But all who listen to Me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.

Proverbs 1:33

Note: A friend who receives Reflections as you do (thanks, Lucinda) was wondering if I was OK since the posting pattern has changed. Yes, I am fine!

For two years I posted a Reflection every week. For the third year, it was my dream to post one Reflection on the first Monday of the month and then to post one scripture with an image of mine on the three following Mondays of the month. Confused? No need to be - the pattern has changed to one Reflection to three scripture posts. I hope you are enjoying the pace.

To me, the Word of God is SO important that it can stand alone in its power to change our lives. We just need to stop, listen and ponder, working God's truth into our lives along the way.

May the Lord continue to bless, keep and guide you,

Dawn

Safe

I lay down and slept, yet I wake up in safety, for the Lord is watching over me.

Psalm 3:5

Close Fellowship with God

He walked in close fellowship with God.

Genesis 6:9

Counting the Clouds

Who is wise enough to count all the clouds?

Who can tilt the water jars of heaven?

Job 38:37

VICTORY NOT DEFEAT

A few years ago, I created a flower garden in honor of my Mother who had gone home to be with the Lord. Poppy seeds were chosen since they seemed to represent her life - which was so fleeting.

I dug up the soil, prepared it, planted the seeds and waited. Eventually some beautiful poppies appeared - but a strong wind devastated them. What a failure of an attempt, it seemed. How discouraging. All of that work and waiting…and nothing, less than nothing, it seemed, as those beautiful poppy blossoms lay in the dirt and the petals fluttered away in the wind.

Yet I could hear, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant” - but how could that be? All of that effort and nothing….

Then I thought about Jesus. He came to tend a garden, too.
In His own family - some thought He was crazy.
In His own village as a carpenter - some went to the competition for their needs.
In His nation - some thought He was a failed King.
In His world - some killed Him and thought that was the end of it.

It all seemed such a failure - but look what happened - Jesus arose in triumph! God’s perfect plan was completed after all. What looked like an utter failure was, in reality, the biggest victory ever.

So next time God gives you a garden (your home, your marriage, your children, your job) to tend and it looks like it didn’t turn out as you envisioned it, realize that God sees everything from His point of view and He very well may say to you, no matter how it looks,

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Let’s celebrate!” Matthew 25:23