"Sweet" life lessons from the game

This afternoon I took the time to play a 'quick' game of Candy Land with my littlest guy. We shared and ice cold Co-cola and a fun game. I decided to take notes from my from opponent's observations. Let's just say our perspectives are a little different, but there was much for me to be reminded of.

1. You must always face the direction you are headed.
T was most distressed if my little blue guy was facing the wrong way. He kept turning me around. Life is alot the same. We need to stay focused on the direction we are headed. So often we get sidetracked and don't pay attention...we miss so much. We must look ahead and face the future head on...aware!



2. It's ok if you have to back up. Each time I drew a card that landed me behind where I had been, he'd say, "It's ok, Mama! It's ok!" You know what? IT'S OK! Oftentimes we have to have a do-over. Starting over, backing up, no one likes these times, but they are part of life and if we accept them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks, how much better off we would be!













3. There's always hope. When I would get in front of him, he'd say "I can still catch you!!" He never gave up his hope of beating me :) There is always hope...when life seems so overwhelming, there's hope. Especially when we have Jesus Christ, there is ALWAYS hope...He is our hope... Hebrews 10:23 tells us "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." and Hebrews 6:19a says "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure...." Don't give up!








4. It could get messy before it's over. We had cards all over the place...but hey...we persevered. Life gets messy and sometimes, it stays that way for a while. My new favorite verse was recently referred to me by my kindred spirit cousin... Hebrews--again;)-- 5:8-9 "Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and once made perfect became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him...." There's lots to learn from our messes...most importantly, obedience! If it was through suffering that Jesus himself learned obedience, I think we should reconsider the whining that occurs during our own sufferings.

5. No matter the outcome...enjoy the journey!
We played...he won (with a little help) and then we shook hands on a fun game. Things won't always turn out like we hoped...sometimes they are better than we hoped, sometimes not so much. I know I needed to be reminded to just enjoy the journey (game). I remember hearing someone say..."The journey IS the reward." While I do look forward to my eternal reward...there's a purpose for this present journey and I want to enjoy this ride.

Lessons from the dirt and the HEAT

It's time to plant the pumpkins...or rather PAST time. In my hurry of life lately I have waited later than I would like to get my pumpkins in the ground. The pumpkin patch is my baby...not sure if it's because Tony lets it be mine or because he is GLAD he doesn't have it to do! Anyway I started out this morning hoeing and raking BY HAND to get it ready for the six little hands that will help me plant the seeds. NOW most of you who know me know that I don't care much to sweat. Today that care was cast aside, and sweat I did. Praise God for the sweet, gentle breeze He brought when I thought I was truly about to melt!

As I was cleaning out weeds, casting away rocks and building up rows the thought occurred to me...If Adam and Eve had not sinned, would we dig, plant and sweat for the fruits of our labor or would God just have them available for us? Part of the curse was that Adam would "toil...all the days of your life....Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you....By the sweat of your face you will eat bread, till you return to the ground...." (Gen 3:17-19). SO this hard work we do is part of the curse, YET there is blessing. Had we not had to till the ground and rid it of thorns and thistles to plant, would we ever know the smell of fresh dirt or the beauty of it's rich blackness? Would our muscles be strong from the back breaking work of 'working' the ground if we never worked it?

As always, there are consequences to sin in our lives...disobedience brings pain. However, there is a promise after the curse and upon our obedience..."And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to HIS purpose." Romans 8:28 So we have fruit that grows from the labor we put forth...good. Our muscles are stronger because they are used for work...good. We smell and enjoy the feel of fresh dirt and have a sense of accomplishment...good. God isn't all about the curse. While He demands justice; He is ultimately about our obedience and His love for us and our good. And even when we disobey...at our repentance He has promised to work it for our good. He is GOOD! Even in sweaty labor, there are clouds for shade and a breeze to cool...



...and the hope of fruit to come.

"for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13