Live

Have you noticed that all things growing reach for the Lord?

Move Upward.

First is the seed that goes in the ground and dies.

Then new life...

Teen Challenge testimonies today reminded me of this.

The Pastor even said it.

A seed.

Planted in the soil of Good News.

Hope.

People come to the end. They hit bottom. They are doing chin-ups on the curb.

Those that reach up for the Lord

Grow.

Bloom.

Reflect His glory.

Find worth. Purpose. Fulfillment.

New Life

Hope.

But death comes first.

Death to the way that doesn't work.

Death to idols.

 Idols of alcohol, drugs, pride, unbelief.

Death to the way that seems right to a man but leads to death.

Blessed is the one who "gets it" here.

So they can be planted and made new.

In Him.

Christ.

The one who died sinless.

So we could live free from the bondage of it.

And grow.

And bloom.

And live.

And reflect His glory.

Forever.

Is There Value in a Flower?

I get into flowers. I take oodles of photos of flowers. I go on garden tours to view flowers. I purchase books and magazines with flowers. I plant and I weed flowers. I choose flowers over vegetables in my garden (okay, this isn't so good at harvest time or on the winter table!)

Admittedly, I spend alot of my time in the summer with flowers.

I asked the Lord, "Is there value in the time I spend with my flowers? And what is their value?" He gives me some clear answers as I spend time in my garden...

• Flowers are an expression of God's creativity.
• Flowers are a representation of His beauty.
• Flowers show us the value that God places on beauty.
• Flowers make people smile. = )
• Flowers need tending and in the tending there are lessons to be learned.
• Flowers draw the eye to focus on beauty, and marvel at their Creator.
• Flowers remind me that even the most seemingly insignificant has value.

When you look at the photo of the flower above, you will notice that the Lord has taken care to make a small flower (it is about the size of a dime)  intricately designed...Does it lead you to ponder how much more precious you are to God who has not only intricately woven you together, but put His life in you? If a few flowers make an impact on the world...how much of an impact can you make? Do you know your worth to the Lord?

Perhaps a flower can help you see more clearly your unique value to God. What are the intricate details He has woven into your life?

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book before
one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16

He Paints

Sometimes the most profound things need few words.

These photos are of the sky tonight after the rain.  

Don't you marvel at the skies when it seems

God is saying something,

and beckoning us to enjoy Him? 

They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,

and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

Psalm 145:5