MUSTARD

One of my favorite stories to share is of the summer I asked my husband to plant some mustard in our garden.  Being the sweet husband that he is, he obliged, planting the tiniest of seeds in the front rows of the rich soil. I eagerly awaited for the plant to sprout, thinking of one of my favorite pieces of Scripture, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains.  Nothing is impossible!" (Matthew 17:20) I had never seen a mustard plant before, so I did not know what to expect. In the process of it growing, I was most excited, waiting for the outcome of  what this little seed could produce. My excitement began to wane though, as the plant kept growing and growing.  Soon, I could see the mustard was growing taller and wider, as if it was a bush. Before I knew it, it had taken over the garden, reseeding on its own, bushes with large blossoms everywhere. All I could see were  mustard plants, smothering out any other plants in the flower beds. I was now begging for my husband to get rid of the stuff. He kept laughing, saying I was the one who wanted it in the first place. The following summer, he asked if I wanted to plant mustard again.  I let out a resounding "No!" But, through this experience, I could now see how having faith as small as a mustard seed can bury us deep in our faith, as we grow through the actions of the Holy Spirit. Nothing will stop us. Instead, as we nurture the seed of the Holy Spirit, reseeding our newly found wisdom each year , we can spread our love for the faith God has given each of us. We will not let go of it, wanting to always spread the Word of God.

SIMPLE

It takes a child at times to introduce us to the simple things in life. As adults, we can tend to think the more high tech something is or the more we collect, we can enjoy life more. But, sometimes, it is a child's laughter, over something as simple as blowing up a balloon to bounce around, which makes life worthwhile. As adults, we should try to spend one day living as modestly as we could.  Instead of picking up the remote control, pick up a book instead. Rather than putting on the music, enjoy the silence as you read the words on paper, turning one page after another while sitting under the window with the sun shining in.  Put on a pot of soup rather than using the microwave or going out to eat.  Play with your pet, not putting on a video game.  I think our bodies will enjoy  the respite.  Maybe we ought to try doing it for two days! Oh, how the Holy Spirit will wake up your spirit as you enjoy the simple things in life!

PRIDE

As Thanksgiving approaches, it is a time to reflect upon our riches, not in a materialistic sense, but in what God has given us.  He has given us the greatest gift of all, His Spirit. We can see life in color, rather than in black and white, being perceptive to all of God's creations. We can go beyond the magnificent sunsets and sunrises, taking in not only the gifts of nature, but the gifts of the individual. If someone else can get joy from another's personal gift, then God's wishes are being met. I am not musically inclined, yet I love to hear someone else sing or play an instrument. What a gift I have received, having those talents shared.with me. Bringing happiness to others is God's desire. One can be proud of the given talent, rather than being proud in the boasting sense.  Feel the Spirit within you, as you reach out to others with the beautiful gifts you have been offered.

HUMOR

Last night was one where I could not get comfortable as I attempted sleep. I tossed and turned the hours away. I'd get settled in one position, only to want to move around once more.  This is not the best thing to have happen while on oxygen, as I kept getting wrapped up in its long cord, After so many times, I then had to unwind myself, only to repeat the cycle, for hours on end. To picture this happening in your mind can only bring a smile to your face...wrap herself up, unwrap herself...all night long. Even in the otherwise stillness of the night, I was finding humor in my actions.  Humor is important in life.  It truly can be the best medicine. The soul would get heavy without it, being drawn down into the far depths of sadness, making it hard to escape.  Feel the spirit of the Spirit, making life much more enjoyable. Remember what Psalm 121:3 says:"He will not let you fall;your protector is always awake."

CHANGES

Right now, as we look out, we see trees with bare branches and wilted flowers in the gardens. Everything looks so brown, all the bright blossoms gone for another season. I much prefer to have the warmth and color surrounding me, but this is not part of the plan, living where I do. I am even sad to see people leave their brightly colored clothes behind, replacing them with the darker shades of blues, greens and browns.  Yet, we can still find glory and joy as the autumn season fades and the happenings of winter begin. It is a time where people begin to get in touch with one another once again, getting updates on their lives since this time last year. There are the fresh foods from the garden, ready to be harvested and enjoyed. Families start to gather together more, in anticipation of a season which will be filled with beautiful music, laughter, hugs and excitement.   As we read in Ecclesiastes 3:1, Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses," we continue to see how the Holy Spirit provides!
"Human beings are like leaves on a spreading tree. New growth takes the place of the fallen leaves; while some of us die, others are being born." Sirach 14: 18

The Rut of Life

I recently met a woman who was a 'tired mom.' Her platter was too full and her patience was on empty. This is a natural thing, to get caught in 'the rut of life.' But, now it's time to think about getting out of the rut. Think for a moment, "Is it an inconvenience or is it a problem?" Sometimes, when I reach the conclusion of "problem," I question myself further, "If it is a problem, will I become terminal if I don't respond to it?" One of my own children asked me once why I didn't react in any way to the driver who just cut me off in traffic. I threw out my question to her.  She was silent only a moment, before saying, "Well, when you put it THAT way..." Let the Holy Spirit enrich you instead, putting a smile on your face, not letting the inconveniences hold you down. "Lord, you shall show me the path of life and fill me with joy in your presence." Ps 16:11