Archive for the ‘Not just stories’ Category

Trees are truly amazing. They are just one those “things” that make believing in the existence of God a win-win scenario. They sprout out of small at times tiny seeds, yet a tree, can grow to be so tall, one has to look up to it. The trunk of a tree can get so wide around, that it takes several people to surround its girth.

Now, why am I even writing or thinking about trees, you ask? Well, I thought, how awesome of God to have thought of trees with such detail and how HE has equipped trees to not just survive but thrive and multiply.

Trees are known to be naturally resilient when native to the area they are planted. Some trees even have perfected a way of “talking” with their fellows. There are trees in Africa that Kudu (an antelope) and other plant-grazing animals are fond of eating. Yet, these trees have a way of surviving. Whenever, leaves of a tree are eaten, it sends off an aroma that warns other trees in the area that the “grazers” are there. It then, along with the forewarned trees, release a form of toxin into their leaves that give the grazers, a form of indigestion or tummy ache, if you will. Therefore, the animals know when to stop eating, and the trees on the other hand, continue to propagate.

Aren’t we created in HIS own image and likeness? So how much more equipped are we to deal with situations we find ourselves in? We have been blessed with so much more than what trees have, surely we can hope and try our best to be more of a blessing.

No matter what our situation in life may be, there is always room for a few more friends and strangers to share our blessings with. There is always something we can share, that somehow will help lift others up be it our past experiences or current “worries”. Even when we are at our lowest, there is at least one other person out there that we can help. By letting them see our pain and how it helps us grow more in our faith, they too are blessed – to do better, be better, and find comfort and hope in the Lord.

Every tree is different and has something different to offer. One tree may offer shade to the weary traveler; another may offer its fruit to the hungry; still another may have roots and leaves that heal the wounded. Some trees offer beauty while some offer themselves as wood to build with, cook with and flavor food as well.

We are just like trees in this way. Each one of us is different with different things to offer. We are created to co-exist with one another through our differences. We grow at different rates and in different ways.

God created us to be more than just “trees” though. Most of the time, we are not to be stuck in one spot to serve our purpose. We are to give of ourselves not just through our strengths but in our weaknesses, too. We, have to be uprooted at times, from the comfortable surroundings we know. This is so that we can grow more, become more of the person we always hoped to be and God created us to become – joyful, peaceful, free, blessed and a blessing to others.

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Life can be so full of troublesome instances wherein one can get so fed up with the day to day struggle. A person can always try to do his or her best and still end up wanting.

Life happens. Whether it is your hair acting up or it’s your child ruining your favorite outfit then proceeding to shave her brother’s hair off; or yourself burning the food by accident because the baby needed a diaper change; or you can’t get a job because you are not qualified enough or over qualified for the position; or you cannot sell enough of something to make ends meet.

Whether you have in-laws that meddle; or in-laws that don’t care at all; or your boss thinks he or she owns you; or you are always misunderstood; or you don’t ever have enough time to do what needs to be done; or you are in a relationship that is ruining your life and haven’t the strength or means to get out; or you just feel alone and insignificant–LIFE still goes on.

There are things beyond our control. Hard to believe and accept specially for those who are like myself then (too opinionated, do it my way or the highway type). But, it is true. It is only when one lets go and submits one’s self to God that things tend to happen for the better. Every load seems lighter; burdens seem to disappear; you and your whole persona is transformed when you let God run your life.

So why not submit your will to God. Let go and Let God’s will be done.

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1 cup humility
1 cup generosity
a dash of entertainment
1 cup each of patience and kindness
a gallon of faith
2 cups honesty
1 pint hope
a pinch of family ties
a bunch of love

Mix all together; strain and throw out any signs of jealousy or pride. Pour onto one’s plate of servanthood and prayers. Garnish with a handful of friendship. Serve with a warm smile and a drink of peace, spiced with laughter.

Enjoy!

(recipe courtesy of yldara/m.stanphill by the grace of GOD – 68/2005)

Christ being the center of one’s existence does wonders to the joy of living one’s life that’s why the recipe calls for a gallon of faith (quite more than any other ingredient). Also, one can never serve the drink of peace without knowing the peace that comes only from God. Be blessed and be a blessing y’all!

Today, I am counting my blessings. I woke up with my whole family and was able to breathe. I woke up on a bed instead of some street or an alley somewhere. We have a roof that does not leak. We have clothes on our backs. Today, we will have food to cook and eat. We will not go hungry.

Today, I have problems that seem insurmountable, yet I have hope that something good will happen and somehow we will be okay. I will cry because I am broken but God will fix me and make me whole again. My head will swim with worries but God’s mercy will prevail, and I will have peace. I will realize who my real friends are, and know they will stay loyal and true.

Today, I will for a moment, feel insignificant and worthless. But my husband, children, friends and family will tell me “I love you” in their own ways, and I will be reassured. I will go through moments of despair, about what could have been. Then, I will see what I have been truly blessed with, in a much better light.

Today, I will be able to pray and live my faith without fear of persecution. I will not know where we are going to be at tomorrow. But as long as my family and I are together, “where” does not really matter. I will lose my temper on certain things and situations, yet somehow it’ll all work out. I will not have all the answers, but I am equipped to give it my very best try.

Today, I will need God more in my life. Tomorrow, I will have more blessings to count, and I will count on God some more.

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