In the Depths of the Falls

March 30, 2015March 29, 2015 / The WheatandTares / 1 Comment

I saw a glimpse of something today. We took a little hike to Amicalola Falls and were standing on the bridge, looking up at the falls when I saw it. Looking up, this song started rolling over and over in my mind, and before I realized it, I was softly singing:

Peace, peace, wonderful peace

Coming down from the Father above

Sweep over my spirit forever I pray

In fathomless billows of love

As I stood there, listening to the waters rush over the rocks and tumble down below, I began to really see it…The rocks were solid, strong, unyielding. There were sharp places and dark places…green, squishy patches and dry, splotchy parts…even some spots with crackly, dry weeds. Yet, where the water flowed, the rocks were smooth and even shiny, almost like jewels glistening in the sun. The waters rushed over the edge at one place and trickled down, hardly noticeable in another. Sometimes, it would bounce and jump, almost seeming to dance in laughter off the rocks, and in others, that same water swirled and pooled, making little collections of shimmery basins in which you could’ve cooled and refreshed your feet. The falls were simply beautiful, invigorating and peaceful, inviting and overwhelming, all in the same breath.

As I stood there, tears streaming down my face, I could see the depths of my very soul. The rocks are the image of my soul. It’s solid, strong, and unyielding, sometimes for very good reasons, sometimes for not so good. The water is the Living Water of God. It washes my heart, cleanses my mind and purifies my soul. It causes the green patches of soft, squishy grass to grow.Those are the places where I’m tender and soft toward the things of God. I’m pliable, moldable, easily moved and quickly changed. These are the places where I long to stay, to learn, to grow.

Yet, there are other areas where it’s not so sweet. His water has to smooth out the sharp, ragged, painful places, those places we’d rather not talk about, those pains we’d just as soon forget. He pours over those jagged rocks of my soul to bring life, restoration and joy.

I was reminded, in that moment, all our souls are in this similar state of being. Some are more, some are less, but we all have sharp, jagged rocks that need His soothing. We all have dark places, those things which are ugly and hidden from the world that need His cleansing. Each one of us has a dry spot or two that needs more water and oh, those pesky weedy areas that are in such need of His purifying. Every one of us has a need for so many more of those soft, squishy, green patches, those places where His love and mercy abide. Our soul longs for those times when we are fully immersed in His goodness and grace.

You see, when we let Jesus into our soul, His rivers of Living Water rush into our lives to show us His love, His grace, His mercy, those things which He’s just been waiting to pour out. Sometimes, the water is so loud, so consuming, we can’t even contain it or comprehend it. Other times, He lets it trickle down a forgotten path, one we thought we’d pushed far into the past to a place never to be seen or remembered again. Yet, He gently lets His waters flow, washing over those places, drawing us back, soothing our soul.

Just as these falls towered before me, His Living Water towers over our souls. He cleanses us, changes us, and transforms us into a beautiful spectacle for all to see. As we allow His water to wash over the depths of our being, we will know He is God. We will know He loves us; we will experience His grace, and we will be transformed into a new creation. We will become a beautiful waterfall that others will gaze upon and feel refreshed, invigorated, challenged and changed. They will gain strength and wisdom as they see what the Lord has done in our life. Many will long for the same as they see the place where He abides. All we must do is allow His Holy Spirit, His Living Waters to flow into and through our lives. Will you let Him flow today?

“…And let anyone drink who believes in me.” As Scripture has said, “Out of him (or them) will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

The reflection

January 14, 2015January 13, 2015 / The WheatandTares

What is in a reflection?

A face

A memory

A smile

A tear

All the changes through the years.

The light is changing.

The light is bright.

Let your life shine tonight.

It’s a New Tradition

January 3, 2015November 22, 2018 / The WheatandTares / 4 Comments

To be honest, I have always been kind of against going out to eat on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day. I was always of the opinion you should be at home for those meals, carrying on the traditions of family. You see, I grew up with the traditions of home, family, and living out the legacy of that family. When I was young, we would have great big gatherings at my grandparents’ home; all of the family would be there! It was kind of like a homecoming. See, I have always been an only child, but my three cousins, and my grandmother’s three sisters and husbands, with all their children, would come; so, we would end up with a house full! No one would want to miss. Those were some great times. I never felt alone or left out, and it was, as if, we were just one great big, happy family!

As I’ve grown older, things have changed, and our family has grown distant over miles and time. I, now, live in a different state, as several others do, and there have been those, within our family, who have experienced divorce and death. These things change people; they change the dynamics of a close-knit family, and our family has somewhat drifted.

However, late in 2012, my husband and I were down for a holiday, and we decided to try to get everyone together at “the old homestead” where my grandmother still lives. We had a “dessert” get together, because many had things to do, and there were lots of children involved. So, we gathered for desserts, coffee and fellowship. It was so fun! Granted, it wasn’t the same as years gone by, and not everyone who used to come was there, but those who could, came, and old friendships were rekindled, new ones were made, and our children got to experience the togetherness from which each of us were raised. My husband and I decided, from now on, whenever we were back “home,” we’d make a point to do this again. It was a great “new tradition” that was made.

This Christmas, my husband, boys and I were with my parents and grandmother for a few days in TN, and we decided to try another “new tradition.” We went out to a restaurant for our Christmas Day meal. It was different, and it was wonderful!! You see, the last several years, we have tried to pull together a huge traditional meal at my mother’s house, and, for various reasons that I won’t go into, it has always been a struggle. We have each ended up frustrated and ill at one another, and it has never really seemed to have work out as each of us had hoped it would. Last year, my grandmother said, “I’m not doing this (the meal) again!” So, this Christmas, I remembered that statement, and we worked to change the norm. We found a really nice, upscale restaurant in town that would be open on Christmas Day. We were seated by the beautiful stone fireplace, and we could see the city streets as shoppers passed by on their merry way. We had steaks, baked potatoes, prime rib and shrimp. Everything was wonderful! The fellowship with one another was the best it’s been in years, and we didn’t have to clean up afterwards, either! …That was simply awesome! 😉

Later, when we got back to the house to enjoy homemade desserts and open presents together, my eighty-five year old grandmother called us all together for an “executive meeting.” We were each nervous at first, because she doesn’t normally do that, and we thought we might be in trouble! (Haha!) She said, “I want us all to decide, right now, that from now on, when we come together for a holiday, we go out to eat! …even after I’m gone, you do this!!” We all laughed, mostly from the relief of not being in trouble, and we all said, “I second…yes, Ma’am!” The rest of the day was simply wonderful as we spent time sharing together and watching as the children tore into their gifts. It was a great Christmas Day!

I wrote this to share with you how traditions can be made in all kinds of ways. Your family is going to be different than mine, and our traditions may be totally opposites, but as long as they work for you and your family, that is what really matters. As long as your traditions bring your families together and draws out the love and comraderie among you, that’s what’s important!

So, make a new tradition this year or simply keep an old one! Just be together at those important times, and make those memories that will last for all times. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. We don’t know who will be at the next family celebration, and who might have said goodbye by then; so, make the moments count. Cherish one another, and if an old tradition just doesn’t seem to work now for the family as a whole, think about trying a new one. Keeping traditions, only for the sake of the tradition, especially, when it is only tearing your family apart, is not really worth it. Traditions are made to make people stronger, to take relationships deeper and to bring wisdom, character and love into the family. When a tradition only brings strife, chaos and division, it’s either time for some heart changes, or its time for a new tradition! I’m so glad we made ours! 🙂

Random Thoughts…

December 2, 2014December 2, 2014 / The WheatandTares / 1 Comment

Wrote this on Thanksgiving morning but failed to post until today.

…just a “random thought” I was having, but maybe you can relate…
I wasn’t going to post today, not because I’m not thankful, but rather, because I posted my “thankful blog” yesterday, and today, we’re going to spend the whole day with family. However, presently, we are in the car, in our way to the family gathering, and we’re late! We’re almost always late, and I hate it.

I know I should be thankful today, and I am, I really am (If you don’t believe me, just look at my LONG grateful list from yesterday)! However, I guess, I just get so frustrated at myself when I am late to a family event, or any other event for that matter. When you’re late, everyone that was there on time, or even early, has to wait on you, and it is an incredible waste of their time. I wish that I did not have late in my “make-up,” and I could blame it on my upbringing (my mom is notoriously late). I could blame it on my kids. I could blame it on the weather, but it wasn’t raining today, and really, it just comes back to me. I simply try to pack too many things into a small window of time, and I should just step back, prioritize and focus on the main thing: to be on time!

So, for this Thanksgiving Day, I will say I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to recognize my faults, and I have the opportunity to change. I am thankful I have a loving husband and family who love regardless of tardiness. I am thankful I have a family with whom to gather today, to eat till my tummy is stuffed, and a warm home to enjoy the festivities. I am thankful for a Savior who loves me and refuses to leave me where I am…He is always challenging my heart to be more like Him day after day.

So, I say, “Happy Thanksgiving” to all who are celebrating today, and “Happy Day” to those who are not! I hope you have a very blessed one! 🙂

…random thoughts from a thankful heart…

Help Me To See

November 20, 2014November 18, 2014 / The WheatandTares

I look in the mirror and see my own face.

I tend to neglect the needy to embrace.

I listen intently to hear my own voice.

I seem to ignore the hurting that need to rejoice.

I go my own way, busy in my own life,

Forgetting You’ve called me to be a good wife.

I run from here to there, scurrying to get the job done,

Neglecting You’ve told me to raise my young son.

I read in Your Word to always put Jesus first,

Believing that I do until I realize my own thirst.

I hear from Your servants, “Never make idols to love,”

Believing that I don’t until I recognize what they’ve become.

Change me and my perspective. Make me what You desire.

Draw me out and cleanse me from this filthy mire.

Transform this mind into the intellect You have planned.

Make this heart as malleable as the shifting sand.

I need Your touch; I need Your grace.

I long to feel your sweet embrace.

I long to walk beside You, hand in hand.

I thirst for Your righteousness and Your promise land.

Be my strength and my ever-present Light.

Be my focus and be my heart’s delight.

Be my reason to face each new day.

Be my guide and show me every step of Your way.

Help me to see those around me in need.

Open my ears to hear those who want to be freed,

Cause my hands to reach out to those in sin.

Give me the boldness to tell them how to change from what they’ve been.

Penned – MG – 6/29/02

Goal Setting: Blogging 201

October 23, 2014October 23, 2014 / The WheatandTares

Okay, so I’m starting a little late this week on Blogging 201, but I suppose it’s “better late than never!” 🙂

The questions presented are, “Why Do I Blog?” and “What Goals Do I Have for this Blog?” I suppose the summation of this answer can be found here. I began this blog, because, for years now, I have kept personal journals of random thoughts, endless “stories” about my days, and countless hopes and dreams about the future, as well as, separate journals of poems I have written over the years, and I felt it was maybe time to share these musings with others. I have endured some pain through the years, and I have enjoyed many days of laughter, too. I have learned many lessons through the sorrows and the joy, and I hope to be an inspiration to someone who searches for truth, an encouragement to someone who doubts and maybe even a ray of hope to someone who has lost all hope. … Do I have all the answers? Not by any stretch, but I do know I have found a Truth in whom I can believe, an everlasting Hope of which I can rest assured, and a Solid Rock upon which I can stand. I know that I have learned so much in my short years of living, and I’m still seeking for more…wisdom and moments of true life. I know I have a man with whom I am madly in love (as he is with me); we have two very lively boys with whom, on a daily basis, we cherish incredible adventures, and, regardless of the circumstances that may arise, we try to live in a place of contentment and peace. So, I blog in hopes of sharing these things which I have found to be anchors in my life, and I blog just for the “fun” of sharing with others a little bit about my findings in this adventure called life.

So, in stating all of this, I need to set some goals for this blog in order to reach beyond where I am today. I have heard it said, “A man with a goal is like a ship without a rudder.” (1) and “Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” (2) These quotes are so true, and they are so easily “preached” to others; yet, when I began this blog, I was hesitant to state my goals for fear they would be seen as too lofty or to lowly by others. So, when I saw this as the first assignment of the Blogging 201, honestly, I hesitated to continue. Then, I rebuked my own laziness and decided this was a really good assignment for me, and so, here I am!

3 Goals to Accomplish by January 31, 2015:

1. Consistently post on my blog at least twice weekly.

2. Gain 100 followers by January 31, 2015.

3. Spend one hour each week visiting my followers’ blogs, reading their posts, and commenting on their work, from now until January 31, 2015.

Whew! That’s done. Now, it’s official! I’ve set 3 goals. Now, I must be persistent in reaching them…I feel like giving myself a high-five. Ha ha.

(3)

Ps. While we’re on the thought of goal setting…..Why is setting goals so difficult??

I believe it’s because of 3 things (at least from my vantage point):

1. We’re too lazy to actually think and put action behind the thoughts.

2. We doubt our own ability to achieve the goal(s).

3. It’s not a priority in our life; so, we push it off with excuses, blames and justifications.

So, today, I choose to be different. I choose to make a choice. I choose to set a goal and achieve it! 🙂

(4)

The contents marked by footnotes contain quotes or pictures by authors other than myself, as noted:

(1) http://quotes.lifehack.org/quote/thomas-carlyle/a-man-without-a-goal-is-like/ – Thomas Carlyle

(2) http://www.motivatingquotes.com/goalsq.htm – Fitzhugh Dodson

(3) http://vi.sualize.us/its_nice_that_typography_card_letterpress_quote_picture_2yy3.html

(4) http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/9d/f7/f6/9df7f669c9af0b104a0c5511e2a85e23.jpg

Don’t Throw it Away

September 19, 2014 / The WheatandTares

You’ve got so much to live for; you’ve got so many days.

You’ve got so far to go; so, why toss them all away?

You think there is no harm; you think there is no mess.

You think there is no pain; so, why is there this death?

You didn’t see it coming; you didn’t see it go.

You didn’t see it hit; so, why are you so low?

You’re falling into the trap; you’re falling into my arms.

You’re falling into the hole; so, why not stay from this harm?

You’ve come to me in love; you’ve come to me in shame.

You’ve come to me in anger; so, why do they still blame?

You have to make a choice; you have to make the decision.

You have to make a change; so, why are you resisting?

You can’t wait forever; you need to get it straight.

You’ve got to do it now; so, please don’t wait too late.

You have so much to give; you need not to be afraid.

You’ve got so much to live for; so, please don’t throw it all away.

Penned – MG – 4/10/89

The Winds of Change

July 20, 2014July 21, 2014 / The WheatandTares

The winds of change have come

I feel them blowing on my face

My spirit is lifted with the dream

My heart is now set to race

The change is inevitable

But with God, all things are divine

The memories tucked safely within

Onward moving, not forgetting those behind

A new chapter has begun

A new home, a new city, and new friends

In Him, everything has a season

In Him, He brings joy, even before it all begins

penned – 1/31/12 – MG

A Little Change Is Okay

July 20, 2014July 23, 2014 / The WheatandTares

One Sunday afternoon, I just decided to paint my fingernails hot pink. I’m not big on painting my nails. It’s not that I don’t like painted fingernails; I just never do it, and when I say, “never,” I mean really, never…like once a year, “never,” maybe twice a year…if you’re really lucky. It’s just not something I really take time to do. I keep my toenails painted throughout the summertime, but my nails, well, I’m just a little impatient to wait on them to dry. However, this particular afternoon, I decided for a little change. Later that night, as I was saying goodnight to my very honest-and-bluntly-spoken twelve year old, he grabbed my hand and said, “What’s THAT?” I responded, “Nail polish. Why?” He said, “Mom, No. It’s just not your thing.” He didn’t say this to be mean, really; he was just speaking from that honest heart of his; yet, I didn’t know whether to be offended or to laugh…

I chose to laugh; however, it did cause me to start thinking. That nail polish represented something which, too often, we may avoid: CHANGE. That nail polish was such a stark contrast to my methodical way of life. That is just my way. I like methods and procedures. I enjoy plans and predictabilities. I like analyzing a situation and being able to find a solution. I like the old statement, “There is a place for everything, and everything has it’s place.” That’s just the way God hardwired me. I have a routine, and I generally stick to it; so, when I change something, even as simple as nail polish, to my children, it may not seem to be “my thing.” However, the nail polish was fun, and it made me feel pretty that particular day, and that little bit of change did me good. Yet, it made me wonder how often we, as humans, as creatures of habit, become so comfortable in our “routines” that we miss out on even the little things of change which might bring life back into our being…

I left the nail polish on for a few days, as I pondered these thoughts…I came to this conclusion: a little change is okay once in a while. We should all try something new. Keep yourself alive through the change! If we’re always seeking change, we, as well as those closes to us, may never have the stability and peace we need; however, if we’re never changing, we will never grow and develop, and an early death will be certain…if not physical, it may very well be emotional, mental or spiritual. Everything that grows must encounter change. A seed that grows into a beautiful rose must first change from a tiny seed into a rose vine, followed by a tiny bud covered by sepals, and then, as the tiny bud grows, the sepals open, and the flower blooms and changes into the beautiful rose. A bear is first a tiny cub before it grows and changes into a momma bear, and every elderly person was once a little babe who first grew into a small child, then into an adolescent, followed by a young adult, evolving into a full grown adult, and finally becoming an elderly adult. We don’t, necessarily, have a choice in our physical growth; as my husband jokingly states, “We are all growing older and uglier every day!” Yet, when it comes to our mental, emotional, and spiritual growth, we do have a choice. If we choose not to grow in these vital areas; then, we actually have chosen to allow that particular area to die and the others to eventually follow. An early death, whether it be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, is always tragic. I have never once heard someone say, “Well, it’s a good thing he/she died so young.” It’s always a tragedy, and it always brings heartache. The only way we can stay alive is to allow change into our life! If you’re like me, and lots of change can, sometimes, bring feelings of apprehension and hesitation, just start with a few little things, and work yourself toward the big things. Although it may be a little “out of our norm,” change can be good for us….even if it is a little bit of hot pink nail polish!