We had the most beautiful red maple tree when we lived out on the farm.  It was just gorgeous in the fall.  I noticed a few months ago that they had cut it down.  Apparently it’s  branches were too close to the electrical wires, so down she came and all that was left was a stump.  On my last drive past there I noticed a peculiar thing happening to that old trunk.  It had sprung forth with new life.  They took down one tree and now they have several little trees growing in it’s place.  These aren’t new growth from seedlings.  They are getting their life from what appears to be an old dead stump.

Isn’t that just like our God?  He continually brings life from death.  Just when we think our lives are over or our ministry has fizzled out, God shows up on the scene.  He has a marvelous way of transforming our dead deeds into living things.  When we come to the end of our rope, when we can’t imagine anything new, when we feel dead and useless, God comes along side us and breathes new life into us.  He shows us a new idea or gives a fresh revelation of His word.  He opens new doors of ministry and new avenues of service.  He is awesome!!

When I retired from teaching it was because of physical issues.  It’s hard to teach preshool or kindergarten when you can’t bend over and can barely walk.  I wondered what I might still do for Jesus.  I couldn’t see beyond my limitations and pain.

We had a visiting prophetic team who came to our church.  They called me out and said, ” Don’t even think I’m ready to retire you.  I have much more for you to in Kingdom business.”  I had no idea what God meant by that, but I am learning more each day.  I can’t believe I’m writing blogs for thousands of people to read.  A few months ago, I didn’t even know what a blog was.

I also have released my first children’s picture book, “Wispy Willy” , this year.  I have written a second one and am waiting to get that published also.  I have added some new volunteer work to my afternoons and can hardly wait to see what God will do next.