Destiny

Destiny

Within each one of us is a God-given destiny.

In Luke 1 Mary is about to find out her destiny.

Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph,

was visited by an angel on earth.

It's true. That's how it really was.

The angel acknowledged Mary as:

“You who are highly favored.” (Luke 1:28)

That's how God see us – favored.

Loved, chosen, fortunate -

as in His favorite.

Yes, even before you were born,

God had your destiny formed.

The angel knew Mary was greatly troubled

and immediately consoled her with these words:

“Do not be afraid.

You have found favor with God”. (Luke 1:30)

You know, God knows, too, when we are worried

as scripture reminds us often with these words:

Do not be afraid.

Do not be terrified.

Do not be troubled.

Do not be discouraged.

Do not be fainthearted with sorrow.

Do not worry about tomorrow.

Because God knows the fear in our hearts

His Word will strengthen us when we start

a daily routine of reading it

with just what is needed to lift our spirit.

The angel told Mary she would give birth to a son

whose name would be Jesus who would rule an endless kingdom.

This baby would be the Son of the Most High,

He would be great and would reign by and by. (Luke 1:31-33)

When Mary questioned

the angel answered,

“nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

Yes, with God there is nothing too hard.

What was Mary's statement?

“I am the Lord's servant.” (Luke 1:38)

She willingly carried out her destiny,

one that affects everyone's eternity.

Mary, chosen to be

mother to this baby

that would change the destiny of the world

with this greatest story ever told.

* * * * *

You, too, have a chosen destiny within you

for God has chosen you for something special, it's true.

Perhaps you have the gift of giving

to someone in the need of receiving.

You've learned that the more you give

the more blessings God in turn gives

so that you can bless others more

from God's wonderfully, abundant store.

Maybe your gift is encouragement

for everyone needs encouragement.

If you find your world is a bit more cheerful,

perhaps your encouragement made it so.

And you'll find cheerfulness

is quite contagious

as others will offer needed encouragement

often in the form of a hug or a note sent.

Whatever your personal spiritual gift is,

it is your destiny to bring it to pass.

Your destiny will affect generations after you.

Perhaps like Mary, living out the gospel message true.

Will you be like Mary and say,

“I am the Lord's servant” everyday.

This is your destiny

for all eternity.

I am the Lord's servant.

Luke 1:38

I tell you, do not worry about your life...

Matthew 6:25

Do not be anxious about anything...

Philippians 4:6

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

If a man's gift is prophesying,

let him use it in proportion to his faith.

If it is serving, let him serve;

if it is teaching, let him teach;

if it is encouraging, let him encourage;

if it is contributing to the needs of others,

let him give generously;

if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;

if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8

 

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Obedience

Obedience

Not much is recorded in the Bible about Joseph,

Jesus' stepfather, other than he loved his wife

and he was quick to be obedient to his God

who spoke to him in dreams through an angel of the Lord.

Just as Mary was chosen to be Jesus' mother,

Joseph was also chosen to be his earthly father.

Was Joseph chosen because God knew he would be obedient

to follow God's instructions whenever and wherever sent?

We do know Joseph was quick to obey

as we read he got up right away

to do what the angel had said

through a dream as he slept on his bed.

Not just once but four or more times.

Joseph obeyed time-after-time.

Willingly, with a heart of faith,

in whatever challenges he faced.

We don't know if Joseph ever questioned God

perhaps thinking the request was too hard.

It seems as if Joseph had learned to trust God

and was willing to embark with a “yes, Lord” nod.

Surely it must have been difficult to move

but Joseph's willing obedience proved

that he knew God's plan was best

so he set out on each quest.

Joseph, a man of few words,

yet chosen by Holy God

perhaps for his willing obedience

in turn changing the universe's essence.

For this obedient man

played a part for all humans

passed down to countless generations

in the Christmas story rendition.

* * * * *

Have you ever felt nudged in your spirit by God

to do something contrary, a bit hard?

Was it something easy to obey?

Or did you grudgingly obey?

Will generations be affected by

whatever it is you were asked to try?

Perhaps you need to pray that your testimony will be bold

for there are millions all over the earth waiting to be told.

Your legacy that you pass down may be

obedience that others will see

that may change the course of a nation

now and through future generations.

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife...”

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:20, 24

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.

“Get up,” he said,“Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt...”

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt....

Matthew 2:13-14

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said,

“Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel...”

So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.

Matthew 2:19-21

Having been warned in a dream,

he withdrew to the district of Galilee,

and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth.

Matthew 2:22-23

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.

Luke 2:39

We will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

his power, and the wonders he has done.

Psalm 78:4

Let this be written for a future generation,

that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.

Psalm 102:18

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation will commend your works to another;

they will tell of your mighty acts.

They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,

and I will mediate on your wonderful works.

They will tell of the power of your awesome works,

and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness

and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all;

he has compassion on all he has made.

All you have made will praise you, O Lord;

your saints will extol you.

They will tell of the glory of your kingdom

and speak of your might,

so that all men may know your mighty acts

and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and your dominion endures through all generations.

The Lord is faithful to all his promises

and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord upholds all those who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways

and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord is near to all who call on him,

to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;

he hears their cry and saves them.

The Lord watches over all who love him,

but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.

Let every creature praise his holy name

for ever and ever.

Psalm 145:3-21

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Sisters

Sisters

Have you heard about plant brothers?

I have heard about plant sisters.

A favorite folk tale that's tried and true.

These old timer's ways really are cool.

Who are these sisters in the garden, like kin?

Your favorite vegetables, I imagine.

They're corn, beans and squash -

they really are a must.

These three grown together makes less fuss

as corn produces shade for the squash

and corn is a natural lattice

for beans to climb up, like a trellis.

Above ground you'll see beans tendrils coil.

Below they add nitrogen to the soil.

Corn saves the gardener toil

for its roots aerate the soil.

Just plant a kernel of corn in a mound

then a couple of weeks later in the ground

plant a couple of beans seeds to grow up and around

the towering, fast-growing corn.

Also, plant a squash seed in the mound.

Just leave plenty of space between mounds

for winter squashes to run

before the summer is done.

Three vegetable sisters: corn, beans, and squash

get along with each other without fuss,

supporting each other, enriching each other,

just like sisters who are there for each other.

* * * * *

Two Biblical sisters come to mind:

Mary and Martha, at whose house Jesus dined.

Being the hostess, Martha wanted everything perfect

for she was entertaining an honored guest.

But Martha was soon flustered

and in an outburst mustered

that Mary should help her

with serving the visitors.

Jesus saw that Martha's worry was only upsetting her.

Isn't that true of us? Worry only causes disorder.

Then Jesus taught Martha that for peace of heart and mind

she should seek a time of refreshing by simply spending time...

learning from Him

for peace within.

A lesson still relevant today

to help us cope throughout our busy days.

Yes, everyday there's a list of to do's to be done.

Yes, everyday there are calls of distress to help someone.

But we must fill ourselves with God's love, joy, and peace

by spending time with Him before the day's burdens increase,

before worry takes over,

before self-esteem lowers,

before tempers explode.

Let God's peace ease your load.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way,

he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.

She came to him and asked,

"Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?

Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered,

"you are worried and upset about many things,

but only one thing is needed.

Mary has chosen what is better,

and it will not be taken away from her."

Luke 10:38-42

 

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Life Is a Garden Party, Vol III

Life Is a Garden Party, Vol III

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Gathering

Gathering

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing

as friends and family join in one big union

around the table abundantly laden

with the garden's yearly colorful offerings.

But before we partake by dining

we'll offer up heartfelt thanksgiving

by coming together with a connecting

of everyone's hands around the table joining.

There's the large calloused hands of those who labor,

rather fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers,

co-joined with the frail, soft hands of one's great grandmother

who may join hands with a pudgy-fisted toddler.

There's the hands of the ones who prepared dinner,

perhaps roughened and red from cold weather,

linked with antsy teenagers

who can't wait to eat dinner.

Hands that create

and others that bake

something for dinner tonight

which brings diners delight.

Other times two loving hands connect

though this merging is often too quick.

Fingers wearing rings engraved with "together forever"

and other fingers with scars and stains worn forever.

There are hands dotted with age spots,

lined hands that have seen a lot

of sorrows and joys

as their hands employed.

If only these hands could talk

they'd tell tales that you'd never thought.

Sometimes this familiar joining

is meant to stop fidgeting.

Hands with short fingers still growing,

slender fingers of one blossoming

wearing nail polish expressing

one's individuality often.

Hands that lovingly care,

hands that often share,

hands that burdens bear,

hands daily pressed in prayer.

Hands in all shapes and sizes, eight fingers, two thumbs,

in various shades, belonging to a loved one,

held together for a moment in time -

a familiar tie in which love binds.

Hands joined together with thankful hearts

that one day will no longer park

around this table any longer

replaced by hands of a stranger.

Yet this stranger one day invited in

becomes family now known as kin.

This gathering around the table becomes

to new family members a heartfelt welcome.

May tonight as you gather together to eat

become a time when hands reach out to greet,

to connect with a loving heart

before dining begins to start.

Holding hands in prayer,

thanking God for His care,

then God's goodness share

through abundant fare.

* * * * *

Have you ever thought about God's hands?

Every day they uphold men and women

and care for His little children

for in God's hands there is a saving plan

to sustain and protect all humans

across all countries and distant lands.

He's got the whole world in His hands...

He's got you and me brother in His hands...

He's got you and me sister in His hands...

He's got the little tiny babies His hands...

He's got the whole world in His hands...

Here's some selected verses from Psalms

on which to quietly reflect on

about God's awesome hands.

Hands which fill us with songs

with grateful thanksgiving on our tongues

giving praise to God to whom we belong.

You have made known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

You give me your shield of victory,

and your right hand sustains me;

you stoop down to make me great.

Psalm 18:35

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;

he answers him from his holy heaven

with the saving power of his right hand.

Psalm 20:6

Into your hands I commit my spirit.

Psalm 31:5

My times are in your hands.

Psalm 31:15

If the Lord delights in a man's way,

he makes his steps firm;

though he stumble, he will not fall,

for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

In your majesty ride forth victoriously

in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness;

let your right hand display awesome deeds.

Psalm 45:4

My soul clings to you;

your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:8

You hold me by your right hand.

You guide me with you counsel...

Psalm 73:23-24

Your arm is endued with power;

your hand is strong,

your right hand exalted.

Psalm 89:13

For the Lord is the great God,

the great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth,

and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The seas is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Psalm 95:3-5

Help me, O Lord my God;

save me in accordance with your love.

Let them know that it is your hand,

that you, O Lord, have done it.

Psalm 109:26-27

The Lord's right hand is lifted high;

the Lord's right hand has done mighty things!

Psalm 118:16

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm;

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:12

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,

with your right hand you save me.

Psalm 138:7

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

your love, O Lord, endures forever -

do not abandon the works of your hands.

Psalm 138:8

 

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Bare

Bare

The deciduous trees are bare,

striped down to their underwear.

Skeletons they now wear

seen under the moonlight's glare.

Yesterday the trees did wear

a covering of leaves shared.

Last night a heavy frost, like white hair,

settled on those leaves unaware.

Today these golden leaves float down midair;

steadily they gather on the grass there.

Whereas yesterday they floated solitaire,

one by one their cycle of life declared.

To watch these leaves trickle down in the open air -

it's peaceful, while inside sitting in an easy chair.

Soon, though, work awaits there

as gardeners are not spared.

A leaf rake and a set of elbows prepare

to distribute these leaves scattered carelessly there.

Leaves for composting as gardeners show they care

for the environment by recycling leaves snared.

Each year gardeners find there's more leaves to ensnare

as each year the trees produce more leaves to share.

Each year raking is an annual affair.

Each year gardeners find there's more wear and tear.

For elbows kink, I declare,

you huff and puff hot air,

your nose drips off and on in the fresh air,

and there's more raking tomorrow – it's not fair!

All winter long these leafless tree skeletons, bare,

will stare through the window wearing their underwear

while the gardener enjoys warm gingerbread baked with pears

in front of the fireplace toasting their tootsies bare.

* * * * *

It's said if the trees are especially heavy-laden with leaves

then the winter will be exceptionally cold – like below zero degrees.

It's said if oak trees are heavy with acorns

then the coming winter will be colder than norm.

This is one of God's ways to provide for His creatures.

These creatures that scamper all year with tails of fur

collecting nuts to hide for the coming winter.

These creatures which wisely prepare all summer.

Take time to watch the squirrels today

for God's creatures teach us each day

to save or prepare for the future.

Saving pays dividends, for sure.

Go to the ant, you sluggard;

consider its ways and be wise!

It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

yet it stores its provisions in summer

and gathers its food at harvest.

Proverbs 6:6-8

The borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7

 

 

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Scamper

SCAMPER

Up the dried sunflower stalk

runs a chipmunk.

He doesn't take time to walk.

He's a cute punk.

He's on a mission

this day in autumn

to forage for seeds

for wintertime feed...

as he knows just when

the seeds have ripened

then off he goes -

he's on a roll.

Because this gardener is saving seeds

to give to someone who asked for seeds,

onion bags are fastened over heads

drying in the sunflower bed.

The chipmunk scampers into the bag

and is busy at work without a snag

for he thinks no one has seen him

in his pursuit of seed robbing.

But this gardener sees and thinks she'll take a picture

for a picture is worth a thousand words, for sure.

This chipmunk watches me watch him

but doesn't stop his face stuffing.

Though his checks are stuffed full

with sunflower kernels,

before he scampers off he grabs a few more.

A fat-faced chipmunk! A cute picture for sure.

* * * * *

As a picture is worth a thousand words,

your words hold a thousand pictures.

Words of encouragement spoken

are much better than a gold token.

When circumstances in life don't turn out fine,

your encouragement is recalled time-after-time

as a needed ray of sunshine

even when the sun doesn't shine.

Encouragement is someone believing in you

and speaking words that are edifying and true.

Encouragement is free to give

and will help someone to live.

...to strengthen and encourage you in your faith...

I Thessalonians 3:2

Encourage one another and build each other up...

I Thessalonians 5:11

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by his grace

gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,

encourage your hearts and strengthen you

in every good deed and word.

II Thessalonians 2:17

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement,

because you have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Philemon 1:7

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