Time for Fruit

This morning I woke up with a bad attitude.  There's just no other way to describe it.  Yesterday was a wearing day for me.  Even though I got a full night's sleep, I still work up restless in my spirit.  I knew then and there I needed a good dose of the Word.

Awhile ago I bought an ESV Bible.  Still, it sat in a box, shrink wrapped.  "Time to take that baby out for a spin," I thought.  Whenever I'm lamenting, I open to...Psalms.  (I know...you were thinking Lamentations.)  I began...in the beginning with Psalm 1.

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.  In all that he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."

I had to ask:  Am I the tree?  Or am I the chaff?  The tree is not planted in lush soil.  It is just near a stream.  It has access to what it needs.  And as a result, it is able to produce fruit at just the right time.

 

 

 

Woah, stop right there.  I am not planted in the best of situations always.  But I do have what I need nearby...always.  It's call God.  And even though I may draw from Him constantly, I may not see results constantly.  Those will only come in His time...in season. 

 

Friends, do not be tempted sit, like the chaff.  The chaff is near the fruit of the wheat.  But it serves no use after harvest.  Are you not seeing fruit?  Being a dormant tree is not fun.  I know!  But if you are drawing from the living water of our Lord, the harvest will come.  Wait on Him.  And in the meantime, read your Bible.  Pray.  Look for ways to serve others.  And rest, knowing He is the great harvester.

Trust in Me

There are big changes coming in my work situation.  We’re looking to hire someone who will be sharing a good deal of my responsibility, which I’m not able to do as well as I’d like with my remote work situation.  I struggle immensely with this because I know I’ve been equipped to do this work with excellence, I’m just not able to at this season in my life.  It’s a change that needs to come.

Fortunately, I’m blessed to be part of helping decide what will happen.  I’ve always been pretty open to the results of change.  I love going to new places, trying new things and finding new adventures.  But those are all thing of our choosing.  When something is a little more out of my control, I become less embracing, and more skeptical of what the future holds.  Granted, I’m not fearful.  Just uncertain.  And uncertainty can leave you with that sleepless, questioning, pit-in-the-stomach feeling that I’m not sure anyone can embrace, no matter how deep their faith.  Maybe there is a wee bit o’ fear in there?

As I have taken my concerns to the Lord, He is constant in telling me one thing, “Trust in Me.”  Now, I have asked for a variety of interpretations, a rephrasing if you will.  A different answer that may suit my fancy a bit better, but the message has been the only constant in this process.  If I’m going to survived, no thrive, with any sort of change in my life, a deep and reckless trusting in His plan is going to have to reign in me.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and He shall direct your path.”
Proverbs 3:5 & 6

Ah, yes, good ol’ Proverbs.  Nothing allows you a sigh of relief like a familiar Old Testament verse.  I know this one.  I believe this one.  I live this one.  Or do I?  Trust in the Lord.  Seems simple enough.  The root of the Hebrew word used in this passage addresses a sense of refuge.  That God is a place where we trust.  A protective space, if you will.  Ah.  Can you feel it?  Yes, I am sweetly guarded by the One who created me.  And because of that protection, this word also brings a connotation of boldness.  Now wait one minute.  I wasn’t looking to be bold.  I was just getting all comfy snuggly in God’s refuge.  Maybe trust isn’t so strong in me.  Let’s not even get into this “all your heart” business, because I don’t know if I can wrap my mind around this right now.

I shared some of my uncertainty with my boss.  I don’t question the changes that are coming.  They are good.  They will help the ministry.  And they very well may help me be able to do my job with a sense of refreshment that comes from not feeling like you’re coming up short all the time.  Towards the end of our talk, he said, “Terese, I want you to focus on one word here.  ‘TRUST.’”  My initial thought was “Have you been talking with God?”  But I was pretty sure he spoke with God often, so I left it alone.

"Trust in Me." Kaa has Mowgli right where he wants him.
I'm glad God never has to trick me to get me in His will.

In 2 Corinthians 1:9, the word “trust” rears its bold head once again.  “Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.”  Here a spirit of confidence comes across though the Greek  translation used.  It’s an authority from God, that the gift of His Son should be enough for me to believe that I cannot get myself into Heaven.  Do I believe this?  Yes!  With every ounce of my being.  Without that sacrifice, I trust I am doomed.  I would proclaim that boldly, without any reservation.

So why am I confident to believe what God has planned for my eternity, but less so about the plan He has for my time on earth?  Well, that’s the $50,000 question, I suppose.  If I can just believe with my being that He truly has ordered my days, now, and forever, I will be able to walk boldly…into the unknown.  Not “I should,” or “I may,” but “I will.”  I anticipate this change will come in me.  Not because of anything I have done, mind you. 

Picturing one solid path is helping me.  There is not time here, then time in Eternity.  No life here.  Then eternal life.  Time is one continual line.  One path.  One life.  One me.  One God.  And that’s never changing.

 

Monday Manna

Those busy beavers seems to have accepted me into their clan.  Or pack.  Or whatever it is a group of beavers calls themselves.  (Note to self:  Googel that later.)  We have been getting much done...in anticipation of rest.  Isn't it funny how in order to have time away, we have to do so much planning and work ahead of time. 

I'm thankful for...

My mom!  Holy smacks.  She was a lifesaver this weekend when I was at Women of Faith.  Not only did she take care of the kids a good part of the time, but she coordinated where they would be when, picked up their Girl Scout cookies from their troops and helped deliver most of them.  My word!  She is a super-mom!

God moment...

A sermon I heard yesterday morning just lit a fire under my bottom.  I love when that happens.  The pastor was so into it, flying high on the message that the congregation could hardly get in an "Amen!"  Every once in awhile, he would say "Are you breathing?"  Sometimes I wasn't!  The sermon was so good, it took my breath away.  Thank you, Lord, for passion!

Work for home...
Packing.  Yep.  That's it.

Work for work...
I'm writing a review for one of our newer employees.  I'm searching for something critical to say.  We're just so blessed by the people God has brought to our ministry, that it's hard to find fault!  I mean, if God ordained them to be here...which He ordains each of us into the work we do, who am I to criticize?  This is a good problem to have. 

Craft time...
While we're away, the girls and I will be teaching two classes at Scott's grandmother's assisted-living facility.  One is a card craft.  One is a jewelry craft.  Both need to be prepped and have samples made.  I'm really excited to be teaching!

Me, Mary, Rachelle & Marilyn

Photo of the week...
Mary lives in my hometown.  She listens to Family Life now and was at Women of Faith this past weekend.  Rachelle and I were blessed to connect with her and her friend, Marilyn.  About 8,000 women in one room, all singing praises.  What a glimpse of Heaven!

Monday Manna

God has been very good to me this week.  Last week I learned, some things just gotta give.  I skipped Ladies' Bible Study because I was running late coming home from work.  And I completely forgot to make the church bulletins.  And you know what?  Nobody died.  I was able to get some rest, and made it through the week without any major meltdowns.

I'm thankful for...

Emily's new Girl Scout leader.  It was a tough choice, deciding not to lead a troop this year.  We are blessed by the socialization scouts brings, but in the past couple years, it's been very hard, running a troop.  I'm thrilled to have found a new group for her to join.

God moment...

Just last night my husband had the opportunity to teach at our church about the blessing of tithing obedience.  We're so not out of the financial woods yet, but are challenged everyday to keep our wants and needs in check.  And God keeps blessing.  Just today I got the opportunity to audition for an out of market job that would be steady income, using my skill set.  What a gift that would be to get!

Work for home...

It's a challenge, making the most out of what you have.  I'm trying to live below my grocery budget, while also creating delicious, satisfying meals for my family.  The economy doens't make it easier.  However, if the economy ever does rebound, we'll be conditioned to this frugal way!

Work for work...
We are preparing for our bi-annual Sharathon at Family Life.  It's a busy, exciting time.  I also have the joy of working with our Morning Show every week, developing new ideas and strategies for our audience.  It's one of my favorite things!  This past week, when I was feeling so discouraged, one of our morning hosts said the most encouraging thing, just when I needed it.  I love when that happens and am so blessed to be working in a place that is way more than a paycheck.

Craft time...
My card swap group just downsized, from 12+ to seven.  I'm looking forward to making fewer, more intricate cards.  Of course, it would be easier if I didn't have to get them done tomorrow!

Photo of the week...

Anna, Dana, Marissa, Malina & Ashley

Ashley's 10th birthday included dinner out at Quaker Steak and Lube, and the movie Dolphin Tales.  Our server at the restaurant told the girls they could win a bucket of wings for a year, if their photo was chosen as the best.  So we thought and thought, and this was the best we could come up with.  They all posed, as if they were lifting the car that was suspended above our table.  Some of them are pretty convincing!  Hope we have enough Tums.  Those wings are as good as ours!

Monday Manna

There is so much happening this weekend...I could cry.  Seriously, wad myself up in a ball and just sob it out.  There is so much fun stuff in the mix, that I should be excited.  But the reality is that I feel defeated.  Beat up.  Put down.  My attitude changing will be the key to anything being accomplished.

I'm thankful for...
A washer and dryer that work.  We have piles of laundry and it's a gift to have appliances that work.  I can hear the dryer clinking right now.  I'm trying not to think about how much folding is ahead of me...just trying to focus on the positives here!

God moment...
The Lord is carrying me right now.  That's God Moment enough.

Work for home...
Ashley is having a sleepover with a couple of her friends Friday night, so I'm trying to maintain some of the house cleanliness we reached from the birthday party we hosted this past weekend.  Getting the house clean is only part of the battle...keeping it clean is just as hard.

Work for work...
We're hosting two screening of "Courageous" this week.  I'm so excited to see this film and how it impacts people's lives.  I'm also excited to connect with Family Life listeners face to face.

Craft time...
Emily never did get her earring making time last week.  However, both girls have lost several earrings this week and really need more, or their holes will close up.  It will be way cheaper, and probably quicker, to make a few pair than to go shopping.

Photo of the week...

We celebrated Ashley's birthday with our family this weekend.  Saturday was also Scott's Aunt Pat's birthday.  We usually have two cakes, one for each girl.  This year I made both...a cheesecake brownie for Aunt Pat and a Boston Cream Pie for Ashley.  They both made very special wishes, I'm sure.

Putting Up

My sweet, sweet husband is always looking out for us.  Normally each summer I can tomatoes.  In recent years I've been able to find bushel boxes for about $10 at the Public Market downtown.  This year, however, no such luck.  Prices have been high, and are staying that way.  No canning this year, I thought.  No big deal, as we have several quarts left from last year.  We'll make due.

Then, a friend of my hubby's from work, offered him free tomatoes.  This friend is a farmer on the side and had many tomatoes he didn't think would make it to the weekend market.  Awesome!  We're back in the tomato business.  Major blessing!  So before work today, and again tonight, I will be up to my elbows in red, slippery goodness.  There's something about the smell; the feel.  It reminds me of Autumn, my favorite time of the year.

Putting up.  It's something we do.  Storing away things from the summer to be used later on.  In the middle of winter, fruits and veggies just taste better when I know I've canned them myself.

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys
and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:20

That's fine for fruits and veggies, but they don't last forever.  Nor do the material things we gather through a lifetime.  Are you "putting up" for eternity?  What kind of things last forever? 

Mercy.  Kindness.  Love.

The acts we do today will be preserved on a shelf in Heaven.  Reaching out to someone in need and blessing them with the abundance of what you have.  By giving away what we have on earth, we can be weathy forever.  I can't wait until the day when I can walk into God's pantry and see all of the incredible works that will last for eternity.  What a grand collection of jars that must be!

Monday Manna

Today is just a regular ol' Monday.  And I like it!  We've been struggling to get our stride with homeschooling and I'm really hoping today is the day we click.  I try to tell the girls that when their work is all squared away, we have more time for fun stuff, but they aren't buying it!

I'm thankful for...
Autumn like days.  There's something about the crispness in the air.  I just love this season.  It's the time of year when the earth begins to rest.  It's a reminder that we can't run on "summer" all the time.  There's a time to slow down, and be still.

To everything there is a season,

a time for every purpose under Heaven.
Ecclesiasteas 3:1 (NKJV)

God moment...
Yesterday we sang "American the Beautiful" in church.  It was fitting, with the 10 year anniversary of September 11th.  I just love the second verse of this song: 

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

This verse pleads with God to fix what is wrong in our nation.  It was true when this song was written in 1895, and it's true now; only God can fix what's wrong with America.  And note how it's to be done:  through self-control.  What a great reminder to each one of us as to how we should live.

Work for home...
Our home is a mess.  There are some rooms I don't even want to be in.  A few of our friends have moved lately and it just reminds me what a burden it would be if we were to move.  It's time to purge the extras.  We've been blessed.  Now it's time to pass the blessings on!

Work for work...
I finished so many of my Monday tasks before 5am, so I'm hoping for continued productivity this week!  Really looking forward to getting some creative time going with the Family Life Morning Show on Wednesday.

Craft time...
Emily has wanted to make some jewelry for a few weeks.  I've been telling her we can do that, when she gets caught up on school.  We've put a plan in place to make that happen, so hopefully by Friday my girlie and I can be making some earrings and bracelets.  (A mama can dream!)

Go, Mom, go!

My favorite photo...
This is my mom's calling card.  When she goes for a bike ride in the early morning and stops by our house, she draws herself in chalk.  It's her way of saying "I was here...it didn't look like you were awake, so I kept on peddling."  When we finally get ready to go out and I see this on the driveway, it puts a smile on my face!