I Am Reminded...

II Peter 1:12 Therefore, I shall always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present within you. 


Aah, one of the joys in life-- picking fresh fruit growing just steps from your back door! Huge oranges hang like ornaments of Spring in bright contrast to the green glossy leaves. The basket fills up and we  bring them inside, splitting and pressing them into the juicer. 

In that, I am reminded of the beginning paragraph, an analogy I spoke of, a written testimony of my life shared a few years back. 

"I have an orange tree in my back yard. When I am gathering and picking oranges, sometimes I see one that has fallen. I take a quick look and throw it into the basket anyways. Sometimes life shakes us and like an orange, we fall to the ground, but not too far from the tree. Peeling this same orange back, I see where a crack in the skin has compromised the inside and it has started to rot. I missed it because it still looked like a good orange. Peeling back the rind of grace from another orange, the sections bring it around full circle and at the center are the seeds that further the legacy,  hold the story. I am both of these oranges and my tree is full of blossoms of promise." 

I said it back then, and I can say it now with even more conviction. The promises of God ripen and spring forth in every new season. I only want to press more and more into my Savior and enjoy His sweet victory in my life. 

Blending the fruit of tangerines and grapefruit from my neighbors, the juice proved delicious. Isn't that how God works? He takes our gifts and allows us to find in each other the opportunity to create and bless others within the Body of Christ, each bringing to the table our own unique flavor. 

While gathering the fruit, I saw it there, on a low hanging branch, almost eye level, a hummingbird nest neatly settled in the branches. There are no eggs yet. My yard is always a buzz with these delightful creatures. I am reminded to get some feeders up.  

Like the butterfly, many  find peace in seeing the delightful hummingbird! 

Listen. Can you hear the tree? The air around it vibrates and a hum resounds through the morning quiet. The busy bees relish in the orange blossoms and, yes, this IS the promise of continued nourishment, continued harvest. I am reminded that soon I will plant the sunflower seed. 

And I am reminded of His goodness in my own growth. I am celebrating how I've learned to share, to press in, to mix with others to form something new, to be bold in my faith and inspire to quench the thirst of others, to allow one to settle in and further my hope in what God began a while ago, that a renewal awaits. The truth of THE TREE, the one that dragged and divoted, then planted deep into a hill in a city called Jerusalem, promises to spread it roots back into the hearts of saplings.  I am reminded that I serve a sovereign God and Hope flies before me, for this is a favorite spot of the swallowtail. 

I've become a prayer enthusiast, morning, noon, and night, for I love the sweet nectar of communion with the Lord; His Word, my honeycomb of sweet treasure; my own sanctuary of special words only for my God, my Lord. I am reminded that THIS is the work of the Lord!  

We prepare to share, to bring Harvest by our blooms. Our stories are powerful fragrances and the Holy Spirit is a buzz with bountiful promises. 

And yet, I am reminded that I am one that fell, that rolled around in the dirt, whose skin was cracked and compromised; not a pretty specimen. I am one that God should have discarded for sourness. 

He reminds me that I am worthy because of the Cross of Christ, that Tree on the Hill where His blood shed for me, for you. I am reminded that His love is greater than any doubt, than any feeling, than any disappointment, than any loss, than any fear, than even the deepest of pains. 

Lastly, I am reminded to worship, to bow in gratefulness and thanksgiving, to live with an eternal perspective seeing grace in everything, everywhere, all the time. He teaches me daily how to live like this. At times I fail, yet He reminds me that I am forgiven. Praise His Name. 

Lord, thank you for this reminder of all your bounty, all your continued blessings and opportunity to taste and see that You are good. Your love is rich and juicy in promise and Hope for all who believe in Your name. Thank you Lord for the gifts You have bestowed to me to be a part of Your Harvest. Thank You Lord for dying and in Your ressurection, making me worthy as a believer to receive Your grace. Thank you for peace and joy and all I've learned in returning to the hive of Your heart. To You be the glory, always and forever, Amen. 

King-Size Goodness

Psalm 119: 103 "How sweet are Thy words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"

Yesterday, Halloween crept onto the calendar page; October 31st lit up our pumpkin's carved up smiles and filled up bags with sugary delight and the utterance of...

Sweets or Threats!  

Yep, we teach our little ones to say it...TRICK or TREAT?  

So whatcha got?  My bag is open, I'm expecting something and it better be good and it better be what I like and big and...

How many spotted the BIG KIDS at your door, more than the adorable cutie pies? 

It's not hard. They may cover their face with a mask but we know because they are tall, self assured with their thrusting-open bag,  and quick-to-make-an-exit to the next house.  

Today, in a class survey, the question of last nights escapades came up. "

"Did you go out and where did you go?"

Yes, the high schoolers I work with went out. They go to a specific gated community that is known for giving out FULL-SIZE candy bars and FULL SIZE fun.  

The thing is, some were complaining that this particular gated community, known for its mansions and high-end lifestyles, "closed shop" at 8:00p.m!    

We're done, Good night! See you in another year. Close the gate. Turn out the lights! 

When we come to the Lord's door, we come humbled.  He lit the way with His sovereign grace and we followed the path. Some of us come with parents, some with friends, some brave it alone. 

With a gentle knock, He is waiting and ready to give us the desires of our heart and of course, the Big Size of Blessings, no doubt. 

What does your treat bag look like?

Do you stand shyly with a small paper bag or do you have the KING-sized pillow case anxious for all He wants to give you?  

God knows the face behind the mask. He knows what's been stuffed into a costume, what props we use to pretend we have authority, control in our life.  He knows our hidden monsters, our demons and what gives us bad dreams and anxiety. His blood  washes our fears away for He conquered death. Stop living as a zombie. Enter His gates which never close, never lock up or lock out. 

He's waiting for you to ring the bell of forgiveness, and He's already picked out what he wants to put into your treat bag, the Fruits of the Spirit!  

 Mr. GoodBar- GOD, He melts hearts, and then uses our hands for His purpose.  Come,  taste the rainbow of His promises. He is the Creator of the Milky Way and the Starbursts.  His grace gives us a break from our sin even when we feel like a nut and even when we don't. The Holy Spirit refreshes us with the sensation of His Love. We are the apple of His eye and His Words are sweeter than the 'Bit O  Honey to our mouth. Come to God on any day of the week, and that day becomes our Pay Day.  We can be assured that mounds of  treats await us. God does not snicker at us but delights in us. We cannot trick God. Whether big or small, creepy or cute, funny or freaky, the Lord wants us all to knock and enter His Gates for an eternal Harvest Celebration. 

Thank you Father God for waiting by the door and filling my heart with your goodness when I took the step of faith and knocked.  Your sweet salvation assures my soul and satisfies what I crave. May I dump the bag of Your goodness at the feet of others and always have the desire to share.  Thank you for angel butterflies (my friends) who give candy kisses in my life. Your "candy bowl" is endless and I will never get a cavity!  Amen.