Have you ever noticed how our timing is rarely the same as God's? Kay and I are slowly creating a farm environment that will have produce available in the fall, winter, and spring. Kay will also be offering farm tours and lesson plans that comply with the Sunshine State Standards. What an awesome way to show children about where their food comes from and the importance of viable and sustainable agriculture.
We want to 'go.. go.. go..' to get things up and going and yet God has us going along at a deliberate slow pace, paying for things in cash instead of going into debt. I certainly see His reasoning with the economy in the tank and so many monetary systems on the brink of collapse, still it's hard to move so slow sometimes.
We have these hopes and dreams for this farm and I wonder what God has in store for our farm that we haven't even considered yet. It is up to us to either stay under the protection of our Lord, moving onward when He says or going out there and winging it on our own. As hard as it is, I choose to go God's speed and pray that those around me will hold me accountable in this regard.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Seeds
I came home from work last night to a box a seeds that were just delivered for our farm (Google 'Abundant Blessings Farm, LLC' for more farm info). The seeds are all packaged by variety and stacked neatly for our use.
Have you put much thought into a seed? Inside each of every seed in that box is the genetic code of the parent from which they were derived. These days the wonder of this has been removed by the scientific minds of our day and we toss around terms like 'DNA' without giving it much further thought. But really, have you ever considered the miracle that awaits in each and every seed?
As a farmer, my wife will lovingly place each seed in the soil (or growing media because we grow hydroponics as well). She will make sure that each gets the correct amount of water and nutrients (i.e. food) do develop into a mature plant. She will carefully train the branches (pruning where necessary) so that they will be fruitful and multiply. She will protect the plants from pests and diseases that seek to harm and destroy.
What an incredible miracle... each and every seed!
In the same manner, we are God's seed. He places us here and wants to tend, nurture, prune when necessary so that will be fruitful by telling others about Him and leading them to Christ. That is how we multiply.
We get caught up in labels of who we are by what we do (Mom, Dad, Fireman, Farmer, Banker, Lobbyist, etc.) yet that is just what we do part of our life. We came from a seed that was planted by God. Our purpose... our true purpose in life is to do just as those seeds in the box in our kitchen. Our true purpose is to grow in Christ and bring others to the understanding of His redeeming and saving grace that is available to all who choose to believe.
I can't wait to plant those seeds!
Have you put much thought into a seed? Inside each of every seed in that box is the genetic code of the parent from which they were derived. These days the wonder of this has been removed by the scientific minds of our day and we toss around terms like 'DNA' without giving it much further thought. But really, have you ever considered the miracle that awaits in each and every seed?
As a farmer, my wife will lovingly place each seed in the soil (or growing media because we grow hydroponics as well). She will make sure that each gets the correct amount of water and nutrients (i.e. food) do develop into a mature plant. She will carefully train the branches (pruning where necessary) so that they will be fruitful and multiply. She will protect the plants from pests and diseases that seek to harm and destroy.
What an incredible miracle... each and every seed!
In the same manner, we are God's seed. He places us here and wants to tend, nurture, prune when necessary so that will be fruitful by telling others about Him and leading them to Christ. That is how we multiply.
We get caught up in labels of who we are by what we do (Mom, Dad, Fireman, Farmer, Banker, Lobbyist, etc.) yet that is just what we do part of our life. We came from a seed that was planted by God. Our purpose... our true purpose in life is to do just as those seeds in the box in our kitchen. Our true purpose is to grow in Christ and bring others to the understanding of His redeeming and saving grace that is available to all who choose to believe.
I can't wait to plant those seeds!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Simplicity is What We Make It
Six episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, that is how I spent a good part of my Sabboth day of rest. What draws us to that show?
For me it has to do with a simpler lifestyle. Family and town folk caring and looking out for each other. A church bizaar or picnic being the focus. Simply sitting on the porch and watching the sun set.
Why is this so hard for us? Why do we allow the world and society around us to push us into their mold of rush, rush, rush and always being active for ... well, active's sake?
We have a farm so time is of the essence for us with all the chores to get done each day. Many lives of both two-legged and four-legged animals depend on us to care for them. That said, it is up to ME to carve out that 'simpler lifestyle' in my day.
How do you do it? How do you make sure that you don't get caught up in the whirlwind of life?
For me it has to do with a simpler lifestyle. Family and town folk caring and looking out for each other. A church bizaar or picnic being the focus. Simply sitting on the porch and watching the sun set.
Why is this so hard for us? Why do we allow the world and society around us to push us into their mold of rush, rush, rush and always being active for ... well, active's sake?
We have a farm so time is of the essence for us with all the chores to get done each day. Many lives of both two-legged and four-legged animals depend on us to care for them. That said, it is up to ME to carve out that 'simpler lifestyle' in my day.
How do you do it? How do you make sure that you don't get caught up in the whirlwind of life?
Monday, August 29, 2011
Gods Purpose for Me is Right Under My Nose
I get hyped up (often it seems) to seek out God's purpose for me. I think of grandiose things like serving in the Sudan or working with Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief full-time. I've considered ministry and have longed to leadership in whatever church I'm attending.
I can't tell you if it is wisdom that comes with age(ing) or if God is finally just able to connect with e through my thick skull after all these years, but I'm starting to understand my purpose better.
It doesn't come with some great plan of things to come but instead comes in the everyday. God wants to use me right here, right now. It may be only speaking to one person today and portraying the love of Christ but it is today.
I'm a planner in general so this is hard for me. Yet I hear God telling me not to forget His purpose for me today while I'm busily planning out tomorrow.
Pray for God to use you TODAY and be open to His leading. If tomorrow comes... repeat!
Matthew 6:34 tells us "Don't worry about tomorrow...". I'm going to set that in my heart today.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Look at what we GOT, not at what we ain't GOT
OK, I know... the grammar is terrible but I hope that it will ring true with you today. Just finished reading an article in the local paper about the efforts of some to establish a homeless camp in the area to help those that are without a roof over their heads. In reading the article, I could almost hear the NIMBY (not in my back yard) crowd chanting before the County Commission. Oh my, how spoiled we are.
The same thought comes to mind when I see people demanding ONLY organic or the likes and yet so many around the world have no idea IF they are even going to have a meal today. Now I'm not saying that I'm against organically grown food. If that's your thing... OK, but don't demand it on to others.
We are a spoiled people. We want it all and we look down our big fat noses at those who don't have as much as we do and wonder... "what's wrong with them? It's their fault that they're in the mess that they're in."
How fleeting our earthly gains can be. Don't think so, ask anyone that was in northern Japan a month ago.
Walk today with compassion towards those less fortunate. Extend a hand and help. Roll down your window at the stoplight and give him a dollar. Not to make YOU feel better but instead because it is just the right thing to do. Stop with the excuses and reach out to the less fortunate.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Value of Time
A song from years back keeps going through my mind...
If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I'd like to do
Is to save every day 'til eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you
If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I'd save every day like a treasure and then
Again, I would spend them with you
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go through time with
If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty except for the memory
Of how they were answered by you
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go through time with
© TIME IN A BOTTLE; CROCE PUBLISHING
This is an incredible love song that really puts emphasis on the value of time. I often think of great people of the past who lived thousands of years ago and yet we still speak of them today. They too had 24 hours in their day just like I do.
I really dislike the saying that "I didn't have time to do (this or that)". It all comes down to priority and not time. Where are your priorities today... that is where you'll find your time.
As Valentines Day is around the corner, guys... take TIME to consider where your priorities lie. I pray that you will find them in:
#1 God
#2 Your Wife
#3 Your Children
Be deliberate this Valentine's Day to spend time with your Bride. Shower her with your time...
If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I'd like to do
Is to save every day 'til eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you
If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I'd save every day like a treasure and then
Again, I would spend them with you
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go through time with
If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty except for the memory
Of how they were answered by you
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go through time with
© TIME IN A BOTTLE; CROCE PUBLISHING
This is an incredible love song that really puts emphasis on the value of time. I often think of great people of the past who lived thousands of years ago and yet we still speak of them today. They too had 24 hours in their day just like I do.
I really dislike the saying that "I didn't have time to do (this or that)". It all comes down to priority and not time. Where are your priorities today... that is where you'll find your time.
As Valentines Day is around the corner, guys... take TIME to consider where your priorities lie. I pray that you will find them in:
#1 God
#2 Your Wife
#3 Your Children
Be deliberate this Valentine's Day to spend time with your Bride. Shower her with your time...
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Do You Hear What I Hear???
Christmas Tunes flood the airwaves. What a wonderful time of year. Even the most secular places have music wafting through the air telling of Christ's coming to earth to save all who call on Him to be their Savior.
I hear so many passages in the Bible ringing in my ears this morning. Certainly the accounts in the Gospels of Mary, Joseph and Bethlehem. But also verse after verse after verse throughout the Old Testament fortelling the coming of Christ.
I also hear the verses that speak of Christ's second coming and the events that surround them. Looking back at this past year, it has been an incredible one for natural disasters around the world. The earth is rumbling more than ever in modern times. Earthquakes, floods, fire, extreme drought, extreme cold and blizzards, extreme heat... the list goes on and on.
The rumors of war are increasing daily with a furvor that I don't believe has been felt since the 1940's. The difference today though is the number of countries that have nuclear capabilites. North Korea is a hot bed right now and they are itching to prove their 'superiority' to the world. The UN doesn't believe that Iran has nuclear weapons. I disagree and am afraid that Iran not only has nuclear weapons but is preparing for a battle with Israel to bring forth the 12th Iman as noted in their koran.
Even Joel's prophecies in the Old Testament brought forth some foretelling news as a good portion of the modern world saw the moon turn blood red last night in a spectacular eclipse.
I will show wonders in the heavens
and on the earth,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
And everyone who calls
on the name of the LORD will be saved. (Joel 2:30-32)
Do any of these things say "yep, yep, yep it's going to happen soon"? No, not particularly but we are given a blueprint of end times throughout the Bible. The blueprint DOES resemble the events of 2010.
Do you hear what I hear?
Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite
Said the little lamb to the shepard boy
Do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky shepard boy
Do you hear what I hear
A song, a song
High above the tree
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea
Said the shepard boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know
In your palace wall mighty king
Do you know what I know
A child, a child
Shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
Pray for peace people everywhere
Listen to what I say
The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light
The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
("Do You Hear What I Hear?" is a Christmas song written in October 1962 with lyrics by Noël Regney and music by Gloria Shayne Baker. The pair were married at the time, and wrote it as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis.)
I hear so many passages in the Bible ringing in my ears this morning. Certainly the accounts in the Gospels of Mary, Joseph and Bethlehem. But also verse after verse after verse throughout the Old Testament fortelling the coming of Christ.
I also hear the verses that speak of Christ's second coming and the events that surround them. Looking back at this past year, it has been an incredible one for natural disasters around the world. The earth is rumbling more than ever in modern times. Earthquakes, floods, fire, extreme drought, extreme cold and blizzards, extreme heat... the list goes on and on.
The rumors of war are increasing daily with a furvor that I don't believe has been felt since the 1940's. The difference today though is the number of countries that have nuclear capabilites. North Korea is a hot bed right now and they are itching to prove their 'superiority' to the world. The UN doesn't believe that Iran has nuclear weapons. I disagree and am afraid that Iran not only has nuclear weapons but is preparing for a battle with Israel to bring forth the 12th Iman as noted in their koran.
Even Joel's prophecies in the Old Testament brought forth some foretelling news as a good portion of the modern world saw the moon turn blood red last night in a spectacular eclipse.
I will show wonders in the heavens
and on the earth,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
And everyone who calls
on the name of the LORD will be saved. (Joel 2:30-32)
Do any of these things say "yep, yep, yep it's going to happen soon"? No, not particularly but we are given a blueprint of end times throughout the Bible. The blueprint DOES resemble the events of 2010.
Do you hear what I hear?
Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite
Said the little lamb to the shepard boy
Do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky shepard boy
Do you hear what I hear
A song, a song
High above the tree
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea
Said the shepard boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know
In your palace wall mighty king
Do you know what I know
A child, a child
Shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
Pray for peace people everywhere
Listen to what I say
The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light
The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
("Do You Hear What I Hear?" is a Christmas song written in October 1962 with lyrics by Noël Regney and music by Gloria Shayne Baker. The pair were married at the time, and wrote it as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis.)
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