Transformed

Three years ago I planted a small piece of a wild rosebush, and just assumed it would send up new growth in a short period of time. I waited, but it appeared that the small fragment had died. Occasionally I checked the ground where I had planted it, but I only saw a dead brown stem. Eventually I gave up on it and many months passed. One day I was amazed to see healthy green shoots coming up beside the dead cane of the original plant. Where I saw hopelessness, God saw hope. Today, the rosebush cascades by the path, and single white blossoms adorn its branches. Simply beautiful! God never gives up on us--we are His dead brown stems--stiff and unyielding. But He sees our futures. He sees our beauty in Christ. Like the rosebush, we will be transformed by His glory.

"...he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you." Romans 8:11

Reminders

We are a people in constant need of reminding. I am sorry to say that we oftentimes forget our Creator, and walk right past His handiwork without even noticing, let alone thanking Him. We teach our children to always say thank you, and we are embarrassed if they don't. Yet, we fail to thank our Maker. So He reminds us --He reminds us to look up to Him when we feel the warm sun on our heads. He reminds us to look down at our humble beginnings when we feel dirt between our toes. He reminds us of the Fall when thorns tear at our hands. He reminds us of His beauty and majesty when we look around. And when we close our eyes to pray, He reminds us that we are His, by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. " "...be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Dt. 4:9

Simeon's Joy

Long ago, an old man waited in the temple court in Jerusalem. The man, called Simeon, was waiting to see God's promised one. When the young parents walked in with Jesus, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God. Simple story. Adoring parents and doting old man. But wait--what is this about the falling and rising of many in Israel? And swords piercing souls? This small, dimpled child--the pride of his earthly parents--will one day hang on a cross to save them, and all those who love Him. My eyes have seen your salvation Sovereign Lord, and I praise the name of Jesus Christ who reigns forever and ever!

The Gift

I am a recipient. I have been gifted with salvation. All the trimmings come on my gift--glorious reflections of silver and gold. I did nothing to deserve my gift, and I cannot return it. It fits perfectly. There are those who do not want me to have my gift, but they cannot steal it. My gift brings me great joy. Unwrapping my gift requires much care, for if I am impatient, the many layers of delicate tissue will tear. I need not be rough, or I will offend the Giver. I share the joy of my gift with others, and tell them how the Giver has many more. Everyday I try to think of ways to show my gratitude to the Giver, but He says to simply give as He gives. A small request for such an unfathomable gift.

Beginning

Blogging is like writing on sand--time washes the words away. Jesus wrote on the ground, but His words NEVER wash away. They have no beginning and no end. But He gives them to us every day. My words are insignificant-basically a fix for my thoughts. They pale in comparison. Mine have a beginning and an end--His are eternal.

My first blog

Today I have a blog!