Thursday, August 23, 2007

Blooming....


Things are better, especially since I had that attitude adjustment reminder. Moving is hard, but as soon as I started dwelling on the things that were going right, it was easier to cope with the things that were going wrong. I've started playing my Christian music more often. It is so helpful to have it playing in the background. The Bible based songs remind me of what is really important. And if that weren't enough, God blessed me with a visual encouragement.

This picture was taken in MI a couple weeks after Mother's Day. My husband planted three planters with these as a gift to me. We assumed they would die if they traveled to GA on the moving truck in the heat of July, so we tried to give them away before we left. When we couldn't get anyone to take them we had the planters with the flowers put on the truck. They were pretty pitiful (they looked dead) when we got here. If I had had a free moment, I may have dug them up and replaced them with new flowers. But we all know I haven't had a free moment in months (smile).
Here is one of the planter now. BETTER than ever!

I'm reminded of an example told by one of the ladies in my Bible study last year. Her family owns a nursery. Her story was that sometimes when they have a plant/flower that is stagnant, they practically kill it by denying it water or nurturing. Just when it looks like it has had it, they start watering it again. And it miraculously comes back bigger and better than ever. This planter holds proof that the process works. And so do I.

Notice the new shades of purple in my flowers.

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.Proverbs 23:17-19 (in Context)
Jeremiah 29:11For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Jeremiah 29:10-12 (in Context)

Be encouraged today! Choosing Joy! Jacki

9 comments:

Sharon in NE said...

Oh my goodness! As a result of all the trials it went through, its even more beautiful. hmmmmm....I suppose God is referring to inner beauty when it comes to humans.

Wonderful article today!!! Thank you so much for sharing that. LOVE IT!

Anonymous said...

Those flowers are gorgeous. Tender loving care from you and above. Thanks for the lesson today. Perfect for me at this time.

Alhambra Club said...

These are great, they came back to life and are thriving, that is wonderfu.

Louise (KardKrazy) said...

Jacki, thank you so much for sharing this story. You don't know how much I need that encouragement that something that seems like it's dead, under the right hand, can bloom again!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I am going to send all of the flowers and plants that I kill on a regular basis to you! Maybe the heat of the UPS truck will work wonders??
Nice thoughts - you can really find the silver lining in things!

Anonymous said...

Your husband's love for you is truly a beautiful thing - right up there with the Lord's for all of us. Thanks for sharing this. So enjoy your cards and your joyful spirit.

Teresa said...

The flowers are so beautiful, Jacki! That purple is amazing even a picture. I used to read one Proverb a day. You know, Proverbs 1 on the 1st, Proverbs 2 on the 2nd... and on through the month. 31 Proverbs, 31 great Bible readings. Had I been doing that this month, I would have picked up on the verses about what God says about our future. I have been meditating on Jeremiah 29:11-13 a lot lately. Thanks for the verses in Proverbs 23! The encouragement is very appreciated. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Hello Jacki, I just love your positive creativey and enouraging words. THANKS for SHARING!! Sending warm wishes from Naperville, IL.

Trish D said...

What a marvelous example. It also makes me think of another of my favorite verses: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it." (Isaiah 30:15) Sometimes we just need to take some time out, and *HIS* beauty will shine through...