The Strongest Tree in the Forest

The strongest tree in the forest withstands the strongest winds.

You might be going 'duh' after reading that but really, stop and think about it.  Think about the tough trials you've had and think about how God has given you the strength to withstand the strong winds in your life.


I heard that statement in one of the shows we were watching last night.  I liked it because it made me feel like a strong tree.


When I was young I always stood in others shadows because I was too shy to step out.  I come from a family of strong personalities. 


As an example, I recently watched an old home movie that contained my family (Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Cousins, etc) sitting around eating homemade ice cream.  It was obvious that we all knew the camera was going.  I was sitting there ducking my head and eating my ice cream sneaking peaks at the camera and grinning in an embarrassed way when I saw that it was capturing me.  My sister on the other hand, spent her time intentionally getting between me and the camera.  I'd like to say that she was just trying to save me from being embarrassed but it was pretty obvious that her intentions were to be the star of the show.  I mean, she was probably only 10 or 11 so that was pretty normal.  Besides, she was the stronger, more confident one of the two of us. 


I followed my Mom around wherever she went and she did all the talking so I never had to assert myself.  It was easy. 


I got out in the world and realized that if I stayed meek and mild that I'd never get anywhere.  It took me until my late thirties to realize that I had a voice and I could use it.  I even realized that I might be smart enough for my voice to matter.  I was still awfully naive...

Naivete is another story altogether.  When do we lose that fresh innocence?  I think it happens younger and younger in children today.  I can remember being in the Air Force and not cursing like everyone else seemed to feel the need to do and they always made fun of me because I didn't.  Whatever...while the Air Force was the beginning of my loss of innocence, I'm still glad I had the experience...it made me a stronger tree.  8-)

I don't have any picture for this blog today.  I've been working on a quilt that I'll have pictures of when I finish it.  It was a precut quilt that my Mom had in her closet for years and I told her that I would make it if she didn't want to.  It really is a  lot of fun.  It has appliqueing in it as well as quilting.  I had never done appliqueing before.  It was kind of cool.

Here is some Max for today...

"Mix and Match

By Max Lucado

If only we could order life the way we order gourmet coffee. Wouldn’t you love to mix and match the ingredients of your future? How about a grande happy-latte, with a dollop of love, sprinkled with Caribbean retirement? Take me to that coffee shop! Too bad it doesn’t exist.

The truth is, life often hands us a concoction entirely different from the one we requested. Life comes caffeinated with surprises. Transitions and alterations. Some changes are welcome, others are not.

Remember the summary of King Solomon? For everything there is a season.

A time to be born and a time to die

A time to plant and a time to harvest

A time to cry and a time to laugh

Make friends with whatever’s next! Embrace it. Don’t resist it. As Paul wrote, “These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing.”"

"All our troubles seem like nothing"...I'm really looking forward to that!

By Grace Alone -

Teresa