How Our Garden Grows

In the last few weeks our family has grown.

No, we aren't expecting a new little Slater.

I'm talking about the addition of tomato, pepper, and squash plants, some herbs including cilantro and basil, and two apple trees to our backyard. My husband Ted's affection for these green friends runs deep, therefore I think it best to categorize them "family."

I'm not a gardener—at least not yet. All of the plants I have tried to keep alive in the past managed to die. Probably because unlike children, plants don't speak up about their needs. There's no, "I'm thirsty ... NOW!" Because of this, I leave all responsibilities that require a green thumb to Ted.

Even so, I'm finding myself caught up in the excitement of our garden. I'll admit I wake up in the mornings and glance out the back window, hoping to see our plants and trees doing well. Perhaps there's a part of me that secretly desires to nurture nature, to watch over it as the first man and woman once did in the Garden.

Time will tell how our garden grows. And there's no doubt we'll learn a lot about the art of gardening as we watch, wait, and as Ted tends. As the process unfolds, I plan to enjoy the day-by-day development of our newest family members, specifically the tomato plants that will hopefully grow some beautiful vegetables ... um, I mean fruit ... for us this summer.

Good Morning, Baltimore

Over Memorial Day weekend, my husband Ted and I boarded a Southwest Airlines plane to the East Coast. Once there, we spent three days at the NEXT conference in Baltimore.

More than once, I reminded Ted of my love for musicals with my rendition of the song, "Good Morning, Baltimore" from the 2007 film version of the musical Hairspray. Though I did indulge in singing what I've since learned are incorrect lyrics over the span of 72 hours, not all self-control was abandoned. I determined it was inappropriate to throw my hands up in the air and belt out the song as we walked down Pratt Avenue outside the Convention Center. I'd venture to guess Ted was pleased I exercised some self-control in this area.

While there, I had the opportunity to meet regular Ungrind contributor and blogger friend Danielle Ayers Jones face-to-face. We spent a few hours chatting over dinner and desert in the Little Italy neighborhood of Baltimore. It was such fun to meet Danielle in person. Here's a photo of us—taken from Danielle's blog because frankly, I admit it, I look better in this photo than in the one from my camera.

I also talked with Susan—an Ungrind reader who recognized me—for a few minutes at the conference. Susan, if you are reading this, it was great to meet you!

The three days away fueled my excitement for our upcoming June theme of getaways. So stayed tuned as we kick that off on Monday. In the meantime, I'd love to hear how you spent your Memorial Day weekend.

Like New

Lately when I walk past my children's bedrooms, I turn my head quickly, or lift my hand to the side of my face to block my view, or just close my eyes altogether. It's bad. It's really bad. Sure, they "clean" their rooms every day, but apparently a mom's definition of clean is vastly different from a child's.

Now that school is out, I plan to take the first few days of summer to clean those bedrooms. I'll need several garbage bags, I'm sure, to handle all that mess. A little Windex, a vacuum, and (in my son's case) some touch-up paint on the walls, and the bedrooms will be like new.

It's the same with following Jesus. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). When I come to Him, He removes the garbage. Only Jesus can take care of the sinful mess, and make me like new.

Let's Experiment

Growing up I didn't participate in science experiments and, if possible, would have skipped science class altogether. I do love observing nature and all that God has created, but I'm content in gazing at it rather than dissecting it.

At the same time, I do appreciate those who explore science because it gives us all a closer look into the mysteries of life. Also, their discoveries give us a deeper understanding of our Creator's great care and intricate detail put into each creation.

In the book of Job, the Lord speaks to him and gives an insight to some of the mysteries of life that only He knows, too amazing for us to figure out.

He asks Job in 38:4, "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding?"

After gaining some insight into the power and majesty of God, Job answers in chapter 42:3, "I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me which I did not know."

This week as we wrap up our look at "newness," Alison Frenzel in "The Early Experiment" shares her personal science experiment with early morning prayer:

My silly experiment seemed secondary to life's present events, even though I knew it would help in giving me strength to get through the day. But I also knew that not participating in my experiment was helping me grow, too. I was falling on my knees more easily than I had before during one of the most difficult weeks of my life.

And Karin Hume, in "Byways to Courage," also mentions how science experiments play a part in her life.

The first day at my new home mirrored the beginning stages of a science experiment. The young student in me attempted to gather information and study my new surroundings. What would impress the neighborhood kids the most? Determining that the answer was my big, black "jambox" and blue gymnastics mat, I quickly brought the items outside on our front lawn.

In order to achieve optimal observation, I bravely positioned myself to face the new homes surrounding me as I felt the warmth of the bright sun penetrating my freckled skin. "We Built This City" blared through the speakers. My imagination began to overshadow my insecurities as I carefully repeated the words, "This new city was indeed built for me."

Maybe Alison and Karin's articles will spark some memories of your own experiments. We’d loved to hear your findings here at Fresh Brew.

Nice to Meet You!

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of speaking at the women's retreat for my home church, San Diego First Assembly of God. We had about 75 ladies there and probably one third of them had never attended a retreat from our church before. So there were many new faces which was wonderful!

One of the ladies shared how she didn't want to go to the retreat. Her husband had attended the men's retreat and had such a good experience that he insisted for his wife to go. She sat in her car in the parking lot at the retreat and cried. She thought, "I don't like hanging out with all these women and I don't want to be here!"

I've been there before and you probably have too. When you're entering a new environment and all you want to do is go back home and shut the door behind you. 

But this dear lady not only got out of her car, she ended up thoroughly enjoying the weekend. With tears in her eyes, at the last meeting she shared how she felt so completely loved and accepted, and how God had worked mightily to restore her spiritually that weekend. 

When we take the step of faith and do something new, we can expect God to meet us there! If you find yourself in a sea of strangers, just go up to one person, smile and say "Nice to meet you!" and let God do the rest. 

Neither Here, Nor There

In 1998, at the age of twenty, I moved with my family from Southern California to the Big Island of Hawaii. My exodus from Orange County to the South Pacific was a reluctant one.

I remember clearly my feelings at LAX as I stepped on the plane headed to Honolulu, a brief stopover for us before reaching our final destination of Hilo. I no longer belonged anywhere. Southern California wasn't home anymore, yet Hilo didn't feel like home either. I experienced what Marian Green discusses in our first article this week, "Neither Here, Nor There." She writes:

There is a bridge between the old things in life and the new. I wasn't aware of this bridge until I walked across it, but it's definitely there.

The journey from "daily routine" to "exciting new adventure" is longer than I imagined, and not as scenic. In fact, as I wait for our family to move across country and start a new job, in a new house, with new people, I realize that this bridge between the "new" and the "old" is a little lonely.

Marian goes on to explore the role God plays in this void of "not belonging."

In the move to Hawaii, I not only felt "homeless," but I also struggled with believing God could and would bring good from the unwelcome transition. Although I was single at the time, I experienced emotions similar to those Kelly Langner Sauer talks about in our second article this week, "Dear Mother Sarah." In her letter to our biblical "mother," Kelly writes:

I suppose you know about not wanting to lose control, though, don't you? Waiting for God to do the work He promised seems very foreign to us sometimes, doesn't it? You know, I really didn't think He was interested in doing anything good for me. Even when I heard Him say He had good plans for my life, I ducked behind my "tent" and attempted to hide my sniggering.

It did feel like an end to me at the beginning.

Looking back, I realize I also questioned God's goodness. My years in Hawaii consisted of grumbling, complaining, and an inability to recognize what God wanted to accomplish in my life at that time.

What about you? Have you been through a difficult transition? Have you ever felt like Marian, Kelly, or me? We'd love to hear your thoughts on this week's articles and your own stories.

Moving On Up ... Someday

Discussing heaven with a preschooler can be sobering.

One day, as I drove to the grocery store, my oldest daughter talked non-stop from the back seat. She was captivated with the subject of trees—how God made the trees and causes their leaves to grow and to change colors.

Suddenly, she switched subjects. Her thoughts shifted from trees to heaven; to what Amy Storms calls "the house ... of His eternal presence" in her article, "Staying Put."

"We're going to live with God soon," she informed me.

I wasn't sure how to respond. I don't think any mom wants to hear or even entertain words of any immediate "move" escape their preschooler's mouth. I certainly didn't.

"But not for a very long time," I responded. "Until then, God lives here with us in our hearts."

She thoughtfully replied, "Yeah. And we'll have a house there."

"Yep."

"What color will it be?"

"I don't know. What color do you want it to be?"

A minute of silence followed—a long time for a preschooler. I then asked, "Do you know why we can live in heaven with God someday?"

"Yeah," she answered, but I knew she waiting for me to tell her.

"Because Jesus came to earth, died on the cross, and came back to life."

"I like God and Jesus," she replied.

"Me too."

Pure Heart, Renewed Spirit

Recently on a retreat with the women of my church, I heard author and speaker Jackina Stark teach on Psalm 51, David's psalm of repentance after committing adultery (and murder). Jackina pointed out that even though David's sin was huge, he still brought it to the Lord in humble confession. A few of her thoughts:

• David did not avoid God because of fear or indifference or pride.
• In his sin and shame, he loved and trusted God enough to call out to Him.
• David was vulnerable before God, sharing intimately and honestly, because he did not doubt God would hear him in His "unfailing love."

When I heard this, I had to think, How often do I attempt to hide my sin from God? It seems that when I'm the most sinful, God's presence is the very last place I want to come.

But confession and repentance are required steps toward holiness and restoration. I can't receive forgiveness until I admit my need for it. Unless I come to God, how can I be made new? "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

Lord, I bring You my sin and shame, trusting that You will hear me, love me, and cleanse me. Thank You for Your mercy. Will You make me new? Amen.

Arlene's Big Day

Last week when I heard news of Arlene Pellicane's scheduled interview at the Crystal Cathedral on Mother's Day, I was excited!

Back in the mid-90's, I spent a lot of time on the Garden Grove campus. From working as a correspondence assistant for The Hour of Power to flying as an angel in the Glory of Easter to hanging out with my friends in the college ministry, it was my home away from home for two years.

Needless to say, I've been eagerly anticipating news of how her day went.

Well, the wait is over! Yesterday was the big day for Arlene and she shares about her experience over at her Losing Weight After Baby blog. Check out her post "My Day at the Crystal Cathedral."

*Photo taken from Arlene's Losing Weight After Baby blog.

On the Move

My family and I have moved over 30 times, so I can certainly relate to Amy Storms' article, "Staying Put."

Growing up, my family moved numerous times, too. One time my dad even moved us to Janesville, Wisconsin, for a weekend. Short stay, long story! So in my heart, I vowed that my grown-up life would be different. One house for life. Well, from my previous paragraph it's clear God had different plans.

Psalm 84:5 says, "Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage" (NKJ). As a Christian I've come to realize that God is not stagnant in our lives, He is on the move.

Amy in her article not only talks about physical moves but also delves even deeper into spiritual moving. She shares:

Lately I've noticed that God is in the real estate business. He loves new houses. Throughout scripture, believers are frequently compelled to move to new dwelling places. Like Abraham, for example, or the entire nation of Israel. Israel was on the move for 40 years. Talk about transient!

New homes are a common theme in the New Testament, too, in a spiritual sense. There I find that when I come to Christ, Lord willing, I will not stay put. God wants to move every believer into three new homes. He calls me to move to the houses of relationship, identity, and His eternal presence.

Is God moving in your life? We'd love to hear about your experiences, so please join us back here after reading Amy's article.