Last Friday, Doug and I experienced a beautiful day with a great friend at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Virginia. This is just one of the magnificent flowers we saw. As I gaze at each bloom in all their glory I am reminded of the process which births such beauty. Every flower in the garden began either as a seed or a bulb in a mound of dirt. I realize I may be simplifying the process too much, but stick with me.
I started out in much the same way, a misshaped bulb in "The Ultimate Gardener's" hand. Over time, "The Ultimate Gardener" shaped me and molded me into the person I am today. The storms of life came and went. The rains poured and the floods gushed by. Many times the force of the winds blew me over. I've been stepped on, crushed, and nearly killed by those who thought I was useless and stupid. Yet, "The Ultimate Gardener" would not let me die.
Today, I continue to put one foot in front of the other toward the place God is calling me. While embracing where I have been I have a renewed strength and courage to move forward. My God, "The Ultimate Gardener has a plan for both me and you. He loves me and He loves you, too!
Don't be discouraged if you feel battered, bruised, or wilted. Whether your feet are soggy or you are experiencing a deep drought. Cling to "The Ultimate Gardener." He will complete what He began in your heart in the very beginning of time!
By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,
Andrea Bowling Perdue
11 comments:
Andrea - Thanks for visiting my blog. Your message is so timely for me. We all go through so much stuff and God is so faithful to bring us through. I'm sure you will bless many others with this blog.
Appreciate the encouragement, love you.
this is such sweet encouragement that
will help another hurting heart.
thank you.
Andrea:
We forget that we are God's creation. Thank you for the reminder. This is a very touching post. Thank you for sharing.
Gardening analogies have always drawn me closer to God. I love the entire planting, fertizing, watering, growing, pruning, more fertilizing, trimming, budding, and cutting back process. Some aspects I enjoy more, but always the outcome is blooms, and more blooms.
Great post!
What a great post! Thanks for sharing your heart!
until next time... nel
That is so beautifully written, Andrea. I'm so thankful for God's plan for my life. It's not always easy, but it sure turns out beautifully.
This is such a picture, it's how it is with us and life and God... He never gives up on us, and something beautiful is always created in the process.
xo
As a new reader I found your word picture of the master gardener so refreshing and thought provoking. thanks...I will be back Clella
Sometimes it's pruning that we need - but the Father knows what we can bear.
Home » Spirituality » Five Ways to Find God in All Things
Five Ways to Find God in All Things
Posted on January 23, 2013 by Andy Otto in Spirituality // 36 Comments
5 Ways to Find God in All Things
Finding God in all things is a big part of Ignatian spirituality. But finding God in the boring parts of life is easier said than done. Here are five ways (aside from the Examen) to find God in all things. Micro-Awareness—This is not just trying to be aware of the present moment, but rather letting each small action you take become your primary purpose in the moment. If you let something as simple as pushing the power button on your computer or walking up the stairs be done with intention and awareness (rather than letting routine get the best of you), you’ll find a new holiness in those mundane tasks.Journal—Writing down the experiences of your day as well as your thoughts and feelings is a kind of Examen, but oftentimes the act of writing uncovers unseen moments of God’s presence you initially missed.
Do something the “old fashioned way”—Technology and fast expectations can often close the door on our awareness of God. For a change, walk to someone’s desk instead of calling, handwrite a letter instead of e-mailing, walk to the store instead of driving, or take the train instead of flying. The change of pace may give you a more meaningful interaction or experience. And slowing down lets you acknowledge God’s presence more easily. consulta online medico online pediatra online medico online doctor online dermatologo online veterinario online veterinario online doctor online consulta online abogado online abogado online abogado online abogado online abogado online psicologo online doctor online psicologo online abogado online abogado online Listen—When was the last time you really listened to someone without trying to think of what to say next? You’ll be surprised what you hear if you actually listen—to a friend, to the natural sounds around you (try turning off the radio when you drive), or to your own conscience. God speaks when we pause long enough to listen.
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