Fountains of Life

Bend, Don’t Break

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Being a native Floridan, I think there’s something in our genes that causes us to get excited whenever there’s a tropical storm or hurricane nearby. Not that we don’t pray for safety and protection for ourselves and those affected — some of us even go down to the beach and speak to the storm — but it’s simply an atmospheric phenomenon that stirs us up inside. 

It’s hard to fully explain the experience of wind, rain, the cooling of the air, and a change in barometric pressure; I imagine there’s a scientific reason behind it all. But watching a roaring ocean and swaying palm trees somehow reminds me of the power and majesty of God — it’s terrifyingly beautiful. 

Psalm 92:12 says “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree…” Palm trees have a way of bending easily to strong winds. They may have their tops blown off, but they usually continue to stand against the fury blasting them over. And isn’t it interesting that God uses them as an example of us, the righteous? 

Most of us would probably agree we’ve each had our share of squalls and tumultuous winds that have beat us up. We may even be in the midst of an onslaught right now. But God made palm trees to bend and not break. Like them, our roots are to be grounded, standing strong, yet able to sway with the winds of change and circumstances.

Furthermore, this verse says we will flourish. Not only can we bend and not break, but we can genuinely flourish! The saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” isn’t in the Bible, but it’s kinda true. The experiences we gain as the storms in life beat us down are the very things that can strengthen our faith. We accumulate “test”-imonies as we go through tests. And the Word says we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimonies. (Rev. 12:11)

I believe: The tempests we bend with become the towers that stand.

We Floridians see these storms and the palm trees bowing, and we wait. God is giving us experience, which gives us wisdom and patience for the next time a storm comes around. (James 1:3) It’s not always easy, for sure, but He can bring us peace when chaos is all around us. Bend like a palm tree, my friend. Bend, don’t break. 

 

(Photos taken in Atlantic Beach, FL after Hurricane Ian passed through as a tropical storm.)

Lessons

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Yesterday I picked up an old book on my shelf, Let Go, by François Fénelon, a collection of letters he’d written, and browsed through it a little. Glancing through some of the sections I’d underlined years ago, I came upon this counsel he’d given to a friend: “…love humility, obscurity, weakness, and submission. These things, so despised by the world, are the accomplished teachers of all truth.”

Hmmm. Teachers they are? (As Yoda might say.) 

Then I thought about it.

Humility — teaches me I don’t know everything. Nor will I ever. I may think I know a lot, but humility has taught me to always continue learning. Like adapting to new technology. Gone, for me, are the days of simply playing a piano at church; now we have a shiny red expensive keyboard with a ga-zillion knobs, dials, and slides that will do basically anything you want it to. Humility keeps me teachable, even to a younger generation.

Obscurity — reveals my pride and arrogance and the need to be seen. When I’m hurt because no one acknowledges me or what I did, God reminds me that my value and importance doesn’t come from others, but from Him. It’s a true heart check. Is He alone seeing me enough or am I looking for (or even needing) something from someone else? Obscurity keeps me hidden under His wing, anonymous to the world. 

Weakness — exposes my fears and flaws. In this world, weakness is regarded as a negative, something to be ashamed of, ridiculed for. Being weak makes me feel powerless and afraid. Most of us want to be seen as strong, yet, if it’s only my strength, it has limits. When I’m caring for my elderly mother, it can be demanding and difficult emotionally and physically, draining my might and patience. But Father God is the Almighty One, full of power and glory; and in acknowledging my weakness, it allows Him to be strong in me. (2 Cor.12:9) Weakness keeps me reliant upon God, not myself. 

Submission — uncovers my control issues. I mean, who really likes to be bossed around? But it’s not about forcing or dominating people or even circumstances. It’s about authority. I’ve tried to manage my life on my own, and I just go into debt, stay angry, and loose all peace and serenity. Traffic will drive me crazy, printers will refuse to work correctly, and toilets will stop up — all things I can’t control. Yet, when I submit to His oversight and remember that all things in life work together for my good (Rom.8:28), then I can relax, take a deep breath, regain my composure and continue on. Submission keeps me under His authority and protection.

So I think Fénelon got it right. These four things are great teachers of truths, though I’m still in the learning process. How about you? Had any good lessons lately?

By Cyndi

Manners Matter

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By Cyndi

Yesterday I was walking into the store and a nice young man held the door for me. I made sure I told him ‘thank you.’ In fact, I actually said, “Thank you very much” because it seems like there’s not as many people holding doors for others as there used to be.

A few days ago I was driving down the road, when a lane was blocked due to some construction and was merging into the one I was in. I slowed down and waved a lady in a van to come on over in front of me.

Manners are a form of communication to each another. What we communicate is up to us. Ideally, as Christians, our manners should reflect the love of God. John 13:34 tells us that we ought to love others as Christ loved us. Ephesians 4:2 asks us to be patient with everyone in humility and gentleness. Phil. 2:4 encourages us to look out not just for our own interests, but for those of others too. 

So last week I was driving and about to turn a corner when the person walking on the sidewalk, staring intently at their phone (without ever looking up) began to stroll across the street right in front of my car. Thank God, I noticed him before I turned so I stopped to wait. And, get this, he never looked up to acknowledge there was a car coming at him, even after he finished crossing! I don’t know if he was ignoring me or was totally oblivious to the fact that he was almost hit by a car. Was he never taught to look before crossing a street or was he a blooming idiot? (Sorry, I was a little upset.) He was most definitely unaware of anyone else but himself! 

I guess it’s this selfish behavior that bothers me the most; I feel it’s very ungodly. However, I can be the same way too sometimes. 

Yes, I’m a sinner restored to His grace just like all of us. I know the scriptures — love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it isn’t proud, etc….all of 1 Corinthians chapter 13, the “love” chapter. I had to memorize this in the tenth grade (thank you, Mr. Schottletner), but can I represent this kind of love all the time? Of course not. So there’s grace. Yet, it is the goal I’m aiming for. I’m hoping to treat others the same way I want to be treated. (Luke 6:31) 

So what do I do when I fail at good manners or when others fail around me? Brother Paul exhorts me to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to them — and myself — just like Jesus is. (Eph. 4:32) I can try my best to be an example, a representation of Father’s love here on earth, and I can speak up if I need to when unacceptable language or behavior is affecting me. (This happened in the ER  with my mom a few weeks ago where a lady was foul-mouthing loudly and being rude so another lady called her on it asking her to “Tone it down, please!” She was gentle but firm. Set boundaries y’all.)

Nobody is perfect, but manners matter. On a day to day basis they are our tool to connect us together and show what’s in our hearts towards one another. 

Romans 12:10— Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

I can honor others by using my manners — speaking with respect, being kind, and having patience. I can look others in the eye (instead of a screen) when they’re talking to me, help a stranger find their dog or give them directions, or be understanding when dealing with an older person. I’ll try to do my best. Manners matter.  

Your Body is a Temple

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By Cyndi

Ever had a song from your past rise up and get stuck in your head? There’s been a children’s song my son used to listen to by The Donut Man that’s become lodged between my ears lately: My Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit. Anyone remember this one?

Maybe it’s because it’s the season of Lent (or some other reason), but as I’ve been focusing more on eating healthy, fasting, and exercising, it’s caused me to pay closer attention to what actually is happening in my physical body. The song is based on this verse:

1 Cor. 6:19,20 — “… didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit?” 

This verse states that my body is a place where the Holy Spirit dwells. Think about this a moment. Or two. Imagine you have a valuable watch or diamond ring, where do you keep it? Do you put it in an old cardboard box and toss it in the garage? I wouldn’t think so. I have a precious set of pearls from China that were given to me by a dear friend years ago which I keep in a special box in the back of my top drawer out of the way so it won’t be knocked around or damaged. I guard that box and keep it safe because the contents are valuable to me.

How much more should we guard the presence of the Holy Spirit Who lives within us? I want to take care of and honor my body — not worship it and be consumed by my appearance — but be conscience of how healthy I am. I want to live a long fruitful life and be a testimony for the world to see the goodness of God.

Lately I’ve been tempted to eat food that I know isn’t good for me. Then that little song comes to mind — it’s the Word of God strengthening me. I know I have to keep my spirit “fed” well, but I also need to do the same with my physical body. It’s the vessel God which uses to express His love to others. 

So if I have to have a song stuck in my head, this one, at least, is a good one. Yes, it’s childish and simple, but Matt.18:3 says we need to become like little children to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Therefore, my dear reader, it’s really not that complicated. My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit — I should treat it well. How about you?

Casting Cares

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Ps. 55:22— Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you.

This is a great verse, especially the first word: “cast.” Having grown up around the water, I’ve seen lots of fishermen in my life — some on boats, some on kayaks, some on the beach — and all of them “cast” their lines into the water. There’s a certain knack to casting; you have to hold your rod and reel just right, pull it back over your shoulder, and fling it so that the bait and tackle go as far out as possible into the deep where the fish are. This isn’t always an easy thing to do.

And neither is casting our cares. 

I think sometimes by simply mentioning my worries to God He’ll quickly remove them from my thoughts and they’ll be gone. Sometimes this does happen, but, like fishing, usually I have to “practice” my casting of cares. My mind wants to keep dwelling on those worries, or I stay anxious and get snappy at people, so I have to choose to put these things in His hands repeatedly, over and over again. I have to learn to cast.

What else helps? I try to stay in the Word, maybe spend more time meditating on His goodness, being grateful, letting go of trying to control situations or people. You know, when you cast with a fishing pole, you can’t hold onto the line, you have to release it with a fling. And yes, you have to fling it! Let ‘er rip! It’s not a gentle drop or a toss of your hand, it’s a slinging motion — with purpose!

And so it is with casting our cares. Sling those troubles away! Over and over again, throw them onto the Lord. If they come back into your thoughts, fling them out to Him again. Keep declaring they’re all in His hands and that you don’t need to worry, He’s a good God. 

This psalm says that when we cast our cares on Him, He will sustain us. Father God wants to hold you up, support you, and  give you peace, but these cares want to keep you down and depressed. So practice your casting, make choices to believe His Word over your worries. Fling those cares off and rest in His love!  

 

(by Cyndi)