"He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor." ~ 1 Corinthians 3:8
This week will be much more concise, I promise. :) One of my highest goals is to always deliver value, while also being considerate of your time to honor your world and your choice to be here.
Someone pointed out to me that last week I was a bit longwinded, but I do come by it honestly. My mother and grandmother were both great lovers of words and communication.
And, speaking of the legacies we leave in this life... Tu B'Shvat!
Tu B'Shvat is a relatively minor Jewish holiday, one shaped much more by tradition than scripture, but it's a personal favorite, and it's coming up on the 28th.
We all know that good stewardship is critical over all of the gifts God bestows upon us, over our resources, and of course over this beautiful home He crafted for us.
Tu B'Shvat is, the birthday of the trees.
Originally, it was the time when farmers brought their offering of produce to the Temple. It has become a celebration that generally involves a seder-style meal in which fruits and nuts and the bounty of Israel are celebrated. AND, my very favorite part of all... It's about planting trees!!
... especially in the land of Israel, but anywhere really. Only God knows who first uttered the words we've all heard, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now."
Tu B'Shvat is the perfect excuse!
It's a little snowy where I am at the moment, but that doesn't mean I can't start a seedling or nurture a sapling inside while I wait for spring.
The 15th of Shevat, the accurate time for this holiday, falls between fall and spring. Theoretically, the worst of winter has passed, and we turn our eyes toward spring.
Deuteronomy 20:19 says, "... the tree of the field is man's life..." (KJV)
I love that.
Today, my inner tree hugger is smiling.
Come what may, I'll find a way to plant a tree on Thursday.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You this day, in humility.
We know we always have room to grow when it comes to being good stewards of the blessings You have given us.
Thank you for helping us to grow ever better.
Thank You for blessing all reached by this prayer as they plant for the future in ways literal and metaphoric.
We love You. We need You. Thank You for making us part of your story.
AMEN!!!
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." ~ Jeremiah 17:7-8 (KJV)
"He who watches the wind will fail to sow, and he who observes the clouds will fail to reap." ~ Ecclesiastes 11:4
"The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." ~ Psalm 24:1 (KJV)
"She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her." ~ Proverbs 3:18 (KJV)
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus Song of Praise... ♥
May all who come behind us find us faithful, indeed.
P.S. If you want to actually plant a tree in Israel, you can do that! I have done so with the Jewish National Fund in the past in memory of those loved and lost. It's a beautiful way to connect with the Holy Land, and if you do want to plant a tree this week, it's a wonderful way to go.
Look at that! I just went to find the link for you and there's a beautiful greeting reminder that pops right up. : ) Here's the link, friends. And, no I don't get anything out of passing it along, other than warm heart cockles at the idea of you too getting to plant a tree in Israel.
God bless. I appreciate you.
********************* Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture citations are sourced from The Holy Bible, " Study Bible, BSB
Copyright ©2016, 2018 by Bible Hub
Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.