How Does Your Garden Grow?

My husband and I planted a garden this summer - a huge garden. 

Our garden became my sanctuary from the world. 

Pulling weeds with sweat on my brow and dirt on my hands, I felt closer to my Maker than I had in a long time.

We worked with mutual excitement for the anticipated harvest, from preparing the soil to planting and watering the seeds.

Each morning my husband and I strolled to the garden, coffee in hand, marveling at every new sprout and each new blossom. Like a child on Christmas morning, the overnight surprises never got old.

Our garden tucked away from the world, began to feel like a place of promise, hope, and life.

In I Corinthians, we see where Paul, a missionary pioneer, brought the message of salvation to the church. He planted the seed of the gospel message in people’s hearts. Then Apollos built on Paul’s foundation—he watered the seed as he helped believers grow in their faith. Both men’s roles were different yet significant. The believers revealed their spiritual immaturity, thus causing division when some stated that they followed Paul, and others indicated that they followed Apollos. (I Corinthians 3:4)

Paul understood the real reason his labor produced a harvest.

Paul addresses the church and the problem head-on, “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe--as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (I Corinthians 3:5-7)

Planting Onions    

How do we grow our faith, reach our goals and dreams, or raise families who desire to live for Christ? I believe we work diligently to plant, nurture, and tend to our gardens.

But God makes them grow!

Harvesting Onions    

There is a tremendous personal cost when committing to planting, caring for, and harvesting a garden of any kind.

My husband was better in some parts of gardening than me. And I was better in other areas of gardening than him. The real joy was in partnering together for a shared goal: a harvest.

     

The work of the harvest involves a lot of different individuals with a variety of gifts and abilities. “For we are God’s fellow workers, you are God’s field, God’s building.” (I Corinthians 3:9)

Sometimes we get to be a part of something miraculous, glorious, spectacular. It will not be easy nor will it happen in a minute. We may never be noticed or applauded. However, the harvesting journey will be life-changing if we are willing to stay the course.

And we may see God’s glory in a place or a face that we least expect. 

Quite possibly on an ordinary morning, coffee in hand, as you stand in awe and wonder at the garden that God has grown.

Stay the course...

Sheila

Gritty Faith

There’s a question I had pondered for so long that I can’t remember when the question originated. 

“What is the purpose of the church?”

While trying to understand the church’s purpose, God has been showing me what faith looks like, whether within or without the church walls.

True faith is gritty. 

Please hear me out. 

I’m not saying you need to summit mountains, kill dinner, or have calloused, weathered hands to be a person with gritty faith (although this author appreciates calloused, weathered hands!).

The Word of God gives us numerous accounts of men and women who possess gritty faith. Gritty faith is not a character trait that might be evident to the eye at first glance.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, had gritty faith. God knew the depth of Mary’s faith. That’s why God chose Mary for one of the most meaningful life purposes imaginable—she knew her obedience would cost her dearly. By all appearances, Mary was “soft,” but she revealed her grits depth by being obedient to God’s will for her life.

And don’t forget Benaiah, one of King David’s brave fighters. In describing the grit of Benaiah, there is one sentence that says it all, “He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.” (2 Sam. 23:20(b)) I doubt Benaiah had time to think about whether or not he should go into the slippery, snowy pit to kill the lion. In a split-second decision, he wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed the lion with no regard for personal safety.

In the New Testament, in the City of Damascus, we meet a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” 

“Yes, Lord,” he answered. (Acts 9:10)

Then the Lord tells Ananias to go where Saul (the man known for persecuting Christians) is waiting on Straight Street, lay his hands on Saul and pray for Saul’s sight. 

Can you imagine the kind of faith required to obey such a command? Although Ananias questioned the Lord, and probably feared for his own life, he obeyed.

None of those mentioned above faced their situations within the walls of the church. 

So I am left to conclude that church must be the place we meet together as brothers and sisters in Christ. The church must be the place found in the eye of the storm—a momentary place of safety and protection. A place where we pause to catch our breath,  encourage one another, spur each other on, and love one another. Mostly, the church must be a place where we worship and adore God—together, as His family. Can you imagine the anticipation and excitement our Father must experience each time His family unites as His church?

“And he (Christ) is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (Col. 1:18)

In this place called the church, we breathe life and hope, courage, and boldness into our fellow sojourners. When we leave the four walls, we go back into the storm, where our real life’s purposes are awaiting. 

No two purposes are the same. Our arenas have purposes that were designed by the same God of Mary, Benaiah, and Ananias. 

Our faith is the only thing we possess which we will take with us to eternity—it is the essence of who we are. 

I want my faith to be as gritty as Benaiah’s hands, yet as soft as the face of Mary.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV)

Stay the Course…

Sheila

The Truth About Talent

The other day my husband and I were reminiscing about the first house we purchased together in Arizona. We were 25 years old at the time. 

“Remember how nice we fixed up the yard before we sold it?” I commented.

“Yes, but we didn’t make any updates to the interior except paint,” he responded, then he added, “but that was before I knew how to do renovations.”

“That’s not true.” I said as I considered his comment, “the talent was in you when you were born, you just had not yet discovered your ability to do carpentry work!”

We don’t wake up one day and have a talent. We are all given talents by our Creator before we are born—they are a gift straight from the hand of God. So, talent is the inherent, natural ability of a person to do something. Whereas skill is something that you acquire after putting in a lot of hard work—it is learned.

We are told in the Word what we are to do with our God-given talents, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (I Peter 4:10)

Consider David, the shepherd. He received many talents, some of which he discovered while out in the field, tending his father’s sheep. David was not only a brave warrior, but he was also a great leader, and somewhere along the way, he recognized that he could also play the harp. (I Samuel 16:18)

The truth about talent is that discovering our real purpose starts with a prayer or a dream that turns into a deep desire and passion. Once we put action to talent, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish!

Nehemiah is one of my favorite examples of a person who knew how to put action to talent. When Nehemiah found out that the walls and gates of Jerusalem were in disrepair, he became so burdened with the news that he wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed before God, asking for favor in the eyes of the king to go and rebuild the walls. 

Nehemiah knew God could use his talents to get the job done. When faced with significant opposition, he did not give up or give in but instead prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:9) Nehemiah stood firm, finishing the wall in just 52 days.

We all possess unique talents that set us apart from one another! When we bring our talents together, we become the true picture of the church—all glory and honor to God!

The truth about our talents is that when we function and serve together within them, we feel whole and complete! 

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

Stay the course…

Sheila

Farmhouses, Childhood & Homemade Slip 'N Slides

Just over a year ago, my husband and I purchased a 200-year-old farmhouse in Michigan. 

The man who had owned the old farmhouse lived to be nearly 100 years old. Two of his children, Sharon and Gary, and their spouses still live nearby. We’ve had the opportunity to get to know the “kids” and their spouses during the real estate transaction and throughout the last year, keeping them updated with pictures of the renovations happening to their childhood home. And they, in turn, share stories of their childhood, their parents, and the rich history of the “farm.”

Last week we invited both couples to our family cookout. Adam, our son-in-law, always adventurous and fun, brought all the makings for a homemade Slip ’n slide. A large, long piece of durable plastic, enough Dawn dish soap to last a lifetime, and a garden hose. We had a yard full of grown-ups standing around wondering who was going to make the first move.

Gary, nearly 70, had already become putty in the hands of our three-year-old granddaughter, Yetzy. She had him from the moment she arrived and saw him standing in the yard wearing a sun hat. “Mimi, why is there a cowboy here?” she asked, every word perfectly enunciated. And so Gary, no longer Gary, became “Cowboy” for the remainder of the evening. 

Instead of sitting with the “old” people, Cowboy disappeared with Yetzy to the “fun” side of the property where the Slip ’n slide was ready for whoever might be willing to give it a whirl. We were so excited to watch Yetzy create a childhood memory.

I walked around the corner to the fun side, prepared to watch Yetzy going down the long piece of slippery, soapy plastic when I saw Gary, I mean Cowboy, looking as though he had just stepped out of a washing machine before the rinse cycle kicked in. He was soaked and bubbly. His wife didn’t bat an eye. “Yep, I had a feeling this might happen,” she said, all the while reaching for her phone to capture her sudsy Cowboy. I wondered as I watched him “play” if he had forgotten his age and found himself caught in a childhood memory from all those years ago when the upper-middle “through” room had been his bedroom. Did he go back to a time when the old barn had been full of hay, and the ladder leading up to the mow symbolized an adventure of great mystery and hidden treasures? Had another cat given birth to her litter somewhere amongst the green bales of hay? Did he still feel the heat of the upper barn and the smell of fresh-cut grass?

At first I was surprised. I had not told Gary or Sharon that there would be a Slip ’n slide if they wanted to “play” while at the cookout. The thought had not crossed my mind. Did that mean that I had allowed myself to become “old” somewhere along the way? Did Cowboy forget that he didn’t have a change of clothes? 

Watching everyone play on the Slip ’n slide was one of the most beautiful moments I have witnessed in a very long time. 

I realize that last sentence sounds ridiculous. But as I stood there, for a second, I thought about all the challenges the previous year had brought, some problems that were still mid-challenge—and then I decided to live in the moment in front of me. And the moment made me laugh.

In a precarious, and uncertain world where many people are scared and fearful—everything terrible with the world was placed on pause. Like when you pause a movie to make popcorn or make a dash to the bathroom.

We read in the Gospel of Matthew how Jesus loves a gleeful, childlike heart and childlike faith when he responds to a question posed to him by His disciples:

 “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: 

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:1-5)

There is so much freedom in trusting our Father with all the cares and weight of the world. Trusting God is a choice we make throughout the moments of each day. 

God does not see us as young or old; He sees us as His children. We can crawl into his lap, rest our heads on His chest, and trust Him with childlike faith.

Eventually, Cowboy took his last tumble down the Slip ’n slide and realized his predicament. We stood ready with a towel and some of my husband’s extra clothes in hand. 

Cowboy didn’t apologize for his spontaneous decision to hang out with Yetzy on the fun side. His contagious enthusiasm brought out the child in everyone. The night was an experience of abundant food, new friends, laughter, and suds— and enough scrapes and bruises to ensure everyone would remember his or her Slip ’n slide adventure for at least the next three days.

And what did Cowboy have to say for himself as he climbed into his vehicle wearing a pair of my husband’s shorts which almost fit him? 

“I wasn’t about to let an opportunity like tonight pass me up,” he said with a smile. Then he drove away from his childhood home with new memories and a new best friend named Yetzy.

Stay the course…

Sheila

A Little Lower

I received an unexpected call from a good friend this week. We don’t connect often, but when we do it’s always good (which is what makes him a good friend!) and always leaves me with something to ponder.

In the seasons of life that we go through, it’s not always easy to recognize the gift of a season that is challenging. But when we can express the truth of the difficulty, knowing the listener is not judging but listening—we often learn something about ourselves.

When he asked if I have been writing, I hesitated. Do I admit that I haven’t put a word to paper in months? 

“Nope. I haven’t written for a long time. For some reason I have not been able to write. Maybe I’m in a season of listening and learning. Or maybe I’m just not hearing from God right now,” I admit.

At a time when everyone is ‘speaking his or her truth,’ I have been silent. 

“I would describe this season as a season of learning more about humility,” I add as a final thought.

“God keeps taking me lower, too,” my friend stated. “And when I wonder how much lower I must go, the answer is always “A little lower.”

John the Baptist says it best when he shares his testimony with his disciples concerning his position compared to that of Jesus:

“A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:27-30 NIV)

Sometimes we must go a little lower— become less. Going lower can be disguised as feeling lonely and insignificant. “Lonely” enables us to be still and listen. “Insignificant” allows us to recognize that Christ is all, and is in all. (Col. 3:11)

Christ teaches us how we are to live our lives for Him. But sometimes we can hear Him better when we are in a low place. In the low position, the noise of the world fades, the clatter of trying to fit in or become something or someone diminishes. Nothing matters except hearing from God. And no words are needed or expected in return. In this secret place, God reminds us who we are and how we are to live. In the low seat, we become better listeners if we are unhurried.

God’s truth, not man’s truth, is revealed in the quiet of the low place. He becomes more significant, fills us with more of Him, and develops within us His nature, which we long for but cannot attain on our own.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:12-15)

How much lower must we go to become more like Christ?

A little lower.

Stay the Course…

Sheila

House Arrest

I opened up the Word this morning and randomly landed in the book of Acts, the last several verses of the final chapter. 

Listen to what we learn about Paul, “For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:30-31)

Paul, the greatest apostle, and spokesman for Christianity was a prisoner in his own home, unable to leave his home or move freely around to minister as he desired. Yet he did not despair or complain. He made the most of his situation even though confined.

As I read this, my heart is encouraged. 

While in chains, Paul wrote what is known as his “Prison Letters” to the Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians. These letters have impacted millions of believers through the centuries.

Later, when imprisoned again, Paul wrote the books of I Timothy and Titus. And yet, another time when imprisoned, he wrote his last letter, 2 Timothy.

The book of Acts isn’t just about Paul, though; it’s the history of the Christian church and shows us miracles and testimonies of many martyrs and heroes of the faith. People like me and like you. 

Every-day-ordinary-people. 

The message never changed and remains the same to this day: Jesus is the Lord and Savior to all who call on His name. 

We do not need to be eloquent to share the Gospel. Take a look at Moses when God called him to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, 'But Moses said, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” '(Exodus 4:10)

We need not be educated or loaded down with degrees. Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, taught that “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) 

Though imprisoned for their faith, we read about those who heard the message of Christ through Peter and John: “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

How easy it is to read stories of persecution and hardship in the Word without batting an eye, without considering that such stories of faith determination and tenacity might encourage us to walk our journeys without losing sight of our purpose. 

I know my own faith must go more in-depth and my roots more deeply embedded in Christ. 

As we move forward in an ever-changing world, even if confined to our homes, we are not alone. We are never without purpose, and we need not face life with fear. 

Let’s encourage one another during a tumultuous season and remember those who went before us—those great cloud of witnesses—as we borrow the strength of their faith.

I want to be known as a person who has been with Jesus!

“I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:23-24)

Stay the Course…

Sheila

Throw Down Your Stones

There’s a story in the Bible packed with many lessons, which I find myself drawn to read time and again. 

In the Gospel of John, we read about a woman caught in adultery.  The teachers of the law and the Pharisees bring the woman to stand before Jesus. They tell Jesus that the law commands that the woman must get stoned. 

The teachers and Pharisees are more than likely holding stones in their hands intending to kill the woman when Jesus catches them off guard with His response, “But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.” (John 8:6(b)-8)

Fast forward to today. Consider our current world of politics and how quickly stones get thrown in an attempt to kill the reputation of anyone whose viewpoint contradicts or threatens another. 

Or, also consider how quickly families are divided by opposing viewpoints. Hurtful words get spoken, stones get thrown. It is impossible to retrieve a spoken word or a thrown stone. 

The next part of our story is compelling beyond words: “At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.” (John 8:9)

Those of us who are older are to set an example for the younger. We model after people who are older than us—parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and so on. Often, the “older” influencers affect the trajectory of our lives (whether good or bad).

It’s time to throw down our stones and lay down our pride.

If we aren’t intentional in daily surrendering our lives to Christ, the more life experiences we obtain, the higher the risk we face of walking around with stones in our hands. It’s easy to throw stones at people who have hurt us and caused us great pain when we respond from our brokenness.

I know I am guilty of throwing a few stones of my own. 

But the stones we clutch are a part of the problem, not the solution. Our skewed viewpoints lead us to sin against one another and God.

Even though Jesus was stooped down, writing in the dirt, He heard the crowd dropping their stones and walking away, “Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11)

Imagine the godly influence we can have in the lives of our children and grandchildren when we pray with hearts of humility, confessing our sins to God. It is God’s place to vindicate and it is our place to surrender our rebellious hearts and wills to Him.

Let’s throw down our stones, so we can be set free to raise our hands to the only One without sin.

Stay the Course…

Sheila