Saturday, April 18, 2009

Make A Big Deal Out of Your Life!


I love gardens! Ever since I can remember I have always loved hanging out in them. When I was a child about 9, my dad planted this huge vegetable garden in my backyard. He made a clubhouse for me out of cornstalks where I could just sit and hang out in the garden.

For some reason it gives me peace just sitting among God’s creations. To see the beauty and colors of the many flowers and how it attracts bird, bees and flitterbys! When we bought our first house, I had a great imagination for what kind of garden I wanted in my backyard. Half of it was landscaped and the rest remained dirt. I knew I wanted a place where I could find solace and serenity, a place for quiet time for me, but also a time to enjoy with the family.

So I began by planting roses, they had to be all different colors and extremely fragrant. The best I have found are Jackson and Perkins, which Lowe’s used to sell. Now for some reason they don’t. I have about 12 rose bushes. I told my hubby long ago before he bought me flowers to just buy a rose bush, that way; I can enjoy the beauty of the flowers all year long and not just the time that a dozen will last in a vase. They never do smell quite the same.

Then we added marigolds, and lavender to attract hummingbirds and flitterbys to our garden. Just this year we added a small vegetable garden with strawberries, chocolate mint, cilantro and soon again, tomatoes. Nothing tastes quite as good as a freshly grown tomato. We also have apple trees as well and I am searching for something that grows well in the shade. My hubby also added to fountains so we can enjoy the sound of water when the weather is nice on the patio. I guess I am creating my own heaven on earth for now, til I make it home to the real heaven at some point.

My garden is my sweetest spot in my home. Do you have a sweet spot? “Each person is given something to do that shows who God is. “ 1 Corinthians 12:7.

Too often as I pass through and read so many blogs, I find people questioning their own self worth lately. I began explaining it to my kids in the car while we went to pick up my daughter’s boyfriend from school. I told my daughters that for years I wondered what God’s purpose was in my life, since I was no longer contributing to our finances by not working any longer, and yet not doing anything besides being a mom, had also left me feeling empty for many years.

I always felt that God was calling me to a higher purpose. I told them I finally got peace about my current place in life, not only as a stay at home mom and wife, but what I believe God’s gift to me was. I honestly believe I am an “encourager”, someone who will hopefully make you feel better if you are doubting yourself. If you are down and out, I am hopefully a little bit of God’s sunlight to make your day a bit brighter.

I have always been that way, for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to be used in a bigger capacity but God has revealed that He is using me this way. Sometimes I am merely the stepping stone in someone’s life on the way to God. Sometimes, He may use me to lead someone to God, but I believe He uses me when the seed has been planted and people begin to doubt whether they are worthy enough. God is using my talents in the way. He also uses me when people are feeling low and discouraged. He uses me to make them feel better about themselves and to keep the enemy from sneaking in. I am happy with my gift and with God’s help I plan to use it everyday in every way to glorify Him!

So how do you know what God has called you to do? How can you find out if the light isn’t all that clear? When God gives you an assignment, He also gives you the skills. So study your skills, then to reveal your assignment.

What do you do best that others would struggle with, Your uncanny ability to organize the mess in your home. Your ability to nurture and help others. Your ability to be creative, to paint, to write, to take pictures. Heed that inner music. No one else hears it the way you do. Our Maker gives assignments to people, “to each according to each one’s unique ability. (Matthew 25:15). As he calls, he equips. Look back over your life. What have you consistently done well? What have you loved to do? Stand at the intersection of your affections and successes and find your uniqueness.

You have one. A divine spark. “The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.” 1 Corinthians 12:7. So each of us has something special to offer. Don’t worry about the skills you don’t have. Don’t covet strengths others do have. Just extract your uniqueness. “Kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you.” (2 Tim. 1:6). And do so to….make a big deal out of God…..every day of your life!

7 comments:

Andrea said...

Thank you, Kat once again for a beautiful post. I, too homeschool my kids..well I am down to the last one now.
I wanted you to know that my friend in SC has gone thru all the proper channels and still no resolve. I hope you will check out Mary's post at Divinely Designed and prayerfully consider posting what she did....much love and prayers as each of us tries so desperately to make a difference in this world...andrea

RCUBEs said...

Beautiful flowers...Like how you encourage others, not only through your writing but with people around you. How great it is to be able to break a wall and build a bridge instead. I am with you sis Kat, I feel that's what God wants me to do is to encourage others. May He continue to guide us with His divine wisdom. God bless you and your family. Have a great weekend!

LisaShaw said...

Hi Kathleen and thank you for your kind comments on my blog. I'm so glad to meet you! Obviously you have a loving heart as evidence in your writing and I'm always blessed when the Lord unites his children.

I look forward to reading and visiting with you and praying for you.

God bless!

Yolanda said...

Kat,

I can't imagine how beautiful your garden is. I just finished the classic book, "The Secret Garden". Have you read it? If not, I highly suggest it.

Lovingly,
Yolanda

Laurie said...

"I always felt that God was calling me to a higher purpose. I told them I finally got peace about my current place in life, not only as a stay at home mom and wife, but what I believe God’s gift to me was." What an encourager you are:) I am thankful for the peace God has given you.
I am not there completely, but I am gaining peace about my lot in life as wife and stay at home mom. I also am beginning to see it as God's gift. I am more content than in days past and learning to know the Lord right where I am. I am thankful for the time I have with my children, as I know many others want it, but have to work full-time. Thankfully, I don't work full-time. Thank you for your encouragements. I love gardens, too. My special places now are my sunroom during this Spring season and a special little "lake" near where we live.
Enjoy your day sweet sister!

Darlene said...

Wonderful post...the flowers are so pretty! I would love to have a garden like the one you described. I love flowers but I don't have a green thumb. LOL
Thanks for adding me to you followers list and commenting!
Have a Happy Monday!

Rebekah said...

Very good post. I feel closer to God out in nature- especially surrounded by beautiful flowers