Cactus Flower

The story goes: My mother has created a visual representation of our family tree on a 10 foot piece of canvas. It is definitely an heirloom and a true legacy. Each family member has been designated a quilt pattern. My sister is sugar loaf because of her love of cooking. My dad is T-square because of his drafiting abilities. My mother is Crazy Ann because her name is Ann. My brother is Job's Trouble because well.... you get the picture. For me, she chose Cactus Flower!

Now my absolute first impression when she told me was one of hurt. It sounded so lonely and I didn't feel it really described me at all. I have always thought of myself as a happy person, who loves everyone and all of God's creation. I approach life with joy and wonder and just sheer determination. I love life!!! But a Cactus Flower????

When I expressed my surprise at her choice, her words to me were the most loving and affirming I could have ever wished for.
"A cactus blooms in the most adverse of circumstances. Life has been hard for you but you have still managed to blossom."

Wow! Such love and a real true understanding of who I really am. And so, I am so blessed that I am a cactus flower. So much so that I composed a song. Here are the lyrics.

Cactus Flower blooms in the desert
Never a word says she
Cactus Flower blooms in the desert
Tell me where do you get your energy?

From the Father of Lights beaming down
And the mighty stream that runs underground.

Rooted and grounded in His Love
She grows slowly, being fed from His hand.
Then out of the solitary
Her fruit can be seen by every man!

We are like the cactus flower
Growing in a solitary place.
We are like the cactus flower
The Glory that is seen upon our face,

Is from the Father of Lights beaming down
And the mighty stream that runs underground.

Cactus flowers
We bloom in the desert
For all the world to see!

Have a blessed day and remember to bloom where you are planted!

Time....

Peace and quiet. Time with God. Time to renew my soul and learn to rest on Him.

Deep breaths. Slowly moving thoughts weaving in and out of my mind and heart. A quiet conversation with my maker about the upcoming events of the day.

Asking, seeking, for the important things. Trying to prioritize. Looking for serenity and wisdom for the day.

Oh, how I love this time alone with HIM. Sometimes I sing. Sometimes I voice my prayers. But most of the time I just sit and listen to the quiet and feel His love and comfort.

<<<>>>>

Time a precious gift spent with the King of Kings, my Abba!

What next?

Patience is the word this morning. I believe that is what the Lord is doing with me right now. It is not easy but I am loving it.

Having a couple of new residents in our home has been very interesting. One is a family member and one is the friend of the family member. The family member was invited, the friend...an unexpected surprise.

I have to admit things were a little touch-and-go for the first few days. But now we have settled into a nice semi-routine. And since I have let go of my 'need to control everything,' the tension in the house has subsided.

I have had to really seek the Lord for the patience and understanding necessary to keep myself from drowning in selfishness. My, my, I can be so selfish. I pray God continues to work on me and give me the grace to overcome my self-centered behavior.

Patience. I love it!