I Shall Not Be Moved

I remember from my 5th grade teacher that a tree's roots extend as far down as the tree goes up.  Without that deep root system it could not find the nourishing water it needs and the tree would topple easily in a storm.

When you look at Psalm 1:3, the description is referring to a godly man, who establishes deep roots and "brings forth his fruit in his season."  To me that means there is also a time of waiting and preparation to bring forth the fruit.   Without the proper time and nourishment, the fruit is small, or shriveled, and unappealing.

When we desire to do a work for the Lord it must also be in His time.  We are to planted in His word (2 Timothy 2:15), digging deep into His abundant wisdom (James 1:5), being watered by His spirit (John 3:5), and in due season He will mature our fruit.

I love that old hymn, "I shall, I shall, I shall not be moved...just like a tree that's planted by the wa-a-ter, I shall not be moved."   Ahh....how water is refreshing to the dry tongue.   And how the water of His word refreshes our spirit.

May you feel a refreshing in your spirit today!
Laura
Illustration Note:   Found this in an old sketch book.  It was done with a travel watercolor set while on a picnic celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.  It's at a lovely little picnic spot on the riverbank in Frankenmuth, MI.

Water With Love

Tea parties are very important at our house.  It's a tradition I started when my first granddaughter was old enough to hold a little pink plastic teapot.  We have berries, cookies, jam, and lots of pretend tea - everywhere.   To catch all the 'tea,' I cover the table with big beach towels - or the floor if we're have a tea picnic.  And now the little grand boys  participate.  (They got tall enough to see cookies on the table.)

It's also a bonding time.  We talk in silly voices about silly things. Mostly,  I hope I'm leaving a heritage of love.  I pray that this may bring us closer for times ahead when they may seek advice or counsel.  Even as little as they are we talk about God and I hope that always continues.

Painting this illustration made me think about the need to build our relationships with new Christians too.  They need nurturing and guidance as much as a small child.  Why not a tea party - or coffee and dessert?    And then we must also water the ground wherever we go, making opportunity to spread God's love.

According to His word - as we water, we shall be watered (blessed) by God in return.  How beautiful is that?  Give refreshing to someone who may be dry and thirsty.  Time is so precious and our life a vapor that quickly passes (James 4:14) , make time to share His love.

May you bless and be blessed today.
Laura

Come To The Garden

Wow!  I know I've read this verse before, but it did not sink in until today.  Here is the full context,   "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought,

and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, 

and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."  Isaiah 58:11

There are definitely times when we feel dry and parched and somewhat withered.  Whether it is in serving others, our family or the Lord.  Feeling as though we cannot meet one more demand, come up with one more fresh idea or be a vessel for service one more time.  

But oh, the refreshing that is found in the verse above!   God will guide us and lead us in those times of drought...he will enrich our bones and fill us with water.  Oh, thank you, Lord.  You are so faithful.

Although man was banned from His first perfect garden, He still brings us into the garden of His refreshing.   When we seek to be in His garden we are refreshed by the watering of His word (Ephesians 5:26), which fails not.  

Dear friends, I pray you come to His garden today and be renewed!

Laura

Illustration Note:  This is a watercolor painting of my granddaughters last summer.  It was a moment when your heart takes a picture!  They were drenched by the time we'd planted the flowers.  I know I've shared this pic before, but it seemed appropriate for this scripture.