Posted on by julieroggie

Growing Pains

Spring is the season for growing…. for raking away the deadness of winter, literally the leaves, twigs, and leftover gravel from piles of snow from the lawn, as well as decluttering and deeper housecleaning– all things we have been working on lately! Then comes the planting season with disked up fields and gardens, and the sowing of seeds. I often reflect on the similarities of these activities with our spiritual lives, especially as we examine ourselves and participate in our Good Friday Communion Service. Our desire is to be at peace between ourselves and God as well as with others, to confess and repent of our sins, and to make any offences right. This is always a meaningful time.

My challenge is what am I “growing” in my life? Am I growing kindness, love, joy, peace, and the fruit of the Spirit, or am I allowing fleshly displays of anger, impatience, envy, and more to take root in my life? Or am I even growing at all? When plants no longer grow, they are often dying and need more effort to nurture them back to green and healthy. What do I need to enhance the growth of what I desire in my life?

Daily communion with the Lord in His Word, prayer, worship, and meditation helps my desires to line up with God’s plan for me, and He will grow and produce His fruit in my life. But this fruit is not just for my enjoyment, it is to serve others and share God’s love and blessings.

This growing season I want to be more mindful of what areas in my life need more sunlight, water, and food, and other areas that I need to have my Gardener root out and dispose of! Just some food for thought this season.

Have a blessed and happy Easter as we celebrate the gift of eternal life through the death and resurrection of our Savior– the source of new and lasting LIFE!

Posted on by julieroggie

“Joy” Moments

So I have been contemplating participating in the “blog” world for some time, and finally was able to secure my son’s help in getting a trial one set up. So here I am, giving it a whirl. I will see how it goes, if I enjoy it, and if I have anything worthy or interesting to share! =)

So for my first post, I just want to share some about “joy” since that is a focus in the blog title.

This past week, my daughter and I were privileged to travel to Guatemala for a 9 day trip– her 5th time, my 1st. It was an amazing experience. Most evenings, our team would share at least one highlight or blessing of the day, a “joy,” if you will. This morning I was sharing one “joy” moment from our time at the children’s home, Casa Aleluya, with my husband. I told him out of everything we experienced throughout our trip, this was the one moment that touched me the deepest and brought tears to my eyes. We were privileged to attend a church service Monday eve., attended by all the children and staff at Casa. The worship time was so heartfelt and special. Everyone was singing and worshiping together, and even though it was in Spanish, the rest of us were still able to worship along with them “in spirit.” I don’t remember the words to the songs, but when they came to the part that repeated “Gloria” over and over, everyone was clapping, “dancing” at their seats, and raising their arms in praise to our Heavenly Father. The youngest children were to the right of our seats, maybe 2-5 years old, and when I saw their whole hearted participation, my heart just melted and the tears came as I caught a glimpse of Heaven. They were so earnest in their praises to God, joy emanating from their glowing faces. I had to think, these children came from unbelievable situations with much pain, poverty, abuse and neglect. They have very little material belongings, but they were full of joy, thanksgiving, and contentment. They are in a children’s home where their needs are met, and they are loved on by many, though not with their birth families. They don’t have all of the “stuff” children in the States seem to be “entitled” to. And yet I have not seen happier children, who are growing up in the knowledge of God’s love for them.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, 17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Joy is not from our circumstances, but comes from contentment and an attitude of gratitude. Part of my efforts for this blog will be to regularly find those joys in life, share those blessings and develop a more grateful heart. God is good…. all the time…. God is good!

Posted on by julieroggie

Location

Castorland, NY…. actually just outside of Croghan, NY, in Lewis County, a mostly agricultural and logging community. We live in the beautiful foothills of the Adirondacks, and about an hour from the Canadian border…. definitely NOT New York City, which is approx. 6 hours away!