tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77748265781198350722024-03-05T00:53:43.399-08:00Under the Redbud TreeUnder the Redbud Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422527088654256122noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7774826578119835072.post-8171591653470859432009-11-02T12:38:00.000-08:002009-11-02T12:38:18.383-08:00The beauty of the old hymns...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af242/tkell/COMEYETHANKFULPEOPLECOME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af242/tkell/COMEYETHANKFULPEOPLECOME.jpg" width="566" /></a><br />
</div>Under the Redbud Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422527088654256122noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7774826578119835072.post-23651146606719080942009-09-19T01:53:00.000-07:002009-09-19T07:00:21.165-07:00Autumn...and the power of resurrection<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kqXZZgBJ0175nr-6QC9ZtZa2HCcAJ1iOnTs6SBwcF3pMNSbtuPwbVJyEeWqFyAitxwRaDbMWNnIcPJU6WZ_D-TcijHvz5oRoRD0v8FJLSJ8aGI3HJIXYEj3XZt_FIJ5N8m9rY1gUmp8/s1600-h/ss_SIP936217.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JQZ6rsaC3aP4EW24Xd-eivF17KZsS6UPzlslU9nJJqeczdw4-d4vTYlO2fKMTJjxL9a_jUmWdn45wxblnaQCZzw5xGwvFFRL_N_5NzKRMURUOsb7UGIYrZ0xmpCEaTKsnqc1WgJGRfc/s1600-h/wheat+.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 349px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383119872703059026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JQZ6rsaC3aP4EW24Xd-eivF17KZsS6UPzlslU9nJJqeczdw4-d4vTYlO2fKMTJjxL9a_jUmWdn45wxblnaQCZzw5xGwvFFRL_N_5NzKRMURUOsb7UGIYrZ0xmpCEaTKsnqc1WgJGRfc/s400/wheat+.jpg" /></a> <span style="color:#000000;">Autumn is a gratifying season...when the gardens are tidied, fall flowers and shrubs are planted, jack-o-laterns carved, and the house is warmed with the colorful bounty of the fall harvest. The flower beds bloom one last time before another year comes to a close.<br /><br /></span><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Virtually anything gathered from the yard, gardens or the woods seems to naturally work together for decorations...such as a scattering of beautiful colored leaves, apples, pine cones, and acorns.<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">Autumn is also the time when spring and summer blooming perennials are lifted and divided to propagate the plants and ensure their good health. Seed heads from the dying annuals are saved and placed in paper bags for drying, then stored in glass jars till time to plant and bear fruit in spring.</span> <em><span style="color:#ff6600;">The seed has to die before it can bring forth new life. The beautifully colored autumn leaves are actually dying.</span></em> <span style="color:#000000;">The green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves and as the green disappears we begin to see the lovely colors of yellow, orange and red. After they fall to the ground, they are naturally broken down by microorganisms and earthworms, providing essential nutrients for the roots. I use straw in my gardens because of how quickly it breaks down and makes the garden soil so rich and healthy.</span></div></div><br /><div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Jesus spoke foundational truths, about the nature of life and hope and faith in a way that brought sense into a senseless, random world. He said, "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.</span> <em><span style="color:#ff6600;">But if it dies</span></em><span style="color:#000000;">, it produces many seeds." (John 12:24) Grains of wheat must die to what they are if they are not to remain alone and fruitless. His message was not a superficial one. Jesus was not promising those who believed in his message that life would be a bed of roses, that all would be peaceful, painless, and prosperous. His "realness" made his message so powerful. Through his death (the victory over death) we have the promise of eternal life. His death brought mankind within reach of God.</span> <em><span style="color:#ff6600;">Life came forth from death</span></em> <span style="color:#000000;">and nothing is more beautiful and glorious than that! There is a redemptive power that comes from the cross....death, pain and suffering can bring forth redemption, purpose and new life and it sets a high example for us to follow. The daily dying of self...so that we can be more like him. We have to die... so that we can live! </span></div><br /><div><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">"The repetition in nature may not be a mere recurrence; it may be a theatrical encore." </span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">G.K. Chesterton</span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></div><div><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>I See You</strong> <em>(Rich Mullins)</em></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Lord You're leading me</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">With a cloud by day</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">And then in the night</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">The glow of a burning flame</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">And everywhere I go I see You...</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">The eagle flies, and the rivers run</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">I look thru the night</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">And I can see the rising sun</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">And everywhere I go I see You...</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Under the Redbud Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422527088654256122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7774826578119835072.post-31492244774575617092009-09-05T17:37:00.000-07:002009-09-05T20:17:47.751-07:00Strength to the weary....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKaNS6sYuV1D8UusgUiX4HemBSvWzRHzqf9RAqsQ0zQ29WHeEJUxGT0QRFImDsrxM9gUgCcy2GTkpmfdWs_maHHx4lPW-jvJHg3AUTlFo8wARmmXpcz0K_sCkBsZ-JggCUma6GmhGGWY/s1600-h/Herbie.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378163374391520322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKaNS6sYuV1D8UusgUiX4HemBSvWzRHzqf9RAqsQ0zQ29WHeEJUxGT0QRFImDsrxM9gUgCcy2GTkpmfdWs_maHHx4lPW-jvJHg3AUTlFo8wARmmXpcz0K_sCkBsZ-JggCUma6GmhGGWY/s400/Herbie.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#3333ff;"><em>He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Isaiah 40:29</em></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">Isn't she sweet? My wonderful husband bought her </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">for me last fall. He named her Herbie (??? yes... I know). She is due for some touchups...looking pretty weathered and worn these days. Pretty much like my gardens....they too are ready for cooler temperatures and are thirsty for the sweet rains of autumn. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">This spring, when we first moved into our new house, there were blooms everywhere.... azaleas, daffodils, bugleweed, various blooming trees and shrubs... however it was hard to find anything pretty in my yard during July and August. The poor gardens were so tired and dry. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Been there...several times. I'm talking about the dry and weary times of the soul. The long nights where it feels like morning will never come. Battle weary...and it can become a long and sometimes dangerously low point. You know what I am talking about...character developing seasons. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">I am so thankful for a family that prays. Really prays. So when we are honest enough to share with each other the times we are fighting our way upstream... we know that we are going to be lifted up in prayer. Maybe that is how "He gives strength to the weary...." We <strong><em>need</em></strong> each other during storms and dry spells. He <strong><em>wants</em></strong> us to share our vulnerabilities with each other because not only does it give others a chance to grow in their faith, it provides an intimate connection which cannot be built during our "spring" seasons. It is okay to let others see our absolute realness.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">I love the lyrics to this song that I learned when I was in my teens and have used it as a lullaby for my children and now for my grandchildren (cannot remember who actually sang it or all the lyrics)...</span></div><div></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">"If He knows when a robin falls from its nest</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">And He grieve when He sees it die</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">If He kisses a rose with a morning mist</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">How much more does He love you and I....</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">How much more than a fragrant rose</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">That He gives life in the spring</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">For does He love me less than the bird in his nest</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">That never souls yet sours on the wing</span></div><br /><div><em><span style="color:#ff6666;">(here is my favorite part)</span></em></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">He can speak just one word and calm the angry wind</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">And peace be still calms the rolling sea</span></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">He can speak peace be still to the storm that's within</span></em></strong></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">That's how much that He really loves you and me.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div>Under the Redbud Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422527088654256122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7774826578119835072.post-45191516355004973632009-09-02T18:07:00.000-07:002009-09-05T20:41:40.488-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgC5jJfdkoB8yIG2NMPIgAEpv6Hg03L_sihchRKvntpmVmJxVoqdp0wGFmfGzGE12-hZKjF-3oC0UAg44eG6-NtCgjbh3x28MINCAfWEFT4Ffr3PJcVnc9DlxkS4BoqXtRfop_U1vzEU/s1600-h/duck-pond-autumn-tree.jpg"><span style="color:#000000;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 278px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377043923279861474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgC5jJfdkoB8yIG2NMPIgAEpv6Hg03L_sihchRKvntpmVmJxVoqdp0wGFmfGzGE12-hZKjF-3oC0UAg44eG6-NtCgjbh3x28MINCAfWEFT4Ffr3PJcVnc9DlxkS4BoqXtRfop_U1vzEU/s400/duck-pond-autumn-tree.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> </span><div><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ff6600;">"Stand in the garden and sniff the air; you can smell autumn coming in like the tide drawing across summer's beach...A bit of mist and a touch of mellow fruitfulness and it must be autumn again..."</span></em></div><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></em><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I am thankful tonight... thankful for the beauty of creation... It is in my garden that I find refuge as well as renewal. Where I can pour out my heart in tears and joy. It is where I will raise my Ebenezer Stone which is symbolic for restoration...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Ebenezer Stone -</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">It is a story you will find in I Samuel:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">"After a long period of sadness and trouble, a consequence of Israel's disobedience, Israel repented under the leadership of a new priest and judge, Samuel. God restored their political security, and the people, for their part, re-committed their hearts and minds to their Lord. Samuel placed a large stone at the place where this <em>restoration</em> began. He publicly dedicated it as a monument to God's help, God's faithfulness, God's eternal covenant. And as the people go on with their lives, the stone stood there, visible to all who passed that way, a reminder of judgment and repentance, mercy and restoration. <span style="color:#ff6600;">The <em>Ebenezer stone represented a fresh beginning, a reversal of course for God's people.</em></span> It also said something important about God: His mercies are everlasting; His covenant is forever.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">It is a priority on my gardening list... raising an Ebenezer Stone... a symbol of a fresh beginning... of <em>restoration</em>. That is what this blog represents for me. A record of my walk and a reminder of His faithfulness.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><em>Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. Phiillippians 3:13b,14</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></span>Under the Redbud Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422527088654256122noreply@blogger.com2