Good Day, Friends!

And a warm welcome to my visitors. I post every Wednesday and my goal is to bless and nourish you along the way.

I've realized something about myself - actually, I already knew it - but now I am more sure of it.

I am a terrible gardener.

Maybe I just don't care enough.

When it was time to plant the seeds, I half-heartedly turned over the soil. Then I planted the seeds. And now I watch from my deck as our underground sprinkler waters the garden.

Every once in a while I walk over there to see how things are growing. I planted so many tomato plants that they don't need wire racks to hold them up. My pepper plants look pitiful but the weeds around them are thriving. Kevin was intent on having a few cornstalks in the garden which embarrasses me completely. I think that's why I am keeping a healthy distance from the garden. The stalks are now taller than I am and they look out of place in our suburban back yard. Ugh.

This morning as I spent time on my deck, praying and watching the sun rise, it occured to me how important it is to regularly and intentionally, dig deeper.

I want to talk about something that will greatly improve the quality of our lives - and the quality of the fruit that comes from us.

This morning I whispered a prayer to the Lord..."Lord, forgive me for the ways I worry when I should be trusting You. Forgive me for getting so focused on my destination that I completely miss the beauty of the journey. So talk to me, Lord. Are there any other weeds I've allowed to grow in me? Any attitudes or wrong beliefs?"

I sipped my coffee, read through a few passages of Scripture, and then looked up at the sun rays peeking through the tree branches. And I waited.

In a matter of moments I was made aware of a subtle shift in attitude toward someone who hurt my son. I suddenly realized how - under the surface, where no one can see - I possessed a lack of grace for someone who was difficult for me to love.

One by one, the Lord brought to mind thoughts, attitudes, and postures I had taken that were less than His best for me.

One by one, I acknowledged my sin, I confessed my wrong thinking and the unbelief that accompanied my thoughts, and I thanked God for the fresh mercies waiting for me when I was through.

Maybe you're a savvy gardener. Then you get this. But if you're like me, maybe you need a little reminder to stop, and dig deep on a regular basis. Get rid of the seeds and the weeds that will choke out the good stuff trying to grow in you.

After my very cleansing time of repentance, I looked around and just smiled.

I took in a deep breath and I let it out again.

Suddenly I could see clearer. My body didn't ache as much. And in my heart I felt more eager to love others.

We cannot underestimate how easy it is for weeds to spring up in our lives. We may feel justified in leaving them there, much like I feel justified in letting my garden fend for itself. But when you think of it that way, doesn't it just sound silly?

You're worth more than that. And so am I.

I just stumbled upon this marvelous verse:

(The Holy One says...) "I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts (Isaiah 57:15).

Do you see the profound impact of getting low? It's actually a high and holy place. A place of refreshment.

I pray you'll find some time this week to sit in a quiet place and offer your life up to the Lord. Give Him full permission and access to search your heart and point out anything that may offend Him (See Psalm 139).

Don't come under condemnation because there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. But come under the light with your thoughts and attitudes and then look up and receive His mercy and grace.

You'll lighten your load and renew your perspective.

Have a blessed week.

PS ~ My new release, "Alone in Marriage: Encouragement for the Times When it's all up to You" just hit the shelves. Make my day and pick it up at your local Christian bookstore.

Peace to you all~