Every Single Seed

I Corinthians 3:6

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”

A seed is a source or beginning. A seed is a fertilized plant ovule containing an embryo capable of developing into a new plant.  Seeds collectively grow into flowers, trees, bushes, plants, grain, fruit and vegetables.  A seedling is a young newly developing plant.

If seeds are planted in the ground, what happens?  Do they die?  Are they buried never to be seen again?  No!  As we know, seeds turn into growing, living plants, trees, bushes, etc. that cover the earth in a variety of ways! 

Seeds turn into grain that feeds us.

Seeds turn into beautiful trees that may produce fruit of many flavors. 

Seeds turn into plants with vegetables that sustain us.

Seeds turn into trees that shade us.

Seeds grow in a variety of environments and atmospheres.

Seeds grow in a petry dish.

Seeds grow in a green house.

Seeds grow in the dirt.

Seeds grow into medicine that can heal us.

Isn’t it amazing that God gave us seeds of so many varieties that we have a plethora of growing, living, breathtaking parts of creation all around us every day?  Think about that!  

When was the last time you thanked God for a seed that grew into a luscious tomato that you enjoyed this past summer?  Or when was the last time you paused to be grateful for that shade tree in your backyard? We have so many reasons to give thanks!!!

And, think about the seed dying first.  We dig a hole, lay the seed deep in the earth, water it, fertilize it,  and up comes a tulip, a rose bush, a dogwood tree or a garden!  The seed has to die first, then life comes forth!

A seedling is a young, newly developing plant.  What new “seeds” have been buried in the dirt in your life?  What new plant had to push its way through a whole lot of dirt and soil to show you new growth?  What new growth has come out of that seed planted in your life?  What new “blossoms” have bloomed on your journey called life?  

Think about the awesome process of a seed growing into a plant or tree. It does not just happen overnight!

Yet, did you realize that every single seed has been given to us?  Every single seed has been planted for a reason.  Every single seed will grow and become an amazing part of creation and/or our heart.  If we let it. 

Another analogy is that we have a “seed” or gift that we can be thankful for every day: The gift of life through God’s Son, Jesus!  He was brought to earth (planted in a way) to teach us a million different things like love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, but most of all forgiveness!  

Then, He died.  He was buried.  (Just like a seed.) And, the BEST part is that He rose from the dead and gives us NEW life every day!

What seeds are you cultivating???  Will you allow your heart to grow in the fruits of the Spirit?  Check out Galatians 5:22-23 and choose one “seed” you will grow or cultivate this year!  I choose JOY!  Imagine that!

Avoidance

 

Matthew 18:21

“Then, Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go?  As many as seven times?”

 

Avoidance……not a subject many people talk about, but many of us do on a daily basis!

What do you avoid?  Evade? Dodge? Put off?  I am not talking about procrastination – putting something off until later.  I am talking about avoiding a major issue, controversy and/or topic that needs to be addressed.

Our country is facing many topics that need to be addressed!!!  This is not a political argument I am trying to start.  This is reality.  So how do we start?  How do we address things that are very, very uncomfortable and heartbreaking?

I believe the definition of Acceptance which I learned from Al-Anon is one key factor.  I learned that acceptance is simple acknowledgement.  Without blame, without shame, without guilt and without regret.  It does NOT mean condoning bad behavior such as physical or verbal abuse. 

Rather, acceptance is simply acknowledging that something we really wanted to happen did not.  Or vice versa!  For example:  Divorce.  On the day I got married in 1980, was I planning on getting divorced 20 years later?  Absolutely not!  I was committing to a lifetime of love, or so I thought.  I did NOT want to get divorced, yet it happened and I must accept that it is so.  It still hurts, it still stings, and it still breaks my heart.  But it is reality in my world and my son’s.  We have learned to simply acknowledge that our life is different than what we expected.

So what are you trying to escape from?  Which hard conversation are you avoiding with your spouse, sibling, family member, friend, boss, and/or co-worker about an issue that has been plaguing your relationship for a long time?  How long will you keep away from and/or shun that person, or they shun you?  How long will you keep away from someone who loves you dearly, but you adamantly disagree with?  How long are you willing to be unyielding towards others?  How long to you want to be “right?” (IF you are!)

I have heard of family members who do not talk for 9-10 years over an argument they had.  Some have gone 20-25 years over a divide in philosophy or ideals.  Is it really worth losing a family member or friend because you are not willing to yield and try to understand the opposite side? Why retreat for that long?

If possible, consider the definition of acceptance becoming part of who you are and how you respond.  Simple acknowledgement.  Without blame.  Without shame.  Without guilt.  Without regret.  Then, go and make amends with that person.  Forgiveness is amazing!  

Panic

 

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

 

Have you ever had a panic attack?  It is a sudden overwhelming feeling of fear.  It can be very frightening and scary!  Something may startle you or send a signal of alarm through your whole body – it can even cause a stampede of emotions!

So how do we deal with them?  Can we prevent them?  It is not an easy subject, but they can be tamed.  Learning to cope with these types of panic attacks, is handled slowly - not overnight.  And, with the help from a counselor they can be overcome.  Practicing healthy reactions and possibly sharing these feelings in a journal can begin a journey of recovery from panic attacks.  Or, sharing these panic experiences with a trusted friend may help you get to a point of dealing with them and having them subside over time.

Remember, panic is an alarm system within you that tells you that something is not quite right.  Your instincts may be spot on!  Or, they might be future fears looming too largely in our view.  Check your reality.  Is the fear real?  If so, do what you need to do to be safe.  Or, is the fear more of a speculation of what might occur?  If it is speculation, allow yourself to come back to the present moment and realize you are safe.  Tell yourself that you are okay and that there is nothing to fear.

The next time a panic attack pops up out of the blue, take a few deep, deep breaths.  Slow your pace.  If you’re dizzy, sit down.  If tunnel vision occurs, sit quietly until it goes away.  If you experience chest pain, then definitely call a doctor ASAP. If you get nauseated, try a cracker.  Hot/Cold flashes can occur as well.  Allow them to pass.  Sweating can be a real issue at times, but again, this too shall pass.  If you get tingling, burning or a prickling in your toes or fingers, let it subside.  If these simple remedies do not work, please seek a professional! 

Many times, a panic attack will make a person want to flee the unwelcome feelings of panic.  Sometimes, a person wants to fight back and face the feeling head on.  “Fight or flight” reactions are normal in this situation.  If your perception is altered by what is or is not real, then call your counselor and talk it over.  Again, as soon as you are able to talk to a counselor and work through the issues at hand, the better it will be for you.

I am not a counselor, nor profess to be one who can cure panic attacks.  These are just a few ideas that may help you learn to cope over time.  What I do know is that we have a healer that is available 24/7.  That healer is God.  He is right by your side every minute of every day.  He is closer than your breath.  One of my favorite ways to overcome feelings like these panic thoughts and feelings is to trust in God’s CALM presence which surrounds me.

 

CALM = Comforting, Almighty, Loving, Majestic.  This is an acronym I created at a time in my life, when panic attacks and fear had a strong hold on my heart.  I learned over time that God’s calm presence can overcome any fear, any attack, and any frightening  or overwhelming feeling.  And, I also had an incredible counselor who is still a friend of mine today.  Thank you, Beth!!!

Don’t delay!  Allow yourself the time and space needed to overcome these feelings of panic.  Call a counselor and let them help you work through all those fears.  And, allow yourself to be comforted by a Majestic God whose loving arms wants to enfold you.

 

Song: Peace by Bethel Music and We the Kingdom

Lifting up our eyes to Heaven...

Psalm 121: 1-2 says:  " I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help? My help cometh from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth." (KJV)

A more modern version of this verse is from The Message which says: "I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from the mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made Heaven and Earth and the mountains."

This is one of my favorite Psalms!  We read it at my grandfather's funeral, my mom's memorial service and my mom's birthday is December 21st, so I always associate this Psalm with her birthday and my grandfather.  I have many notes by this Psalm in my Bible.  If it weren't for their strong faith, I am not sure my faith would have grown so strong in my early years.  They both were living examples of Christ's love and forgiveness!

Since then, I have been able to be a part of several wonderful churches where the people encouraged me to grow in my faith every day.  I read several devotions each day, pray and have been doing ongoing Bible Studies for years through Crossroads Christian Church in Shawnee.  These studies has enlarged my faith, enhanced my knowledge and encouraged me to do and be more of what Christ wants me to be.  

Also, I have been able to be a part of a Women's prayer group since 2012 and these prayer warriors are awesome!!!  We used to meet every Thursday at our church and pray for the women's ministry there.  These ladies have become my Prayer Warriors!  They not only pray for the women and concerns of our church, ,but they help me on a day to day basis by being there for me anytime I have a prayer request!  And, I pray for them and their prayer concerns, too!  It is amazing to have such a strong network of believers who strive to become more Christ-like every day.  Amazing Grace how sweet the sound!!!

I am blessed to have very strong Sisters-in-Christ right within my family as well!  My sisters Cathi and Debbie are strong towers for me.  We pray together, laugh together and send each other encouragement all the time!  I honestly do not know what I would do without either of them!!! God has surely blessed me with their love and prayers and strength!!!

And, I have many wonderful Sisters-in-Christ with other friends outside of my church - they are amazing as well.  One such friend always seems to have the right words for me when I am in despair or in need of consolation.  Ponder these beautiful words Julie penned for me a couple of years ago in a prayer for me:  "Seek and absorb truth from God's Word and be saturated by His love."  Isn't that beautiful?  Be saturated by His love!!!  Saturated!!!  Every day........Those words are engraved on my heart.  Those words have helped me through so many moments when I have a mountain in front of me. 

Life is hard!  We need these wonderful prayer warriors surrounding us to keep us going!  We need strong prayers.  We need strong friends. And, we need the words of faith to allow us to overcome the tribulations in this life!  And, we need to know that we have the Strongest God there is available!!!  He never lets us go and He never leaves us!!!   

So, what mountains are you facing today?  What clouds seems to linger?  What gray or dark mood seems to not go away?  Whatever it is, you can face it with the strength from the Psalm above and the God who inspired the words!!!

Isaiah 43:1-3 says: "Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine!  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.  When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you and when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze for I am the Lord Your God, the Holy One of Israel."  

Let those words sink in...linger on that passage...ponder the meaning of those words.  They are not to be taken lightly! We have a God who never leaves us, nor forsakes us.  He is with us in the water, in the river, in the fire.  He is on the mountain - He IS the mountain we can rely on!  100%!!  All day, every day.  

I dare you to believe that God loves you that much.......I dare you to listen to Kari Jobe's song:  My Beloved every morning for 30 days. I believe you will find a God who is there for you, waiting for you to come to Him.  His love is the mountain I stand on.  I hope you will too.

Stirred.....

 Judges 13:24: "The woman bore a son and name him Sampson.  The boy grew up and the Lord blessed him; the Spirit of the Lord stirred him."

Steve Givens is an author for a devotional called Living Faith and here is a copy of what he wrote.....it's an awesome devotion on being stirred....

"Some versions of the Bible state that the Spirit of the Lord "blessed" Sampson.  But here, we are given the beautiful image of being "stirred," a reminder that we are being constantly touched and moved by the hand of God.  Stirred is what we feel deep in our bones when we hear what seems like an impossibly beautiful piece of music or see an indescribable sunset.  Stirred is the inner knowledge that we are never alone in our times of darkness and despair.  Stirred is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, nudging us out of complacency and into action.  Stirred is the difference between living and living for God."  What a gift this devotion is to all of us...if we will be still and listen.

Are you stirred this Christmas season?  Is there a longing in your heart?  Have you been moved and touched by the Hand of God?  Have you felt that hair on the back of your neck tingle while listening to an exquisite piece of music?  Did you see Jupiter and Saturn align on December 21st?  Do you have the knowledge that you are never alone?  

No matter what darkness.....no matter how much in despair you have....no matter how lonely you feel.....God's Holy Spirit is waiting to enter your heart this Christmas!

Why not be stirred and invite Him in???  

Jesus, the new born babe.  Into our hearts, He comes!!!

Prayer:  Lord, stir us!!!

Song:  While you were Sleeping by Casting Crowns

K.I.S.S. Part 4 Seraphim and Cherubim - Angels of Joy!!!

 Luke 2:10 says: "Then the angel of the Lord said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great JOY which will be to all people."

JOY!!!  What rapture, jubilance and delight this season creates all around us!!!  Feel it........see it......listen for it......look for it.......it is everywhere!!!  

Old fashioned words for angels in the Scriptures are Seraphim and Cherubim.  Have you ever seen one in pictures in an old family Bible?  If not, search for one.  Look up on the internet pictures of the Sistene Chapel where Leonardo DaVinci painted some of the most exquisite paintings in the world!  They bring a sense of awe and wonder ever created on the ceiling of this historic chapel!!! His artistic work depicts the beauty and reverence of God.

Then, ask yourself, who can you be a Christmas Angel to this season?  Who may be hurting, lonely, or downtrodden that could use some uplifting this year?  Then, ask yourself:  What is one way that I can offer JOY to someone else this Christmas?  Bake some goodies, send a Christmas card, send a text, or make a phone call!  Being an angel is NOT expensive.  It doesn't mean buying an expensive gift.  It means BEING the gift!  Each of us have unique gifts that God has given us.  Think about it:  what is YOUR gift you can offer to others?  It might be as simple as inviting someone over for coffee or tea.

And, if you are the one who needs an angel, reach out anyway!  You will be amazed at what happens when you extend a hand of friendship or kindness.  Be the angel you wish someone would be to you!!!  Create a smile on someone's face who hasn't smiled in a very long time....

And remember, K.I.S.S. = KEEP IT SIMPLE, SANTA!!!

Enjoy this special holiday season and go spread some Christmas cheer everywhere you go!  Christmas JOY is all around you.....Look for it!!!  Listen for the Church Bells to remind you.........

Prayer:  Lord Jesus,  thank you that you came to spread JOY to all of us!!!

Songs:  I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Casting Crowns

K.I.S.S. Part 3 Sacred Traditions

Luke 2:15 says: "When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

Christmas - what is this all about?  It's about a sacred event that happened long, long ago.....

Sacred....not a word that is used often anymore in our society.  Sacred means to be "set apart" for God or to worship God. It is also something that is made or declared holy.  Something that is dedicated or devoted exclusively to one use or person. Something that is worthy of reverence.

So what is sacred to you this season?  What is worthy of reverence to you?  What brings a feeling of awe to you?  What allows you to be set apart?

Think of the traditions or rituals your family had while you were growing up....was Christmas Eve the main celebration or was Christmas morning?  What made you feel the Christmas spirit the most?  Our family had the tradition of watching the movie "White Christmas" with my Dad.  It was always a very special night.....and as children we would wait until Christmas eve to place the Christ Child in the manger.  It was a significant tradition that still warms my heart to this day.

Maybe your childhood does not bring such a good memory...and if that was the case, may I offer you a suggestion? If sad memories of Christmases in the past haunt you, acknowledge them.  Accept that they happened and are part of your history.  But remember, they are NOT happening today.  Rub a golden layer of love and forgiveness over those sad times and let them go.  Rub your fingers across the fracture lines or your broken heart and be gentle with yourself.  Love yourself through those not so good memories and create some new ones.  I can only imagine how hard it must be for some people during this season.  So, my hope is that you will feel the love of God wrapping His arms around you this season! I hope that you will KNOW that you are loved beyond a shadow of a doubt by the God of the Universe!!! 

So, good memories or not, why not create a NEW tradition that will fill your heart with the gift of healing and JOY this year?  Here are some suggestions of something new to do:

 Bake Christmas cookies for the first time with your kids!  Make different colored icing and use sprinkles to decorate!  Make a MESS in your kitchen and laugh out loud while doing it!!!  

Take a drive down to the Plaza in KC or wherever they have lots of Christmas lights and enjoy the sights!  Then, when you come home, make some Hot Chocolate and enjoy the warmth of that sweet treat!  

If singing Christmas Carols makes you feel wonderful, then sing them!  

If watching sappy Hallmark movies make you get into the spirit of Christmas , then watch them!  If not, don't!  

Take a hot bath with candles all aglow!  

Go out and talk a walk on a crisp winter night and look up at the stars - they are gorgeous!!!

Go Ice Skating at Crown Center or wherever there is an ice skating rink!

Read Charles Dickens:  "A Christmas Carol" and put the spirit of Christmas back in your heart!

Then, read the Christmas Story in Luke 2.  Sit by the manger.  See the Child who came to save the world.  He is waiting to come into your heart.

Enjoy this Christmas - maybe for the first time ever!!!  

And, if going to Grandma's house or your mother-in-law's house makes you crazy - don't go!  Or, at least give yourself permission to limit the time you spend there.  Sometimes we need to compromise, so offer a compromise with a cheerful heart!!!

Also, being a friend to someone who may have just lost a loved one this year may be something you can do for someone else this year.  Helping them may help you in your sadness, too.  Go wrap your arms around them and just share a cup of tea or coffee.

Acknowledge Christmas in your heart.....let it be a new beginning.  And while some of us may not have had the best Christmases in the past, this year you have a choice!  You can choose to create a new attitude towards the holiday and find some JOY in it!  You can choose to be with people who make you feel happy, alive and JOYFUL!!!   Make some new traditions for yourself and enjoy this beautiful season - it can GLOW with warmth and light and healing, if you choose to let it do so!!! 

Joy to the World!!!