TRANSPLANTING …
                                          – Gail Rodgers

The flowers are doing well in their new location.  I wasn’t sure when I dug them up if they would flourish under the shadow
of the eves.  Sometimes I have transplanted my flowers and they seem to wilt at first.  Then the roots start to tap into the new soil and a fresh crop of flowers grows.

God sometimes transplants us.  Often we aren’t sure the new location won’t simply be a place where we will just wilt.  Yet 
God can be trusted to do what is best.  He sometimes picks us up from a familiar spot and we find ourselves in new  situations or even locations and we feel fragile.

Every transplanted flower takes a bit of the old dirt with it … dirt that protects the roots and gives nourishment as the
plant re-roots itself in new soil.  When God transplants us we also take with us some of the ground we have grown in.   We 
take the lessons learned and the memories made.  We take with us the experiences of trusting God and of finding Him
faithful. These things become part of the new soil as we put down new roots.

When God transplants us we can be sure the season will be right. We can trust His choice of the spot in His garden where just the right amount of sun and shade will help us flourish.  We can know He will bring new blossoms to our lives even when we feel we are wilting in all the change.

“He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season…” (Psalm 1:3). 

If you find yourself in a new place in life and feel like you are wilting, stop and consider these points so you can grow in new ways …

  Embrace the change.  Quit struggling and allow your roots to go down into your new soil knowing your Heavenly Father will nourish you in this new place.

  Recall His faithfulness to you in the other times and places in your life.  His track record is sure and He will not leave you in a sun scorched place to wither.

 Look for things to praise God about in your new place. Praise will help hasten the new blossoms in your life. 

 Enjoy each day as a gift from Him.

Father God,
Forgive me for resisting the changes You are bringing into my life.
Let my roots go down deep into Your faithfulness and love.
Bring Your fragrance through me to this new place and bring new growth to my life.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

I do pray that you’re all enjoying your week so far.  Here, the sun has been shining … the skies have been beautiful, and we’ve had a couple of days to dry out here in the state, but it’s a bit cloudy now, and we’re expecting more rain soon … the clean up south of us has begun, and we’re praying for a miracle that any rain pass us all by, this time.  I also spoke to Ian yesterday morning … there were some fires burning near Monterey, and Salinas, California … he could see the smoke from them.  We’re all praying that they get them under control, and they don’t get any closer to where he is.  Mom Betty is battling bronchitis … and not doing too well … they’ve been treating her, but she doesn’t seem to be getting better.  Again, we’d so appreciate your prayers for her, the weather here, and the fires out in Calilfornia.  There’s is so much comfort in knowing someone is standing with you in prayer when there is a need.  Thank you for all the prayers you’ve sent our way! 

There is some happy news … we became a great aunt, and uncle, at 2:59pm, Tuesday afternoon.  God blessed our niece, and her sweet husband, Josh, with a beautiful little girl, Rylie Elizabeth … weighing in at 6 pounds-even, and 20 inches long.  Mom & baby are doing quite well!  I was a little concerned about that birth weight, but they are both small themselves.  I want to get over there to take photos to share soon.  Babies are fun to photograph.  I would have loved to have been there during the birth, but things happened pretty fast.  It’s Josh & Lindsey’s first child, and they are so happy … not to mention my brother and sister-in-law … Rylie is their first grandchild, and they couldn’t be more pleased!  She’s headed home today with that special little bundle.  Also, Tim and his family made it back safe and sound yesterday … your prayers were much appreciated for them, as well … that was a definitely long trip home!  Well, I need to go get more soap ready to go to the antique mall today … it’s selling very well down there this month, and that’s more good news … yes, we are in the midst of some trials, but still, there is so much more to be thankful to our Father for! 

 THE RAIN OF HIS SPIRIT

Thank Him for the storms that break open the dry, parched ground and allow the renewing rain of His Spirit to pour into our lives … It’s the weight of the wind and the force of the storm that make deep, sturdy roots and strong solid trees.  “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots bv the stream.  – Jeremiah 17:7-8 

I pray you all have a most blessed day!
 
  Hugs.
              ~ Deborah <><