The Good and the Not-So-Good

In my shaded front yard, there is some grass that is stubborn enough to try growing where in a few more days there will be almost no sunshine. Even wild violets and white clover (weeds to real lawn people) are more desirable, I think, than the weedy grass that sticks up more than a foot above anything else. I have elected to deal with it by grubbing it out by hand. Wouldn't it be easier to spray the whole area with Roundup and start over? Yes, it might, but there are some things growing—like the vinca minor I planted as ground cover last year, and the violets and clover until I'm ready to replace them. I don't want to destroy what I've already done by getting rid of everything.

That reminded me of Jesus' parable about the tares (weeds) and wheat:

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.

The farmer’s workers went to him and said, "Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?"

"An enemy has done this!" the farmer exclaimed.

“Should we pull out the weeds?" they asked.

“No," he replied, "you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.” Matthew 13:24-30)

The problems in our society are so obvious and so serious that some people would like to just pull up our educational system, our politicized government, and even our religious institutions by their roots. As it is now, they believe, things are hopeless. But the result of such action—were it even possible—would be sheer chaos. No, we sometimes have to let the "weeds" grow too or else we will destroy what is good and necessary in our effort to eliminate the undesirable.

God will eventually sort out the weeds. We can trust Him with that job.

MaryMartha

Scripture quotation is taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/

The Reasonable God

Sometimes in the Old Testament stories of God's dealings with His people there are little glimpses of His character tucked into the narrative. I have no idea how many times I've read the instructions for worship that God gave to the priests and the people, but re-reading again the other day I discovered one such revealing light.

The children of Israel had now been out of Egypt for a year, and God told Moses it was time to celebrate the Passover—the "passing-over" by the Angel of Death. One of the regulations was that touching a dead body made one ceremonially unclean and thus not able to participate in the worship celebration.

But there were some men among them who had touched a dead body; perhaps they had just buried a loved one, or attended someone whose illness resulted in death. There was not time for them to fulfill the proper procedure for cleansing. They came to Moses and Aaron with their dilemma. "We have become ceremonially unclean by touching a dead body. But why should we be prevented from presenting our Passover offerings at the proper time with all the rest of our people?"

Moses answered, "Wait here while I go ask the Lord about this."

And this was what God replied. "Any people now—or in future generations—who are ceremonially unclean because they have touched a dead body may still celebrate the Lord's Passover. Or if they are on a journey and cannot be present at the ceremony, they too may participate. Their celebration can be held one month later, on the same day and in the very same way. But those who are present and able must follow the normal regulations." (This story is in Numbers 9.) I was struck with how reasonable God was to make this arrangement for those who desired to keep His law, but were prevented from doing so by circumstances they couldn't help.

Considering God "reasonable" doesn't mean that I think we can understand Him. His ways are not our ways, and our thoughts are not like His. But He is compassionate towards us, providing ways for us to make right our shortcomings. "My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous." (I John 2:1)

MaryMartha

Scripture quotation is taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/

Weeds

Grass is good, right? And the blooming redbud trees are good too, aren't they?

Yes, except where I want to plant ferns, hosta, and lamium. So then "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" in the garden as it is elsewhere. When grass and redbud sprouts grow where I don't want them, they are "weeds" even though they're not ugly.

Weeds, whether they are dandelions and henbit or a nice ground cover like vinca minor that's gone crazy, have to be dealt with. They compete with more desirable plants for water and nutrients and for space to grow. They're not unlike the many things in our busy lives, calling for our attention. Sometimes "good" is the enemy of "best."

"Good friend, take to heart what I'm telling you; collect my counsels and guard them with your life. Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding. That's right—if you make Insight your priority, and won't take no for an answer, searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt, believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours; you'll have come upon the Knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:1-5)

MaryMartha

Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/

Loving in Deed

This morning before seven o'clock a crew began arriving at the big two-story house across the street. A huge bin was delivered from the trash hauling company (and carried away full, three times.) A motorized lift sat in the driveway, there so that a painter could reach the high gables. Men arrived in pickup trucks and SUV's with chain saws and ladders, women with paint rollers and hedge clippers until by 10:00, there were over thirty workers on hand. They were part of a city-wide effort by local churches to "love" our city by cleaning, painting, and doing other jobs that improve the living in our hometown. Thousands of volunteers from around thirty-five local churches united in service and outreach to the poor, elderly, or disabled as well as to public properties such as parks and schools.

This endeavor to show Christ's love in a visible way was carefully planned, beginning several weeks ago. From time to time today, I observed what I can only call a transformation in progress. Maybe this was not an "extreme makeover" in the TV sense of the word, but it's probably as close as we'll ever see on the street where I live! Amazing! But the crew didn't stop with painting the whole house, hauling off old furniture, and clearing away a lot of brush. They also did some new landscaping with beautiful shrubs to dress up the front of the house and a stepping stone path through the back yard to the dog house!

John, the Apostle of Love, wrote "Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." (I John 3:18) I saw that demonstrated in such a fine way across the street today.

MaryMartha

Scripture quotation is taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/

April Showers

Since I took the day off from work to continue my yard project (see the previous two entries), it rained, of course! In between the April showers, I continued the "extreme makeover"!

My street is lined with redbud trees, and I have one in my own front yard. They are covered with bloom and just beginning to show a few green leaves. After a rather heavy burst of rain, I saw the ground covered with their petals, like purple snowflakes! "It isn't raining rain, you know. It's raining—well, redbud flowers."

No great spiritual truth here, just appreciation of the surprises God provides in the natural world.

MaryMartha

Art from http:www.sxc.hu/

Figure the Cost

As I worked on my "lawn" project (see yesterday's post, How Does My Garden Grow?), I begin to realize just how much bigger it is than I could foresee. It is more time-consuming, harder work, and more costly than I anticipated. But just so you know—I'm not quitting!

This afternoon's experience reminded me of one of Jesus' teachings. "Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: 'He started something he couldn't finish.' " (Luke 14:28-30) Each person must consider the cost of following Jesus before beginning, for it involves taking up one's cross. We must count the cost first. I'm so glad that I chose long ago to walk with Him until we've finished the job—whatever that takes.

Working in the yard is a serious endeavor for me, considering that often God talks to me there.

MaryMartha

Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Art from http:www.sxc.hu/

How Does My Garden Grow?

MaryMartha, MaryMartha,

How does your garden grow?

With moneywort and bleeding heart
And pretty rocks all in a row.

– My version of the old nursery rhyme.

When the trees are fully leafed out, my front yard—I won't dignify it by calling it a "lawn"—is in deep shade. When I first lived in this home, the trees were still small and didn't prevent sunlight from reaching the ground. Now it is a different story; the grass won't grow. Well, yes, the folks at the garden center told me there were actually grasses that would grow in the shade, but I would be constantly re-seeding. (Besides mowing!) So I decided if I can't grow grass, I will grow rocks. I am deep into the project of placing pebbles and rocks and plants that love the shade.

The people who know about such things say that gardening failures are mostly due to the gardener expecting things to grow under conditions that are not suitable. Like shade for a plant that needs lots of sunlight, or too much sun for one that likes to be kept cool. Like poor soil for plants that need lots of nourishment. Like sub-zero winters for tender perennials. If I know what certain plants need, I should be able—barring things like hail storms—to grow them successfully.

While I was working today, I remembered an old quartette song written by Mosie Lister, "My Jesus knows just what I need." He understands exactly what will stimulate my growth and make my life "bloom" with Christian virtues.

MaryMartha

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/

God's Finest Creation

Edit 4/21/10: Having seen the billboard again, I realize that it states "God's Finest Creation . . . " instead of "Greatest" and have edited this entry accordingingly.

I saw a large billboard the other day, installed by our state pro-life organization. It pictured a happy, adorable child, and the message was, "God's finest creation—a baby!"

Babies really are miracles. With all the things that can possibly go wrong, it's a miracle that healthy babies are born every day! With all the perils of childhood, it's another miracle that they grow into adults who can then perpetuate the race!

But I don't think they are absolutely God's finest creation. (Please don't accuse me of being anti-baby—I love 'em!) But God doesn't have to make a separate creation of each of the new babies, little Adam's and Eve's made from clay or ribs. Human beings, like the rest of God's bio-creation, have reproduction as part of the Divine plan, and they are capable of "bringing forth according to [their] kind." Life itself is certainly a gift of God, but it does not take special action on His part to begin its formation, in fact, it often happens quite unintentionally!


The greater creation, I think, begins with the second birth. For each "baby Christian" born into the kingdom of God, it is a miracle of being re-created. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (II Corinthians 5:17 NIV) No amount of hoping and planning results in the new birth, and neither are people accidentally brought into the Kingdom. "They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God." (John 1:13 NLT) It's a miracle of love and grace—God's finest creation!


MaryMartha


Scripture quotation marked NIV is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture quotation marked NLT is taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/

Theora Won!

I read the obituaries in the local newspaper on a regular basis, because I have now lived long enough in this community that I am acquainted with some of the people whose death notices are printed there. Very often the loved one is honored with words along the line of "On Tuesday morning, Margaret lost her courageous battle with a brain tumor," or "Albert lost his long fight with heart disease." Recently a friend shared a message from a member of her extended family, a man who had just said "goodbye" to his life's companion.

In preparing for her final journey, this woman told her husband at breakfast only weeks before she died, "Don't ever say Theora lost the battle to cancer!" With a bit of fire in her gentle eyes and a feisty tone to her quiet voice, she explained that cancer may have broken her body beyond repair, but she wanted everyone to know that Theora—her soul, her spirit, the very essence of her being—won!

So on the night that she died, this man wrote, "As she wanted, I will tell you clearly, tonight she has left her broken body behind and has been ushered into the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah! Theora won!"

As the Scripture reminds us, death is the last enemy we face on our earthly journey, but that does not mean it is the victor! "Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death." (Hebrews 2:14) So Jesus "broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News." (II Timothy 1:10)

Yes, Theora died. So shall we all. And because Jesus lives, we too shall live!

We win!

MaryMartha

Theora's family has kindly granted their permission to share her final testimony specifically on this blog. Please do not copy or re-distribute this post without their permission, which you may request by email through the address in my profile.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/ by jschutt

More Pruning

I have been pruning my old rose bush this morning. It is the size of a small tree, much taller than I—although that's not saying a whole lot! I've never see a bush (tree?) quite like it, loaded throughout the summer with pink blooms. Because it is so tall and so wide, I've never given it much care other than to cut off the long canes that were in the way when mowing. Today I decided to do some real pruning. I cut out a lot of dead branches, and some green ones too because they tangled with others. A third of the bush, perhaps, is gone now.

It isn't easy for me cut away living parts of plants. "I'm cutting off future flowers," I tell myself. "This twig is alive. So what it it's in the way? It might be beautiful eventually."

Then I remember: If I want more of that same satisfying beauty from the bush, it is important to free the plant’s growth energies. Removing the old and tired makes way for the new and fresh.

Gardening speaks God’s truth to me. Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” Much fruit, He said, or lots and lots of roses in the garden of my life. And does Jesus come walking through to prune the plants there, removing what is old and faded and drooping? Indeed, He does! "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)

I could understand if the Lord of my life lopped off the branches that aren’t bearing anything. That makes sense. But having fruit-bearing branches pruned is painful, and I've been known to argue!

-- “Lord, You were with me from the beginning of this project, weren't you? Why should I now turn it over to someone else, just when I’m beginning to see the results of my effort?”

-- “Lord, I’ve been involved for a long time now in this part of Your work. What will people think if I tell them I have shifted some of my priorities and I’m not able to serve in this particular way any longer?”

-- “Lord, You gave this work to me. What's the matter? Why aren’t You pleased?”

Then He reminds me, “I am not unhappy with what your life has produced. I am pleased with your love and service. I'm only encouraging further production!”

He'd like more roses, if you will. So then, I gladly trust my life to the Lord of Gardens. (He planted the very first one, after all.) He alone knows how to produce beauty and abundance in my life.

MaryMartha

You might enjoy reading "Pruning" here.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/

Things Mama Taught Me: "Don't Run with Scissors"

I don't suppose it's easy to deal with the injuries that six children can inflict upon themselves or one another. But prevention is preferable to repair, so my mother tried at least to warn us. Running in the house was, to begin with, not permitted, but to run while carrying some sharp object called for a stern reminder. While painful damage can be done by crashing into a table or slipping on a rug, that still is minor compared to a deep stab wound or worse, the loss of an eye. We had to learn to handle helpful, but potentially dangerous, things with special care.

That is still true in our adult lives; there are some things where dangers exist side by side with benefits. The vehicles we drive are an example. Used without caution, they are lethal monsters on the highway. Guns, prescription drugs, and poisonous weed killers have to be handled responsibly. Fire, natural gas, and the water coming from the garden hose have to be controlled

Cell phones, internet access, and all kinds of reading material—what would we do without them? But wise use, and sometimes even restraint, is needed in order to keep usefulness outweighing the possible negative results

Food, sleep, and sex are life-enhancing. Out of balance with the rest of life, though, they can become controlling and addictive. Money, power and prestige, material possessions and personal charm all have great benefits, but only when they are subject to responsible stewardship.

It may be comfortable or convenient for a child who always runs everywhere to also run when he/she is carrying scissors. And it may seem temporarily to our advantage to leave caution aside when we handle things that have potential for harm. We must then keep in mind the admonition, "Don't run with scissors."

Because prevention is infinitely preferable to repair.

MaryMartha

You might also like "Things Mama Taught Me: Don't Play with Fire" here.

Art from htp://www.sxc.hu/

The Life Inside

Just a few days ago, when I looked at the spot where I'd planted some new bulbs last fall, I saw nothing but bare dirt and brown leaves. Grass (and weeds too) were thriving nearby, but I was feeling somewhat anxious about the lack of new shoots where I expected to see them.

I shouldn't have worried! A few warm days, and they are now breaking through the soil. Hooray! I wrote about resurrection in my pre-Easter post, but this is different. This is brand new growth bursting from inside the dry-appearing, brown "clods" I buried months ago. There was life hidden inside, waiting for the right time to show itself. Growth is a mysterious process, isn't it?

We too have life hidden inside us, and it is even more exciting to contemplate. The Apostle Paul called it a "mystery," but he had a special grasp of its meaning to believers down through the ages. "This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. [He was writing to an audience who was not Jewish.] And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory." Paul was anxious to see growth too. "And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 1:26, 27; 2:6, 7)
Although we may appear somewhat "clod-like" at times, let's remember what we have inside, waiting for the right time to show itself. Jesus, our Lord!

MaryMartha

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/

Resurrection

I can see beautiful symbolism in my spring bulbs bursting into bloom. All winter, they have been lying dormant, a necessary stage in the life of a perennial plant. With Easter coming in April this year, the timing is perfect. Daffodils and hyacinths are full-flowered; tulips will come along shortly. They are a picture of resurrection, and a reminder to celebrate Christ's victory—and therefore our victory—often! Regrettably, we sing "Christ Arose" only at Easter! The hymn was composed by Robert Lowry, 1826–1899, an American professor of literature, a Baptist minister and composer of gospel songs and hymns.

Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus my Lord!

Chorus:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

MaryMartha

Art from http://www.sxc.hu/