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Monday 14 January 2019

A time for everything

Sometimes we may feel as if bad times have come upon us, when various circumstances and certain people come into our lives. However, what we do not realize is that what appear to us to be bad times can sometimes, according to the Lord, be good times. We are told that if we love God then all things will work together for good for us. Sometimes things are sent to try us and test us, and even to change us and our way of thinking about people. Just because they do not seem the kind of person we like, or their personality is not what we are familiar with it does not mean that they are not the best kind to be in our lives at a specific time. Ecclesiastes ch. 3 v.1 states that 'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens', and I can look back over my life and see that this is very true. People who are very different from what I have been used to have been brought into my life several times, bringing me to face a challenge that will either change me or change that person.
Life is a journey, and it is on-going just as the Israelites journey was on-going through the wilderness towards the promised land.
The following are two poems which metaphorically speak about the trials in life.
The first one is called 'The Garden', and speaks of rejection being turned around to acceptance through seeing something, or someone,  that we did not want in our lives from a different perspective.


 The Garden                            
'How pleasant is our garden' the flowers said one day
while basking in the morning sun then they heard the gardener say
'I think I'll plant an onion to see if it will grow'
and looking round the garden sought a place for it to go.
 
 
 
 
 
'Oh no!' cried out the marigold 'Don't put Onion next to me. 'What about beside the pond or under that old tree?'
 
 
 
 
 
 
'And why then should I suffer?
replied the noble oak
'And neither do we want it here!'
the frogs began to croak.
And   so the gardener scratched his head and said 'What shall I do? somewhere within my garden must be a place for you.'
 The onion cried within his heart, the tears began to roll .  He prayed 'Lord, I'm created too, find a place for this poor soul.'
And then the gardener heaved a sigh and said 'The only thing is to put this onion by the fence, with the weeds that choke and sting.'
The onion was so happy, at last was found a place. The gardener went and brought his spade, the onion dried its face. How happy was the little plant once settled in the ground. He spread his roots and raised his head, began to look around. A sudden sound of crying began to reach his ears. 'Oh no, what now.' the onion said. 'Who's shedding all those tears?' But mingled with the crying 'Hip, hip, hooray' was heard. A sigh of hope, and maybe not rejection as he feared.?' 
The sobbing wasn't coming from the marigold or oak, but coming from the nasty weeds, the ones that sting and choke. By now the weeds were withering, the thistles gasped for breath, for the presence of the onion could only mean their death. The flowers now with shouts of glee to the onion did lean and bend, for what was seen as an enemy had now become their friend.   So if in your midst there's an 'onion', who sometimes makes you cry, put him amongst your thistles and weeds. Who knows......? Maybe they'll die.  

This poem could go on and on, for although the Onion is metaphorically portrayed as a person who is rejected because of it's looks according to people's opinion, the Nettle is portrayed as a person with a 'sting' in it.  Yet nettles are a source of food to a butterfly, and the butterfly to me would portray a born again believer, having the ability to 'rise' in Christ.  So 'Nettles' can spiritually portray a person that God can use for correction ( which the 'sting' can metaphorically refer to),  and its' dying can spiritually portray the rejection of a now proud personality of one who was once rejected themselves (as in the onion), thereby killing off that correction by not heeding it.
 As far as calling some plants 'Nasty weeds that sting and choke', that may be what they appear to be to me because they can take over my garden, by growing very quickly, but according to scripture there is purpose in  everything that God has created.

 So too,  we can never judge another believer by the small amount we perceive of them, for we are all parts of the body of Christ and are all being used to build one another up in the Spirit. When we speak the truth in love.  Ephesians ch. 4 v.15b states:-
'we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ'

and 
2 Corinthians ch. 3 v.18 states:-
'And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another..'
 
The second poem   is about  not  judging a situation or a person just by its 'prickly' side but seeing its beautiful and fruitful side also.  
 
The Bramble                                                                       







                                                                                                                                                                               
 










'Behold I have created the smith that blows the coals in the fire, and that brings forth an instrument for his work, and I have created the waster to destroy' Isaiah ch.4 v.16


34 comments:

Laurie Collett said...

Beautiful poems, as always, Brenda, and a great reminder that God created all things for a purpose and to work together for good. We have much to learn from those God brings into our lives, even if we don't identify with them or understand why they are there.
God bless you,
Laurie

Brenda said...

Hi Laurie,
than you for your kind comment. I love the way that all of creation has a purpose. Just as every snow flake is different so too is every person and situation in our lives, and for a good reason.
God bless you Laurie, and I hope you have had a full recovery from your recent accident.

Keith said...

Nice Post, Brenda. The one part that jumps out at me is the part God and the onion carries on a conversation. We forget that all creation shouts out praises and glorifies God. I long for the day when we will be praising God, next the onions and the rest of creation.

By the way, I know that I've told you about my mobile devices and Blogger. I've been in Georgia for a few days and couldn't answer comments and such.

Brenda said...

Hi Keith,
regarding what you say about the onion, when I had my near death experience every single plant and creature had telepathic connection. There was a beauty and oneness that I can not describe to anyone with words. I absolutely believe that the place I was taken to was what Paul the apostle called the third heaven (Paradise) and I can't wait for all to be in that place either.
Hope you enjoyed your time in Georgia.

Keith said...

Telegraphic connection is a great way to put it. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised at the new and improved bodies, we receive at the resurrection. :-)

Stephanie said...

Hi sweet Brenda! Oh, it was so nice to read your comment on my blog...thank you for visiting. And it was such a blessing to visit your lovely blog today as it's been far too long since I dropped in for a visit. Thank you for this precious post.

I hope you are well and I trust your New Year is off to a lovely start. Hugs to you!

Brenda said...

Hi Keith,
yes I think many are going to be surprized when we are resurrected in the Lord.

Brenda said...

Hi Stephanie,
yes, I too have not visited many of the blogs on my sidebar for a long time and I intend to get back to doing so more. Happy new year to you too and continue the lovely recipe sharing.
God bless.

Tanza Erlambang - Speed Up said...

I believe all creation shouts out praises and glorifies God.
have a wonderful weekend

Brenda said...

Hi Tanza,
yes I do too, I believe and have experienced it - as I shared in one of my previous comments. You too have a lovely weekend.
God bless you.

Ohidul said...

Beautiful

Brenda said...

Hi Ohidul,
nice to meet you. All glory to God and our beautiful Saviour for the wonder and beauty of creation.
God bless you.

Laurie Collett said...

Hi Brenda,

Amen that He made each of unique, for His particular purpose for each of us He intended for each of us since before the beginning of time! Have you read "Hinds Feet In High Places"? It is a lovely Christian allegory, and one of my favorite descriptions there is how every flower has her face turned toward Him, singing His praises.
God bless you,
Laurie

Brenda said...

Hi Laurie,
no I haven't read 'Hinds Feet in High Places', but it sounds familiar. I will look it up. creation never ceases to amaze me.
God bless you Laurie.

Sandi said...

"The onion cried within his heart, the tears began to roll."

Ooh....how many have felt just like this?

and

Put the onion amongst your weeds...

This was beautiful. Truly stunning!




Brenda said...

Hi Sandi,
thank you for your lovely comment. I think all of my poetry is inspired by how I feel at various times, and how I have seen others feeling. If you have empathy then you have sympathy.
I see it both ways, when I have felt rejected and when others have felt rejected. When I was in school I always stood up for the bullied, not the bullies.
It is lovely to see you again, I hope you are well. I don't know what the weather is like with you but we are in between the see and a loch and it is quite cold at the moment.

Tom said...

...I would think that onions and marigolds would get along just fine.

Brenda said...

Hi Tom,
judging by my own background I would think so too, but unfortunately this is not always true in society.:-)

Jephyr! said...

Hi Brenda, I'd been checking in to see if you had made a new post and was delighted to find this one with your sweet and lovely poems. I LOVE the one about the Onion! It is such a beautiful metaphor for our lives. And the one about the Bramble is so beautiful and true. You are a gifted and talented writer. Thank you for your encouraging post and poems! God Bless and bring you continued healing in Jesus name!

Debbie Harris said...

Hi Brenda! Your place is always filled with beauty and much to ponder on, thank you for sharing your heart with us.
I've enjoyed your visits, thank you!

Have a beautiful weekend ~

Brenda said...

Hi Jephyr,
Thank you for your kind comment. Where you say about the beauty and much to ponder on - that reminds me of our beautiful Lord and His Word. I have always felt sorry for, and learned from, the 'underdog' in life. Thank you also for your prayers, I am feeling a lot better and keep opening to encouraging scripture regarding it. That Word is a living Word and prayer is powerful.
God bless you.

Brenda said...

Hi Debbie,
lovely to see you. I have enjoyed visiting your blog and it is lovely to see that you are doing well, and your little doggie is gorgeous.
God bless you and yours.

Laurie Collett said...

Hi Brenda! God bless you too!
Laurie

Brenda said...

Hi Laurie,
thank you for your blessing. We are truly blessed by God to know Jesus.

Patrinas Pencil said...

Brenda,

Loved loved loved. ..you poems. especially the Onion. Being a gardener myself, I did not know that onions would cause the weeds to die. But then I've not planted onions :) Beautiful life-giving story. And yes, the bramble...God plants us wherever He chooses. Bloom where you are planted. Sometimes we don't have a choice in where we're planted. But God, as you said, causes all things to work for our good..according to His purpose. His Joy is the same...regardless of our surroundings. Look for the positive in every situation. See with Kingdom .

thanks for sharing your gift. Always encouraging to visit.

blessings
patrina

Brenda said...

Hi Patrina,

yes my poems were metaphorical, for even though I call the nettles 'nasty weeds' they have many purposes in life, one of them being food for butterflies, as I am sure you know being a gardener. Lovely to see you back blogging again. I only put a post up when I am inspired to do so, and that is not very regular.
God bless you my friend.

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Brenda, He blesses us daily with grace upon grace!

Brenda said...

Hi Laurie,
and what more could anyone want than God's grace and blessing.

RCUBEs said...

Hi there! Thank you for praying with me. What beautiful poems and the truth to our everyday existence with others that serve as a great reminder to not easily judge and especially, a lot of people are hurting and have broken hearts! It's always a great reminder also that the Lord looks into a person's heart not physical appearances. As followers, must we not follow His ways? You've seen it as you visited prisons where there are so many in need of knowing Him and His grace. But even outside, many souls are truly imprisoned/slaves of sins. May you always remain strong in the Lord's mighty power. Blessings and prayers right back at you sister.

Brenda said...

Hi RCUBE,
I visited your blog as a result of seeing your comment on Patrinas Pencil and just had to agree with your lovely prayer. You obviously have a love for all people. I agree with you regarding those outside who are truly imprisoned/slaves of sin. We all are and can only learn God's ways through coming to Jesus - the One Mediator between man and God. My friend and myself used to go our into the streets with leaflets containing scripture and poems which the Lord gave us once we were born of His Spirit - all glory to Him. We saw many who wanted to know about God and Jesus but who would not go to a church. It was a lovely time. My friend still goes out with her leaflets and I have moved from the mainland to Ireland now so continue mostly through my blog and whatever the Lord sets up for me. He is the Master chess player, we are the chess pieces and I love my life in Him as I learn His ways more and more and try to act on the Word He speaks to me. It is an on going journey to the promised land eh?
God bless you and yours my sister too.

S. Knowles said...

Hi Brenda,
I loved your poems and plan to share them with others. It's a wonderful reminder that everyone God has created serves a purpose especially in the body of Christ each member serves a significant purpose in the growth of the whole body. I've had people enter and exit my life over the years and all the interactions weren't always pleasant (especially the way some of the relationships ended) but there was forgiveness afterward. I try to keep in mind that all things work together for good for those who love God and called according to His purpose. So, there is something good to come out of these meetings throughout life. I just pray for the wisdom to understand God's will in each encounter, what He's teaching me.
God bless you Brenda.

Brenda said...

Hi Sateigdra,
lovely to see you. I agree with all that you have said regarding the purpose of interaction with all of God's creation. I too praise God for all the people and situations He has brought into my life, the main One of course being our Saviour. I have loved my journey to the 'promised land', and what I am learning. Without the teaching of the Holy Spirit I could not know His ways, and I would not have met all my lovely sisters and brothers on the blog.
God bless you Sateigdra.

Aritha V. said...

I read this post again and enjoyed it so much. Thank you dear friend, in Christ.

Brenda said...

Hi Aritha, You are very welcome. I hope you are well in Jesus. The world is a very sad place now but the safest place to be is in our Lord. God bless you my friend and sister in the body of Christ.