The Giving Tree

I want to apologize for being neglectful in updating my blog and share with you some of my journaling from my quiet time this morning.

Scripture: "So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding of one another." Romans 14:19

Observation: I am so blessed. Chuck Swindoll reflected about "The Giving Tree" (if you have not read this book by Shel Silverstein you should - it's a short children's book) and said "... reviewing my life as I grew older with the tree and the boy. I identified with both - and it hurt. How many giving trees have there been? How many people have given of themselves so that I might grow, accomplish my goals, and find wholeness and satisfaction? Thank you Lord for each one."
I have been so wrapped up in getting ready for my "mission" that I have only been taking from "giving trees" from loving friends and missed an opportunity to "give" (witness) to someone. I have to humble myself that my "to do" list I am letting consume me and take me away from letting the Holy Spirit guide me.

Application: Let go!!! The relationships are more important than the paperwork!

Prayer: Thank you for my friends who have been so sacrificial in their time and talents on my behalf, especially Tina and the Halstead family. They madeover my lawn, cleaned and reorganized my house and even showed my house "for sale by owner" while I was in St. Louis with family. Bless them. Forgive me of being so consumed by my "journey" that I was caught off guard by a comment of another and missed an opportunity to witness of my joy in the Lord. (My walk was not being a tree.) Lord, adjust my focus and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Don't let me put my "to do" list in place of yours. Thank you again for my many blessings. I give you the responsibility to get my work caught up, my house sold and my sponsorships lined up. It is not by my own power any of this will get done. Help me go ahead and rest in You!

As you can see I use the SOAP pattern from my quiet time. I will share some pictures of my trip and my "home makeover" in future blogs.
Have a blessed day!