The bigger the better?

I do not have a green thumb. 

I blame it on my mother.

It's more like a shriveled, shrunken dead thumb. 

It's not like I don't try!!! I love a good bouquet or house plant. I sing to it, give it lots of sunlight and of course water it... well, when I remember. I currently have a little dead Palm on my porch as a constant reminded of my failure as a plant mom. Thankfully I'm better at keeping my kid fed and watered :)

My neighbors, however, have green thumbs, and fingers, and toes!!! I look down upon their fruit trees and garden and fall into an abundance of sin as I lust over their produce.

I wish I had such talent!!! Still, over the last several weeks I have learned a little about plants and trees as I studied for a message I was preparing for a new study group. 

Enjoyed some quiet time (and yummy
empanadas) at Lily House.

We always hear about how "the bigger, the better" and though that may be the case in certain situations the reality is that there are many types of trees that grow big and tall, but the roots are small and weak. People may look and say, "Wow! What a fantastic tree!" But the minute a strong wind comes along that tree that appears so "put together" on the outside falls. Why? The roots were weak.

This week as I sat with women on 3 different occasions, from 3 different areas and 3 different walks of life I found that the principal was the same.

As Christians, our roots ought to be firmly planted in the faith of our Lord Jesus. HOWEVER, if the roots are not given the necessary nutrients and care, they will not grow - and in turn, WE will not grow!

What are the nutrients that urge the roots to grow? Time in the Word, prayer, time with other believers, time under sound preaching, etc.

As we seek after God, our roots (faith) are strengthened and our relationship with the Lord grows. This means when trials and temptations come our way and the winds blow, the roots that have been cared for and strengthened will keep us firm! Those who do not grow in their faith are easily blown over - that may mean that they struggle in their faith when tough things happen, but it also means that they fall in to sin easier than someone who has consciously put work in to growing closer to the Lord.

While the women shared their experiences with weak or strong roots it occurred to me...

How many times have I come across someone who seems big and tall on the outside, but their roots (though pften times unseen until the storms come) are small and weak? 

My heart's desire is to be strong both above and below the surface so that I might stand strong in the face of temptation while pointing others to the source of my strength and salvation <3

I pray the same for you, friend!

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This week, like I mentioned, I've been getting back in to teaching a little while Robersy has gotten back in to his baseball/discipleship routine. Robersy also had the opportunity to preach on Sunday. Thankful for his love for the Word and his desire to share it with others. The Lord used Robersy... even if He just used him to speak to my heart :)

Youth group is up and running as we kicked things off this Friday. Thankful for those who serve the youth alongside of us!

My big boy!

Josiah with the "big kids" in the back of the truck on
our way to Los Fundos. Don't worry it was on the back
roads and very slow!

Josiah is turning 1 this coming Sunday. I'm not sure if my heart can handle it. He must of grown up over night and though I'm so thankful for his sweet personality, I feel as though time is already slipping through my fingers! Parents of adults will surely laugh, but does it get easier as time goes on? How is my baby almost ONE?! Those who live around here, expect some tears from this emotional momma.

Update on the truck is that there is no update! Continue to pray as others begin to pray how they can be a part of getting us back on the road again. 

Until next time, friend!