Contest Winning Entry

This is the article I submitted in the contest:

TIME TO GROW, originally written 5/29/10

Springtime is all about planting. Farmers in our area have been busy seeding their fields and stopped only because the wet weather has prevented them from continuing. On a smaller scale, the two greenhouses in town have been selling bedding plants which find their homes in planters, pots and creative containers around town. As I observed all the plants available, there were dreams of flower gardens in my side and backyard, nicely arranged and planned to provide beauty and bursts of color throughout the summer months. Then reality hit and I wondered when the rain would stop long enough to get the few plants I had chosen in the dirt.

Maintaining plants requires a bit of discipline, with special attention paid to whether or not they are in need of water. Having allowed myself one hanging planter, there was now a daily routine of checking to see if watering was required. It was looking quite beautiful with lots of pink and burgundy blossoms. Then came the busy week. A flurry of activities had us coming and going and suddenly I realized I had missed my watering duty for a day. . .or was it two? As I looked out the front door, I saw drooping flowers and curled up leaves. The plant was desperately in need of hydration. . .but was it too late? Quickly I drenched the plant and hoped it would come back to life while I was away for the evening. Thankfully, the plant revived and I've been more careful in the days since.

Tomorrow the ladies of our congregation will be in charge of the church service. The materials we received to put the service together centered around the theme of “Thirsty?”, with the theme verse coming from Psalm 42:2 where David said, “I thirst for God, the living God”. Studying the lessons, I realized, much like the hanging plant, my soul needed regular watering to insure beauty would be reflected to those around me. As I reviewed the story of the woman at the well in John 4, it was a blessing to realize the living water offered by Jesus is still available to those who thirst today.

God touched my life with one more “plant lesson” this week. It came from the petunias awaiting their new home in the tiered planters by our front steps. They have been moved back and forth, in and out of our garage according to the weather of the day. They are obviously at two different stages of growth, with the smaller plants looking a healthier green. You could see the larger plants were becoming root bound in the plastic containers and thus losing their color.

As I contemplated their need to grow, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart about our growth as Christians. Could there be a need to “spread our roots” beyond the barriers of the church walls? It's one thing to maintain our spiritual existence within the comforts of church life. It's another to think about what could happen if we allowed our “roots” to work their way through the “dirt” of our world. With my plants, spreading roots means bigger and more beautiful plants, eventually producing flowers to brighten the world. Could the same hold true if we, as Christians, would break past the barriers of tradition?

As I write, the sun is breaking through the clouds and I'm thinking I could even do some planting tonight. I'm thankful for the people who planted the seeds and nurtured the young plants to this point. From here on, they will be dependent on my care. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul talks about planting, watering and growth. Though one person plants the seed and another waters it, only God can make it grow. The same holds true in the spiritual realm. Each of us has a task to do. Are you a seed planter? Plant God's Word in the heart of those around you and sow seeds of kindness. Are you one who waters? Find those who are thirsty and offer them the living water of Jesus. Finally, trust God will allow the growth to happen in His perfect way and timing.

Contest Winner!

About two weeks ago there was an advertisement over Facebook to enter a writing contest.  As someone who enjoys writing, it caught my attention and I decided to look through some of my past devotional writings to find one which might be suitable to submit.  The one which caught my eye was originally written on May 29, 2010 and with some minor editing it qualified for the character count asked for in the contest.

The deadline for the contest was only a few days away, so I anxiously anticipated being notified over email of the results.  Not hearing anything on the days I had expected, I chalked it up to another "sorry, not this time" experience.

Then came the phone call.  A pleasant voice indicated she was from the publishing company behind the contest, and she was pleased to let me know I had taken second place.  Because of this, they were offering me one of their premium publishing packages, which normally would cost around $1,800.00.  My emotions ran from excitement to apprehension about the validity of the company.  For years I have prayed God would at some point allow me the opportunity to publish some of my writings.  Was this the means or was there a better way elsewhere?

After indicating she would email some materials outlining my winnings, she told me she would call me back in about a week to further discuss my options and answer any questions I might have.  Questions?  I was sure there were many I should ask, but wasn't familiar enough with the industry to know what to ask.  Thankfully, I knew of several people who had self-published in the past, so reached out for advice and was grateful to them for what they offered.

This morning the second call came through, and I now have a piece of paper with lots of jotted notes as to what the process entails and what to expect in results should a book actually materialize.  Again, I found myself asking God, "Is this the direction you want me to go?'

With my mind spinning, I picked up the little devotional book I recently acquired.  The name of the book is "Talk to Me, Jesus" by Marie Chapian.  Because of our busy week-end, I was several days behind, and began listening to what God had to say through the daily meditations.

These are some of the things Jesus was speaking to me in the readings:

 

. . .your life is enriched with many gifts.

I've given you talents to multiply, so you can be a channel of blessing.

I have many doors open for you.

I'm lifting you out of obscurity and guiding you with grace and integrity.

Think of yourself as a new person today, a person capable of great things.

I want to show you great and mighty things you haven't even considered.

When you call on Me, I answer you, but look at your requests.  Are your requests too small?

 

Finally I was caught up, and this was the message I found waiting for today:

 

It's time to prepare yourself.

Your future is in My hands,

and just beyond your sight

are wonderful things yet to come

which you don't know.

You won't have to wait long

or bake in the oven of transition forever;

I'm doing a work in you

that will withstand

the fiery darts of the devil.

Breathe in the power of My Word

and get ready for breakthrough!

 

Wow!  Deep breath!  Prayers asking for wisdom and discernment as to how to proceed.  Won't you join me in those prayers?  There will be another call from the publishing company in a week, and I was encouraged to pray about it and talk to family and friends.  (This particular company markets itself as a "Christian Publisher".)  I find myself quoting a passage my mother-in-law often shares:

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge God,

and He will direct your path.

~Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Today I do trust in the Lord.  I'm asking Him to help me to lean on His understanding and not mine.  I also acknowledge any writing skills I have are only because of God, and it is for His glory I want them to be published.  So thankful He has promised to direct my path!

 



 

Miracles from Heaven!

It has been a busy week-end.  Next month my mother-in-law will turn 85 and this was the week-end her children could be with her to celebrate. . .all ten of them!  Add in some spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren and you have a group of about seventy people gathered to honor this wonderful matriarch of the family.

It may not have taken a miracle to get everyone there, but looking around the senior citizen center it was clear to see the miraculous way the family has multiplied over the years.  A short program allowed family members to share their talents to honor this special lady, and lots of good food was devoured.  Fellowship was at a premium, and it is safe to say a good time was had by all.

Today, with extended family all headed back home, the day was strangely quiet.  A nap in the afternoon was refreshing, and in the evening we headed up Main Street to the Dakota Theatre for a showing of the movie, "Miracles from Heaven".  It was nice to see parked cars lined on either side of the street as we approached and a larger than average crowd of attenders inside the theatre.

The story itself centers around a family from Texas dealing with a rare health issue in one of their three daughters.  In a strange turn of events, a three story fall into the hollow of a tree leaves her with only minor bruises and a complete healing of her rare disorder.  Later, in talking to her parents, she reveals she visited heaven and talked to God during her time in the tree prior to being rescued.

After their experience, the family wanted to share their story because it opened their eyes to the miracles all around them.  Sometimes, as in their case, people are on the receiving end of miracles and other times God uses us to be the miracle in the life of someone else.  

As we returned to our vehicle and started for home, the CD player was playing a Michael W. Smith album by the name of "Sovereign".  I didn't recall it even being on as we made our way to the theatre, but now the music touched my heart as it played a song entitled, "Miracle"!  What are the odds of that?  As the day ends, I find myself reflecting on the words of the song.  They suggest  we are all miracles in God's eyes as we allow Him to take away those things which leave us rebelling, restless, blind and out of control.  A simple cry for hope and God always finds a way to break the chains of sin and leave us with a miracle burning bright within us.

Take time to read through the lyrics, reflect, and if you have a chance, see the movie.  Be challenged to see the miracle of God's saving power at work in your life and open your eyes to see the miracles He has planted all around you.  When given the opportunity, be the miracle someone else needs in their life!

"Miracle"

A rebel heart
A restless soul
I lost my sight
I lost control
A cry for hope
Could I be saved
You found a way
You found a way

Your miracle is burning bright in me
I was a slave, and now I'm free
I'm lifting high these broken chains
You always find a way
I am a miracle
I am a miracle

Impossible
The war was lost
Before Your blood
Before the cross
My shame no more
My curse no more
You made a way, yeah
You made a way

Your miracle is burning bright in me
I was a slave, and now I'm free
I'm lifting high these broken chains
You always find a way
I am a miracle
I am a miracle

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
I once was lost
But now I'm found

Your miracle is burning bright in me
I was a slave, and now I'm free
I'm lifting high these broken chains
You always find a way
I am a miracle

Sing and Make Music

There was a gathering of believers in Crosby, North Dakota this evening.  It just so happened it took place in a Catholic church, but those who attended were also from the Assembly of God and Lutheran churches of the area.  There may have been other denominations represented, as well.  A number of years ago a woman in our community had a vision to create an ecumenical evening of sacred music to be held in the evening on Palm Sunday.  She recruited help from one of the pastors serving at the time, and now the service has become a tradition with hosting of the event on a rotation between the churches.

Being a person who enjoys music, it is always a blessing for me to hear what others have to share, as well as participate in providing music.  Tonight's concert did not disappoint, offering a well rounded variety of music.  Our "Music Makers" group, which provides entertainment at our local nursing home and assisted living center, presented two "oldies but goodies" from the hymn book. . ."I'll Fly Away" and "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow".  Our group includes those who play guitars, accordion, banjo, rhythm sticks and piano.  Ages of the members of the group range from the youngest in his 20's to the oldest in his 90's.  It is such a joy to see people continuing to share their talents even into their old age.

A young couple who moved to our community from the Philippines shared a song from their native country which was beautiful and we also heard from four other soloists.  Their selections varied and included a modern day contemporary praise song ("In Christ Alone"), a beautiful song from the 80's ("Written In Red"), a couple of Gaither favorites from the 70's ("Gentle Shepherd" and "God on the Mountain") and the traditional "Lord's Prayer".  A local pastor also shared a song about longing for a time when there would be no more fighting and hatred, but all would live in peace and harmony. . .we made great strides in getting there with our time together this evening!

Two other unique presentations included a woman who did sign language to the song "Amazing Grace" and an instrumental group known as "Cross Border Brass" who presented a medley of three spirituals.  Their name comes from the fact three of the members come from across the border in Canada.

The Bible has much to say about singing and making music.  One such passage is found in Ephesians 5:19

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.

 

Another favorite of mine is found in Psalm 100:1-2

 

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness: 

come before His presence with singing.

 

Having been raised in one denomination and married into another, these ecumenical type gatherings are extra special to me.  It is also a reminder there is truly only one God we serve, and our redemption comes from the death and resurrection of the same Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit works within us all, even though our preference in worship style may vary.  At the start of Holy Week leading up to Easter, this evening of music filled our hearts and minds with a message of unity we can carry with us.  May you find it in your life, as well!



 

 

Yes, Sir, Yes Sir!

THREE BAGS FULL!  And we're not talking about wool here, as in the old English nursery rhyme.  No, sir, this time we are talking about garbage.  Road side litter.  Discarded trash.  Things which never should have been left behind by the litterbugs.  Sadly, as the winter snow disappears, the litter makes its appearance.  This year we had very little snow to start with, so it didn't take many warm days to bring it to light. 

It has become part of my routine to include an outdoor walk on days the weather is cooperative.  Although my route varies from time to time, I've come to enjoy some of the newer walking paths in our community.  Seeing the amount of litter along my ventures inspired me to bring along a plastic grocery bag on my walk last Friday.  Sadly, it was only half way through my walk when the bag was filled for the first time.  Finding a dumpster nearby, I emptied the garbage and continue on my way.

 

 

 



It wasn't long before the bag was once again full, and along the way I also found another plastic bag which also filled before my journey was completed.  Finding a second dumpster, I decided to unload both bags and call it good for the day.

It seemed there was a definite pattern to the types of garbage collected.  At the top of the list would be beer bottles and cans, followed by pop cans, water bottles and cigarette cases.  What is it that possesses someone to throw their garbage along the roadside?  I often find myself asking the question, "Didn't their mother teach them anything??"  Sadly, in many cases, she may have been the one setting the example.

Litter.  One of my biggest "pet peeves".  Although it irritates me to see it, I've found over the years it brings a certain amount of joy to my heart to pick it up and leave behind a prayer for the person who left it there in my path.  It may seem like a small effort, but I've always felt it better to be a part of the solution than the problem.  Which side of the issue do you find yourself on?  Hopefully this is one time I won't have to find myself saying a prayer for you! 



  

A Man From Troy

Troy Township.  The land of my birth and growing up years.  A fairyland kind of place where fathers worked hard on the farm, mothers worked in the home and kids ran around outside and had fun.  Neighbors were close by and visiting them was commonplace.  Everyone knew everyone and seeing each other brought a smile to your face.  When hard times came, there wasn't anybody who didn't pitch in and help.  It's just the way it was.

Over the past week, my thoughts have returned often to this place, not far from where I now reside.  Just a few miles away, it is still home to my oldest brother and packed with more memories than I can count.  Precious memories!  What brought them to light was the passing of Arthur Holm, our closest neighbor to the west for the first ten years of my life.

At 92, he had been living in his own home until just a few weeks prior to his death.  Twenty two years ago he had turned the "home place" over to his son and daughter-in-law.  This farm was originally occupied by his parents and was where he grew up.  Although he moved from this farm to become part of our small town life, they never were able to keep him away from farming and it was an active part of his life, even as he aged.

Random things come to mind when I think about visiting in the home of Art and his wife, Marie.  First was the confusion about his name.  Everyone called him "Bud" and as a child it made no sense.  What WAS his name anyway?  Art or Bud?  Their son was two years older than me and had two older sisters who where in high school at the time I was starting school.  (They were so beautiful and I dreamed of someday being like them!)  The toys at their house were always WAY cooler than the ones we had.  We had the standard eight color paint case, but I think the one at their house had about fifty choices.  I also remember lots of little plastic animal figures, fences and I think cowboys and Indians you could take on and off horses.  Later on, when they built a new house, there were roller skates you attached to your shoes and the open concrete floor of the basement became a great skating rink.  Yes, precious memories!

When I was in the second grade, my mother was expecting my little sister.  At the age of 42, she required several months of hospitalization before the baby arrived due to thrombosis in her legs.  I remember very little about this time of my life, however there are faint memories of my dad bringing me to the Holm farm to get my long hair braided.  Like I said, if there was a problem, neighbors pitched in to help!

As I attended Art's funeral, it was sad to look around the small, country church and realize there were very few of my dad's generation left.  In most cases, sons have taken over the family farm and are now the patriarchs of their families.  Driving to the church I found myself saying the names as I drove past the farms.  Something was different, with all the oil wells and new electrical lines, but still there was an element of "familiar" which brought peace to my heart.  Afterwards, I made my way past the farm which became our home at the time I was ten.  Even it has a "new look" with much bigger grain bins and farm buildings than when I was growing up.

Yes, time marches on.  Things change.  But the passing of a dear neighbor has done much to dust the cobwebs out of the corners of my brain and make me pause, reflect and realize I really did grow up in a wonderful place and time.  Something tells me they're probably still celebrating the latest Troy Township homecoming in heaven, and it helps to picture my parents right there with Jesus as he welcomed Art with a hearty, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

All in a Day!

The clock radio was set to go off extra early this morning.  Our daughter and her children were coming for the day since they had no school (Presidents Day).  I wanted to put a roast in the crock pot so the preparation for our noon meal would be out of the way.  Once the potatoes and carrots were peeled and sliced into the bottom of the crock pot, the roast went on top and I went back to bed, resetting the alarm to go off at 8:00am so there would be time to get to the morning "Women on Weights" session at 9:00am.

Preferring not to be awakened by an "alarming" noise, the knob was moved to the "music" setting.  This way the sound of the radio playing would awaken me.  Or such was the plan.  Apparently, after being up to get the meal ready, I went into a deep sleep.  When I finally did hear the music from the radio, the time on the clock was 9:10am.  So much for "Women on Weights"!  Instead I chose to use one of the elliptical machines for my morning exercise.

While waiting for the grandkids to arrive, there was frosting to make.  Today is my sister-in-law's birthday and I had committed to providing a cake.  Doing the baking yesterday, I whipped up the buttercream icing and was just spreading it on the heart shaped cake when my little helpers arrived.  I recruited my granddaughter to help with the decorating and was quite pleased with the final result.

 

 

 

It seems when the grandkids come to visit, there is never enough time to do all the things we'd like, but we managed to squeeze a lot into the day.  Since the weather was ideal, we paid a visit to the playground at our elementary school.  It was the first time they had been there, and they were excited to check out the various equipment.  

 

                          

It was fun to see them playing on the same monkey bars I played on as a child, and which also entertained their mother when she was growing up.

                                  

The snow was a perfect consistency for making a snowman and besides leaving one at the school playground, they also made one in our backyard and another at great grandma's house, where an assortment of relatives had gathered to celebrate the birthday.

The minutes were ticking away, but we squeezed in a short visit with Aunt Mabel prior to returning to our house.  It had started snowing lightly, and our daughter felt they needed to be leaving soon, but Faith was insistent she wanted to have a quick sewing lesson.  The last time they had visited she left me a note, indicating her desire to learn:

 

Knowing there wasn't much time, I did a quick search through my fabric remnants and found a piece of yellow fleece.  Folded in half, it would make a perfect small pillow with very little effort, giving Faith a chance to experience her first sewing project.  She listened so carefully when I explained how to thread the machine and add the bobbin.  Although I helped guide her, she excitedly stitched around the edges making a case to fill with stuffing (her favorite part!)  Since the material was plain, she decided to add some decorations with markers.  Can you tell she was quite pleased with the results?

 

Once they were on the road, we were back to Grandma Ardis' house for supper with Bert's four sisters and two of his brothers in attendance.  It seems food, family and fellowship always seem to go together in the Anderson clan.

From there it was back home to bake two batches of brownies for a political event we will be attending tomorrow.  The last batch is in the oven, and soon I will call it a day.  You will find the following recorded in God's Word:

"All the days planned for me

were written in Your [God's] book

before one of them came to be."

~Psalm 139:16

 

It certainly was a busy one He planned for today. . .and I enjoyed each part of it!  I'm so thankful I can end the day, as David did, saying:

 

"I lie down and sleep;

I wake again, because the Lord sustains me."

~Psalm 3:5