Don't let Differences Seperate Friendships or Love

Knowledge comes from taking things apart: analysis. But wisdom comes from putting things together. John A. Morrison

The other day when I was at Dukes Creek Falls; I realized I had made a inappropriate statement about trees and friendships a few blog entries back. We are all separate individuals.

As we walked down the path to the waterfalls, there were all kinds of trees on the sides, of steep hills. There are some very mature trees growing in what appears to be very little dirt. Their roots seem to constantly go deeper, and stronger. A combination of water and roots even crack a few of the rocks. This proves to me that if there's a will, God can make a way. :)

Isn't it interesting, you can plant a tree in what seems to be the "perfect soil and conditions,"but it dies. Then there are, trees shooting up in the poorest of living conditions, to become some of the tallest healthiest trees in the forest. Think about it; they have a will, and a creator who provides a way.

As long as we are alive we need to keep growing and learning. The journey shouldn't stop, until we stop existing in these mortal bodies. Sometimes the struggles of life produce the most growth. Most of us will be leaving this life with very tattered bodies. I know Jesus would rather see our souls completely mature, and ready for eternity with Him.

Another principle I noticed was, two different kinds of trees growing alongside each other. One was an Oak or maybe a Gum tree it's roots were woven into a Hemlocks roots. Isn't that interesting? Two totally different kinds of trees intertwined at the roots. They had formed a very strong bond together, breaking through rock and defying the odds. They grew tall and strong together.

My point is this, we may not all be the same, but we can grow in Christ and friendship together as long as we have love, friendship and roots growing together in Christ. One of those trees will probably die before the other one. But I have no doubt that the one that goes on living will continue growing toward the same goals they had together.

Differences can complement and increase value in two different kinds of people. Opposites can add depth and width to each other. The truth is, it's probably healthier for two opposites to be together, than two of a kind. Narrow minded people usually can't think outside the box they've put themselves in.

"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. " 1 John 4:16-18 (NIV)

The Winds of Change are Blowing!

We spent some time walking at the Dukes creek Falls yesterday. The falls were so filled with water it was an awesome little adventure. The sights, sounds and smells were so strong. I love being outside and close to God!

The winds of change continually blow through, and over my life. I'd appreciate your prayers, as the winds blow. Some of you may have heard or know, the doctors I've been working with simply can not understand, except some have admitted that a miracle has taken place. (None of my doctors expected me to live more than five years max in the final stage of Crohn's I was in six years ago.)

I was told, I'd never be off so many of the medications. After the surgery and blood work in Feb. they simply can not find Crohn's disease in my blood or body. I'm taking no medications for Crohn's disease.I am healthier than I've been in six years. No special formula for my health will be found outside the fact that God has simply healed my body.

I really feel that I need to go back to school. Real Estate was fun, but very stressful. I think it's best to pursue what God keeps prompting me to do. I need to help others. I'm checking out some medical programs to become a medical assistant. Eventually I may even pursue an RN's degree and work with ostomy patients. I could help a lot of people with ostomies. :)

I still must pass a physical. Except for the heart attack I suffered two years ago; what could hold me back? Living with a bag isn't the worst thing in the world. Minds adapt to the changes of matter, or lack of it. :)

More than anything I desire to please God. Please pray I'll do what I am suppose to do. I need to do it with a smile, and a song in my heart.

Finally, as the warm Southern Breezes blow; I'm longing for a sweet escape to the gulf. I'd especially love to go to Sanabel Island, even if it's only for a day, and or a night. I miss sailing so much right now. I'd love to just be on a sail boat even if it's only be for a few hours. I need to feel the breeze and sun on my face. Seeing dolphins jumping and tasting the salty sea would be extra sweet toppings on such a sweet needed treat!

Remember the 23rd Psalm? God is so good! "You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:5&6 (NIV)

Christ Jesus will provide what you need!

Do you remember the first time you held each of your children? Or the first time they locked their eyes into your eyes, while you were feeding them? How about the first time you went to put them down, but they clutched you as if to say, "Please, not yet?"

There will be storms in your life, if you haven't already experienced some, they are coming. As a believer, you may even ask your Heavenly Father to take them away. Sometimes He will. But there are gonna be really hard times when instead of easing your pain, grief or stress, Jesus will let you know it's time for a faith building test. As he gazes into your soul, He will wait for you to allow Him to take control. As soon as you release your life into his omnipotent will, He will hold you close to His breast, much like you held your baby for the first time.

As He holds you close to Himself, you'll cling closely to His powerful loving breast. So quickly, the things of earth will grow dim. The storm of life will rage on, sometimes even close to death, but closer than ever to Jesus, you realize God is in control, nothing else matters.

Set your mind on the permanent, not the fleeting events, or things of this life time.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you loved him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. " 1 Peter 1:6-9 (NIV)

If Christ is your Savior you never have to walk alone. Anything He puts you through in this life, He will provide what you need to finish the race with Him. He will see you through to eternity from beginning to the glorious end. He promises you that.

"No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5 (NIV)

Nothing can separate us from our God. Live boldly with a purpose!

Maybe Some Friendships are like parts of Trees

I heard a comedian make a really profound comment last night. It made a lot of sense, yet it hurts. Friendships are like parts of trees. At the root of any tree are it's roots. They actually nourish and give life to the tree. So Jesus, our family, and closest friends, consist of the roots in our lives.

Then there is the trunk of the tree that would be who we are and our significant other. We generally grow together, or at least that's the goal.

As the trunk strengthens and grows the branches of friendship should develop. I would caution, this doesn't mean you have to give up your friendships from your past. If another person strengthens, loves and nourishes you, don't give them up. If your partner doesn't understand, then you'll have to decide whether it's best to prune that branch. Just remember deep pruning into friendships, can cause the whole tree to die.

Then there are the leaves. They pop out in the Spring and flourish for a season, only to die and blow away in the fall. I have a hard time with these kinds of friendships. I don't like to spend, or share myself for a fake flourishing frenzy. Maybe I'd be more like a Hemlock tree. Just a slow steady grower, needing lots of water, and the shade of other trees to survive. I'd rather have the constant growth that stays for years.

For those of you leafy trees, try to remember not all of us shed in the fall. We have feelings that run deep. But whether you're an oak, cedar or one of the many other trees in the forest of life, we all need to get the main nourishment from Jesus.

See Philippians 4:10-23

"And my God shall meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

... "If God is for us who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 (NIV)

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble, or hardship or persecution, or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" Romans 8:35 (NIV)

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)

Christ Jesus, should make friendships stronger and deeper by far than mere earthly friendships. Where are your friendships grounded? (The picture above is Michael and Heidi raking leaves at Grandpa Mason's house a long time ago.)

It's just a Rainy Day

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me-put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8 & 9 (NIV)

So often, I need this verse to remind me God is in control and I need to let Him have His way. Today has just been one of those days. If I start crying, I'll probably cry for at least two days, and probably more.

So many things are out of my control. It's best just best to let go, and let God do whatever He sees fit. Sorry I'm not very happy or inspiring today. Hope your day is going a lot better than mine.

Christ The Lord is Risen Today Halelujah!

That first Resurrection Morning gave us a permanent security to God the Father, through Jesus the Son. Though these earthly bodies will die, unless Jesus comes back first, as believers our soul will not taste death. That's Awesome! When I am absent from my body I will go directly home to heaven to be with Jesus.

Easter is awesome because it represents new life in Christ. Some people think the bunnies, chocolate and big meal are a disgrace. Personally, it reminds me we have a reason to celebrate. I love to eat; if you don't well then just push away from the table. I'll be glad to eat your ham and deviled eggs latter.

The bunnies represent new life. Rabbits multiply fast, may we as Christians spread the word and multiply just as fast!

As for the chocolate, well I love that too. If you don't want yours, I'll eat that too! Hope you went to church today. It's an awesome place to celebrate what Christ did, and will continue to do in and through us.

"So it shall be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor and raised in glory; it is sown in weakness and raised in power; it is sown in a natural body and it is raised a spiritual body."

1 Corinthians 15 : 42-44 (NIV)

Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Hoppy Easter!

One Day or Living He loved me

When I was eleven I was "saved." That was the coolest day of my life, in so many ways. Those first few steps up the church isle, my feet felt like lead, but the closer I came to the pastor, I was almost running. I remember Pastor Shepherd's arms opening wide, as he scooped me up. (I had been a regular visitor at his house for over a year before. Often interrupting his Sunday afternoon naps, dew to joking and giggling with his girls.) So many of my New Beginnings in Christ were at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Ionia Michigan.

I remember asking Jesus to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. I sobbed because I knew my sin caused His death. But after I was forgiven and asked Him to come into my heart; I remember feeling like hot bubbles were filling my insides. I smiled a lot after that, and Mr. Reinhart nick named me Son Shine. Some of those same people still call me that today. Although many of them have gone "Home," as the years quickly passed.

One of the most memorable ladies in the church was Sophie Ranger. She intimidated me, but I respected her. She was the pianist, who loved to play. She loved this song called, "One Day." I'm sure some of you know it. I remember Sophie bouncing around pumping those pedals with her feet, and her hands wildly pounding, as we sang along. She'd often glance back with a big smile. As teenagers, some of us got a big kick out of watching her.

Sophie passed away two Sundays ago, sometime just before Sunday School usually starts. I couldn't help, but think what a wonderful day that must have been for her. Sophie had a nine year old daughter who loved Jesus. Janet was riding her bike, not a block from where she lived on M-44 in Belding Michigan, one day after school. She was probably singing and smiling she went along. A driver coming home from work was temporarily blinded by the sun. That lady never seen Janet; and Janet probably didn't see her. The car hit Janet and she died.

As Sophie was absent from the body and present with the Lord, I'm sure Janet was one of the first to hug her, Momma. I'm sure that was the best Sunday morning worship service they enjoyed together! There's a peace that surpasses all understanding in knowing Jesus. I hope you have it!

I was singing that song outside today. In the chorus it talks about all the basics of Salvation. So many verses flood my head again today. They're so good print this off and look them up God will bless you with them, I promise!

The following in orange are the words in the chorus. Go ahead sing it if you want to! I still love that old song, and sing it sometimes in the shower! Aren't you glad you don't live with me? ;)

Living He loved me (Read Mark 12: 29-33)

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 (NIV) How true!

Dying He saved me. "For the wages of sin death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 6:23 (See Psalms 68: 20 too)

Buried He carried my sins far away As you asked Jesus to forgive your sins those sins were buried with Him, if you were baptized, as you went under the water that represented death to sin. They're no longer part of you. Live and act pleasing to Christ Jesus. (See Romans 6:4)

Rising He Justified Freely Forever Just as Christ died, was buried and rose again so you too shall do, unless he returns before you die. You must be born again though, accept Christ as your Savior if you want to go to heaven. You will go to either Heaven or Hell depending on your relationship with Christ, forgiveness and allowing the holy ghost to guide and direct your life.

(See 1 Corinthians 15: 35-42)

One day He's coming, Oh Glorious Day! The books of Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation all talk about His Return. I think were living in the "last days." Are you ready? I'll be glad to pray with you if you're not. Email me, and I'll call you.

Happy Easter!! kathlenefisher@yahoo.com

Here are a few more verses if you'd like to look them up: Forgiveness Matthew 26:28 Luke 24:47 Faithfulness to God: 1 Corinthians 4:2

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12 The same Lord who began a good work in you will complete it!