Monuments to God

Have you ever thought of trees as monuments to God?

Six weeks ago, Candyce Carden asked the following question in her blog post. “What do you value about trees?” In the Company of Trees

I responded, “On Friday, I valued the trees that formed a canopy over our heads as my husband and I waited for a light rain to pass so we could continue our hike. I’ve always loved trees and find them beautiful even when they have no leaves. Their trunks and branches often form unique designs that cause me to pause and take notice.”

Have you noticed the designs and differences in the trees our Lord created? Trees are as unique as people. They come in different sizes and shapes. Some bear fruit, others show off their flowers, and many die before they fulfill their purpose.

We found the tree above on our recent trip to Kauai, Hawaii. I believe it’s a Moluccan Albizia. They are one of the fastest growing trees in the world, with a growth of 15 feet per year, reaching heights up to 150 feet. Amazing giants, but many people in Hawaii consider them an invasive species. Another interesting tree we found was the Cook Pine. I’m used to seeing the pine trees in North America with full branches. The pines in Hawaii looked bare to me, but lovely. The smaller tree in the picture below may be a monkeypod, also a part of the Albizia family.

I found the trees along the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, New Mexico, fascinating as well—their winding branches and the way they blocked our path. We enjoyed our walks in the woods because there aren’t many trees in the desert.

When we moved back to Tennessee a year ago and searched for a home to buy, I told our agent I wanted trees. But the home we purchased had only one small tree, and we removed it due to decay. Last fall we added a redbud, red maple, dwarf Norway spruce, and a serviceberry to our yard. The spruce didn’t make it through the winter, but the others have done well.

Earlier this week I read Psalm 1, another reminder of trees.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company
of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not
wither—whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

The godly delight in God’s Word because of the nourishment He provides there. They bear good fruit and produce more to share again with others. I want to produce more fruit in honor of my Lord.

This is what Isaiah 55:12-13 says about trees in The Message.

So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.
The mountains and hills will lead the parade, bursting with song.
All the trees of the forest will join the procession, exuberant with applause. No more thistles, but giant sequoias, no more thornbushes, but stately pines—Monuments to me, to God,
living and lasting evidence of God.

Why do the trees join the procession? They are monuments to God and evidence of Him. May we also be evidence of God, brimming with fruit, bursting with song, and boisterous with applause!

A Step of Faith

Has God asked you to do the impossible? Have you taken a step of faith and done something you believed you’d never do? Maybe impossible in your strength, but not in His.

The story of Queen Esther is one of my favorite Bible stories. Esther, an introverted woman, took a bold step of faith after she fasted. She stood in the inner court before the king without being summoned. An action that could have been fatal. God gave her the strength she needed to save her people from annihilation.

What emotions do you suppose she faced? Insecurity? Fear?

As she fasted, did she obsess over reasons that might make her an inferior choice to save her people? Did she try to persuade God to select someone more qualified? Would the king remove her from his presence and send her to her death if she carried out her plan? I imagine she approached him with weakened knees and a racing heartbeat.

When God impresses upon us to do something extraordinary, we often find ourselves in a scary place. Insecurity and fear may grip us. But when God calls us to do something, He equips us, too. What does it take for us to answer His call? Faith.

I’d like to share an example from my life of taking a step of faith and hope you’ll do the same in the comments.

In a Sunday evening church service, a video played which reminded the congregation of an upcoming mission trip to Malawi, Africa. I’d seen this video on other occasions, but on that evening, a thought popped into my head that I’d never considered. “I want to go.” My husband sat on my left. I turned to share my idea with him when insecurity and fear struck me. Instead, I kept quiet. I couldn’t go unless he went too.

After service on our drive home, the first words out of our youngest daughter’s mouth were, “I want to go on the mission trip to Malawi.”

A wave of relief washed over me. God called her to go—not me. I chuckled and looked at Kenn. “I almost turned to you during the video and said, ‘I want to go.’”

His response: “Wait until you hear this. During the video, I wondered if the two of you would go without me.”

Did God want me to step out in faith and travel halfway around the world without my husband?

My first mission trip caused me to rely on God more than ever. After weeks of preparation and prayer, we arrived in Malawi and shared the Gospel in remote villages for several days. God stretched me. I prayed and trusted Him to guide and strengthen me. When insecurity attacked, I relied upon Him and His Word. So much so that two years later, I returned to Malawi on a second mission trip. I knew God would join me there and help me speak His Word and share from my heart.

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you
with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) 

It’s your turn. Please share a step of faith you’ve taken, or a favorite verse when you’re struggling with insecurity or fear.

Photos by Stewart Linthicum and Stormy Morgan

My Needy Cat

My needy cat kneads me. She possesses a peculiar habit of lying in my lap, kneading her paws into my belly, and sucking on my fleece robe, often while purring. I found a website that explained possibilities for my rescue cat’s actions.

  • She’s claiming my robe and me as her territory.

  • Her behavior shows affection and contentment.

  • She’s seeking comfort as she did while a kitten nursing from her mother (found in cats that were taken from their mama too soon).

I’m happy she’s comfortable with me and wants to show me affection, but her quirky behavior can be annoying. She usually does this during my devotional time while I’m at my desk in the morning, and she expects me to coddle her as she snuggles. She relaxes so much that I must place my arm along her side, or she’ll slip off my lap. Have you ever tried to write in your journal while a cat rests on your writing arm?

After this lovable snuggling time, she leaves my lap and finds another place to lounge. When I wander past her, she may greet me with a meow. But if I reach out to pet her, she sometimes bites. Not a playful nip or love-bite but an all-out bite that causes me to say, “Ouch.” Fortunately, she doesn’t break my skin.

She bites my husband too, but he gets the love-bites. Not the “ouch” kind. But she doesn’t show him the love and affection she does me by kneading and snuggling.

How can such a lovable cat one moment turn on me several minutes later and morph into an attack cat? More research and more answers.

  • Cats become overstimulated and need time alone.

  • I may resemble an earlier owner who was abusive or neglectful.

  • Someone took her from her mama before she learned proper play-biting techniques.

Before my research, I thought I might resemble a former owner. But now I believe someone took her from her mama too soon.

The answer? We continue to bond. I put up with her cuddling in my lap while I read my Bible and save the writing in my journal for later in the morning. I’ve learned not to touch her if she’s resting.

Is there someone in your life who seems to be your friend one moment and your foe the next? What sparks their behavior to change? Maybe they’re overwhelmed and need to be alone or need an extra dose of love and kindness.

What helps you when you feel you’ve had enough? Walk outdoors? Read a book (perhaps God’s Word)? Listen to music? Or do you seek a kind word, a warm hug, or the reassuring voice of a close friend?

As I thought about my cat and how her affection toward me can change in an instant, I remembered times when I’ve snapped at someone I love. I don’t bite, but my tone hasn’t always been calm or sweet. There are moments I reach that point when I need alone time or an understanding hug. Although I strive to show kindness and love, I guess I’m a lot like my needy cat.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech
but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18, NIV 

An Odd Request, Part Two

This blog post is a continuation of last month’s post. Here’s a quick review of my story: While in Orlando on vacation, I visited with a mission’s pastor to learn how he’d proposed to a woman he hadn’t seen in twelve years. In Part Two, Pastor Ben Peterson updates us on the woman’s initial response to his odd request.

Pastor Ben contacted me the day after our visit to ask for advice. He thought, because I write Christian romance, I might offer him a few suggestions on how he should proceed with the woman he felt God called him to marry. I didn’t have the heart to tell him to give up on the idea, so my husband and I agreed to meet him at a coffee shop near his church.

When we arrived, we placed our orders and joined Pastor Ben at his table. He brought us up to date.

“I sent her another message.” He leaned forward. “She hadn’t read the letter yet. She thought I wrote to request money for a mission’s trip. Then, when she read it, she messaged me back and accused me of picking out my wife from a harem like King Xerxes did in the Bible.” He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms.

“I love the story of Queen Esther.”

He ignored my comment. “She said she answered me in a letter and planned to send it by snail mail, which tells me that her answer is no.” He raised his palms. “What should I do now?”

Kenn raised his eyebrows and shook his head. I was on my own.

My heart rate quickened. “I suggest you call her. Let her hear your voice. Maybe that will bring back fond memories for her.”

Pastor Ben rested his elbow on the table and waved his hand around as he spoke. “But that gives her the opportunity to tell me that I’m crazy.” He rubbed his chin. “What if I record a video and send it to her? That way, she won’t only hear my voice, but she’ll see me, too, and know I’m sincere.”

“That might work.” Although I doubted it would. “But if she doesn’t get back with you, give her at least a day or two to think and pray about this before you follow up with a phone call.”

He took a long sip of his drink and placed his cup on the table. “I’m not sure I have her phone number. Perhaps it’s time to visit her in Pleasant Springs.”

Kenn agreed.

I eyed Kenn and grimaced. “No, wait.” I focused on Pastor Ben. “If she’s not open to your idea, she may assume you’re stalking her if you show up unannounced.” I lowered my voice. “Be careful. Those small-town sheriffs don’t take to strangers well.”

“You might be right.” He stared over the top of my head. “Annie may have kept Becca’s phone number. I’ll check around the house.”

“Becca? The woman you want to marry?”

He smiled. “Yes. She and her husband Michael were very special to my wife Annie and me. He died a few years before Annie.”

I asked him to keep me posted as to Becca’s response to his video. “If she’s favorable, I’d like to write your love story. Many people will find your romance worthy of their time.”

“Well.” He paused. “Ours won’t be a love story.”

I opened my eyes wide. “What?”

“I’m not in love with her. Our marriage will be an arrangement. I explained that to Becca in my letter.”

“A marriage of convenience?”

He nodded.

“I hope you’re right that God called you to marry her, and I hope He tells her the same thing, because most women want and need love from their husbands.” I hesitated to say more, but I forged ahead. “Psalm 37:4 says, ‘Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.’ But when your desires and hers are opposite one another, you’re asking for trouble.”

To read Ben and Becca’s happily ever after, check out An Odd Request on Amazon.

Full disclosure again this month: This blog post is a work of fiction. Pastor Ben Peterson, Becca, Michael, Annie, and Pleasant Springs are fictional people and places.

Photo by Tyler Nix - Unsplash

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