Beauty From Ashes

It

 was such a dense and heavy log and it refused to burn. Instead, it only smoldered and smoked in the fireplace until I finally gave up the fight, closed the doors and walked away. I’d so wanted to wake up that cool and misty morning with my coffee and a nice fire, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Later that evening when the chill returned with the setting sun I replaced the stubborn log with some drier pieces I’d found in the wood pile. I very carefully took the log and sat it on the back patio…not the wisest thing I’ve ever done…

That night, it was the chaotic clanging of the wind chime that woke me. The Santa Ana winds were a bit of a surprise as they kicked up but I had no idea what was really happening as the autumn moonlight and swaying tree branches shadow danced across my bedroom walls.

We woke the following morning in complete bewilderment. It looked like a bomb had gone off on our back patio. Ash and burnt wood pieces littered the whole area from the lawn to the back door of the house. Every patio chair cushion and pillow suffered small burn holes and then I noticed the log!

I never knew concrete could burn!

Apparently, the log that refused to burn in my fireplace ignited with the overnight winds and got so hot that it actually weakened the concrete leaving us with two large missing chunks of patio.

My husband…..was not happy.

I was speechless.

But as we surveyed the damage, I quickly realized what COULD have happened if God hadn’t been protecting us. Our entire house could have gone up in flames and we could have lost everything while we slept.

But then yesterday…..

When I looked out the window and saw this, a little bird making great use of my "mishap," I immediately thought of this verse:

“and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3)

Only our Lord Jesus can bring about beauty from ashes.

Blessings from our mistakes.

Grace in our weakness.

Only Jesus can bring about new growth from devastation and loss.

Only. Jesus.

Glory to God!

Photo credit

5 Steps To Help You Release Objects From a Painful Past

It wasn’t just any piano. It was the piano given to me with a promise attached to it; a promise to never let it leave the family and to hand it down from one generation to the next. It was supposed to be forever special and I was supposed to forever cherish it.

That was a tall order.

For years I’ve grappled with the thought that “a promise is a promise.” How could I possibly get rid of something I’d vowed would never leave my possession despite all the dark and painful memories associated with it? Yet, there it sat like a loud, obnoxious and very unwelcome house guest in the corner of my living room, taking up space and soaking up a bit of my joy with every glance.

So, when the opportunity came recently to trade my piano for a very old baby grand, I realized it was time to put my faith in action and actually let it go. In that decision alone, I regained control over the situation and reclaimed what this inanimate object held over me for so long and you know what? It felt great!

I know how difficult it can be to let go of something held onto out of obligation or perhaps a false sense of commitment and I would like to share my observations taken from my own personal experience:

1. Recognize that it’s unhealthy to keep objects around that represent an unpleasant time in our lives, especially if God is healing us, drawing us out and away from the grip of painful memories.

2. It’s much easier to get rid of an object if we release it emotionally first. This is tough to do when anger or resentment have built up, but if we first come to terms with it emotionally, we can release it with strength and confidence.

3. Understand that something that may have represented grief and pain in your life could actually be a blessing to someone else.

4. Give praise to God when the object physically leaves your possession! Praise Him for the feeling of release it brings and enjoy the wonderful freedom of no longer being bound by the painful memories it represented.

5. Share your testimony! Tell others how God has helped to bring you this far in the healing process.

God doesn’t want us held captive by inanimate objects nor by any other reminders of a painful past. Joel 2:25 tells us, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—my great army that I sent among you.”

Is there something you possess today that should be released? Something from a painful past or a promise made? God knows what brings the pain and sadness in your life. Rise up and take control of your healing process and remember Luke 10:19, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

Seek Him. Seek His guidance and direction and release all that hinders you today.

"Blessings ~ from a gardener's heart"

What do you get when you combine your love for the Lord with your passion for gardening?

You get blessed!

And I want to share the blessings from my own garden with you in my new monthly mini-mag called “Blessings ~ from a gardener’s heart.”

“Blessings” is a small monthly collection of 10-12 inspirational messages born from special moments, lessons and memories from the garden.

Blessings will always be just 20 pages and will always be just $6 ($3 for digital download). It’s a quick, easy read for you or as a gift for a special friend.

Whether rustic or formal, a garden is the most fun when it’s shared with those you love. So, please join me in the garden.

I wish you many blessings from this gardener’s heart.

Debbie

                 

     

               Blessings (from a gardener's heart)      

   

     "Blessings" from a gardener's heart is a small collection of devotional and inspirational messages. Thoughts and photos taken right from the garden combine faith in God with the way He speaks to us each day - especially in the garden.