Friday, October 21, 2011

Lessons from a Blackberry Vine

I have a problem with blackberries. Not the yummy ones I put in cobbler, the wild blackberry vine that is trying its best to take over my yard.

It has been a bitter war and there have been casualties, namely my pretty hydrangea. While I've spent countless hours battling my dreaded invader I've had plenty of time to ruminate on something.

Sin is a whole lot like that blackberry vine. Here are some of the similarities I've come up with.



  • Trying to get rid of it is painful.

  • It doesn't want to go.

  • You can easily break off little pieces, but when that's all you do the root remains.

  • The thorns get bigger and it's harder to get to as you get closer to the root problem.

  • Sometimes the branches that others see look like they've died but down at the bottom and in the roots it's still growing.

  • It invades whatever is around it until it choked it out and eventually kills it.

  • It can only be stopped by the gardener's intervention.

  • It costs the gardener effort, time, and it is a painful process for the gardener.

  • Once it's gone, however, it's better for the other plants.

  • The children no longer have to look out for its thorns.

  • And after the tangled mess is cleared away, you find hidden treasures that were lost.

  • And there's room for beautiful new things to blossom.

Hope your garden is weed free!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Question

This is the question I encountered this morning in my Bible study's guidebook.

What do you think about the idea of living for God and having your life be an offering to Him?

My response?

It is my goal for each day but often fails to be my reality.

We live each day by the grace of God.

We should also live each day for the glory of God.

What say you?

Monday, October 10, 2011

Why Yes, I Am Still Alive

I know, it's been a looooooooong time since I posted. At least it feels that way to me. Oh the guilt that I have toted around for that but there's been stuff going on and my mind just wasn't in it.

Where was my mind? I don't know, I lost it.

No, really I was sick. First a month long bought of respiratory infection and then, just when I'm feeling well, I get some shockeroo news.

My iron levels were plummeting. There was blood in my stool. They were referring me to a specialist.

Not great news for someone with a strong family history of colon cancer.

Anyway, after the drinking of the medicine (I never want anything cherry flavored again) and the ordeal of the prep (which didn't seem as bad as the cherry drink), I had my colonoscopy.

They didn't find anything we expected. I got an A-OK from the doctor. Actually, I stayed awake and watched the whole thing. I wanted to see for myself. It wasn't the dreaded experience I thought it'd be.

I know the great outcome was due to all of those who were praying. I went in prepared for the worst and got surprised with good news. My other bloodwork came back good as well.

For now, I'm coming off of some of my iron and waiting to see if it stays up in the normal range.

And in other news, I cut off my hair. Well actually it was Sandy my hairdresser. But I like it. It just takes some getting used to. No pix today. It's raining and my hair's curly crazy. I'll save that post for another day.

Speaking of the rainy weather, it's making me crave chili. The rain and Jen's beautiful fall post. Be sure to check out her blog. She takes the best pictures.

That's all for me for now. Enough news for one day.

I'll meet you back here tomorrow.