Embrace Life

I needed an image for my most recent blog post, so I searched my archives for a cross.  This was taken in February during my visit to NC on a photo safari with an online photographer friend.  I edited it using some of Michelle Kane's HeARTy Actions and one of my own texture images.

Christmas Symbolism

You know how some people try to find symbolism and meaning in everything? Well, while I may not do that exactly, I did wonder if the Christmas cactus actually had anything to do with Christmas and if it contained any symbolism in relation to Christ.   I don't want to be one of those people who try really hard to make something fit when it doesn't, but then I realized that if Christ is, indeed, the Creator... and I believe He is... then it stands to reason that His creation will reveal things about and have a connection with Him, right?



A Christmas cactus is also known as a holiday cactus, because it generally blooms around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.   It's scientific name is zygocactus, which is Greek meaning 'joined or yoked cactus', because of its segmented 'leaves'.  Whenever I think of words having a Greek name or origin, I always think of My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  Anyway, if you're familiar with the teachings of Jesus, you might have been reminded of His invitation found in Matthew 11:28-30:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Who couldn't use a little rest, huh?

A Christmas cactus is an epiphyte, another Greek word meaning 'upon plant', because if a segment is broken off, it can grow on another plant, but is not parasitic.   Rather, it is a type of symbiotic relationship called commensalism in which one organism benefits while the other neither benefits, nor is harmed. Jesus invites us to abide in Him in a relationship that promises blessings.

While the Christmas cactus can be propagated through seeds, it is generally propagated using one or more of its segments.  If you know anything about Christianity, you know that it is propagated by spreading the 'seed' of the Good News, also known as the Gospel, but it is most effectively propagated through personal contact and discipleship.   It is only when we are willing to give of ourselves and love one another, as Christ commands, that others can know and come to understand the love of Christ.

So... how's that for symbolism? Do you think it's a stretch? Or could it be a small part of God's revelation to man through His creation?

Why Be Nice?

“Love is always bestowed as a gift—freely, willingly, and without expectation. We don’t love to be loved; we love to love.”  --Leo F. Buscaglia

Why be nice? Why do you do the things you do?  This is something that has been on my mind for a while now, but a Facebook friend’s status caused me to revisit it.

How would you feel if you knew someone did nice things for you in order to get something back in return?   I know we usually do things for people to make them happy, to meet a need, to let them know they are loved and valued, and when they’re happy, we’re happy.  So, it’s true that we usually gain at least the benefit of happiness ourselves, even if being made happy is not our motivation.   But what if you knew that the person’s primary reason for doing nice things for you was to make themselves likable and happy and even to get something in return?  Would you feel loved... or would you feel used?

I think it’s somewhat natural for us to subconsciously hope for something in return, even if only for a response in kind expressing an acceptance of the thoughtfulness or friendship. But have you ever done something nice for someone in secret... anonymously, simply because you knew it was something they needed?   Usually, in those instances, because the person doesn’t know who to thank, they end up thanking God, and He gets the glory.  On the flip side, have you ever done things to make someone happy and then become hurt or even upset when they seemed to ignore you or take you for granted?   I confess that I have felt that before... even recently.  Why do we sometimes feel that way? The Bible reveals that we get upset when we don’t get what we want or expect.   (James 4:1-3)  Sometimes our expectations are realistic.   The greater the level of intimacy or connection in a relationship, the greater and more realistic the expectation.   Just be sure the feelings of connection and intimacy are mutual lest you become disappointed when your expectations are not met.  Sometimes our responses reveal that our expectations and motivations are more self-focused.   If we are truly doing something for someone else, then we should do so with an attitude of not expecting anything in return, else we are in essence doing it primarily for ourselves.

A good friend of mine has said that people, but especially children, want to know two basic things: 1) Who’s in charge? and 2) Am I loved?  We all want to be loved and valued.  John tells us that we love God, because He first loved us.  (1 John 4:19)  And Jesus said we are no different from others if we simply love those who love us.   So instead, we should be like God, our Father, and love and bless even those who hate us... and use us.   (Matthew 5:43-48)   So, why be nice even if it seems to get you no where?  Because it’s the right thing... the loving thing to do.

The Northeast Kingdom

My daughter and I took a road trip this past weekend to explore the upper Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.  While our primary objective was to visit the Abenaki Clan of the Hawk grounds, we were also hoping to catch sight of a moose or two, but the only wildlife we saw was a rafter of turkeys.



We took Sally along, which made the trip a bit more adventurous.



We stopped at this spring water access to refill a few water bottles. The water was cold and refreshing. Notice the date of 1892 on the side of the concrete reservoir.  Vermont has several public water accesses along its back roads.



We passed by this quaint little country store and just had to turn around to check it out. Everything, from food items to a wide array of collectibles and antiques, was displayed in a folksy and artistic manner.



The Amish peaches smelled too wonderful to resist, and they were the best tasting we've ever had.



They also offered homemade cakes, pies, and cookies, as well as jams, pickles, and even free range eggs.



There was no cell phone signal, and we didn't bring a GPS, so I took a couple of wrong turns. But we might have otherwise missed the majestic view of Lake Willoughby had we been less adventurous.



After getting back on track and stopping by a large general store that was akin to a country Wal-Mart, we finally found our way to the Clan of the Hawk grounds where the Abenaki hold an annual pow wow.



No one was around, but the property is open to the public. We briefly stepped into the Welcome Center cabin, peeked into the locked Chief Looking Glass Museum, browsed the non-denominational chapel and bookstore, and walked across an open field to the stone labyrinth. The labyrinth is considered a sacred place of healing. There was also a small altar where people can place a small offering to the Creator. There were pouches, glass stones, bracelets, tokens, and a small wooden flute.



We noticed some small red pouches hanging in a tree nearby as well. The pouches are prayer bundles that people hang to leave their prayers in the sacred place.

There seems to be something about having a tangible place or person to go to in order to have our spiritual and physical needs met, or going through a ritual to make things more 'real'. We tend to be drawn to the mystical. It's one of the reasons some people have difficulty with Christianity. It's not mystical, and although some people call a church building 'the house of God', it in and of itself has no power to heal or transform, nor does it magnify any spiritual energies. And as much as we'd like to think we can and must do something, there is nothing we can do to earn our way to Heaven or appease an angry god. Jesus Christ offered Himself up as a sacrifice in our place to pay the penalty for our transgressions. He has done the work. All we must do is have faith and believe the things He has revealed.  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast"  (Ephesians 2:8, 9). I'm so glad He sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.

Along Came a Spider

“Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?”  --Luke 14:31

While outside photographing some flowers using my 100mm macro lens, I came across an interesting sight.  A tetragnatha pinicola spider appeared to have sensed movement.  It slowly made its way to the center of the flower where a honey bee was gathering pollen.  As both the spider and honey bee drew closer together, the spider carefully stretched out one of its legs, drew it back again, and backed away.  It appeared to have examined its potential prey and counted the costs before attacking.  The bee on the other hand seemed quite undaunted by the spider’s presence or covert probe.  The encounter reminded me of Jesus admonishing a great multitude of followers to count the cost of becoming His disciple (Luke 14:25-35), and just as He used common examples, we, too, should count the cost before venturing into a potential unknown.

Jesus Saves

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ...”  --Philippians 1:27a

My daughter wanted to take her new puppy for a nature walk in a local park that is home to a stone observation tower.  Knowing a lot of people and pets use the trails, she wanted to offer ‘Sally’ an opportunity for socialization and practice on her leash in a different environment.  It was a gorgeous day, and we encountered a Schnauzer and a dachshund, both unleashed who excitedly ran up to greet Sally.  As they bounded off after their owners, Sally wanted to run with them, but she was very obedient and stayed with us.  We also encountered a little girl who, despite being told Sally was very timid, chased her around and around our legs to pet the cute puppy.

When we’d first reached the tower and saw the words “JESUS SAVES” scratched into the outer, surrounding wall, being believers of Christ ourselves and wanting others to hear His message of forgiveness and hope, it was a pleasant sight.  At the top of the tower, we found the usual additions of sentiment one might find in such a place... declarations of having been there and romantic expressions of love to another.  The notes at the top seem almost fitting, but as I was processing the photo of my daughter and her puppy, the big, bold letters etched into the wall  below were recognized for what they are... graffiti.

While it may be satisfying to some well-intentioned believers to proclaim that 'sound byte' about the Gospel, I wonder if those same folks realize that obedience to authority and respect for property are aspects of the entire package of 'Good News'? And I considered my daughter's puppy, Sally. She had been excited to run and play with the other dogs we'd met, but she was also aware, in her little puppy mind, that she must be obedient.  I began thinking that many Christians enjoy the excitement of proclaiming the immediate message of the only way of our salvation, but they forget that obedience to authority and the property of others is an important means to demonstrate our love for Christ. Just as my daughter's puppy showed her love for my daughter by obedience and respect, we demonstrate our following the Lord the same way - obedience and respect.

Happy Resurrection Day

"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ."  --2 Corinthians 1:5

Snowdrops are said to be symbolic of consolation. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)

Happy Resurrection Day  :)

 

Passing It On

“That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:  That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God...”  --Psalm 78:6-7b

My daughter-in-law is now five months pregnant with my first grandchild.  She and my son already sing and read to their unborn baby... a girl?  It’s never too early to start.  Studies have shown that a prenatal baby’s developing brain is stimulated by the sounds, which helps them develop.  After being born, hearing those familiar sounds, stories, and songs can help to calm the baby.

It warms my heart to know that both my son and daughter-in-law share the same beliefs and are working toward the same goals.  How difficult it can be for children when there is no clear sense of direction... or hope.  Who should they believe?  By having to choose one, they are essentially forced to reject the other... or both for that matter.  “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”  (Amos 3:3)

Having pretty much raised our children, I know they won’t always believe exactly as we do.  But that’s okay, because we’re still learning, too.  God is still working to open our understanding and mold us into the likeness of His Son.  So, what’s important is to have a firm foundation in what we believe and pass it on.

Just Ask

My daughter and I went on a road trip a few days ago to deliver a cheesecake to Sam, a nice young man in college.  I’d met him last year at a youth group all-nighter he’d attended as a friend of one of our group’s teens, and he is now one of my friends on Facebook.  A few months ago, Sam jokingly asked when I was going to make a cheesecake for him.  I told him he’d have to wait until his birthday.  He probably thought I was joking, too, because we’re really only acquaintances and he lives a distance away, but I was serious.

I like doing things for people, but I don’t always know what to do or for whom to do it, so it’s nice when people make their needs or desires known.  I’ve been reflecting, as I often do, on how some people often ask for things and get them and how others don’t and miss out.  Has that ever happened to you?  Or are you one of those people who is not afraid to ask?  A young girl in our church is very bold about asking for things, and she’s so cute she often gets what she asks for, but her older brother is a bit more reserved... and mature.  I think he has learned something from her though, because I’ve noticed that he has loosened up a bit and will sometimes sheepishly seek to obtain what he desires.  Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you”  (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9).  And in James’ letter, as recorded in the Bible, James said, “...you have not, because you ask not”  (James 4:2).  Now, we know that we don’t always get everything we ask for.  James also said, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives...”  (James 4:3)  And just like any good parent, our Heavenly Father knows when to say, “No or not yet” for our good and for the good of others.  So knowing that God gives good things to those who ask, “let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”  (Hebrews 4:16).  Just ask!

Hugs and Kisses

“Greet one another with a kiss of love...”  --1 Peter 5:4

I am participating in a group on Flickr called “52 Weeks of Gratitude~”.  I love and am thankful for big, warm hugs and soft kisses.  During our Sunday morning worship services at church, we have a time of greeting one another.  While a few may greet a close relative or loved one with a kiss on the cheek, most simply shake hands, and some are like me, who love to give hugs.  I especially delight in the hugs and soft kisses of children, because they are genuine expressions of love and trust and not an attempt to get something more in return.  As a child of God, I sometimes wish I could give my heavenly Father a hug, but when I consider His awesome holiness, I think I would be more like the immoral woman who fell at Jesus feet.  She washed his feet with her tears and hair, anointed them with oil, and kissed them out of genuine love (Luke 7:36-50).

I also think of how Jesus must have been with all the little children who loved Him. When we read that Jesus "...blessed them", please don't think our Lord was somber and solemn! Can't you see Him sitting with little kids just crowded around laughing and giggling and Him laughing with them? And hugging them and they Him? How refreshing that must have looked and how surprising it would seem to some of us! Yet maybe that's a key? Didn't the Lord say we had to become like little children to receive the Kingdom?

Do you know someone who could use a big, warm hug... or a gentle kiss today?

Almost Christmas

“...I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation...”  --Micah 7:7

While doing our Christmas photos for Christmas cards today... yeah, I know, it’s two days before Christmas -- talk about last minute, huh?  Anyway, I took the opportunity to get a few shots of my daughter;  seems like just yesterday she was still a little girl, who couldn’t wait to grow up.  That was me years and years ago, but I still can’t wait to be ‘grown up’... perfected.  It’s almost Christmas, a day that has been set aside to remember our Savior’s birth.  And the older I get, the more I realize my need for His salvation.  It is the greatest gift I have ever received.

Reminders

A macro shot of red berries on an American barberry bush. This bush also has thorns in the midst of the green leaves. When the leaves drop off in the winter, leaving the thorns and red berries, it reminds me of the crown of thorns put upon Jesus' head and the drops of blood He shed on our behalf. I actually made a mini crown of thorns from parts of a barberry bush. You can see the photo of the little crown of thorns and read a dialogue between a Roman and me as to why Jesus came to die if you click here: This Is Love.