Any Gardeners here? As a child we always had a vegetable garden and my parents made sure my sister and I each had a 3'x3' plot we were responsible for planting and tending. I love the robust taste of freshly harvested food and frequent Farmer's Markets. A couple years ago we bought a home with a big flat yard and I was thrilled that I could finally have a garden! I read a book on container gardens, my husband built a 4'x8' container for me, I carefully selected seeds, prepared the soil, and plotted maps of where everything would go. Then came time to plant. After all that careful preparation, I just poured the seed packet in the soil, even if the directions said to space the seeds apart 1-2" or to grow the seedlings indoors first. Can you guess what happened? Much of what I planted did not come up, some of the seeds sprouted then died, some of the crop was so sparse that it wasn't enough to eat, and other plants ended up growing so well they dominated the garden space! It was a learning experience - to say the least. 

There is another aspect - in addition to not following the directions - and that was my lack of patience. Even though I know seeds take time to root and grow, I was going out to the garden every day like a kid on Christmas morning to see if anything was there! I often felt a bit disappointed when I didn't see any signs of growth right away. Silly, I know. But, how often do we find ourselves doing that very same thing in life? "Thanks for the directions, God, but I'll just do this and see how it turns out." Or, getting discouraged when we decide to do something new and then don't see the results or changes we wanted right away, instead of letting time do its work? 

         Garden planted in April...3 months later...Garden in late June!

I am finding there are many lessons about life to be learned from gardening. One of those is patience (Galatians 5:22). Another is, we reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7). Another, is a time and a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). And another, is a lesson Jesus taught. In John 12:24-25 Jesus said, "Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is, destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal" (The Message)

This Is Not Where Your Story Ends. In this beautifully written and insightful Article by Kaitlyn Bouchillon celebrating Hope, Resurrection and Life, Kaitlyn compassionately reminds us, "God never wastes our hurt or our hope," that "beautiful things can grow in dark spaces" and "what we think is the end might be the middle." (Be sure to scroll past the first page for the picture and rest of the article.) 

Ever feel like what you have to offer falls short? That it's not enough? Here's an encouraging perspective from Holley Gerth in this brief Article - You Have More to Offer Than You Know

Sweeter Than Honey: A Coloring Book to Nourish Your Soul I've found this a fun and creative way to meditate on Scripture during my morning quiet time as I sip my coffee. "Sweeter Than Honey invites you to slow down, to take a moment for yourself, and to bask in the soul-nourishment that comes from being creative and letting God’s Word soak into your heart."  I am enjoying this beautiful book by Lindsay Sherbon so much that I wanted to share it with you as the Cool Resource this month! 💕

A BIG SHOUT OUT to all the Market Research participants! Thank You! 

Your open and honest input was most valuable. I hear you! In response to the challenges you shared, I am putting together a Workshop that speaks to many of those. Here's what you need to know - you are not alone. So many people are struggling with the same things. I want to provide content that is relevant and specific to you so that you are encouraged and have some tools and resources to start moving in a positive direction. Stay tuned for more info! 

More Resources: COURAGE, RISKS & REWARDS is an online, self-paced course. In this program, you will explore 5 key areas that will help you find the courage to take new risks and reap great rewards. You will be able to interact with me through the program and have access to a Private Client Portal. Click here to learn more!

Just for you. A full-size PDF of the print: A Better Way to Love That Heart of Yours by Jennifer Renee Watson, author of Freedom

One of the common challenges I hear often is feeling overwhelmed in trying to fit everything in, and neglecting to prioritize taking care of yourself. I have found that when we personalize the Word of God it can provide a new perspective. Jesus said that of all the teaching and instruction, the two greatest commandments are: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:29-31) How often do we try to love others yet do not treat ourselves the same? There is a significant difference between selfishness/self-absorption and healthy self-esteem. Richard J. Foster says it well in Celebration of Discipline, "Jesus made the ability to love ourselves the prerequisite for our reaching out to others. (Matthew 22:39)." This print, inspired by 1 Corinthians 13, is a beautiful reminder of ways to show yourself some love and kindness. 

 A note of encouragement

Happy Spring! ~ Blessed Pesach! ~ Joyful Resurrection Sunday!

Connect with me through email or Freedom to Flourish website. 

Here's to living your best life!

In Joy, 

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR YOU: I'd love to come alongside you as you take your next steps! Find out more about working with me as a life coach. Or schedule a complementary no obligation 30-minute online Intro to Freedom session.