Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen

Thursday, May 6, 2010

I Want To Be An Evergreen!

On Easter Sunday I was out on my back porch before everyone woke up, and as I was reading my bible, I looked up and noticed the tree line that borders our property. There were just the beginning signs of budding leaves on the trees, but what stood out to me was a lone Evergreen nestled in the midst of the soon- to- be blooming trees. I thought about how beautiful things will look once the trees are fully green and the other colors of spring and summer are upon us.

Then, God spoke to me ever so clearly about that lone Evergreen. He reminded me that if He were a tree He'd be an Evergreen. Nehemiah 9:5 says, "Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting." Whether it's the dead of winter or amidst the blooming colors of spring, God is the same, unchanging, all-knowing, all-powerful God...very much unlike me. So, the thought came to me that I want to be an Evergreen. I want to be steadfast in my faith whether I'm in the midst of a "dead of winter" trial where I can see no life or color around me; or when I'm in the middle of a joyful "full bloom of spring-time" type of moment.

This adoption process has been frought with many highs and lows but through it all my God has not changed one bit.

1) He is still able to do miracles. "For you are great, and do great miracles. You alone are God. Psalms 86:10

2)He is still mighty and faithful. "O Jehovah, Commander of the heavenly armies, where is there any other Mighty One like you? Faithfulness is your very character." Psalms 89:8

3) He is still my refuge and worthy of my trust. "This I declare, that He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting Him." Psalms 91:2

I have at times been able to keep my eyes on Him and leave the entire process in His hands. (Shades of being an Evergreen). Those were times of peace and joy. Ahhhhhh...

There were other times, like last week when we found out that we wouldn't be receiving our SDA appointment because of another form needed, that I allowed myself to be tossed about in the wind like flowers from a Dogwood Tree blown away in a stiff, spring breeze. (Definitely not an Evergreen!) As I wallowed about in my pit of self-pity, God stood there patiently with the rope to pull me out but as I sometimes do....I continued to show my "colors" by staying focused on how things affected ME and MY plans instead of trusting God with the final outcome--NO MATTER HOW IT LOOKED AT THE MOMENT! Those are times of fatigue, sorrow, and little peace. Yuuuuuck!

Thankfully, another characteristic of my God that is unchanging and everlasting is His patience. "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his UNLIMITED PATIENCE as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:15,16

Yes, I truly enjoy the grandeur and colors of God's creation and when I see a burst of color like this one, it makes me feel alive and appreciative that our Creator has given us so much beauty to enjoy.





But when I step back and take a look at the bigger picture...I'm even more thankful that God will be the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow...
JUST LIKE AN EVERGREEN!!!

13 comments:

  1. Wow! That was good. :) I have never looked at it that way... I am glad God laid that upon your heart to share with us! It is truth. Thanks for sharing. Praying that the rest of your adoption journey is smooth sailing and quick!!! :)

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  2. That was a wonderful word picture. I have to remember that. Tomorrow, we are going to a luncheon meet and greet with Mark Shultz! He is going to sing and talk ab out adoption!! I am praying that Rick will be able to make it.

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  3. Very insightful Kristin! You've given me something to think about...because I tend to want to be a palm tree :)

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  4. Thanks Kristin--
    All of us on this journey can use this, can't we!

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  5. This is a beautifully written post Kristen. So sorry for the delay in your adoption it's only normal to be upset, that's mostly my initial reaction to dissapointment and then God always has a way of revealing Himself during those times just like the evergreen.
    I will pray for you.

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  6. Excellent post. Good reminder to keep our eyes focused on HIM above all else.

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  7. Well, I'm really sad that I'm not the first one to comment (!) but I really enjoyed this post. :) I love evergreens for that very reason--that they are never bare and give me little bit of green all year round. Now when I see them, I will be reminded of God's never-changing character. Thank you!! :)

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  8. Quite inspirational......an awesome new prespective for the towering green marvel. He will provide, delivering Nadia to your loving arms....hang in there!

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  9. What a wonderful analogy! It's funny that I don't really appreciate the beauty of the evergreens until all the other trees have gone dormant. Just like I don't fully appreciate God's faithfulness until my life is in a winter-like dormancy.

    Still praying for good news that Nadia will soon be home. May spring come soon for your sweet family.

    Much Love,
    Kathie

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  10. Just one of the many lessons and ways that Adoption constantly points us in the direction of Christ. From the very beginning, we see the blessings of the adoption process( even when we don't feel like we are blessed)in helping us to rely on God's timing , His plan. and His purposes. Well said, Kristin!
    Me

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  11. Hi Kristin, Thank you for sharing how God is working in you through this process. It encourages all of us! It's exciting to think of all the wonderful plans God has for you and Nadia. I'll miss you while we're gone but hope that you're not here when we get back! We are praying daily for you. Love Rebecca

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