In our front yard is a corkscrew willow tree. If you didn't know any better you would assume that we had purchased the tree at a garden center somewhere. However, this tree has an unusual story. We call it "The Grandma Tree". When my husband's maternal grandmother died there was a flower arrangement at her funeral that included several small branches of a corkscrew willow. The arrangement was taken home to my in-law's house and it began to die out. But then something interesting started taking place. The branches began to shoot out leaves and roots. After a family dinner my husband decided to take one home and try to plant it in our yard to see if an actual tree would grow from it. I remember laughing and thinking my husband would never get it to grow. Why would he want to spend his time on such a spindly little thing? That tree is now about twenty feet tall!! When I remember this small branch I think about what Jesus says about branches in the book of John.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:5-8
I am like the branch. There are times in my life that I try to do things by myself. I cut myself off from my Lord and Savior and go out on my own. I forget to read my Bible, going to church takes a back seat to other activities and my conversations with God come to a halt. Jesus' words are the truth. My activities and busyness do not fulfill me. What the world has to offer can never feed me in the way he does. What's amazing is that God is always there when we come back. No matter how many times we drift away he waits for us to return. As my husband tended that small branch so does God tend us. Through him we can grow and become strong like that tree in our yard. We can bear fruit for his glory!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Can't Get That Song Out of My Mind
When you are an elementary teacher you never know what might come out of the mouths of kids. The other day one of my students was working diligently on a handwriting page-okay- as diligently as a fourth grade boy can work on handwriting on a warm, spring day with the summer vacation count down in the twenties! All of a sudden he jumped up and said out loud,
"I can't get that song out of my mind!". Then he sat back down and continued his work. I chuckled along with the rest of the class but didn't think much more about it until this afternoon. After school I was relaxing, checking e-mail and scrolling through Facebook. All of a sudden "it" popped into my head---the song, "Because He Lives". In fact, I could actually hear those Gaither Brothers singing away in my head. In the early seventies my Dad used to listen to them all the time. I hadn't heard that song for several years since I had attended a Billy Graham Crusade. Time passed and I continued to hum, listen to in my head and actually sing that song out loud. I felt just like my student at school. "I can't get that song out of my mind!" So I actually went to youtube and listened to it!!
As I listened lots of memories flooded my mind. That song brings back days of childhood, my Mom's pot roast on a Sunday after church and that 33 spinning away on our stereo record player. Yes, a record player! Not a CD player, an I-Pod or I-Phone! As I listened to the words the goose bumps began to rise up. This song is so powerful! Check it out at the following site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYjj0R4ONlE
Each new day can bring uncertainty. Jesus tells us there will be trouble but he has overcome. If we allow our savior to take those fears from us we can live a life pleasing to him. I am reminded of this Psalm that I had my Dad read for me when I was recovering from cancer surgery and was fearful in the middle of the night.
"I lift my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber or sleep. The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121
I know because my Jesus lives I can face tomorrow. I am so glad that I can't get that song out of my head ... and my heart.
"I can't get that song out of my mind!". Then he sat back down and continued his work. I chuckled along with the rest of the class but didn't think much more about it until this afternoon. After school I was relaxing, checking e-mail and scrolling through Facebook. All of a sudden "it" popped into my head---the song, "Because He Lives". In fact, I could actually hear those Gaither Brothers singing away in my head. In the early seventies my Dad used to listen to them all the time. I hadn't heard that song for several years since I had attended a Billy Graham Crusade. Time passed and I continued to hum, listen to in my head and actually sing that song out loud. I felt just like my student at school. "I can't get that song out of my mind!" So I actually went to youtube and listened to it!!
As I listened lots of memories flooded my mind. That song brings back days of childhood, my Mom's pot roast on a Sunday after church and that 33 spinning away on our stereo record player. Yes, a record player! Not a CD player, an I-Pod or I-Phone! As I listened to the words the goose bumps began to rise up. This song is so powerful! Check it out at the following site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYjj0R4ONlE
Each new day can bring uncertainty. Jesus tells us there will be trouble but he has overcome. If we allow our savior to take those fears from us we can live a life pleasing to him. I am reminded of this Psalm that I had my Dad read for me when I was recovering from cancer surgery and was fearful in the middle of the night.
"I lift my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber or sleep. The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121
I know because my Jesus lives I can face tomorrow. I am so glad that I can't get that song out of my head ... and my heart.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
No More Tears
Today I did something that I did not want to do. I went to view my brother's headstone. It had been placed last week and although I wanted to see it I hesitated to go there. I knew going would bring sadness to my heart. However, today on a beautiful spring day I made the journey. When I saw the name "Watson" on the stone, the tears began to fall. The stone is beautiful-a testament of the love my sister-in-law has for my brother. On Thursday, my brother will have been gone for nine months. His illness and death from cancer has been the most challenging trial to my faith.
There are no words to explain how this grief feels. I've asked the question "Why?". I prayed for his life to be spared. My dreams often include him. Some days I still can't believe it is possible. His picture can cause me happiness or sobs that start deep inside. I share his story with others in a hope that it will help me heal. Memories will pop up at the most inopportune times and I will struggle to keep it together. My thoughts go frequently to his wife and boys and the unimaginable pain that they have been through. I call my parents frequently to make sure that it does not overwhelm them. I see his face the last time I said goodbye. How can this be?
There is only one way that I have gotten through this. God's promise of eternal life is my hope. Because I believe Jesus is my savior I will see my brother again! We will be reunited in heaven. Death is not the end!
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Revelation 21:4
There are no words to explain how this grief feels. I've asked the question "Why?". I prayed for his life to be spared. My dreams often include him. Some days I still can't believe it is possible. His picture can cause me happiness or sobs that start deep inside. I share his story with others in a hope that it will help me heal. Memories will pop up at the most inopportune times and I will struggle to keep it together. My thoughts go frequently to his wife and boys and the unimaginable pain that they have been through. I call my parents frequently to make sure that it does not overwhelm them. I see his face the last time I said goodbye. How can this be?
There is only one way that I have gotten through this. God's promise of eternal life is my hope. Because I believe Jesus is my savior I will see my brother again! We will be reunited in heaven. Death is not the end!
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Revelation 21:4
Thursday, April 15, 2010
One of Those Weeks
Have you ever had one of those weeks? You know the kind. The papers you need to grade are multiplying like rabbits. You've got a car in the shop and two more that need repairs. Your high school son's idea of a sentence is "Meh!" You argue with your husband about how he never is there when you really need him. The TurboTax e-filing system doesn't have a "Warning- Tax Incompetents Click Here Before You Do Something Stupid" button. Plus, on top of it all you don't have to put in a garden outside because the dust in your house will work just fine! This has got to sound familiar. Well, maybe not exactly like your week but you could fill in the blanks with your own version.
As you can probably tell my week has not been the best one. I imagine the small snowball starting down the hill. As it rolls, it picks up snow and by the time it gets to the bottom-BAM!
it hits us! At this point most of us are exhausted, grouchy and most likely not the most pleasant person to be around. It's at times like this that I just want to quit. Then I remember these words spoken by Jesus.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29
I can tell you now, that this verse can be like the cool air coming off a thunderstorm after a humid day. You see, Jesus wants us to give him all our troubles and worries. He wants us to lean on him. Finding rest in him is the best medecine for one of "those" weeks!
As you can probably tell my week has not been the best one. I imagine the small snowball starting down the hill. As it rolls, it picks up snow and by the time it gets to the bottom-BAM!
it hits us! At this point most of us are exhausted, grouchy and most likely not the most pleasant person to be around. It's at times like this that I just want to quit. Then I remember these words spoken by Jesus.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29
I can tell you now, that this verse can be like the cool air coming off a thunderstorm after a humid day. You see, Jesus wants us to give him all our troubles and worries. He wants us to lean on him. Finding rest in him is the best medecine for one of "those" weeks!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Grace is Suficient
Okay, I have a confession to make. I am a worrier. In my past I would worry about everything and I mean everything. In fact I was such a worrier that I would try to plan my life out to the next decade. I'm not talking about goals and how to reach those goals. I'm talking about trying to actually plan how things would go months in advance. I would even plan how conversations would go. I would make up what I would say and then how the person would respond. Whenever there was an event to plan for I would plan it down to the last detail. You would think this would turn out great because it was so nicely and perfectly organized. But there was one problem. As you know, life doesn't always go the way we want it to. Plans change, kids get sick, others can't be there because of their own busy schedule, the person didn't respond in the way I thought they would and my least favorite of all-the weather would not cooperate. The thing was though, there was always a positve side but I couldn't see it because my plan did not work out the way it was supposed to--so--everything was ruined and I felt like a failure. I wanted to be perfect but I failed miserably.
It's hard to be perfect when you are a young mother, working a full time job, trying to keep up a house, wanting to be special to your husband, having bills and laundry piling up around your head and trying to keep up with your friends. Unfortunately, for me, all this led to clinical depresson. Medicine helped raise serotonin levels and counseling helped me see the issues and how to help myself. But that was not enough. Having God in my life was the changing force. He led me to this verse that I come back to over and over.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Friends, we don't have to be perfect-in fact we never will. Because of sin in the world none of us will meet the standard- all will fall short. So, when you are feeling that pressure of this world and the need to do it all by yourself, remember that your weakness is perfect for him to show his power! Blessings on your day, my friends!!
Cherrie
It's hard to be perfect when you are a young mother, working a full time job, trying to keep up a house, wanting to be special to your husband, having bills and laundry piling up around your head and trying to keep up with your friends. Unfortunately, for me, all this led to clinical depresson. Medicine helped raise serotonin levels and counseling helped me see the issues and how to help myself. But that was not enough. Having God in my life was the changing force. He led me to this verse that I come back to over and over.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Friends, we don't have to be perfect-in fact we never will. Because of sin in the world none of us will meet the standard- all will fall short. So, when you are feeling that pressure of this world and the need to do it all by yourself, remember that your weakness is perfect for him to show his power! Blessings on your day, my friends!!
Cherrie
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Letting Go
I tried to wait patiently but I couldn't. Where were they? Why hadn't they arrived yet, like so many other couples? I kept looking for his car- not paying attention to the announcements of the other names. Finally, I saw his car pulling into the parking lot and I felt myself let out a breath of relief. My son and his date stepped out of the car at the Red Carpet event for prom!
A mixture of emotions swept over me as I heard their names being announced. How did the time go so quickly? Just yesterday I was holding him in my arms and wondering how I could keep up with two children instead of just one! In the next few months I will be sending my second child off to college. When his sister moved out two years ago I struggled with some strong feelings and emotions. I was worried about the steps she would take, the decisions she would make and how she could possibly get along with out me-her mother! Now I find myself at this point again but this time I already know the answer to my fears.
"Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6
When our daughter left the nest two years ago I read or should I say reread this passage. I thought about it for many days and also prayed to God to let the feelings of insecurity go away. What I found was peace about letting go. Ultimately, our children are gifts from God and they really belong to him. The amount of time that I could worry about my children would be a waste of time and would not help them in any way. So each day I place them in the arms of Jesus when I begin to get that feeling of worry. We have raised all three of our kids in the knowledge that Jesus is their Savior and the importance of that in their lives.
Now does that mean that their lives won't be filled with choices, decisions, heartbreak, sadness, mountain tops, valleys and so on? No! Each of their days will be filled with finding their way and maturing into beautiful adults. God has a plan for each of them and will be there every step they make. That fact makes letting them go easier.
A mixture of emotions swept over me as I heard their names being announced. How did the time go so quickly? Just yesterday I was holding him in my arms and wondering how I could keep up with two children instead of just one! In the next few months I will be sending my second child off to college. When his sister moved out two years ago I struggled with some strong feelings and emotions. I was worried about the steps she would take, the decisions she would make and how she could possibly get along with out me-her mother! Now I find myself at this point again but this time I already know the answer to my fears.
"Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6
When our daughter left the nest two years ago I read or should I say reread this passage. I thought about it for many days and also prayed to God to let the feelings of insecurity go away. What I found was peace about letting go. Ultimately, our children are gifts from God and they really belong to him. The amount of time that I could worry about my children would be a waste of time and would not help them in any way. So each day I place them in the arms of Jesus when I begin to get that feeling of worry. We have raised all three of our kids in the knowledge that Jesus is their Savior and the importance of that in their lives.
Now does that mean that their lives won't be filled with choices, decisions, heartbreak, sadness, mountain tops, valleys and so on? No! Each of their days will be filled with finding their way and maturing into beautiful adults. God has a plan for each of them and will be there every step they make. That fact makes letting them go easier.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Saying Yes
Dear Friends,
Over the past two months I have felt God tugging at my heart to use my gift of writing to touch the hearts of those around me. Automatically I had questions. Me, Lord? What could I say that people would want to read? Do you really think I have time for this now, God? Don't you think you should choose somebody with more experience? Anyone who knows me knows that I do not like change. I had pictures of myself running away and ending up like Jonah in the belly of a fish! So I started to pray and ponder this idea. I kept coming back to the fact that throughout the Bible God uses ordinary people to serve him. That's what I am- an ordinary person. So my answer to God is "Yes." I will take this step in faith and I will allow God to use me for his purpose.
If you live in Kansas you know that spring brings the sprouting of winter wheat, the yellow of daffodils, the white blossoms of the flowering pear tree and the song of birds in the yard. After the dead of winter I soak in these sights and sounds like I have crossed the desert and have a thirst that cannot be quenched. However, if you live in Kansas, you also know that in the spring we have many days in which the wind blows from the South. I'm not talking about a gentle breeze to cool your skin from the sun. I'm talking about gusts that threaten to pick up the two small wienie dogs that live in our house and carry them to states to our north! One day this past week the wind blew as if it would never stop. On this day I was reminded of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-12.
"The Lord said, Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave."
Sometimes my life seems like that wind, earthquake and fire. From the time I wake up in the morning my life begins to "gust" as I go from one activity to the other. There's a clamoring inside my head as I try to sort out the many demands on my life. I look for God in little snatches of time-left over time. It is difficult to find him. Recently, my church did a Bible study on time. I realized that my life was too full of things that really weren't important. I started to look through the wind, the earthquake and the fire to see what really made a difference in my life. What I found was God in that gentle whisper in the quiet of the morning. So now, I am trying to make that quiet time of Bible study and prayer a part of my every day. I encourage you to take a look at your life and find God's gentle whisper! God's blessings on your day!
Cherrie
Dear Friends,
Over the past two months I have felt God tugging at my heart to use my gift of writing to touch the hearts of those around me. Automatically I had questions. Me, Lord? What could I say that people would want to read? Do you really think I have time for this now, God? Don't you think you should choose somebody with more experience? Anyone who knows me knows that I do not like change. I had pictures of myself running away and ending up like Jonah in the belly of a fish! So I started to pray and ponder this idea. I kept coming back to the fact that throughout the Bible God uses ordinary people to serve him. That's what I am- an ordinary person. So my answer to God is "Yes." I will take this step in faith and I will allow God to use me for his purpose.
If you live in Kansas you know that spring brings the sprouting of winter wheat, the yellow of daffodils, the white blossoms of the flowering pear tree and the song of birds in the yard. After the dead of winter I soak in these sights and sounds like I have crossed the desert and have a thirst that cannot be quenched. However, if you live in Kansas, you also know that in the spring we have many days in which the wind blows from the South. I'm not talking about a gentle breeze to cool your skin from the sun. I'm talking about gusts that threaten to pick up the two small wienie dogs that live in our house and carry them to states to our north! One day this past week the wind blew as if it would never stop. On this day I was reminded of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-12.
"The Lord said, Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave."
Sometimes my life seems like that wind, earthquake and fire. From the time I wake up in the morning my life begins to "gust" as I go from one activity to the other. There's a clamoring inside my head as I try to sort out the many demands on my life. I look for God in little snatches of time-left over time. It is difficult to find him. Recently, my church did a Bible study on time. I realized that my life was too full of things that really weren't important. I started to look through the wind, the earthquake and the fire to see what really made a difference in my life. What I found was God in that gentle whisper in the quiet of the morning. So now, I am trying to make that quiet time of Bible study and prayer a part of my every day. I encourage you to take a look at your life and find God's gentle whisper! God's blessings on your day!
Cherrie
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