The Plumbline

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. (Psalm 92:12-14) Have you ever transplanted something, only to have it look kind of droopy and on the verge of death afterwards? I know the plant goes through a bit of 'shock' with its roots being exposed, kind of like us when God takes us from one place of comfort in our walk with him and begins to move us onto 'bigger and better' things with him. God never disturbs our 'comfort' at one level of growth unless he has plans for us to grow bigger by moving us into a different 'pot' in life.  I live in the Arizona desert and know that palm trees seem to do very well here. They aren't many 'native' to this area - only the fan palm found in the Kofa National Wildlife Preserve near Yuma. Th...

A few years back, my son built me a raised garden area with a small deck space inside those beds. The area is very relaxing and is kept a little cooler by the large tree in my neighbor's yard that spans the fence line. Arizona sun is brutal on wood, though, leaving some of those deck boards split and peeling away in spite of my efforts to seal, reseal, and seal again. I bit the dust yesterday and pulled up all the old boards and laid down some composite. Now the wood beds look a little rough next to the newness of the deck! Yep, now I am considering how to refinish those beds! Not with new composite, but with a good couple coats of paint that will brighten up the area nicely. My garden boxes need a little attention to ensure they will continue to yield those bright red hibiscus blooms and the sweet bell peppers each season. There are just times when our 'garden' needs attention - because the garden is where life springs forth! Post this at all the intersections, dear frien...