Equal Love

By Pat

I have been blessed with three wonderful grandchildren (soon to be four!) and watching them grow continues to delight me every day. Each one is different than the others; one is extremely bright but can be very serious, one doesn't have a serious bone in her body, and one has so much energy and vitality it makes me tired just watching her. They look completely different, and though strangers might say one is cuter than the other, to me they are equally beautiful. Collectively so similar, separately so different, but my love for them is equal.

As God's children, we as humans are collectively very alike, and yet each of us is different and unique, with certain gifts and talents and shortcomings as well. And no matter what we're like, regardless of how we view ourselves or how others see us. God loves us equally. He delights in us in the same way we delight in our little ones, and though they compete for our attention and approval, we never need to clamor for God's. It is constant, it is fair, and it is forever. And I am grateful!

"My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12)

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

Thrive

By Pat

A few weeks ago, as I was working on clearing out my flower beds, I decided to move some plants from the front yard to the backyard. I dug them out and carefully transplanted them to a strategically chosen spot where I knew they would do better.

For the first several days, I had to baby the transplants, keeping them watered frequently because they would wilt very easily. After they would receive their drink, they perked right back up, healthy and strong, but by later in the day they would start wilting again. They were not used to their new surroundings and their roots were shaken. However, with persistant care, the roots became accustomed to their new spot, and the plants strengthened and settled in nicely, and are now thriving.

I couldn't help but realize how similar the plants and I are. Whenever God moves me, tries to begin a new work in me, I resist. I feel uncomfortable in my new place, and I wilt. But God knows where I will thrive and bloom, and He patiently encourages me with His love and waters me with His grace. His goodness shines on me like the sun shines on my on my plants. After a while, I realize that, as usual, God was right, and I gain my footing. I go from striving to thriving, and I bear fruit for His Kingdom.

If you find yourself being transplanted, whether literally or figuratively, remember that God knows exactly where you need to be to grow to your full, beautiful potential. After all, it's His garden and you're His plant! Allow Him to do a little digging and let your roots settle in and spread. But don't let yourself get too comfortable...you never know when the Gardener will head your way with a shovel again!

"I am the vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (John 15:1-2)

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

I Am Rich!

By Pat

It's funny how, as a Christian, my perception of the word "riches" is very different than the world's perception. As we observe the society surrounding us, we see the desire for bigger homes, better jobs, faster cars, cooler technological toys, and greater beauty. It's easy to become caught up in the quest for the acquirement of these worldly possessions, and to compare ourselves to others, but I have become much more interested in attaining riches of another kind.

My car is over ten years old...but it runs! My house is clean and it has a roof on top. I am content with that! We struggle at times to get all the bills paid, but still try to always think of and do for those who have less. It's not what you GET that makes you rich...it's what you GIVE. I like that! I am rich!

I want to be more generous in kind words and deeds, in unconditional love and acceptance. I want to offer a simple meal to a friend in need, an extra blanket to someone living in the streets. I want to have a heart filled with quick forgiveness, thus being rich in grace, for I have had grace richly and generously given to me by my Lord. I want to be quick to smile and I want to laugh easily so that I am rich in good humor. I want my trust in God to deepen daily and my faith to grow stronger, and I want to share that faith with others. I want the world to see that I am very rich indeed...in all the ways that really matter to God, so that it is clear that riches are the things in the heart. The things that really make a difference. The things that last. If I die with not a penny to spare, I will still die a rich woman, and I am so very thankful.

"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

Saving the Best For Last

By Pat

I often think of how quickly time goes by, and wonder if, at this stage in my life, I have wasted my youth on things that were not what God would have wanted me to do. I'm certain I have not utilized my God-given talents on God-chosen tasks, and I view the future with resignation, not joy. After all, I'm past my prime. What can I possibly offer God now?

God view us differently. He created each of us uniquely, and He knows not only what our talents are, but when to use them. And unlike flowers, we can bloom at any age, many times, all throughout our lives. Timing is everything, and God's timing is always perfect if we trust in Him and allow Him to use us as He sees fit. The Bible is full of examples of God surprising someone who thought they were past the age of making a great difference in His kingdom on earth. Just look at Abraham and Sarah! Who could have predicted the wonderful turn of events in their waning years, and the impact it would have?

In John 2:1-10, we learn of the first recorded miracle of Jesus: the wedding in Cana. After the wine had run out, Jesus turned water into wine. The master of the banquet didn't know where the new wine had come from, and he called the bridegroom aside to compliment him; "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best for last." (John 2:10)

God is a God of surprises, so never be discouraged that your prime time to serve has passed you by. Who knows what God has planned for your life, and when? Perhaps, like the wine in Cana, He has saved the best for last!

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.

Bearing Your Cross

By Pat

"Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull." (John 19:16, 17)

This is the time of year referred to by Christians as Holy Week. It is a reflection of the week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, a very somber time for Christians as we think about our Lord walking the loneliest walk He would ever have, and carrying his own cross to where He knew he would suffer a horrible death. I can't begin to imagine the terror and dread He must have felt. And yet, He continued on with dignity, courage and strength. He obeyed His Father. He knew that if He trusted in God, no matter what, God would not let Him down and would provide the necessary tools to bear the burden, and that He would be rewarded for His faith.

What cross are you carrying? Do you carry the weight of financial difficulties? Is your cross physical ailments? Perhaps you carry the cross of family discord or difficulties with children, or maybe you carry a combination of more than one of these things. Do you bear your cross with the obedience and faith of Jesus? Do you trust in God to walk your lonely paths with you?

No matter what you're carrying, you're not alone. Jesus has walked that road, carried His cross, and knows better than anyone what you're going through. He will help you carry your cross, and if you keep your eyes on Him, you will be victorious, whatever the outcome may be. This life is temporary, and we were not promised a trouble-free journey. The only thing that matters is maintaining your faith, following through, trusting God, giving Him the glory, and focusing on eternal life with Him, courtesy of the greatest gift we will ever receive-our crucified and risen Lord Jesus.

"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." (Mark 16:6)

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.