Companionship - Lesson from the Aspen Tree

COMPANIONSHIP - A LESSON FROM THE ASPEN TREE

Aspens are the world's largest organism because they are all connected at the roots.  This is a wonderful image of friendship, relationships, and family within the body of Christ.  When one aspen tree is sick and struggling within the grove of trees, the other healthy trees send extra nutrients to help keep the sick one alive.  How true it is for us as followers of Jesus.  Rooted in Christ, we are related and become family and are used to reach out to the sick and withering.  

 

Thank you all for your prayers for me during this extended time of rest and reflection as it has certainly brought refreshment for my soul.  I have rested a lot, gotten into the mountains some, and been encouraged by many of you who've reached out to me over a meal or a phone call.  I can say that a highlight of this time has been the quality time that Ive been able to spend with the Lord.   In January, I spent a week on a mountain retreat.  It was just the medicine needed to quiet my mind and heart so that I could hear the voice of the Lord.  I didn't learn anything new, in fact it wasn't the kind of retreat where your mind is filled with "information".  Instead, a very purposeful slowing down and meditation of Gods word and listening for his voice. He reminded me of who I am and that I am His beloved daughter in whom He is pleased.  He told me that he, the potter, would take this marred and broken vessel and reshape me into something new, something beautiful.  

This vessel that is being reshaped, and made into something beautiful....that vessel is me.... that vessel is you.  We are all a work in progress.   I am understanding more and more that transformation is an ongoing work, a work of moving forward toward the one who called out to the dead Lazarus, "Come Forth!" For those who are still dead in their sins, Jesus is the only one that can call you out of darkness and into life.  Those that have decided to follow Jesus continue to be transformed and it is a lifelong process.  We come forth wrapped in grave cloths of guilt, blame, shame, insecurity etc...things that keep us trapped and unable to move forward so that we may become free to live the abundant life not only for eternity but now!  As Jesus asked those standing around Lazarus to unwrap his grave cloths, so he has called you and I to come around one another, to help each other in this life of disappointment, failures, and struggle. We need one another!  We get to reach out to one another in time of need.  

During my time away from the Bahamas, I have:

 

spent time with family

 
and friends.....

 watched some tennis....

spent time in God's creation......

soaked up beautiful views......

seen some amazing sunsets.....

Investigated my life.....

and challenged in my perspective.....

by spending time in Gods word.

 Ultimately, I've experienced the warmth of my Savior who loves me like crazy!

I will return to Nassau and resume ministry at the end of February.  My flight is booked for Monday, February 27th; however I will stop over in Chicago the weekend of February 23rd.

Please pray for clarity as I continue to process all that the Lord has put in my heart and mind and how that will be incorporated into my transition back into ministry.

Thanks again to all who spend the time reading these updates and for those too who have reached out to me.  I would love to share more in depth with you personally should you have the interest to know more.  

Blessings to each of you,

Love Jen