Dahlia, Pencil Sketch Effect

Our Father is preparing us to meet the deep inner needs of others by bringing us through the dark places first. ~ Chuck Swindoll

God...comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.    2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

What I've Learned: There are No Lessons Without Learning.
Dear Reader, the above quotes came from yesterday's message on my reusable spiral-bound daily devotional.  A Baptism gift from my spiritual mentor, the devotional features one deeply-ponderable topic or challenging thought accompanied by a Bible verse each day for 365 days.  I have found it tremendously inspiring these last months and keep it on my desk at work where it occasionally sparks a conversation.

Yesterday, I turned the page from the previous day and was immediately struck by the relevance of the topic and verse.  Lately, I find myself going over and over the pain of past events in my life.  My head is full of small revelations about cause, effect, and the still unfolding, far-reaching ramifications.  The above idea of using the pain we endure as a tool to help us guide others through their pain sits well within me.  It has that feel of a God-inspired revelation in the making.  Which usually means I could soon face a situation where it will come in handy.

The thing I'm learning about this spiritual journey, is that I only continue to grow and become more Christ-like if I take the time to pay attention and learn.  It's not a passive process.  With that in mind, this week I started two different Bible studies: one through my church and another through the church of an old high school friend.  One is a women's group.  The other, involves men, women, adults, and children (in a child-care-built-right-in atmosphere).  One group is comprised entirely of Caucasian people.  The other, entirely African American--except for me.  Both are incredibly warm and welcoming.  Both have a definite sense of how to proceed in a group setting, though they take markedly different approaches.  One is currently studying Women of Contentment in the Book of Ecclesiates.  The other, a MasterLife series on Discipleship.  Both studies involve daily readings, quiet time with God and...homework.

Homework five days out of seven.  I feel like I'm back in college again...and I'm kinda lovin' it.  Between the two studies, I'm all over the Bible every day.  Job, Ephesians, Genesis, 1 Corinthians, Luke & John--I'm finding good stuff everywhere I look!  I know, I should be overwhelmed.  I should be confuddled, not knowing what to apply where or overrun with questions and no time to sit and ponder them. 

But that isn't the case.  In fact, each concept we study in one group seems to magnify or reflect lessons in the other.  I've always been a big picture, extrapolate & draw-conclusions sort of thinker.  Did my best academic work in college when my classes happened to overlap material.  Each new perspective on the same topic yields a new and fascinating facet to be understood.  It's like changing the lighting while shooting a photo and getting a whole new image.

Bottom line, I am seeking knowledge and understanding of God's Word and how it affects my life.  I want my life to change.  I want to be different--a better person than I have been for 35 years.  I want to see Jesus in what I do and say; in the ways I interact with others and impact their lives. 

But this, like everything else in life, is a choice.  You have to choose to walk that path.  You can also choose to stand still or run back to what you already know.  I've tried those things.  They don't work for me.  So, I'm gonna try something radically new.  If going back to school to learn about Jesus is what it takes, this girl is all in.  Will keep you posted on what we're learning...   
              

Chunk Birdwatching

Love is all you need. ~Paul McCartney

Today's Joy: Love Changes Everything.

Something strange has been going on in our house for the past week, Reader. Chunk, my Archie Bunker-esque orange tiger cat, who is normally prickly, aloof and never wants to cuddle has been downright sweet. Usually, he sits on the upstairs balcony, yowling for me until I come to bed, at which point he wants me to sit with him but not too near, and I absolutely may not touch him. But if I want to admire him from a distance, that's just fine. What is it about cats that holds our affection hostage but still keeps us coming back for more? They might be the masters of unrequited love.

Anyway, not only have I actually been allowed to pet Chunk this week, but every night at bedtime he saunters over and flops right up against me, purring for all he's worth. He's been obnoxiously cuddly and hasn't hissed, swatted or given me the cold shoulder once. Have been wondering if he's become mentally unbalanced.

Fast forward to tonight: I went outside to call Chunk for bed (a fixed former stray, he still enjoys a couple hours a day sitting out on the front porch or meandering through the garden) and nearly tripped over a dark gray tabby lying on the porch. She slipped off in the dark but returned as soon as I scooped Chunk up and went inside. For the next three hours, she sat on the front porch yowling.

What I noticed most was how calm Chunk was. He would cock an ear to listen to his girl's plaintive cries but never once went to the window, stood by the door or gave any indication he wanted to join her. In fact, he came over and plunked himself down next to me and purred very contentedly. Amazing stuff, love. It can even change a cantankerous old tomcat. A minor miracle, certainly, but one that's very much appreciated.

Phalaenopsis Orchids, Platthill Nursery, Algonquin, IL

Today's Joy: Being A New Creation.

I shot the above photo earlier this week while shopping at a few local plant nurseries with Aunt & Aunt Chef. It's fresh new-ness seems indicative of how I feel today, Reader. You know I love Orchids for their incredible diversity, originality and the longevity of their quirky blossoms. All characteristics I admire. They are a fascinating part of Creation.

Well, I was driving home after another day at my new job and it hit me. I too am a new creation. It wasn't until I really gave my life over to God these last months that I let go of where I thought I should be in this life. Now, it doesn't matter if I meet everyone else's definition of success. I know He has a plan for me and it's certainly better than the flimsy failures I've been coming up with. I made a commitment to follow His lead and my life path began to change literally that day.

And now, here I am, feeling so amazingly grateful and peaceful, with a wonderful new job that challenges me everyday, a blossoming community of fellowship at a new church and with my personal relationships stronger than they've ever been. Unbelievable. Inviting God into my heart was a choice. I had exhausted all my earthly options. Nothing was filling that void of inadequacy I had inside. I needed something bigger than my flawed attempts to 'be someone'. When I finally realized that, I asked out loud for help. I asked out loud for proof that He was really there and that this love I was hearing so much about was real. Then I admitted my flaws and asked for forgiveness for the things I've done that have hurt others. I asked God to come into my heart and that immediately began to change my perspective. Once I wanted that connection with Him earnestly, all the the things I'd been chasing for so many years began to happen naturally.

I know that life is far from perfect. I know that there are many difficult challenges ahead. There will be pain and sorrow and things that don't make any sense to me at the time. I also now know that I don't have to be afraid of what might happen. Whatever lies ahead, God has more than enough strength to get me through. And I believe that whatever happens He will use for good. Tragedy does not defeat us. It can't undo the love we know and give. Fear and pain are not the boss of us. Big stuff, this inner-transformation.

Today's Joy: Setting Myself A Challenge.
Reader, if you listen to K-Love, you know today is Make A Difference Monday. You also know it is Day 15 of Sterling's month-long challenge to America. Simply put, she's challenging us not to grumble or complain for 30 days. Yup, no mumbling under your breath. No crabbing. And no spewing negativity. No complaining of any kind for 30 whole days. Could you do it?

What would the month be like if we weren't wasting time and energy putting negativity out there? How would your life be transformed if, instead, you were directing that intent into positive things? Imagine the difference you could make if instead of detrimental statements, each thing you said throughout the day lifted someone up.....powerful stuff.

I've noticed over the last few weeks how much time I spend complaining. Have caught myself dozens of times each day throwing out a comment or observation that doesn't enhance the conversation or make anyone feel good. In commiserating with friends, family or co-workers, I'm actually just spreading moments of mini-misery. A rude awakening for someone who prides herself on being positive.

So, I've decided to accept Sterling's challenge. But I'm such a complaint-offender, I better start with smaller chunks. As of 10:46 am today, I will not complain, grumble or say anything disparaging, sarcastic or derogatory for 1 week. The challenge became apparent almost immediately, but I'm proud to say, I am making huge strides! Made one slip this afternoon--I complained about building a hard-to-assemble shelving unit when, for the 3rd time this month, a floor model was sold even though we had several unassembled units in stock. As soon as the comment left my lips, I winced. I immediately apologized to the recipient of my complaint and then cheerfully built that shelf! Hurray, progress!

I can't wait to see how this challenge will change the way I live. What about you, Reader? Are you ready to make a change?

Coral Rose.

The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. ~George Bernard Shaw

Today's Joy: The Garden, Revisited.

Whew! After a wonderful but crazy-busy weekend, it's so nice to be able to relax again. I popped out to see the garden after working a very early shift this morning, Reader. It was like visiting a new and gorgeous oasis. I can't stop marveling over the changes that take place in nature and Creation, right under our noses. Today, the delphiniums are in full, fabulous bloom around the house and the roses are wide open to the world, having burst into their full glory sometime over the weekend.

There's both pride and humility in watching a garden evolve through the season. When your plants bloom right on cue, treating the neighbors to a show-stopping display, your head can't help but swell a little. However, it quickly deflates when you realize, after a few days away, that the garden does just fine without you, thank you very much. Just a reminder that you may be the founder of this little growing enterprise, but your plants are busy staging a benign takeover.

Enjoy your afternoon, Reader. Hope your Tuesday is full of unfurling joy.

Aunt's Herb Garden.


It pleases me to take amateur photographs of my garden, and it pleases my garden to make my photographs look professional. ~ Robert Brault



Chamomile & Irises in Herb Garden.


I think that if ever a mortal heard the voice of God it would be in a garden at the cool of the day. ~ F. Frankfort Moore, A Garden of Peace


God Is In The Details, Delphinium, June, 2010.

Delphiniums, June 1st, 2010.

Gerbera Daisies in Galoshes.

Tortoise Under the Birdbath.

Gardens are a form of autobiography. ~ Sydney Eddison, Horticulture magazine, August/September 1993

Garden Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.