weeding

i've been thinking a lot about weeds,
particularly the ones in the parable of the sower.
in the first two scenarios the seeds didn't really get much of a chance:
birds ate 'em or the sun scorched 'em because they didn't really have good roots.

but in the third scenario,
the weeds,
the seeds were able to burrow down & begin to grow.

their success was compromised not by the soil but by the setting.

had they not succumbed to the distractions, temptations, & life worries,
they would have flourished.
and that is what sticks with me.

how much of my growth is compromised by my setting & its effect on me?
what are the weeds that twist around & choke out the life developing within me?

i've been thinking about weeds so i can get better at identifying them,
so i can find better soil & become a tree.

trees & such

i've been working with a friend on creating a film piece on trees.
God really seemed to have an affinity to that metaphor.
we're finding that we do, too.

the trees of our Lord are sturdy & dependable,
and they are dependent on Him for life & sustenance.
they don't run out of fruit -- ever!
and, gosh, does He ever love & care for them.

we're excited to make this piece to share His love of trees with others in His forest.
in the meantime,
let's all take a break & ask if we're really sticking to His job description for His trees.