Discernment

I love to challenge myself when I go to the nursery or visit other gardens. I want and need to know the names of every plant I see; the Latin for some and the common for others. Sounds strange, I know, but it’s just a little game I play; sort of my own personal “Jeopardy”.

I do the same when identifying the poisonous or toxic plants, and there are many. Some, are quite deceptive, like the foxglove, hydrangea, azalea and brugmansia (angel’s trumpet), to name a few. They’re beautiful and unique each in their own way but are highly poisonous if ingested or even inhaled in some cases.

I think life requires the same discernment in identifying what is beautiful through and through as opposed to that which only holds its attraction on the surface. It’s so easy to be misled by the beauty and allure of something that we believe will benefit us in some way. We think we can identify what is from the Lord and what is not. And sometimes, we end up with something just as toxic and unhealthy as the plants listed above.

 

So, what is the best way to identify God and His will for us when making decisions in our lives? The answer is simple: by staying in constant communication with Him.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

(1 Thessalonians 6:16-18) NIV

Heavenly Father,

Help each of us to use discernment and sound judgment in our daily lives. Bless the reader of these words with your presence today. Give clarity to confusion and Lord, help us all to identify the many traces of you throughout each day.

In your name, we pray….Amen.

Rocks in the Soil

Even now…even after so many years of working the soil and tending the blessings of my little garden space… I’m amazed that God still teaches me life lessons in all that lies beyond the splintered gate.

I share a lot about my passion and love for my garden, probably because that’s where He speaks to me – there, in my space, in our time together, in the tending and in the doing; the sowing and the reaping.

Even now…even after all these years of the garden evolving and my faith growing…neither is without its “rocks;” those obstacles that hinder growth and divert a root’s path. Praise God that the rocks don’t kill the roots, but merely change its course! When God sets growth in motion, the roots simply go around or incorporate the obstacles somehow…yet continue to produce the blessing.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.             (2 Cor. 4:8-9)

Even now…even after all these years, He’s still growing me, allowing the rocks but also providing fertile soil. I praise Him for the blessings, for the lessons learned…and for the rocks.

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8)

Our May/June Issue is Here!

Christian Women's Voice May/June 2012

By Debbie Dillon

50 pages, published 23 APR 2012

Christian Women's Voice is written just for you by women who love the Lord.

Purchase your copy of the May/June issue before May 13th for a 25% savings! Only $9.25 for print (which includes digital download)

OR

only $5 for digital version alone.

We're so excited to bring you this issue - from cover to cover we're celebrating the amazing power of Jesus! The power of HIM to transform our lives...forever....and to bring about a peace that transforms ALL understanding.

Join us today and celebrate our Lord.

To Touch a Hummingbird

He stood for the longest time there in the corner of the yard, intent and still in shorts and bare feet in the grass. There, in the corner of my eye but just out of focus and the sun, like warm honey on his hair.

I, with knees in the dirt digging, planting, and he content to wait out his mission with hand outstretched.

Baby sister asleep upstairs and afternoon shade a welcome relief.

Then, a whisper…excitement stifled, and I turn.

“Momma, look! Look!” he smiles, the words quiet from his lips.

My trowel drops and I turn. My boy with the patience I never had – patience to wait for the hummingbird. There, with his little boy finger caressing the tiny head and the hummingbird trusting him anyway.

I wonder who waited for who…

”Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.

Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.”

Psalm 37:7-9

Are you waiting upon the Lord today, or is He waiting for you?

Growth Habits

It was a sweet little cape mallow that I grew from a simple cutting in the greenhouse. I nurtured it, cared for it, watered it then planted it out in the garden and watched this new little life form sprout new growth as it stretched up straight and tall. I wanted to grow it as a “standard” maintaining its lolly-pop-like clump of foliage and pretty pink flowers atop a single, clean trunk. The look is more formal; its intent and purpose undeniable. However, without the constant pruning and upkeep, if left unattended, my little tree would have taken on a free-flowing shape growing only as the wind directed.

It takes a lot of work to be a “standard;” one who holds firm in her beliefs and understanding with a will that defies the shifting winds. Like my little mallow, it takes good, strong roots to hold the stalk in place. It takes clear understanding of who you are and Who you’re “growing” for.

To simply plant out my cutting in the garden only to be left to survive on its own would have yielded completely different results, becoming a thick ball of a shrub.

Instead, my constant attention to its growth provided the perfect home for a mama finch to build her nest and hatch a family of little finch babies….one of many unexpected blessings.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.”

(1 Cor. 16:13) NIV

Lord Jesus,

Help the reader of these words grow as a standard for you. May we each keep our eyes and our purpose solely on you. Help us to not become distracted or enticed with things of life that are not of you. Keep us focused on your Word and seeking to be a blessing to others.

In Jesus’ name. Amen

How He Holds Me Together

It was after I’d scrubbed fingerprints and dog nose marks from the windows and doors. After I’d vacuumed rugs, mopped the tile, unloaded the dishwasher and filled the bathroom cabinet with clean, soft towels. After I’d smoothed out the wrinkles in the bed sheets and comforter, swept the patio and pulled the chicken from the freezer to thaw for dinner ~ when I remembered the ladies talking in the grocery store aisle.

When I heard the words, they sort of just sat there, unsettled and rough.

“As the mom and wife, you’re the glue that holds your family together,” one said to the other nodding her head in agreement.

My stomach knotted.

I gripped the shopping cart and wandered away…thinking, considering the burden of being “the glue” and how my poor family wouldn’t stand a chance if they relied solely on MY strength and abilities to keep things afloat at home.

He himself existed before anything else did, and he holds all things together.

(Colossians 1:17)

As the “mom and wife,” I couldn’t possibly be the glue that holds my family together. Without the strength of God, the presence of Him, the constant need and leading of Him, I am but an empty vessel.

The binding element in my family and my home is none other than the power and love of Jesus. He sustains, overcomes, strengthens, provides, protects, understands, calms and brings peace far beyond my ability.

I am not the glue that holds my family together, but my Jesus is.

"Creation Station" Contest

Where do you create?

· Do you run a home business?

· Are you a scrapbooker?

· Do you write?

· Do you paint?

· Are you a musician? A Photographer?

· Do you home-school?

· Do you sew or quilt?

Where does God inspire you most?

You have an opportunity to have your special space featured in the new “Creation Station” section of Christian Women’s Voice Magazine! Show us the space where God inspires you most and you could be in our NEXT issue!

· We want pictures!

· We want to know what makes your space so special!

· We want to know about you!

Entries must be received via email no later than midnight March 20th.

Visit: cwvinfo@christianwomensvoice.org and enter to win TODAY!

(Note: only 1 entry per issue will be chosen)