a plants' life and more

I have a Christmas cactus that had sat in the addition of our home for roughly two years; most of that time it seems it was neglected. I seldom watered it, and though I don't know a lot about plants, this one seldom had sunlight, and I'm certain it needed some. It was droopy :-(

A few months or so back, I moved the plant to our bathroom. I try to open the blinds daily to allow sunlight for it and have watered it on a fairly consistent basis.

Today I noticed new sprouts or buds on the plant! Now some of you may think, "Well, of course, that's what a tended plant will do." or something to that effect; and, you're right. But thoughts that came just a tad later seemed to speak even louder.

Our lives can be looked at like that plant. If our spiritual needs are neglected we will wither. We will be droopy. However, if we gain regular nutrition, son light, watering, etc. we will sprout, grow, blossom, and flourish. (nutrition can be obtained through His word, the Holy Spirit, & other believers)

Many years ago, it seemed the LORD spoke directly to me as I questioned him. I've struggled with depression a lot of my adult life, and looking back probably dealt with it as a child and teen but didn't realize it. His answer seemed to be the following. I pray it blesses you. It's a reminder to me that He is at work, that He has a plan for me, though often I've questioned. I don't currently have a title for it, but please, if you post or copy it, etc, please do so For His Glory (1 Cor 10:31)

"I'LL SPRINKLE you like the dew--
refresh you, cool you, and yes prune you.

You will blossom to a fruitful bush and
many will eat of you.

You will be a blessing to others and will
feed and nurture them.

Only prepare yourself a good soil, that your
roots may be strong.

Be patient, a strong tree takes time,
but persist to be nurtured,

Endure the pruning for soon comes
forth the fruit.

BE STILL and KNOW that I am GOD"

FHG/bkm c1996-1997

I hope the Christmas cactus eventually has some beautiful flowers; but for now at least it appears to be recuperating a bit. How much more so do you think God delights when we sprout? :-)

Awesome Love of God

ok, so i am climbing a mountain (referring to last post), however God is enabling me to go on. After a week of going to two different doctors and learning of two additional medical conditions that will require follow up testing and probably (unless as prayed for there is divine healing) treatment and/or surgery and who knows what else i realized that, for me, my entire life on this side of heaven is a mountain. However, i also know that God has a plan for me and nothing can thwart that so i need to rest in him.

Not always easy to do, for sure. However, as mentioned I believe previously, we have the divine indwelling of the Holy Spirit who will intercede for us. I think I just get too bogged down with earthly concerns at times to draw near to him and ask for his enablement. To even do that is not easy because i must lay aside the worldly distractions.

I have a little placque i found some time ago that says "I found love in an awesome God". That sums up a lot for me. He is the one who loves me as I am and wants what's best for me and can see to it that that happens. Coming from a childhood and young adult life of not knowing what true love was like, it blows me away that God would care so much, and that in turn, he enables me and teaches me to love in that same way. Knowing how much I love my children, as a human, and would not want harm for them, how much more does God want good for me?

Anyway, i press on, by His grace and "for His Glory" that others may know he loves them too. Suffering does have a purpose, and although it's not fun at the time, it does reap a benefit. Praise God!!