clean. You could tell that something inside the house was taking place because of the fresh clean smell. Mom was exhausted by week’s end but there a certain satisfaction with a “job well-done’.
As I was doing my devotionals one morning, the Lord impressed upon me the importance of a good “spiritual spring cleaning” in my own life. He reminded me how necessary it is to clean out the junk that I’ve let accumulate in my life. And believe me, it does accumulate, sometimes on a daily a basis. It is so important to deal with things as they come up instead of hiding them in the deepest, darkest corners of our lives and hearts. This spiritual cleaning should take place more than once a year like cleaning the house does. When we do this cleaning, we need to look into all those hidden places, dig out the stuff that’s buried down deep, and bring it to the surface so it can swept away just like the dust bunnies. We don’t have to do this alone. God is there to help us with the cleaning. He will do his part but we need to do ours. Are you uncertain about what needs to be cleaned up and cleaned out? Prayerfully ask the Lord to reveal those things to you and to “create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me” – Psalm 51:10. Just as the house had a fresh feeling after the spring cleaning, we too will feel a difference in our lives. As we make this cleaning a part of our daily spiritual walk, we will know when, and if, a deep-down cleaning needs to take place. Don’t you want to feel spiritually clean all the time? Why not start your “spiritual spring cleaning” today. You’ll be so glad you did.
-Ann F.
Love Bombed
KRISTIN’S BLOG "LOVE BOMBED"
Last week, I was home with Little Man. I got a call from Miss Preschool. She was my daughter’s preschool teacher over 4 years ago. The preschool is in a church up the street. Miss Preschool began to tell me about a problem she was having and she didn’t know what to do. “Kristin, there are these two young people sleeping outside the doorway to the preschool. They were here yesterday. The church wants me to call the police and have them arrested. But, I just don’t feel right about it. You came to mind.” I asked Miss Preschool a couple of questions and gave her some suggestions, it was then I heard it in her voice. Fear. “This is so far out of my comfort zone. I don’t know what to do,” she said. I asked her, “Do you want me to come up there and help?” I heard a sigh of relief. “Would you?”
I quickly turned on the cast iron skillet and cooked up some eggs and ham. I toasted a couple of English muffins and made sandwiches. I loaded Little Man in the car. When I got there, the couple was still asleep under their blankets. They had a stroller loaded with all their possessions. I went in to get Miss Preschool and drop Little Man off to play with the kids. We went outside. “Good morning!” I said. “I have a hot breakfast for you! Time to get up.” I heard the couple mumble under their blankets, “Really?” “Yup” I said. “But, you have to get up.” Miss Preschool and I waited for the drowsy couple to pull themselves together. It’s kind of weird to be so close to someone’s personal space. I mean, how many friends have you stood over when they were waking up?
They sat up. I introduced myself and Miss Preschool and handed them their breakfast. We sat down on the lawn and waited. As they started to eat, I began to ask them about their story. *Mary said they had been on the streets for a couple of months. She had gotten in a fight with her dad because her dad didn’t like her boyfriend *Tim. I asked if they were looking for a place to stay…had they tried the shelters? Tim said, “They won’t let us stay together in the shelters because we’re not married. We don’t want to be separated.” I asked them what they needed. “How can we help you?” I don’t think they get asked that question very often. They just looked at me. Then Mary spoke up, “Can I use your bathroom?” “Sure,” I exclaimed as I hopped to my feet.
Miss Preschool was a little concerned that the church wouldn’t be happy with me inviting her in. I said, “I’ll take the heat for this one!” About 15 minutes later Mary emerged from the restroom looking freshly washed and changed. I was so glad to have a few minutes with her. You see, I’ve been working with a friend on starting transitional housing for under aged girls who want to leave the sex industry. I’ve been receiving training and basically just having my eyes opened to the reality of how prevalent this industry is. I was pretty sure Mary was working the streets to help (said) boyfriend. She denied it of course, but all the signs said other wise. I asked her what she needed. Again, she wasn’t sure how to answer. “Do you need clothes? Shampoo? A clean towel?” She slowly began to roll off a list. I gave her my number and told her to give me some time to pull it all together.
Miss Preschool and I walked her to the door. I let Tim and Mary know that even though I understood they needed a place to sleep, they couldn’t sleep in front of the preschool. We said our goodbyes.
I went inside with Miss Preschool and she began to cry. “This just breaks my heart,” she said. “But, Kristin, you made it look so easy, so natural.”
It doesn’t take much to make someone feel special, even for a moment. I can’t solve their problems. They really didn’t want to change their circumstances. But, for a moment, they received a hot meal (not peanut butter and jelly), I asked them about themselves and what they need. For a moment, they were treated with dignity and shown a little love. Have you everLoveBombed someone? Would you?
*Names have been changed.
Last week, I was home with Little Man. I got a call from Miss Preschool. She was my daughter’s preschool teacher over 4 years ago. The preschool is in a church up the street. Miss Preschool began to tell me about a problem she was having and she didn’t know what to do. “Kristin, there are these two young people sleeping outside the doorway to the preschool. They were here yesterday. The church wants me to call the police and have them arrested. But, I just don’t feel right about it. You came to mind.” I asked Miss Preschool a couple of questions and gave her some suggestions, it was then I heard it in her voice. Fear. “This is so far out of my comfort zone. I don’t know what to do,” she said. I asked her, “Do you want me to come up there and help?” I heard a sigh of relief. “Would you?”
I quickly turned on the cast iron skillet and cooked up some eggs and ham. I toasted a couple of English muffins and made sandwiches. I loaded Little Man in the car. When I got there, the couple was still asleep under their blankets. They had a stroller loaded with all their possessions. I went in to get Miss Preschool and drop Little Man off to play with the kids. We went outside. “Good morning!” I said. “I have a hot breakfast for you! Time to get up.” I heard the couple mumble under their blankets, “Really?” “Yup” I said. “But, you have to get up.” Miss Preschool and I waited for the drowsy couple to pull themselves together. It’s kind of weird to be so close to someone’s personal space. I mean, how many friends have you stood over when they were waking up?
They sat up. I introduced myself and Miss Preschool and handed them their breakfast. We sat down on the lawn and waited. As they started to eat, I began to ask them about their story. *Mary said they had been on the streets for a couple of months. She had gotten in a fight with her dad because her dad didn’t like her boyfriend *Tim. I asked if they were looking for a place to stay…had they tried the shelters? Tim said, “They won’t let us stay together in the shelters because we’re not married. We don’t want to be separated.” I asked them what they needed. “How can we help you?” I don’t think they get asked that question very often. They just looked at me. Then Mary spoke up, “Can I use your bathroom?” “Sure,” I exclaimed as I hopped to my feet.
Miss Preschool was a little concerned that the church wouldn’t be happy with me inviting her in. I said, “I’ll take the heat for this one!” About 15 minutes later Mary emerged from the restroom looking freshly washed and changed. I was so glad to have a few minutes with her. You see, I’ve been working with a friend on starting transitional housing for under aged girls who want to leave the sex industry. I’ve been receiving training and basically just having my eyes opened to the reality of how prevalent this industry is. I was pretty sure Mary was working the streets to help (said) boyfriend. She denied it of course, but all the signs said other wise. I asked her what she needed. Again, she wasn’t sure how to answer. “Do you need clothes? Shampoo? A clean towel?” She slowly began to roll off a list. I gave her my number and told her to give me some time to pull it all together.
Miss Preschool and I walked her to the door. I let Tim and Mary know that even though I understood they needed a place to sleep, they couldn’t sleep in front of the preschool. We said our goodbyes.
I went inside with Miss Preschool and she began to cry. “This just breaks my heart,” she said. “But, Kristin, you made it look so easy, so natural.”
It doesn’t take much to make someone feel special, even for a moment. I can’t solve their problems. They really didn’t want to change their circumstances. But, for a moment, they received a hot meal (not peanut butter and jelly), I asked them about themselves and what they need. For a moment, they were treated with dignity and shown a little love. Have you everLoveBombed someone? Would you?
*Names have been changed.
Shifting Shadows
Recently many folks who follow their "zodiac sign" got a rude awakening. Many had to shift to a new sign due to the movenment of the planets around the sun. I can imagine the confusion when they opened the paper to read thier horoscope only to find that they are no longer a "Libra" but are now a "Taurus" or a "Leo"
You see, thats the problem when we pin our identity on anything of this world...everything here is temporary, everything here changes. But Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever." What a comfort to know the One who is unchangeable!
Have you ever consulted your horiscope to figure out what is in store for you? Do you seek the council of the zodiac signs before you make a decision? The Word says, "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:16-17) .
So, We are deceived if we place our trust in "heavenly lights" or stars that shift and change. Instead, put your hope in the One who created the stars! He doesn't see you as a member of a particular zodiak sign. He created You and calls you by name. It's personal with Him. He sees into your heart and knows more about you than you do! He created you to shine like stars not worship them!
Hey! Here's a better idea than following a shifting horiscope in the paper...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways aknowledge Him and He will direct your path! (Prov 3:5-6)
You see, thats the problem when we pin our identity on anything of this world...everything here is temporary, everything here changes. But Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever." What a comfort to know the One who is unchangeable!
Have you ever consulted your horiscope to figure out what is in store for you? Do you seek the council of the zodiac signs before you make a decision? The Word says, "Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:16-17) .
So, We are deceived if we place our trust in "heavenly lights" or stars that shift and change. Instead, put your hope in the One who created the stars! He doesn't see you as a member of a particular zodiak sign. He created You and calls you by name. It's personal with Him. He sees into your heart and knows more about you than you do! He created you to shine like stars not worship them!
Hey! Here's a better idea than following a shifting horiscope in the paper...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways aknowledge Him and He will direct your path! (Prov 3:5-6)
Caretakers of God...
All alone in a darkened cave with only the light from a small candle, Mary and Joseph pondered how this baby, so tiny and helpless would save the world. Yet the warmth, joy and peaceful glow eminating from this child somehow calmed their wondering, anxious hearts.
The night was filled with an electric expectation- hard to comprehend except to say that the supernatural was with them. Emmanuel. Mary and Joseph sat in awe, soaking in the impossibility of this moment...God in the flesh, kicking and cooing before them.
What would tomorrow bring? How does one begin to parent God? Will he wake frightened in the night? How does a human comfort the King of Kings, creator of all that is created? Serious questions and a lifetime to seek the answers as hand in hand and heart to heart, Mary and Joseph became the caretakers of God.
Christmas Blessings to you and may you experience His presence in ever increasing ways in the new year!
The night was filled with an electric expectation- hard to comprehend except to say that the supernatural was with them. Emmanuel. Mary and Joseph sat in awe, soaking in the impossibility of this moment...God in the flesh, kicking and cooing before them.
What would tomorrow bring? How does one begin to parent God? Will he wake frightened in the night? How does a human comfort the King of Kings, creator of all that is created? Serious questions and a lifetime to seek the answers as hand in hand and heart to heart, Mary and Joseph became the caretakers of God.
Christmas Blessings to you and may you experience His presence in ever increasing ways in the new year!
Falling...on purpose!
Falling. This word brings back visions of embarrassing moments. Falling up the steps as a freshman in highschool... books whizzing everywhere. Classmates tripping over me and my book avalanche. It was like a 10 car pileup on the highway but add teenage hormones and several "mean girls" to the mix. Ugh! I remember "falling for" the cute popular boy in 5th grade who never knew I existed. ouch!
Later, as a Realtor, I walked through a dark doorway to find a lightswitch only to fall into the homes sunken living room! Not the best way to point out this architechtural feature!
But I have also experienced a falling of the supernatural kind. On Sept 11th our country's false sense of security was shaken during a surprise terrorist attack. My personal illusions of security and "having it all together" tumbled that day as well. This surprise attack brought up memories that I had been running from all my life. Emotions that I had long since burried overwhelmed me as I grieved for the people in those buildings..somehow identifying with them.
At that moment, as that first tower fell, I sank to my knees and williningly surrendered my life, again, to Jesus. Falling on purpose into the arms of my gracious God. But this time, no one laughed at me. There was no pile of books to pick up while my face burned with shame. This time, I didnt fall for a self absorbed popular boy who didn't know I existed...This time, I fell for Jesus. Jesus, who knows every detail of my life and loves me. I discovered that Jesus had always been reaching out to me, ready to support, comfort, steady and love me if I would have only laid down my pride and self sufficiency and grabbed hold of what He offered to me.
I have found that falling on purpose has been the most significant decision of my life. Oh, I may still trip on a step or step off a curb wrong once in a while but no matter what, my soul is held secure as I hold tightly to my Lord's strong and loving hand. No matter what trials this life may bring, He promised to never let me go!
How about you? Could you use a hand today?
Psalm 37:24 Though he stumble he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with His hand.
Later, as a Realtor, I walked through a dark doorway to find a lightswitch only to fall into the homes sunken living room! Not the best way to point out this architechtural feature!
But I have also experienced a falling of the supernatural kind. On Sept 11th our country's false sense of security was shaken during a surprise terrorist attack. My personal illusions of security and "having it all together" tumbled that day as well. This surprise attack brought up memories that I had been running from all my life. Emotions that I had long since burried overwhelmed me as I grieved for the people in those buildings..somehow identifying with them.
At that moment, as that first tower fell, I sank to my knees and williningly surrendered my life, again, to Jesus. Falling on purpose into the arms of my gracious God. But this time, no one laughed at me. There was no pile of books to pick up while my face burned with shame. This time, I didnt fall for a self absorbed popular boy who didn't know I existed...This time, I fell for Jesus. Jesus, who knows every detail of my life and loves me. I discovered that Jesus had always been reaching out to me, ready to support, comfort, steady and love me if I would have only laid down my pride and self sufficiency and grabbed hold of what He offered to me.
I have found that falling on purpose has been the most significant decision of my life. Oh, I may still trip on a step or step off a curb wrong once in a while but no matter what, my soul is held secure as I hold tightly to my Lord's strong and loving hand. No matter what trials this life may bring, He promised to never let me go!
How about you? Could you use a hand today?
Psalm 37:24 Though he stumble he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with His hand.
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