Heart Choices: 2014-04-13 -->

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Are you Carrying Heavy Loads?


Do you carry heavy loads?  The other morning I was lugging my large black plastic garbage bag to the dumpster. As I slung it into the receptacle, I accidentally threw my cell phone in too. Luckily, it landed right on top of my garbage bag.  I figured I could reach it and all would be well.

Not to be!  I couldn't reach it as hard as I tried. I attempted to pull the garbage dumpster over but it was too heavy and full. I was also concerned that my cell phone would sink deeper into the garbage and be lost forever. So I hoisted myself onto the garbage as I attempted to reach it with my hand. Before I realized it, my legs were up in the air but ...I got it.  I quickly looked around and was relieved that nobody was around to see this crazy woman in the dumpster!

I actually have a spiritual lesson in my garbage story. I wonder how many of you are carrying around heavy loads every day. My bag was heavy!  I think of the Scripture verse:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

As we approach Easter, I'm reminded of the Cross. Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience to God the Father. He took on my sin and yours upon Himself. All the guilt and burdens in life. He paid the penalty for it all. I recognized and admitted that I was a sinner and invited Him into my heart and life. So now I have peace with God.

Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe.



Jesus didn't stay on the Cross. The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive and sits at the right hand of the Father. He intercedes for us today.

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in Heaven." Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." John 3:16-17 (NIV)
What burdens are you carrying around with you?
  • Guilt
  • Fear
  • Insecurity
  • Responsibilities for others

Will you consider leaving those burdens at the Cross?


I'm linking up with Bonnie of Faith Barista for Whitespace Thursday.

Whitespace Community Linkup @ faithbarista.com

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

The Blessing of Blooming Where you're Planted


Bloom where you're planted. I've heard that many times and I do agree with it. But I have to say when I look at this photo, I wouldn't mind sitting in one of those chairs.  Just saying ...

Back to reality.  I feel like I'm blooming right here in the desert of Phoenix.  Last week was very hot but today it was in the low 80's and windy.  Figures that I wore a skirt of all days. Between the wind blowing and the kids lifting it up, I'm glad I wore shorts underneath. I didn't want a Michelle Obama moment!

I took these photos while I was driving home from an afternoon spent with friends at their Scottsdale home. Many of my friends from back east didn't realize that we have so much green in Arizona.

The children in our Pre-K 3 class go to Art Class every Friday. This past week we had one of my favorite substitutes; Mrs. Thomson.  Every time any of the preschool children see her they always recognize her as Miss Debbie's friend.  Well, I do consider her my friend but she's been subbing at our school before I even worked there. So we get a chuckle out of this!

The children loved using their creativity to make necklaces using the outer border of paper plates.

And speaking of blooming ...my very own little garden is blooming. My roses are looking pretty good.  I love tinkering in the mornings as I trim and fertilize. I'm putting together an herb garden too with fresh basil, rosemary and parsley.  I can't wait to go on this year's Arcadia Edible Garden Tour Tour to get more ideas and tips. I already purchased my ticket.

So yes I will bloom where I'm planted; even in the desert of Phoenix. And when you start to look around there are always many blessings to be seen.

#1068 The beauty of the desert
#1069  Flowers in bloom
#1070  Spending time with amazing co-workers each day
#1071  An afternoon of catching up with a special group of friends
#1072  Knowing that I am prayed for by these friends
#1073  Writing a blog post that was difficult for me and receiving such thoughtful feedback and comments (in case you missed it you can read it here)
#1074 Brokenness is not a bad word after all
#1075 I get to teach Culinary Camp this summer to 7-11 year old children
#1076 Learning more and more about gardening

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays as I count my every day blessings.



May I encourage you to look around at your life and begin to notice those every day blessings. I can guarantee it will change your perspective.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit
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