FROM THE EDGE OF THE WOODS

     He limped from the forest through the thin brush that sprung up behind the carpenters shed.  Sounds from the shop told Sammy that Joseph and his son were already busy at work, repairing a plow for a friend.  The small grey creature crept ever so lightly to the edge of the opening and waited.  Jesus, dragging a heavy wooden barrel, came around the corner of the shop, moving toward the edge of the yard where he emptied the previous days’ sawdust and wooden scraps.  As soon as Sammy saw Jesus, he hobbled across the open space to this special child of whom all the creatures talked.

     Jesus, seeing the small animals’ crippled approach, knelt down to greet his little furry visitor.  “What can I do for you?” Jesus asked. “Child of God, if it is your will, I would like to climb trees and live high above the earth in the leafy world.  With my broken leg I am sentenced to the floor of the forest. Daily I scamper about, avoiding the dogs and cats that would have me for their next meal.”

     Jesus reached out and lifted the little squirrel up, looked directly into his face with its sparkling dark eyes, “Little one, your faith has made you whole.  Go and climb trees with the rest of your friends but don’t tell them about me.  Tell them about my Father, the Creator, who created you and the trees you climb.  I, too, will one day be crippled and my Heavenly Father will make me whole just as He has you.  Go and be all He created you to be!”

STRENGTH POWER PERFECTION

  God is my strength and power and He makes my way perfect.  2 SAMUEL 22:33

     Not even the best of our plans for the garden work out every time.  We dig up yet another plant and try to find a home for it so that it adds color or texture to that area of our garden world.  Life is a lot like that, also. 

     We plan for this job or this relationship and sometimes it just doesn’t work out.  Is it because we haven’t recognized our relationship with Christ?  Everything we do should have God’s fingerprints all over it.  Have we recognized Christ as our Redeemer and Savior?  Christ should guide our every move; our every thought. Does He? 

      We must ask God early each day to guide our steps along life’s garden pathways.  Everyone who watches us should see Christ in our actions.  Ask God to guide your steps today.

         

      Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.   Psalm  119:105

Gardener tip: Many of your family are scurrying about to get all their shopping lists organized; think about the right tool you could suggest for a Christmas gift.

THANKSGIVING

          Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;              give thanks to him and praise his name.           PSALM 100:4

     There are those of us who would have Christmas all the year.  Christmas is music, gifts, bells, and all the imagery that our past Christmases conjure up.  I am one of those who would like to see Thanksgiving at least be a season and not just a Thursday filled with turkey and football. 

     Thanksgiving is an opportunity in the midst of the mayhem. World events currently circling the globe like a freak storm of nature are spreading despair, unrest and uncertainty across the nations.  However, in my house, Thanksgiving is first and foremost an acknowledgment of God’s presence and position in our family.  Just the fact that we have a house, not quiet paid for, and a family, though most of the members are rescued animals; really so are we!

     And that’s what makes Thanksgiving so special.  We are rescued!  Christ’s gift of his birth life, death and resurrection, is the stuff of Christians around the world that makes us all so thankful. I am so thankful for all my friends and fellow gardeners, each of whom has had significant input toward the development of my garden-life. 

     Central Church has been central to the development of my present state of thanksgiving.  Central’s members, staff and so many others who have graced the doors over the passed 13 years have been an integral part in making my Thanksgiving possible.

Kat and I are eternally thankful for each of you.  THANKS

ABUNDANT FRUIT

 ….You will plant a vineyard, but you will not even begin to enjoy its fruit

      DUETERONOMY 28:30 

     We gardeners live with the eternal hope that the new specimen plant we just parked in its spot in the garden will provide that extra something that seems to be missing.  We visit others gardens, we walk the isles of garden shops in search of something special.  We live with a hope of developing our garden space into that special area of our lives so that we might enjoy our labors and that others will enjoy it with us.

     What if we had the scripture from Deuteronomy as our outlook?  Wouldn’t be too much planting going on, would it?  Deuteronomy 28 has the good stuff early in the chapter as the consequences of obedience and disobedience are spelled out for those who would follow all the commandments given them.  Pretty tough under the Old Testament Law, don’t you think? Today, we Christians have a hope based on a promise found in the New Testament.  The very word of God through His Son, our Savior, Jesus the Christ, tells us, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”( JOHN 10:10)

     And then He went to the cross, died and was resurrected that not only would we have life and have it more abundantly but that we might have the abundant life here on earth and then enjoy life eternal with Him in paradise.  It doesn’t get any better than that!
      The next time someone walks through your garden how about sharing with them what God has done in your life. Your life may be the only Bible someone sees!

Garden tip: If you have trouble with moles and voles, plant your bulbs in a wire basket or a large plastic container with the bottom cut out.                                                                                

FIELD OF FLOWERS

     “And why do you worry about clothes?  See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.”      MATTHEW 6:28

     We have seen awesome pictures of vast fields of beautiful flowers captured by the camera and through the eye of a photographer.  This is the picture Jesus was talking about where great masses of blooms just seemed to appear along the roadside and spread beyond the crests of the hills.  Those fields in his story are in great contrast to our gardens where we toil over that very special specimen plant we just received.  

     Sure, we worry about how we dress and how we look when we go to church on Sunday; we want to look ‘religiously acceptable’. We need not worry about clothes; we only need to concern ourselves with the decision to pick up our cross and follow the Christ.  Our souls lay naked before God but the Holy Spirit is busy spinning a garment of righteousness for us.  We will be arrayed more brightly than all the fields of flowers on our trip through Christ into eternity with the Father.

     As you walk the pathways of your garden will you share with someone how He has worked a mighty work in your heart, your life, your family, your job….? 

Garden tip: Flowers planted ‘in-mass’ are more powerful than a number of specimens planted randomly.

TIME RELEASE FERTILIZERS

…and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God my be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 TIMOTHY 3:15-17
     Time-release fertilizers are the buzz in many gardening circles.  Like most plant soil our spiritual souls need continual “feeding. How often do you feed from the word?  “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 
     Pick a time and a place to meet with “The Word”.  To sit quietly with an open heart and a listening ear to hear the Holy Spirit whisper sweet prayers on your behalf.  Listen as the messages echo through the halls of heaven and the depths of your soul where Christ waits to meet with you there.
     Time release enrichments enrich over time.

COME TO THE GARDEN

     The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of  it. GENESIS 2: 15

     My father’s favorite song was, “I Come to the Garden Alone”.  The words tell us a lot about the relationship we have with the Creator of The Garden. …”while the dew is still on the roses”……

     God originally created us as gardeners to “work the soil and take care of it”. The soil test you have taken this fall will tell you what you need to add to your garden soil.

     God is the Creator and “gardener” of our souls and He knows what we have in and need added to our soil (soul).  Through the Bible, the Holy Spirit and the spoken word, God provides us what we need to be good “gardeners” of the soil and soul which He created especially for us.  

     The Bible tells us we are “salt and light”.  From a gardening perspective, think also of us as fertilizer and water.  We cultivate relationships just like we cultivate our gardens with just a little daily care. 

     Won’t you share with someone, today, what God is doing in “your garden?                                   

                          You’ll never walk alone in your garden, the original              

                                         Master Gardener walks with you.

FOOTPRINTS IN YOUR GARDEN

           In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  MATTHEW 5:16 

     There are many ways to “grow a garden”. I love gardens both formal and informal; perennials based or ablaze with annuals. Our gardens may be shared with others or tucked away in private areas; totally haphazard or professionally done.  All these options are okay with our neighbors or friends.  Some may even envy us or our gardens.  Our gardens are us and they reflect our decisions. 

     Life is a lot like that. We have choices and consequences.  We may believe that our lives or our gardens have little or no effect on others but most of the time that is not totally true.  Somebody is always watching us and for whatever reason, they see us as a reflection of what we say or do.  We may talk the talk but they watch to see if we walk the walk. 

     Do our lives present a pattern for others; friends or family or even strangers, perhaps?  We must be careful of how we garden and where we trod, for someone we love may be walking in our footprints. The paths we choose to take and the places they take us are often paths chosen by others.  We are challenged to lead a life where Christ is the goal and obedience is our lifestyle. We are to  have a garden for all to admire and share.

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.  JAMES 1:22

Gardening tip:  This fall when the woodlands begin their metamorphosis from forest greens to cornucopias of color, gather several handfuls of leaves and send them to friends who live in Florida.  They will be so appreciative or extremely jealous.

CRUISE SHIPS AND BATTLE SHIPS

    The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”  MATTHEW 8:27

     Sunday, our first day at sea, was set aside by God to be the beginning of the best cruise I had ever been on. Arising early (Bill Berryish) to catch the sunrise, I encountered my first new found friends as they sat having coffee on the Lido deck.  While I was reading my daily devotion (GO FOR THE GREEN, Jeff Hopper) and preparing for my morning quiet time with the LORD, I looked around the mostly empty tables and my eyes stopped on a couple a few tables over. The strangest thing happened next.  I thought, in my minds eyes, I could see myself standing beside their table, talking with them.  I shrugged that off and went back to my reading. 
     Something inside kept saying, “Go and talk with them.” Reluctantly, I stood, picked up my coffee cup and began to make my way toward their table.  I spoke a greeting as I approached; they smiled, returning the greeting.  I asked where they were from, we exchanged other queries and they invited me to sit with them. Steve, Anita (Birmingham) and I exchanged home towns, cruise histories and other conversational pleasantries. Eventually, we got around to my telling them about our small-mega church, why I began going there and me finding forgiveness on the floor of my counselor-pastors study (Bill Bellican).  We had church there on the Lido deck. 
     I asked if I could pray for them (Ernie Frey), their faces lit up and their mouths said yes.  I prayed for them and for the mysteries of God’s ways and his spirit’s guidance which brought us together.  I walked away from that encounter with many mixed emotions and messages tumbling around in my brain and in my heart of hearts. At breakfast, I shared the experience with Kat, Dwight and Elizabeth and we all agreed it was a great way to begin a Sunday morning.  At the time I didn’t know it was just the beginning of a cruise which would have more experiences such as that day after day.
     The cruise was more than memorable because the winds and rains buffeting the ship canceled most of the land excursions. However, my plans were not the same as those of God. The scriptures became ‘light unto my feet’ (Steve Banister) and strangers preordained to become friends found their way into the garden pathways of my life (Al Rome).
     Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. GENESIS 1:2

LEARNING TO WALK AGAIN

     The doctor had diagnosed the unsteadiness I was experiencing and had prescribed physical therapy but when I got to the PT center Teresa discovered several other contributing factors that have been dealt with so that I might learn to walk again.

     When I say, learning to walk again, I should say, learning to walk correctly for the first time.  Peripheral neuropathy takes away some of the sensory cues we use to maintain balance but that loss can be offset, somewhat, by strengthening some of the other ways we have for keeping ourselves upright.

     So, week after week, I have walked straight lines, balanced on teeter boards and heavy cushions, picked up cones and caught rubber balls while walking.  I’ve balanced on suspended platforms while mimicking Mohamed Ali’s ‘sting like a bee’.  With eyes closed I’ve ‘looked at’ four corners of a room while standing on a couch cushion and then walked in spirals in the hallways.  The patience Teresa has shown me is only exceeded by the amount of work we have to do twice a week.

     However, I wish not to harangue yet another ‘physical terrorist’, but to bestow on that group of caregivers the appreciation due them for the endless hours of pouring themselves into the lives of those who are ailing.  Their touch often goes deeper than the muscles and tissues they are repairing.      
     He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:12

CHRISTMAS 2011-BIRTH OF A NEW TRADITION (barrowed from an email forwarded)

As the holidays approach, the giant overseas factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is! It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in tissue paper from outside the US? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy? Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands. Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?