Where Are Your Roots?

Thoughts for Cheri

January 6, 2004 continued:

“I said at the beginning of these thoughts that I have been feeling mellow.  I still am to a certain degree but I can feel myself growing.  It’s like I’m a plant whose roots were shallow because I was planted in poor soil but I have been transplanted to a riverbank and my roots are reaching out for the life-giving water.  The past few weeks have been the dormant period when I was resting.  The nourishment I’ve been receiving from God, His word, prayer, Cheri, my church, family, and friends is starting to feed my soul and I am blooming.”

“God has just begun the good work in me and He will complete it.  In 2003 the Father became my Refuge and Hope, Jesus became my Best Friend and Lord of my life, and His Spirit became my Guide and Comfort.”

“2004 is going to be a year of discovery for me as my relationship with God deepens and becomes more intimate.  Now I understand why God only reveals a little at a time to us because even if we knew the good things He is going to bring to our lives it would be overwhelming.  He truly does know what is best for us and I can’t wait to see what He places in my life.  Praise the Lord!”

“…I can feel myself growing.  It’s like I’m a plant whose roots were shallow because I was planted in poor soil but I have been transplanted to a riverbank and my roots are reaching out for the life-giving water.  The past few weeks have been the dormant period when I was resting.  The nourishment I’ve been receiving from God, His word, prayer, Cheri, my church, family, and friends is starting to feed my soul and I am blooming.” 

This is one of my favorite passages.  I love the imagery found in these words.  I believe that the years of my marriage had stunted my spiritual and emotional growth.  Yes, I had faith and I clung to God over those years.  However, it was when I began actively and deeply seeking God through His word and prayer that I began to yield the fruits of the Spirit.  At the time I wrote these words that root reaching and spiritual growth was just beginning.  This search had already brought more joy, peace, and contentment to my life than I could have ever imagined.  This has increased by leaps and bounds over the last 13 years.  I am more than grateful to God for His promises and the assurance of their being kept.

 I am extremely grateful for the people He has place in my life to help me “bloom”.  This is one of the main reasons I want to be a difference maker for Him.  I know how important it is to be loved, accepted, and encouraged by a Christian sister or brother.  This is one of the things we’re called to do.

One of my greatest joys today is to bring a smile or a laugh to someone I know is struggling because I remember the times this was done for me and I know the difference it makes when someone is hurting.  It doesn’t take much time or effort to make difference, it just takes a willing spirit.

“2004 is going to be a year of discovery for me as my relationship with God deepens and becomes more intimate.  Now I understand why God only reveals a little at a time to us because even if we knew the good things He is going to bring to our lives it would be overwhelming.  He truly does know what is best for us and I can’t wait to see what He places in my life.  Praise the Lord!”  Every second of every minute of every day of the last thirteen years has been a moment of discovery in my walk with my Lord.   New aspects of my relationship with Him are revealed all the time.  I just have to keep my eyes and ears open to receive what He’s giving to me.  These gifts come in all shapes and sizes.  Good times, hard times, sweet times, sour times, triumphs and failures are all used by God to reveal Himself and to help me to grow in my daily Christian walk.

            This is why today in January of 2017 I can still say “God has just begun the good work in me and He will complete it.  In 2003 the Father became my Refuge and Hope, Jesus became my Best Friend and Lord of my life, and His Spirit became my Guide and Comfort.”   My roots are firmly planted in the Lord and He is completing the work He began in me the day I was conceived.

Father,

Your word tells me that You work all things for my good.

You have certainly proven this to be true over and over in my life.

Thank You for continuing to complete what You began in me!

In Jesus’ Precious Name,

Amen

Melancholy or Mellow

or

Thoughts for Cheri

January 6, 2004

“I am doing well.  I used the word melancholy to describe how I have felt but this morning I realized mellow is probably better.  I am just kind of here right now.  I am not sad and I am not elated.  I read something the other day that says God gives us rest from every test and I think that is what I have been experiencing, rest is what I really need after last year.”

“I’ve decided that my theme for the year 2004 is going to be ‘New Beginnings’.  I believe that God is going to do marvelous things in my life this year.  I’m excited and open to whatever He has for me.”

Melancholy: “a gloomy state of mind, especially when habitual or prolonged; depression.”

Mellow: “a state, atmosphere, or mood of ease and gentle relaxation.”

Just put in the definitions to show the difference in these feelings.  I didn’t enjoy times when I was depressed and they have happened.  Thankfully God brought counselors into my life to walk with me through those valleys.  I do enjoy the mellow times.  They do offer rest and renewal when you learn to embrace them and allow God to give you rest. 

I’m thankful I began 2004 with such a time and I’m thankful for the mellow periods I’ve had in the years since.  The valleys make one weary and worn and ready for a rest.  The mountaintop experiences are wonderful but even they need to be followed by a period of rest.  Jesus Himself often withdrew after momentous occasions to be alone.

Too often this world views periods of inactivity as lack of ambition or laziness.  I know for years I was told not doing something was a sin.  It’s not.  Rest is necessary and if we are to follow the example of Jesus we too need periods of stillness and solitude.  We need times when our world is quiet so that God’s voice can be heard and His presence felt.  That’s the benefit to and the reason for these mellow times. 

I’m grateful for the quiet times I spend each day with the Lord.  On the rare days I miss it makes a difference in my attitude and reactions to others.  Just spending 5 minutes a day with Him is life-changing and I can guarantee that the more you do it the more time you’ll want to in tune and listening for His voice.  It’s my sweetest time of the day.  It can be yours too.

Father,

Thank You for quiet times.

Thank You for hearing me.

Thank You for answering me.

Thank You!

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Blessed New Year!

Thoughts for Cheri

December 31, 2003

This was written on June 30, 2003:

“I feel like a burst of sunshine has exploded inside of me-

I feel joy and peace and excitement!

Praise God!”

August 19, 2003 after reading Exodus 14:

“God has delivered me from bondage and placed me in a wilderness for a time

to teach, heal, and prepare me for service and mostly to draw me closer to Him.

I have a sense of expectancy today.

‘Open my ears and eyes, Lord!’”

The following are quotes I read and wrote down.  I don’t remember who said them or where I read them but they are so beautiful and meaningful to me.

“Whatever I am going through, Jesus has already experienced

and He will bring me through.”

“Slow me down, Lord.

Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind…

Teach me the art of taking minute vacations;

Of slowing down to look at seashells,

To chat with friends,

To pet a dog…

Let me look into the towering oaks and know they grew great and strong

because they grew slowly and well.”

“As I review 2003 I am truly amazed at where I am today.  If someone had told me on January 1^st all that was going to occur in my life this year, I would have just given up right then.  I am so thankful that God only reveals to us what He know we can handle.  He takes care of the rest.  Praise God!”

“On this last day of 2003 I have such peace, hope, and joy in my heart, soul, and life.  I know there will be more difficult times in 2004 but I will also know my God is sufficient.  I am so excited about the plans God has for my life.  I do only want to serve and please Him.  I am ready and eager to go through the doors He opens.  I now understand the following passage.”

“As I review 2003 I am truly amazed at where I am today.”  I can make this statement today at the end of 2016.  When I review all that God has done in my life and where He has placed me today I am truly amazed.  The ups and downs, good and bad, difficult and easy, happy and sad of the past 13 years are all just a part of this life we live here on this earth.  I cannot imagine living life without my Father’s presence and love.  I cannot imagine living life without the hope that is found in Jesus Christ the Son.  I cannot imagine living life without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

The sad times are bearable and the happy times sweeter because I am a child of the King.  Yes my body may fail and bad things happen but He keeps my soul from all harm, He watches over every facet of my life, and He observes and guides my coming and going.  Forever!

It has been in the difficulties when my faith has been tested that it has grown and flourished.  These times make the good moments even sweeter because my relationship with God has grown and I can rest in His presence. 

“I know there will be more difficult times in 2004 but I will also know my God is sufficient.”  He has proven Himself to be more than sufficient.  I have been blessed beyond measure in every way.  His word gives this promise:

What we miss too often is that the gifts we see as good from a worldly view are not the gifts God gives to us.  The world’s gifts are temporary.  God’s gifts are eternal and life changing.  I desire the gifts of God and not the so-called pleasures of the world.  They are a small taste of what life eternal in His presence will be like.  Praise God!

As you step into a new year commit yourself to seeking God’s good gifts and to serving Him more each day.  I have learned this is what leads to true fulfillment.  He will never ever fail you.

Father,

As we begin this New Year in this world I ask for the gift of Your presence in each life.

I know You don’t go where You are not invited so please send Your Spirit to convict lives daily.

Open hearts, souls, and minds to the truth found in the life of Your Son Jesus Christ.

I ask this in His precious name,

Amen

God-given desires

Thoughts for Cheri

December 31, 2003

“I did have a wonderful Christmas.  It was nice to be without the fear.  All we did when I was married was open presents and then he made the kids work until time to eat and then they worked some more.  I was supposed to be doing something too.  He usually came up with all kinds of things he wanted to do that involved work.  Heaven forbid you just enjoy!  This Christmas Eve with the kids was wonderful.  No fear, anxiety, or upset.  We just enjoyed being together.  It was nice.”

“Tuesday night at the grocery store (why does so much happen there?) I became aware that I was carrying myself in a different way.  I am standing taller and prouder than I used to and I look people in the eyes when I pass them.  I even smile and nod at them.  What an amazing difference that I would notice it so much!”

“I’m excited about the changes God is making in my life and I’m ready to get on with them.  I don’t know why but I just feel like when I wake up tomorrow morning it’s truly going to be a New Year and a New Beginning for Ginny Holcombe.  Praise God!”

I post some of these entries so that anyone reading this can see just exactly what God has done in my life.  My hope is that if you are in a similar situation you will cry out to Him.  Just be ready for His answer because it probably won’t be what you expect.  It certainly wasn’t for me.  However, His answer has proven to be what’s best for me. 

That’s why my focus today is on “Tuesday night at the grocery store (why does so much happen there?) I became aware that I was carrying myself in a different way.  I am standing taller and prouder than I used to and I look people in the eyes when I pass them.  I even smile and nod at them.  What an amazing difference that I would notice it so much!”  It’s amazing to me the difference God made in my life in 8 short months.  I was so timid and felt invisible and unwanted by everyone except my kids.  I was intimidated in every social situation.  I am no longer that way praise the Lord.

I can say that the feeling I had that New Year's Eve of a New Beginning was right. Today I’m a church receptionist.  I spend my days greeting people in person and on the phone.  I assist them and staff members all day long.  I love sharing smiles and giving hugs.  I’m shown daily that I matter to other people.  They miss me when I’m not around.  It’s a good feeling. My life is not perfect because I live in a fallen world but it is wonderful.  God has given me the desires of my heart in so many ways because I sought His desires for my life.  And His desires are always best. 

That’s my message for today.  Father really does know best and He allows in His child’s life the people and events that bring that best to each life.  All we have to do is ask in faith.

Father,

My heart’s desire is to serve You all the days of my life.

Thank You for placing this desire in my heart

And for fulfilling it each day I am given to live for You.

Thank You for New Beginnings!

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Life Lived with Jesus

Thoughts for Cheri

December 31, 2003

“I was thinking about Christmas and wondering why I wasn’t sad and didn’t miss my ex.  I have slowly come to the realization that I never loved him because he never allowed me to.  I didn’t even like him!  His cruelty and need to control everyone caused me to fear him and to believe I couldn’t do anything without him.  I did respect some things about him but they all turned out to be lies.”

“I now compare my relationship with him to a drug addict’s dependence on a drug.  I was dependent on him and thought I couldn’t live without him.  But in reality he was destroying me little by little.  When he went out of my life the withdrawal was painful, just as withdrawal from a drug is painful, but as healing is taking place I am learning how to really live.”

“The last couple of weeks have been interesting.  I guess the best way I’ve been able to describe how I have been feeling lately is weary.  Not sad or down, just weary.  I said I have thought so much in the past months that my brain hurt.  I think I was just tired of making decisions, talking, and just doing.  I just wanted to not have to think.  Cheri told me that because I am such an introspective person I would have trouble doing that.  So I decided to do only what I absolutely had to do until the New Year.  I finished some shopping, went to Tim’s choir presentation, and to work.  I just felt like I needed as much ‘nothing’ as I could create for myself.”

I’ve been sitting here trying to come with something to write about the first paragraph.  I really don’t have any profound words to say because I think they speak for themselves.  This far removed from the situation I have a sadness not anger for this man who was intelligent, good-looking, and gave glimpses of the husband and father he could have been.  I pray that in the years since God has worked in his life just as He has in mine. 

“I now compare my relationship with him to a drug addict’s dependence on a drug.  I was dependent on him and thought I couldn’t live without him.  But in reality he was destroying me little by little.  When he went out of my life the withdrawal was painful, just as withdrawal from a drug is painful, but as healing is taking place I am learning how to really live.”  Reading these words makes me thankful for the One on whom I am dependent today.  He is not cruel, doesn’t control me, and never lies.  He came not to destroy me but to give me everlasting life.  Even today He is still bringing healing into my life.  My dependence on Him brings peace, joy, and love to every day I live.  Jesus Himself said:

 “The last couple of weeks have been interesting.  I guess the best way I’ve been able to describe how I have been feeling lately is weary.  Not sad or down, just weary.  I said I have thought so much in the past months that my brain hurt.  I think I was just tired of making decisions, talking, and just doing.  I just wanted to not have to think.  Cheri told me that because I am such an introspective person I would have trouble doing that.  So I decided to do only what I absolutely had to do until the New Year.”  That’s what I did.  It was a glorious interlude of nothingness.  I hadn’t experienced that in a long time.  I didn’t have to make any major decisions, I just went with the flow of life.  Jesus Himself gave this invitation:

I see this period in my life as the beginning of my learning to walk with Jesus, to work with Jesus, to learn how He does it.  Yes, there are still days when I get caught up in the busyness of life but Jesus is there to remind me to live freely and lightly in His company.  It’s a wonderful way to live life.  I highly recommend it.

If you haven’t already done so please accept Jesus’ invitation and trust His promises.  He alone will never fail you.  I know because He’s never failed me yet.  It’s been in the tough times that He’s proven His faithfulness over and over.  He’ll do the same for you if you only trust Him.

Father,

Thank You for Your Son.

His promises and His presence have touched my life.

He’s taught me how to live freely and lightly.

Touch the lives of those who read these words in the same say.

In Jesus’ Precious Name,

Amen

Christmas is Here!

Excerpts from my journal:   My first Christmas as a divorced woman:

December 24, 2003

“Brunch at work.  Left at noon.  Started pizza at 5 p.m.  Tim, Tanya, and Roger arrived.  Ate pizza and opened Christmas presents.  Talked and read Christmas story.  Tanya and Roger left.  Tim slept on couch.  Wonderful evening.”

December 25, 2003

“Got up and ate sweet rolls with Tim.  Drove to Winchester-arrived while they were opening presents-received special pillow, silver cross, puzzle board.  Rest of day good and relaxing.”

December 26, 2003

“Easy day.  Went shopping with Pat.  Tim and I left around 1:30 p.m.  Home.  Tim left.  Rested.”

This was a sweet Christmas with family.  It was one of the most relaxed ones I’d had in years.  The only thing I cooked was my homemade pizza for Christmas Eve.  No fear involved.  Just being with people who loved me.  A simple celebration with people I loved and who loved me.  That’s what Christmas should be.

Today Christmas is more about Jesus than it’s ever been in my life.  Don’t get me wrong, I always celebrated His birth in various ways over the years.  I loved the carols, church services, and making a birthday cake for Jesus but I know now the Reason for this Season was not always the focus of my celebration.  It is now.

This is why I want to wish anyone who reads these words a Blessed Christmas, a Christmas that is full of love, hope, and joy as represented by the One whose birth we celebrate.  Jesus Christ is born!

Father,

You sent Your Son!

To be born as a baby of humble beginnings.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Born in a stable.

Walked the earth as a humble man teaching and preaching.

Suffered, bled, and died in my place.

Arose from the tomb.

Ascended to Your presence.

Is preparing a place for me.

Will return victorious one day.

Hallelujah!

HE IS LORD!

Amen

Worship Him!

This season is about welcoming and worshiping our Savior.

Everything else pales in comparison.

Worship as you listen:

Father,

Why do you love us so much?

Why was Jesus willing to come, live, die, and live again for us?

I don't understand but I'm eternally grateful.

Thank You!

In the Name of our precious Savior,

Amen