Criss crossed lives....

Have you ever prayed for guidance to know what you should be doing with your life? I have. Many, many times. The answer I received was the same each time but it took me a while to realize it. I think God speaks clearly to me. I just don't always hear Him. Listening is the issue. When I finally "got it" I began moving to follow the path I believed was mine. Then the doubts began. Why does that always happen?

I think my problem has been I didn't understand WHY God wanted me to do what He wanted me to do. WHY is a very big word. When the "why" of something is defined it changes everything. The purpose becomes crystal clear and the doubts recede.

The purpose for my path is the people who will be touched in ways that I could never understand. People come into our lives for a purpose and it doesn't always have to be about me. Maybe, just maybe, it's about them and their lives. I am very okay with that now that I understand it. Our lives criss cross until we are all woven together. The "fabric of our lives" is not just a slogan or a cliche' but a reality. We are all connected like a patchwork quilt and God is the stitching.

I can't believe how many times the answer to my WHY has been spoken to me by others who didn't know they were giving me a message. Now that I understand it I can remember time and time again hearing the same expressions but I never heard them. Sometimes God, a brick up side the head may be more effective. Now that I understand I feel so foolish for not realizing it before. Do you suppose He ever grows weary of our lack of understanding?

I know there is a scripture that could be inserted here but I can't think of it. Maybe someone out there can help me with that?

Yard work....the results!

Does God create anything more beautiful than flowers? I suppose you could say children but I'm talking about just the shear beauty of a simple plant or tree with a bud that opens to a remarkable splash of color. It is easier this time of year for me to "feel" God's presence in my garden. I find myself meandering around the house with a cup of tea thinking each bloom is prettier than the last. As I approach each bed I whisper, "Thank you Lord!"

The extremely long period of cold weather has damaged so many of the tropicals making it necessary to cut them back to the ground. The really good news is they will come back! That means there is going to be another flush of blooms later in the year when they all recover. If they do not recover sufficiently this year then the rewards will be delayed but the rewards will most assuredly be there. Isn't that just the way God works?

I hesitate to admit I am trying to grow tomatoes again this year. Each year I try and each year I declare I am never trying to grow tomatoes again. I am defeated by bugs, blossom end rot, worms and insufficient nutrients. I am an avid and experienced gardener but tomatoes cause me frustration to no end. I love tomatoes and consume them daily. It would be cheaper to just buy them but I can't seem to put to rest the desire to grow them. When I was exiled to the north I grew them successfully every year. Is it Florida?

God thank you for flowers. Thank you for the peacefullness of my garden. I know you are there with me. Thank you for the sweet, sweet fragrance of the orange blossoms and the melody of the birds singing. Help me remember to enjoy your gifts of beauty. Amen