Heart Choices: Spring in my Heart -->

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Spring in my Heart


Happy spring!  Spring is a bit different in the desert of Phoenix. It's amazing to see a cactus bloom with beautiful flowers.  The orange and grapefruit trees produce delicious fruit ripe for picking. A sweet pleasing fragrance fills the air.  There's a special beauty in this season of spring.

However there's also a down side to all of these blooms; allergies. So many people in the Phoenix area suffer with allergies this time of year, including me.  :(

I guess there's two sides to everything.

I'm joining up today for a Faith Barista Jam.  Bonnie gave us our writing prompt as:  SPRING

It's the last two weeks of Lent.  Originally the word Lent comes from old English word meaning "spring".  Imagine Jesus whispering the word "spring" into your heart. Reflect and share what "spring" means to you in your current journey of faith.


I see with my physical eyes the desert blooming.  Spring is a season of growth.  I also see that spring is a season of spiritual growth.  I choose to listen to the whispers in my heart.

As I look forward to Resurrection Sunday or Easter, the Lord is preparing my heart.  I remember how Jesus spent 40 days in the desert.  And may I remind you that this time of testing occurred right after Matthew 3:17

And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased."  

Matthew 4:1-2 goes on to say:

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.  After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.

Can you imagine fasting for forty days in the desert?

Living in a desert I can tell you that water is essential for survival. Dehydration is a very real danger and can even cause people to become lightheaded and pass out.  And yet that is when Jesus was tempted by the devil.

Despite being tempted in areas that I would have a hard time resisting, Jesus never gave in.  Instead His response to the devil was to quote Scripture.

I have to admit that probably wouldn't have been my first response. Think about it for a minute.

  • You're hungry
  • You're tired
  • You're extremely thirsty
  • You're alone in the desert
Not one of my personal experiences or temptations is anything compared to what Jesus went through.

As Jesus whispers 'spring' into my heart, I'm reminded that I can trust Him in the midst of my personal challenges in this season of life.  During this time of testing I ask myself:

  • Do I truly believe God's Word?
  • Do I trust God when my life has been turned upside down?
  • Do I look forward with hope?
  • Do I remember how much He loves me?
  • Do I realize that I am not alone and that He is with me?
I can tell you that I'm learning that I do believe and trust Him.  My faith is actually growing stronger through the trials and storms of life.  I believe His Word.  And I can look forward with hope.

After all, Easter is coming!  Jesus lived a perfect life and died on the cross.  But that's not the end of the story.  If that was the end, my faith would be in vain.  He rose to life on the third day and appeared to many.  He ascended into heaven and now sits on the right hand of the Father continually interceding for His children.

I realize that He is with me on my life journey through each season. Spring is a wonderful reminder for me.  I listen to His whispers in my heart.  Therefore I can be ...joyful and hopeful.  



Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
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7 comments:

  1. Dear Debbie
    I am your neighbor at Bonny's, joyful to have the honor! When you are preparing for spring, we in South Africa are saying goodbye to our summer. But you are so right. After all the growth that happens in our hearts during winter, during spring we rejoice in the fruit and flowers that have been formed and cultivated in secret by the gardener of our hearts!
    Much love and sweet blessings to you, my friend
    Mia

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  2. What an uplifting and encouraging post, Debbie....one that I needed today as I face a challenge that requires trusting God and resting in His arms. Bless you....and thank you for your comment on my blog.

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  3. Hi Debbie,
    What a beautiful photo! Our Saguaros have not bloomed yet. I think that snow storm has delayed some signs of spring here in this part of the desert. So many plants that would normally be in bloom are dead following the beauty and wonder of the snow we had last month. Some of them may have to be replaced, some may just take time to bloom again.
    That sort of follows the model you gave in your story. Jesus was called the Father's beloved Son. And right after that he was led into the desert and all of the temptations. But eventually He rose from the dead and gave us new life. Just as these plants will have new life--Just as I will have new life when I confidently trust Him to lead me through the storm and the barrenness afterward to find the new life He promises me.
    Thank you for the reminder that the desert came after such a beautiful demonstration of God's love. And the promise tht followed. I will be meditating on that.
    Blessings,
    Janis

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  4. great post!

    growth in Spring after hibernation with Him all Winter

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  5. Spring, God's annual promise that there is life after death. Blessings to you.

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  6. Thank you....this week the struggles increased and I needed the truth spoken over me...which you just did..thanks

    Sarah sends her thanks for all your prayers...stop by my blog and you will see the answers to the prayers you have prayed on behalf of my daughter in law...
    Hugs...wish we could just visit!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh, yes, He is with us on our life journey and I've seen that proven over and over in my 60 years and even recently has He once again assured me of His unfailing love and comfort. What a great post as we enter this Holy week. Thanks for these sweet words of inspiration. Happy Spring to you!

    ReplyDelete

I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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