Person, Place or Thing

Inspiration, Talking Points

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”(John 15:2, NIV)

Do you ever wonder why people, places and things seem to always be moving and changing in your life and others? Could this be part of the cutting off and pruning John is speaking of? 

“Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.” (Psalm 25:4, NKJV) 

Do you ever feel like a tumbleweed and wondering where is the landing? 

For days I have been pondering this line of thinking. I’ve seen people being in places that was never even thought possible. Some people going places that was not even on their bucket list. Things that held the imagination captive for over 50 years that dissolved like an ice cube when life happened in unexpected ways.

As I write I want to sing my way through scriptures that connect to the two scriptures mentioned here and many that connect to the stories myself and others share. The active words from God that are recorded in scripture dance in my head like raindrops on a tin roof.  “Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…,” says Isaiah. Now, we are waiting for the Lord but,  John, the revelator says of Jesus; “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20)  As we move through our days with a song, dance, clap, shout, weep, stomp, joy and wait for the knock let us pause and enjoy the meal. 

Acts 17:28 “For in him we live and move and have our being.  As some of your own poets have said,  We are his offspring.” 
“Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered.” (Psalm 105:5, ESV)


Photo CM

Spring Plant Sale by Debi

Uncategorized

  There is sunshine after the rain and April showers are sure to bring flowers for the annual Spring Plant Sale at Monroe Technology Center in Leesburg, Virginia. This popular sale features lots of annual and perennial blooms as well as trees and shrubs, herbs, fruits and vegetables along with aquatic plants and fish. Moreover, customers can choose from over 500 hanging baskets! In addition to outdoor plants, the sale will feature air plants and African violets in uniquely colorful 3D printer containers by Christopher Mar! So be sure to come and see it all. You will find students and volunteers ready to help you wearing green T-shirts by CustomInk, .https://www.customink.com/ Sale days and times are Wednesday, April 26 from 10-8pm; Thursday, April 27 from 10-6pm; and Friday, April 28 from 10-5pm.

Monroe Technology Center is located at 715 Childrens Center Rd, SW in Leesburg, VA.

Photos taken at the 2016 Spring Plant Sale by Emily Clack of Emily Clack Photography http://emilyclackphotography.com/

Thoughtful Thoughts 🦉

Inspiration

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

If a branch is not attached to the vine, it withers and dies. I don’t think on this visual much in the cold winters of Northern Virginia. Mainly, because trees and vines lay bare. And, often snow capped.  Therefore, my thoughts go more to, “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”  (Isaiah 1:18 ESV)

Great thought! Maybe greatest of all thoughts! Yet, as Spring peeks just outside my windows my thoughts begin to pause and wonder, did that tree or vine make it through the freeze? Did the elements from the cold  bruise, damage or clearly break the branches that 👀  so sad and barren among the greens, pinks, yellows and purples? I stare and wonder is it possible for the branch that looks so out of place barely hanging on going to make it?  I rush to snap a tiny portion to see if maybe I will see life inside the dead brown look?

As warm days pass and I see a vine full of blossoms and fruit with a barren brown dead branch tucked in among the beauty and edible fruit I must say it takes no thought to say, cut it out. “If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.…” (John 15:6)

As I thoughtfully write today, Easter Monday,  I think how children from all walks of life will gather at The White House to search for colored eggs and maybe shake hands with The POTUS and First Lady. Maybe we as Christians should be as diligent and joyful to be invited into The House, The Temple of the Living God, and search for edible colorful 🍉 🍐🍋🍍🥝🥝🍇🍇! How many did you find? Did you win a trophy or other award?

Lets make our thoughts thoughtful?

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