Dandelions

Dandelions. I guess I have a "love-hate" relationship with dandelions. I love the contrast of color that is spread across the lawn during the spring when dandelions are in bloom. However, I hate that when I have had enough enjoyment from them, no matter how many times I mow the lawn, they keep coming back! The amazing color brings a temporary enjoyment, but eventually it becomes a burden that is hard to get rid of. Before I realize it, I have allowed the enjoyment of a few here and there to become a burden of many that pop up all over the place!

Dandelions remind me of sin. More often than not, sin is enjoyable. If it weren't, we wouldn't struggle with it! Like dandelions, the temporary enjoyment of sin becomes a burden that multiplies into overwhelming proportions. Before we realize it, one or two sins become many and begin to shape who we really are and who we desire to be. James 1:15 says that sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death.

If I work at removing the dandelions everyday, though still hard, it stays a manageable task. God help me to keep short sin accounts with You so that my life stays free from the desire of the temporary enjoyment that eventually becomes an overwhelming burden of sin.

Out on a Limb

Spring is a great time of year. On one hand, in a not-so-good way, I am reminded that pollen is not always my friend. But on the other hand, I am also reminded of God's faithfulness as new blossoms begin to form after the dead of winter. I took these pictures of apple blossoms that have begun to bloom in the orchard behind my house. As I walked through the orchard I was reminded of how Jesus said that He is the vine and we are the branches. He tells us that the branches can't bear fruit, in and of themselves, apart from the vine.

I am blessed to be a part of the "fruit bearing business" as it relates to seeing people grow in their walk with God. As a youth pastor, I often find myself trying to figure out ways to reach students with the life changing message of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It seems like I am forever going way out on a limb in order to reach this new generation in a world who screams "tolerance or silence" when it comes to religion and belief in God.

Here is the cool part about it... If we have been called to "bear fruit" then shouldn't we all find ourselves climbing out on the limb to make this happen? I mean, after all... isn't that where the fruit is?

Stay Tuned

Thank for checking out my blog! I am looking forward to sharing some of my thoughts and a bit of myself with you. There are tons of things that you could be doing so thanks again for checking in... Stay Tuned!