Like many people I planted a garden this year. I really enjoyed sketching it out on paper and deciding where to place each plant. I cast my vision of the garden to my husband and he and my boys made it a reality. I planted 4 plots of green beans, 3 plots of cucumbers, 1 plot of cantaloupe, 4 plots of tomatoes, and 3 plots of peppers. I was so pleased to put the seeds in the ground and watch them grow.
My intention was to learn how to can the produce so when the harvest came in I would be able to process it and preserve it. Little did I know the harvest would come in at a time I would be totally unavailable to harvest it.
The cucumbers came first. How can one little plant produce so much?!! I picked as many cucumbers as I could and brought them in the house. There they laid on the counter and rotted. Each time I looked at the wilted vegetable I felt guilt. I had not given them away and I had not processed them. They were wasted. Since I knew I didn't have time to make pickles and I didn’t know how, I left the rest of the cucumbers hanging on the vine to rot. Each day I look out at the rotted produce on the vine and they remind me I wasn't there for them when they needed harvested. The image has been haunting to me.
God's word says, "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few". Oh how true his words are. I can't help but think of all the people out there that God wants harvested. They have been planted and cultivated and are waiting for some worker to come along and harvest and process them. However, like my garden, we are too busy or don't know how. So many people are dying on the vine waiting to be harvested. Some have been harvested but are rotting on a church counter somewhere. They have accepted Christ but have not been plugged in to his body. It sickens me.
My garden has been a wake up call for me. It's time to get busy. It's time to get out in the fields and do some harvesting. It's time to let go of some of the things of this world and grab on to the things eternal.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for not being one who goes to the field to harvest. I've not done my part. I'm good at planting and cultivating but I've fallen short in harvesting. Without the harvest the rest is just a waste of time. Forgive me. May I be one who goes out to harvest that which you have sown and cultivated.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Matthew 9:36-38 (New International Version)
36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
"What I Have I Give You"
Driving by a raggedy dressed person holding the sign "please help" or "out of work" or "hungry" always leaves me feeling conflicted. My experience as a nurse has taught me that not all persons holding a cardboard sign are genuine. There are some who are truly homeless and hungry and then there are others who are grifters. How does one tell the difference? To give or not to give this is the question.
I was running errands after church making the rounds at Wal-Mart and Sams Club. I was in the mood for fat, salt, and grease so I headed to Steak and Shake. At the stoplight near S&S I saw a man holding a cardboard sign. I sighed and was thankful the light was green. I then went through the drive thru window. My heart leaped with pleasure when she handed me my bag of fresh, hot, salty shoestring French fries. I could literally see the salt crystals clinging to the sides of each fry. I pulled out of the drive through and turned back towards the stop light where the man with the sign was. The light turned red. I rolled down my electric window, handed him my hot fries and said, "Here, you're killing me." He said, "Thank you, God bless you." and I drove off mourning the loss of my hot salty fries.
"Here, you're killing me", not exactly the words Peter used in the book of Acts. Peter says, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you…" Now why couldn't I have said something like that?
Sometimes it hurts me to give. Sometimes I don't feel like it. But following Jesus Christ is not about feeling good all the time. It's about obeying all the time.
I don't know if I handed my fries over to a homeless man, a grifter, or an angel in disguise. It doesn't matter. What matters is obedience.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me when I don't want to give. May I choose to give more freely and trust that you are at work when I do.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Luke 6:38 (New International Version)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Acts 3:1-7 (New International Version)
Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar
1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.
I was running errands after church making the rounds at Wal-Mart and Sams Club. I was in the mood for fat, salt, and grease so I headed to Steak and Shake. At the stoplight near S&S I saw a man holding a cardboard sign. I sighed and was thankful the light was green. I then went through the drive thru window. My heart leaped with pleasure when she handed me my bag of fresh, hot, salty shoestring French fries. I could literally see the salt crystals clinging to the sides of each fry. I pulled out of the drive through and turned back towards the stop light where the man with the sign was. The light turned red. I rolled down my electric window, handed him my hot fries and said, "Here, you're killing me." He said, "Thank you, God bless you." and I drove off mourning the loss of my hot salty fries.
"Here, you're killing me", not exactly the words Peter used in the book of Acts. Peter says, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you…" Now why couldn't I have said something like that?
Sometimes it hurts me to give. Sometimes I don't feel like it. But following Jesus Christ is not about feeling good all the time. It's about obeying all the time.
I don't know if I handed my fries over to a homeless man, a grifter, or an angel in disguise. It doesn't matter. What matters is obedience.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive me when I don't want to give. May I choose to give more freely and trust that you are at work when I do.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Luke 6:38 (New International Version)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Acts 3:1-7 (New International Version)
Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar
1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Humpty Dumbty Had A Great Fall!
Is there anything more painful than watching someone you love fall and be shattered into a million pieces? Oh the pain! I'd much rather be the one on the floor rolling around in pain blaming myself than to see someone I love in that condition.
I've recently had to endure the pain of watching someone I love fall. I didn't know they had fallen. When I discovered it I was overwhelmed with feelings of regret and guilt that I didn't do something to stop the fall. I felt responsible for the choices made by someone else. Guilt, shame, isolation, regret are all the treads spun by the spider of sin. A web we so easily get tangled up in. Are we without hope? Are we doomed to be held in such a flimsy net of despair? NO!
As I was lamenting over my part in this disaster my husband reminded me that God is able to fix anything. I said with tears streaming down my face, "I wish there was nothing to fix!" The reality we all live in is we have all fallen and we all need fixed. No one understands that better than God himself.
I added on to the following nursery rhyme to reflect what I believe about God.
Humpty Dumbty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumbty had a great fall
All the Kings horses and all the Kings men
couldn't put Humpty Dumbty together again.
So all the Kings horses and all the Kings men
went and got the King and brought Him to him
The King came to Humpty Dumbty's side
He bent down and spoke to him with a gentle chide
How did you suffer such a great fall?
Did you take care? Did you call?
No No, he pleaded and he cried out
I didn't take care, I didn't shout
I was careless and came crashing down
Can you help me get off of the very hard ground?
Of course my son I can, I will
I'll put you together again if you lay still
You will have to do your part you see
Each piece you can reach you must give to me
Together we will put you together again
I'll sit you back on the wall so let's begin.
But next time you are to take care and call
If you think you are going to fall
I will, answered Humpty Dumbty with glee
Just please let's get started, I want to be free
I'll be careful with my balance and be sure to call
if I feel myself tipping off of the wall
The King smiled and said very well my son,
Hand me a piece and we will get you all done
You've learned your lesson I'm glad to see
Soon you will be whole and once again free.
Romans 3:23 (New International Version)
23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 5:8 (New International Version)
8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:23 (New International Version)
23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I've learned when those we love are in trouble the desire to save is overwhelming. This experience has given me a small understanding of why you died for me. Thank you for dying for me to save me. Thank you for rescuing me from the sin that so easily entangles me. Without you I truly would be hopeless.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
I've recently had to endure the pain of watching someone I love fall. I didn't know they had fallen. When I discovered it I was overwhelmed with feelings of regret and guilt that I didn't do something to stop the fall. I felt responsible for the choices made by someone else. Guilt, shame, isolation, regret are all the treads spun by the spider of sin. A web we so easily get tangled up in. Are we without hope? Are we doomed to be held in such a flimsy net of despair? NO!
As I was lamenting over my part in this disaster my husband reminded me that God is able to fix anything. I said with tears streaming down my face, "I wish there was nothing to fix!" The reality we all live in is we have all fallen and we all need fixed. No one understands that better than God himself.
I added on to the following nursery rhyme to reflect what I believe about God.
Humpty Dumbty sat on a wall
Humpty Dumbty had a great fall
All the Kings horses and all the Kings men
couldn't put Humpty Dumbty together again.
So all the Kings horses and all the Kings men
went and got the King and brought Him to him
The King came to Humpty Dumbty's side
He bent down and spoke to him with a gentle chide
How did you suffer such a great fall?
Did you take care? Did you call?
No No, he pleaded and he cried out
I didn't take care, I didn't shout
I was careless and came crashing down
Can you help me get off of the very hard ground?
Of course my son I can, I will
I'll put you together again if you lay still
You will have to do your part you see
Each piece you can reach you must give to me
Together we will put you together again
I'll sit you back on the wall so let's begin.
But next time you are to take care and call
If you think you are going to fall
I will, answered Humpty Dumbty with glee
Just please let's get started, I want to be free
I'll be careful with my balance and be sure to call
if I feel myself tipping off of the wall
The King smiled and said very well my son,
Hand me a piece and we will get you all done
You've learned your lesson I'm glad to see
Soon you will be whole and once again free.
Romans 3:23 (New International Version)
23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 5:8 (New International Version)
8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:23 (New International Version)
23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I've learned when those we love are in trouble the desire to save is overwhelming. This experience has given me a small understanding of why you died for me. Thank you for dying for me to save me. Thank you for rescuing me from the sin that so easily entangles me. Without you I truly would be hopeless.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Friday, April 24, 2009
A Prayer in Spring
Dear Heavenly Father,
I love the beauty of Spring…the blue of the sky…the green of the grass. Yellow flowers echo the sun's brightness and make my soul merry. You are the sustainer of life. In you I trust my God and redeemer.
The wind blows strongly moving everything in its path. Who can escape it? A squirrel sits high atop a tree. He gently rises up and down as the winds breathe. You have equipped him to remain solid.
How perfect are your works. Who can criticize the beauty, the wonder, the awe of your creation? Thank you for life. Thank you for everlasting life.
I'm stressed with a busy schedule but I will rest in you. You know I'm doing the best I can. I choose you. I choose to put you first. May everything follow after you.
You are God. Speak to me…hang out with me…accompany me this day as the breezes of life blow on me and cause me to sway up and down. I rest because you have equipped me to remain solid.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
I wrote that prayer this morning in my journal as I was sitting outside enjoying the beauty of the spring day.
As you know one of the things that has troubled me recently is my busy schedule. I've allowed that busyness to steal the things that are most important to me. One important thing that I've allowed to be stolen is a trip to the woods to hunt morel mushrooms. My mother's dream was to find the ultimate patch of morel mushrooms. Now that she is gone, I look for her. Blooming redbud and dogwood trees liter the Indiana forest and make the treasure hunt a worthy endeavor. I have been sad that I haven't had time to get to the woods.
So, after my quiet time today I decided to walk around our property for a little impromptu mushroom hunt…even though I didn't have time. I hadn't walked 500 feet when I found my first morel mushroom! Ironically it was about 10 feet from where I saw the squirrel high in the tree during my quiet time. I ended up finding 8 mushrooms. That is quite a harvest for me!
God is amazing, real, able, personal, present, caring, loving, and all around good company. I'm glad he is walking with me today.
May this post find you walking with Him and resting in Him today.
I love the beauty of Spring…the blue of the sky…the green of the grass. Yellow flowers echo the sun's brightness and make my soul merry. You are the sustainer of life. In you I trust my God and redeemer.
The wind blows strongly moving everything in its path. Who can escape it? A squirrel sits high atop a tree. He gently rises up and down as the winds breathe. You have equipped him to remain solid.
How perfect are your works. Who can criticize the beauty, the wonder, the awe of your creation? Thank you for life. Thank you for everlasting life.
I'm stressed with a busy schedule but I will rest in you. You know I'm doing the best I can. I choose you. I choose to put you first. May everything follow after you.
You are God. Speak to me…hang out with me…accompany me this day as the breezes of life blow on me and cause me to sway up and down. I rest because you have equipped me to remain solid.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
I wrote that prayer this morning in my journal as I was sitting outside enjoying the beauty of the spring day.
As you know one of the things that has troubled me recently is my busy schedule. I've allowed that busyness to steal the things that are most important to me. One important thing that I've allowed to be stolen is a trip to the woods to hunt morel mushrooms. My mother's dream was to find the ultimate patch of morel mushrooms. Now that she is gone, I look for her. Blooming redbud and dogwood trees liter the Indiana forest and make the treasure hunt a worthy endeavor. I have been sad that I haven't had time to get to the woods.
So, after my quiet time today I decided to walk around our property for a little impromptu mushroom hunt…even though I didn't have time. I hadn't walked 500 feet when I found my first morel mushroom! Ironically it was about 10 feet from where I saw the squirrel high in the tree during my quiet time. I ended up finding 8 mushrooms. That is quite a harvest for me!
God is amazing, real, able, personal, present, caring, loving, and all around good company. I'm glad he is walking with me today.
May this post find you walking with Him and resting in Him today.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
"I Want My Dog Back!"
That is what Jodie Foster's character said in the movie The Brave One right before she shot the criminal who killed her fiancee, stole her dog and nearly beat her to death.
I was sitting in church a few weeks ago feeling very beat up by the stress of life and I thought of that line from that movie. I imagined myself walking up to the things that were attacking me spiritually and pulling my "spiritual trigger". In my mind it felt good to be reminded that there is a power in me that is greater than the one in the world. Why am I so reluctant to use it?
We are involved in a super natural battle. There is a force that wants to steal, kill, and destroy us. I certainly have felt that war on my life and when I do I sometimes forget the power that I have inside.
Today I chose to use that power. I'm over booked, over worked, and there is no end in sight. However, I stopped and took back what has been stolen from me. I exercised even though I didn't have time, I spent time with God even though I didn't have time, and I sat down and wrote this blog even though I didn't have time. Guess what….nothing bad happened. I made choices that were consistent with who I am in Christ. I pulled my spiritual trigger and defeated my super natural foe. Tomorrow will be another fight but today I got my dog back.
John 10:10 (New International Version)
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Ephesians 6:12 (New International Version)
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
I was sitting in church a few weeks ago feeling very beat up by the stress of life and I thought of that line from that movie. I imagined myself walking up to the things that were attacking me spiritually and pulling my "spiritual trigger". In my mind it felt good to be reminded that there is a power in me that is greater than the one in the world. Why am I so reluctant to use it?
We are involved in a super natural battle. There is a force that wants to steal, kill, and destroy us. I certainly have felt that war on my life and when I do I sometimes forget the power that I have inside.
Today I chose to use that power. I'm over booked, over worked, and there is no end in sight. However, I stopped and took back what has been stolen from me. I exercised even though I didn't have time, I spent time with God even though I didn't have time, and I sat down and wrote this blog even though I didn't have time. Guess what….nothing bad happened. I made choices that were consistent with who I am in Christ. I pulled my spiritual trigger and defeated my super natural foe. Tomorrow will be another fight but today I got my dog back.
John 10:10 (New International Version)
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Ephesians 6:12 (New International Version)
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Living In A Field of Dreams
One movie my husband and I enjoyed very much was "Field of Dreams" with Kevin Costner. My husband particularly liked the baseball aspect of the movie. I particularly liked Kevin Costner. Anyway, the concept of the movie is Kevin Costner's character Ray is persuaded to build a baseball field in the middle of his cornfield. He does so while everyone including his wife questions his sanity. The bank wants to foreclose on the farm but Ray continues trying to hang on. The movie unfolds bringing baseball players from the past that only he and his family can see to play ball on the field that was built. The players include his Father.
I can't help think how similar my life is to Ray's. I too am interacting with the invisible. I'm interacting with an invisible God and an invisible Holy Spirit on a daily basis. Some think I'm crazy. I try to explain it to others but they do not understand. What is invisible is real. What is unseen has substance. You can't see it with your eyes. You see it by interacting with the substance of what is unseen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
My hope is in what is unseen….eternal. I pray that others will choose to interact with the substance of what is unseen. You are invisible but real. Like Ray in the movie I feel like I'm having this incredible awesome experience and I want others to see it too…but they can't. Open the eyes of others to see how truly awesome you are.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
2 Corinthians 4:18 (New International Version)
18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Hebrews 11:1 (King James Version)
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
1 Timothy 1:15-17 (New International Version)
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen
I can't help think how similar my life is to Ray's. I too am interacting with the invisible. I'm interacting with an invisible God and an invisible Holy Spirit on a daily basis. Some think I'm crazy. I try to explain it to others but they do not understand. What is invisible is real. What is unseen has substance. You can't see it with your eyes. You see it by interacting with the substance of what is unseen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
My hope is in what is unseen….eternal. I pray that others will choose to interact with the substance of what is unseen. You are invisible but real. Like Ray in the movie I feel like I'm having this incredible awesome experience and I want others to see it too…but they can't. Open the eyes of others to see how truly awesome you are.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
2 Corinthians 4:18 (New International Version)
18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Hebrews 11:1 (King James Version)
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
1 Timothy 1:15-17 (New International Version)
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen
Thursday, February 19, 2009
24-36- Hut
I didn't play much football as a kid. I couldn't really kick it, throw it or punt it. I remember distinctly how rotten I felt when other kids were doing so well at the kick, throw, and pass contest at school and I wasn't GRRRR!
Even though I don't play football well, I do know what it is like to carry the ball. Each day I have the ball of my life passed to me and I'm expected to get it to the end zone by bedtime. It's exhausting.
I wanted to describe to you what it sometimes feels like to carry the ball of my life.
The ball is snapped…I take it to the left….fake a pass…and then charge up the field. I break a tackle. I'm free running for the end zone. I could…go…all…the…way. NOOOO! Number 56 Mean Green Stress Machine is right on my tail. Will he catch me? Don't look. Keep running. FASTER! I feel him on my heels. POW! I'm down. Air has left my lungs. I can't breathe. Take a breath. I can't. BREATHE! I can't!! Finally a gasp returns air to my lungs. My chest hurts. I have turf in my face guard. OK huddle up, let's do it again.
Such is the game of life. We huddle up in the morning and then run as fast as we can during the day hoping we won't get tackled. Mean Green Stress Machine is my biggest adversary. He constantly wants to tackle me and hurt me. Is there a way to avoid this daily assault from Mean Green? I believe there is.
God's word says:
1 Peter 5:7 (New International Version)
7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Matthew 11:28 (New International Version)
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
I have found when I daily cast my cares on him through prayer he watches my back. It's usually when I don't come to him that I get tackled pretty hard.
Jesus is a pretty good football player. I would highly recommend him on your team.
Dear Heavenly Father,
May I daily cast my cares on to you. May you watch and protect my back so that evil does not over take me. May I live the abundant life you came to give me and walk in obedience to your words.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
Even though I don't play football well, I do know what it is like to carry the ball. Each day I have the ball of my life passed to me and I'm expected to get it to the end zone by bedtime. It's exhausting.
I wanted to describe to you what it sometimes feels like to carry the ball of my life.
The ball is snapped…I take it to the left….fake a pass…and then charge up the field. I break a tackle. I'm free running for the end zone. I could…go…all…the…way. NOOOO! Number 56 Mean Green Stress Machine is right on my tail. Will he catch me? Don't look. Keep running. FASTER! I feel him on my heels. POW! I'm down. Air has left my lungs. I can't breathe. Take a breath. I can't. BREATHE! I can't!! Finally a gasp returns air to my lungs. My chest hurts. I have turf in my face guard. OK huddle up, let's do it again.
Such is the game of life. We huddle up in the morning and then run as fast as we can during the day hoping we won't get tackled. Mean Green Stress Machine is my biggest adversary. He constantly wants to tackle me and hurt me. Is there a way to avoid this daily assault from Mean Green? I believe there is.
God's word says:
1 Peter 5:7 (New International Version)
7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Matthew 11:28 (New International Version)
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
I have found when I daily cast my cares on him through prayer he watches my back. It's usually when I don't come to him that I get tackled pretty hard.
Jesus is a pretty good football player. I would highly recommend him on your team.
Dear Heavenly Father,
May I daily cast my cares on to you. May you watch and protect my back so that evil does not over take me. May I live the abundant life you came to give me and walk in obedience to your words.
In Jesus Name,
Jane
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