By Their Fruit You'll Know

My apple tree has produced fruit this year! I have about two dozen apples growing. I planted the tree two years ago when I moved to this new house and landscaped the yard. Now nobody will need to ask the question, "What type of tree is that?" They will automatically know by its fruit.

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing,

but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.

Do people pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?"

Matthew 7:16

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Galatians 5:22

If you are in the process of choosing a pastor, a spouse, a close friend, or a business partner, but you are uneasy and undecided, look at the fruit that their lives produce. The fruit of a godly person is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Of course, we all know that no one is perfect, but if you are seeing an abundance of other kinds of fruit like criticism, insensitivity, selfishness, greed, unloyalty, control, pride, prejudice, and anger, beware. You will not go wrong in making a decision if you look at their fruit, for an ungodly person will produce ungodly fruit and the godly person will produce godly fruit.

Not too long ago, my sons and I were visiting a local church in the area. While the Pastor was preaching his sermon, a young child started to cry. My focus was immediately on the Pastor to see if he was going to react in a negative way. He didn't. In fact, he showed no irritation at all to the interruption and continued to be speak in a relaxed tone of voice. He never even looked in the direction the noise was coming from, so as to not embarrass the mother. This occurred twice in the sermon, and the Pastor responded the same way both times. I don't remember much about the sermon that was preached that day, but I do remember the lesson he taught through his actions. It is not what we say, look like, or the position we hold, but how we act that reveal the content of our heart. The Bible says we will know people by their fruit. When you need to make an important decision such as whether or not you should trust someone, pray to God for revelation of that person's fruits.

My Wedding Anniversary

Today is my wedding anniversary and I can't help but fondly reminisce the day my husband, Brian, and I first met.

I was at Bible College on a warm, sunny day in early September. I was standing outside of the entrance to the college chatting casually with Brian's sister. She was friendly and easy to talk to. Then Brian drove up in his green pickup truck to take his sister and another female student to the island with him for the weekend so they could all visit with their families. When he saw me standing by his sister, he assumed it was me that he was taking along on the trip. He excitedly got out of his truck and leaped like a gymnast into his truck's box. My first thought was, "Does he normally do that?" He then took his sister's suitcase and when he looked at me again, he realized to his disappointment that I didn't have one. I guess he didn't notice the other girl standing there with a suitcase in her hand. I then said my good-byes and left. Brian later grilled his sister with questions about me

I had just ended my relationship with my boyfriend of six months, so I wasn't interested in dating anyone at that time.

The following week, on Wednesday night, Brian came up to visit and stay for chapel. After the service in the foyer, I noticed a number of girls had surrounded him, trying to gain his affection. I soon paid no more attention and started thinking about heading back to the dorms. I was really in no mood to socialize. Then Brian's sister grabbed a hold of my arm and told me she wanted to introduce me to her brother. I shook my head and politely said, "No, I don't think so." Ignoring my reluctance, she kept hold of my arm and proceeded to lead me in Brian's direction. I was embarrassed at first until I noticed Brian's smile and fixed eyes upon me. From that moment on, Brian's focus was on me and me alone. Most of the girls had scattered, except for one determined girl. She hung around. Brian and I talked for a while, and then he invited me to go with him to McDonalds, a common place for Bible College students to go after chapel. I agreed. Who can resist McDonald's french fries when you are feeling depressed? I remember sitting across from him, both of us eating french fries and talking casually. Then that one determined girl came up and sat right next to him. Being insecure at the time and hesitant to start another relationship so soon, I said to myself, "If he pays much attention to her, I will never agree to go out with him again". To my surprise, he ignored her completely. She finally got the message and left. After that day, my heart started to heal and I began to trust Brian's loyalty and goodness. He is a man of integrity and his love is true and unwavering.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Psalm 147:3

God is good and He does heal the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

It will also be in September, the same month we met, that we will be holidaying in Prince Edward Island!

A Refuge From The Storm

Having you ever seen seagulls so far inland and wonder why they were there and not at sea? Well, I have been told they usually come inland to take shelter from a storm at sea. Then a thought came to my mind: that is what God is to us — a refuge from the storm.

Yesterday, I rolled down the window of my vehicle and asked my son, Matthew, to take this picture of a seagull in a store parking lot.

"For You have been a defense for the helpless,

a defense for the needy in his distress,

a refuge from the storm,

a shade from the heat."

Isaiah 25:4

Therefore, if there is a storm in you life, take refuge in the loving arms of your Heavenly Father. Read His treasured Word and pray, opening up your heart to Him in the quiet times of your day. Don't allow the storm to endanger you or destroy the joy in your life.

We saw even more seagulls in another parking lot. They seem so relaxed and content. They know they are safe.

When we go to God in times of trouble, we too can feel God's peace, and know we are safe in His love and His care for us.

Why Worry?

As I went for a walk yesterday, I took some pictures of beautiful flowers I saw growing, not in people's cultivated yards, but on land unowned — cared for by God Himself.

"And why worry about your clothes?

Look at the lilies and how they grow.

They do not work or make their clothing,

yet Solomon in all his glory

was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers 

that are here today and gone tomorrow,

won't He surely care for you?

You have so little faith!"

Matthew 6:28-30

Have faith: as God's children, we do not need to worry because God will surely care for you as He cares for the lilies of the field. And you are so much more loved and valuable to God than flowers!

I was shocked to see a rose bush growing near a trail with natural growth of trees and plants all around.

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you."

1 Peter 5:7

When you gaze upon a beautiful flower this summer, particularly one in God's natural environment, be reminded of God's extravagant care for you and do not give into worrisome thinking. Anything that concerns you, concerns God. He has the desire and ability to take care of it all. Trust Him.

God's Transforming Power

"Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God

 transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

 Then you will learn to know God's will for you, 

which is good and pleasing and perfect."

Romans 12:2

The profound change in form of a caterpillar to a pupa and the pupa to an adult butterfly has fascinated mankind for centuries. It is called metamorphism, which means rebirth, conversion or transformation.

This is a picture that was taken recently of one of the Small White Butterflies that are abundant here at this time of year. There are many other different varieties as well, but this type is the most common.

Even though the different changes of a butterfly are truly amazing, the most marvelous change occurs when a person comes to know Jesus and gives his/her life to Him. I have seen this transformation so many times in people and it always brings tears to my eyes when I hear their testimonies.

May we all have a greater desire to see these changes more and to reach out and touch the lives of those who do not know God — who are lonely, depressed, hurting, angry, rebellious and longing for love that only God can fulfill.

May we not be comfortable in our own churches with little desire for the lost souls that are all around us.

I Will Give You Rest

"My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest."

Exodus 33:14

God is fulfilling this verse! My husband works long hours and needs a rest. He never takes holidays, ever! I have always taken my sons when they were younger on day trips in the summer time. Brian and I also need to spend time together, since his job takes him away from home so much. I will confess I don't find this always easy to deal with. The loneliness can be overwhelming at times.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer

and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Phillippians 4:6-7

God has answered my prayers too! I am so excited to announce that a flight has been booked to Prince Edward Island in September for a week. Brian and I will be staying in a Victorian style country inn called Kindred Spirits. It is located on six acres right beside the famed Anne of Green Gables Home. I have always wanted to do this. It is a dream come true. I have never had a desire to go to Hawaii or Mexico, or on an Alaskan cruise. I am a cabin-in-the-woods type of a gal. However, I know I will love the friendly and unhurried atmosphere, and of course the ocean scenery of PEI. And I get to see the Anne of Green Gables Home! What woman in the world doesn't love those novels?! My sons even enjoyed reading them, especially Chris. He must be a romantic at heart.

I could hardly sleep last night thinking about it all. My oldest son, Daniel, who has travelled extensively, helped me choose the best flight and pick a well-reviewed place to stay in. Kindred Spirits also offers a warm breakfast every morning, each day being different. The reviews say the food is excellent. I love breakfast. It is my favorite meal of the day. Oh, I am so excited! I have to stop writing about it or I won't sleep again tonight. Maybe I will start reading the books again and forget about sleeping. That's a better idea. Who needs sleep anyways?

God is good!

Thunder And Lightning

This summer we have had thunder and lightning storms almost every night. They seldom last long, but the thunder is fulminating and, if the lightning strikes close, the thunder will actually rattle our house. I have come to the conclusion that there are no thunder and lightning storms like those on the prairies.

The Bible compares the coming return of Jesus to earth to lightning which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.

"For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west,

so will be the coming of the Son of Man."

Matthew 24:27

"For the Son of Man in His day will be like the lightning,

which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other."

Luke 17:24

Be assured people that that day will come and is very near. Jesus will come again to gather all His children — those that have already died and those that are still alive — to be with Him forever.

Whenever I see the lightning and hear the thunder, I am reminded of the Second Coming of Christ. I can't wait!

In the morning after a tumultuous night, the sky is usually blue and the sun shines brightly through my bedroom window. I turn my head and look out, and a peace envelopes me.

I know this is only a tiny fraction of what we will feel when we see Jesus riding gallantly on a white horse, and hear the loud commanding sound of a trumpet and His angels rejoicing in beautiful song.