Consider your Perspective

The Washington DC cherry blossoms are a beautiful reminder of the rewards that come from looking at life from a new perspective. The countless unique photos that are taken every year as people meander around the DC tidal basin is truly amazing. Below are but a few of the different perspectives one can obtain of the blossoms & monuments of DC.

How are you walking through life – from what perspective, through what lens? How prone we are to view life, view blessing, trials, people, etc from our ever so limited vantage point. Or perhaps through the lens of fear, pain, mistrust, envy, discontentment, etc. However, it is when we climb up upon the Rock that is higher than our circumstances and see through the lens of God’s Word and from His vantage point that we begin to understand how His Sovereign hand works through people and events in our life to form the character of Christ in us. .

He is at work on behalf of His children conforming them into the image of His Son – all things work together for good. He makes all things beautiful in His perfect time!

Towards the Victor’s Crown

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal. 6:9) Consider for a moment your state in the race of life. Are you pressing on? Are you distracted or entangled? Are you weary? Do you fear what lies ahead? 

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Gal. 5:7-9)

Consider what may be hindering you from pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God. Brethren, “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”

My precious wife and I left the first Family Encouragement Weekend this year inspired and motivated to press on. With only a few months of marriage behind us, the teaching we received provided powerful insights into building upon the foundation which was established in our marriage. Meaningful fellowship, council, and advice from couples of all ages and timely principles expounded upon through the messages and testimonies were a true strengthening of our relationship with the Lord and between one another as husband and wife.

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:14) “…Run, that ye may obtain." (1Cor. 9:24)

Three more FEW Conferences are scheduled for 2012! Find out more info at: www.FEWconference.com. 

And be sure to visit theWilkesTeam.com, the Staddon family blog, and the Neely Team blog for additional reports on this dynamic weekend!

Bearing Precious Seed

Early this year, our journeys took us to a New England state rich in American history – Connecticut. In a region once abounding in farmland and orchards, glimpses of a once predominant agricultural life are prolific amidst quaint colonial style towns graced with tree lined main streets, cobblestone walkways, centuries old houses, and common greens. The every day setting of these now modernized towns still bear that yesteryear feel of such destinations as Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg.

In one such similar style town of Wethersfield, CT wherein General George Washington once traversed and with houses pre-dating the 18th century,  there remains two seed companies with lifespans dating decades, even a  century back – Hart Seed Company and Comstock, Ferre, & Co. The latter of the two holds the honor as the oldest continually operated Seed company in America with an inception date of 1820.

What a thrill it was walking down the aisles of this historical place. With list in hand, my precious wife carefully selected a wide variety of heirloom seeds for this year’s garden. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, lettuce, etc. Each packet was selected with care with hopes of a bountiful harvest this fall. 

There has been much anticipation in our home for working towards providing a significant portion of annual groceries through fresh and canned vegetables from our garden.

With a country wherein food resources are becoming more volatile and quality deficient, an opportunity is arising for families to work together for the purpose of meeting pressing physical needs in the family and community. And as the physical need is met, the door will open for the seed of the Word to be planted into into the needy hearts of those around us.

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (1Cor. 3:7)

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Ps. 126:6)

What a challenging thought to realize that He has given us but a short time upon the earth. He has entrusted each of us uniquely with specific gifts, talents, and callings for the expressed purpose of living heartily, not for men but the Lord so that others would see our good works and praise our Father in heaven. How are you sowing for the kingdom of God?