When Maggie and Evelyn left, I confess I was a bit exhausted physically. The energy of a two year old in my sixty years can be a little much for my body at times, but my heart and spirit were bubbling with joy.  I determined not to get so caught up in the work of my days, not to miss opportunities of beauty, song, and delight!
        As only the Lord can orchestrate, we were blessed with tickets to the symphony the next week where we heard the glorious music of Mozart in music from the C minor Mass. Then this past weekend, we attended a wonderful musical version of Narnia at First Presbyterian Church. Astounding creativity and beauty - free! Such adventures enrich the soul and stir our spirits with truth!
       We also attended a free concert at the LSU music school of an amazing tenor, Paul Groves, a Louisiana native, who has sung with the MET and all over the world for 25 years. I was tired from a full day of ministry and work, but I knew that if we didn't make the effort to go, we would miss the blessing. It's important to pull away from the fast pace of our world and soak in the beauty of music crafted with great skill. Paul Groves sang beautiful romantic melodies, many I had not heard since my college days there. During the concert, I looked over at my husband, Ken, and tears were streaming down his face. The sheer beauty of this gift of song and such excellence was breathtaking. As he came out for his final number, he spoke to us, saying that he had planned to end with something big and showy, but after spending time with family back in Louisiana this week he had changed his mind. He decided to return to his roots and sing instead a spiritual, “Give Me Jesus.” And then I wept! It has been my favorite spiritual for years. Whether God brings us to fame and fortune, or we labor in the routine of work, cooking and laundry, ultimately it all comes back to the message of that song.
“In the morning, when I rise, Give Me Jesus!”
​              and the fact the He answers our cry for Him is truly the wonder of grace!
I have sung that song through many a difficult hour of my life and the Lord blessed me with it again that night. 
For no matter our circumstances, work or play, Jesus is what we need the most.​
Our spirits left the beautiful evening refreshed and inspired!

​​There is an old song by Iris Dement, on page 310 in the Stamps Baxter Church Hymnal entitled “Glad Reunion Day.” Like a cartoon drawing, the music drawer of the file cabinet in my mind has been opened and the melody and lyrics have been streaming out regularly since just after Easter.  I’ve caught myself randomly humming the tune and occasionally singing the sweet chorus of joy and verses about meeting our Savior face to face! 

​I’m probably giving away my age and one of my favorite music styles by referring to this song!  Songs like this are a part of my heritage and there is much comfort to my soul when I hear the harmonies of old-timers singing with such passion, conviction, and strength!  I guess it’s my Bible belt days and Tennessee roots showing through.  (I’m not posting it here, but if you want, you can look up the Gaither YouTube of it!)

I think this blog is timely for me as Restore Ministries recently hosted the 3rd annual reunion for our retreat participants!  Ladies from our first retreat (2012) joined with others who have retreated with us over these past four years.  What a happy time to see each smiling face greet us as we extended open arms and delightful hugs!  It was a glad reunion day!  The evening was filled with laughter, yummy food, words of encouragement, singing, and prayer.  Though nametags graced the shoulder of everyone present, the lack of not knowing everyone did not hinder the fellowship or the unity we shared.  We had been bonded with commonalities as seekers, pursuers, and daughters of Christ and were intimately acquainted with the rest, purpose, and peace He offers when we retreat and pull away to focus fully on Him!  Foremost, our evening was spent talking of our Savior’s great love and His mighty deeds toward us.  It is the love of Christ that unifies our hearts with one another and the evening was ​reflective of that as we reunited as retreat participants with one cause, to know Christ more fully. 

​The theme of the evening was A New Day, and the room was filled with the beautiful sound of violin, piano, and women’s voices rising to the listening ears of God.  I lead a little devotional about burn out, joy, risk taking and change. A new song, written by my friend Amy, was shared and my heart was full as the women joined in on the chorus.  One of the questions I asked everyone still resonates in my own soul.  “To what extent will you risk yourself to taste of the fresh newness God provides?”   You may get a taste of those words and my thoughts in yet another blog!  The evening closed with Kathy sharing our vision for this year.  Looking and moving forward to the possibilities God has for Restore always excites me!  Our reunion time was of great significance to me.  How sweet to meet together and share in the goodness and faithfulness of God!

​Easter Sunday allowed me the opportunity to reunite with all of my immediate family, minus one!  Once again, the reunion was filled with laughter, yummy food, words of encouragement, a song and prayer…and a few other crazy antics!  I left with a full heart!  It was a glad reunion day!

I am now sitting on Kathy’s back porch (taking advantage while she was away!) thinking about the many “reunions” that have been celebrated in her beautiful outdoor setting and home.

•  It was here that I had my wedding shower – Reunited with so many friends, laughter, food, prayer, and encouragement.                    
  
• It was here that I held my Fingerprint Party for those who have impacted my life – more friends, prayer, food, song, and encouragement.
  
• It was here that the Chapel Choir held its farewell celebration – friendships, tears, prayers, song, and laughter – encouragement of better days ahead.
  
• It was here that Worship Arts Ministry leaders reunited monthly…for years…to pray – cast vision – sing, snack – and receive encouragement form the Word.
  
• It was here that for over 25 years, Kathy and I have united and reunite to share our heart with one another – dream & cast vision– pray – cry – laugh – create - celebrate – admonish and encourage one another in love as true friends often do.
  
• It was here that many friends, old and new, gathered to unite in song, prayer, and encouragement as Restoration Singers was formed for our Christmas event.
  
• It was here that Restore has had reunions, and the Restore Advisory Board has met.  Our hearts united, encouraged, and blessed as we have prayed together, shared together, dreamed, planned and sought the will of the Lord over many things. 

The list could continue forever, but as I sit and reflect on those things, and the past weeks after Easter, I am reminded of other great reunions in God's Word!

​There was a knock at the door…only a young girl heard it amongst the room full of loud voices, good food, deep conversation, and heavy hearts.  It was quite possible that the conversation reflected mystery and intrigue as his friends remembered the events and actions taken against Peter that landed him in jail.  Then prayers filled the room.  Rhoda heard the knock and it was Peter!  You know the story, she ran to tell the others before even letting him in.  Can you imagine the reunion that night?
Acts 12:1-19 gives us details of the story.  I’m sure there were hugs, laughter, and stories about how God delivered Peter from the jail.  What a sweet reunion.
 
You know the story of the prodigal son.  (Luke 15: 11-32)  The story ends with a great reunion day!
 
Daniel is reunited with his friend King Darius, after a visit with a lion!  The king was overjoyed because Daniel shared with him the mighty acts of the Lord while in the midst of the lion’s den.  (Daniel 6)

​Imagine if you will, the thoughts and actions of the reunions of Christ during the 40 days after His crucifixion.  Easter for us was roughly 20 days ago!  If we were in biblical days, we would be hearing of His miraculous encounters and reunions with people and still have another 20 days to go!  How quickly we dismiss and forget the event of resurrection day!  Have you thought about it these past 20 days?  The Bible has record of some of those reunions:
 
Mary Magdalene
Eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee
Luke – Jesus eats with them
Paul on the Damascus road…though it was a great light and voice from heaven
To Thomas and the others
The two on the road to Emmaus
500 at one time
Peter by Lake Tiberias

The reunions were astonishing!  “What was the purpose of each encounter?” I ask myself.  It is unknown what is said in each meeting, but on many occasions, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God.  He rebukes their unbelief and lack of faith, yet comforts them with peace.  He brings words of encouragement.  He speaks of what the Father has done and will do.  He confirms a hope and a future. 

One part of my imagination sees Jesus in His white gleaming robe just standing in front of those whom He encounters.  The expressions on their faces are sober and speechless.  On the other hand, the other side of my imagination (the more creative side), all faces, emotions, and reactions reveals amazement with eyes wide and sparkling.  An inner joy ready to explode at His first syllable; a heart ready for more knowledge, feelings of unexplainable peace, and an intensity to listen as though it were once again for the last time! 

Reunions with Jesus!  How long has it been for you? 

The dictionary defines reunion as a gathering of two or more after a period of separation.  How long has it been since you have been fully present with Him?  Sure, we can show up at church, meet on the porch with friends and pray, and pick up The Word for a quick devotion…but let’s get serious about really re-uniting our heart with Christ. 
        What would a reunion with Christ look like for you?  Stop and think about that for a minute.

For me, I think it would look a lot like the list I wrote while sitting on Kathy’s back porch.  Song.  Prayer. Confession.  Encouragement.  Laughter.  Tears.  Dreams. Vision casting.  Action plans.  Listening.  Obedience.  And then, I would probably run and tell someone what God is doing in my life!  His abundant mercy and grace is so great, how on earth can we contain it?  Daniel, Peter, the Prodigal all spoke of their story.  Let me encourage you to do the same!
 
Let’s don’t wait until heaven for the Glad Reunion Day.  Set aside some time now. 
We could all use a little more time with Jesus!  The time spent is life changing. 
I dare you!
 
Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face
It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace
That will be a glad reunion day.
A glad day, a wonderful day,
A glad day, a glorious day…
That will be a glad reunion day!

Basking in the Love of Jesus,
​Sherry

​       “Abiding in Christ” can seem like such a nebulous concept. So what does “abiding” look like, in practical terms? Of course, it means staying connected through prayer----praying about every decision, praying for wisdom, praying that He will give direction. It means taking the time to be quiet and listen to the still, small voice speaking to my heart so that I’ll know what’s right for me.  It means studying the Bible so that I’ll be familiar with His goals, so that my heart will desire the things He desires. ​

        Can I confess something? I know that God is the Potter and I am the clay---I’m familiar with that Biblical analogy---but sometimes I don’t want to be an ordinary clay pot. Sometimes I’d rather be the beautiful vase. I see people who are immensely gifted, who are front and center stage, who are “beautiful vases.”  I compare myself to them, and I see myself as not measuring up.   I have a little bit of Spiritual Gift-Envy. I’m aware of this tendency, and I constantly confess and realign myself to God’s goals. I remind myself that “It’s not about me.” I need to pour my heart and passion into whatever task God gives me to do.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”  Colossians 3:23

        The other pitfall is the tendency to refuse to use the gifts He’s given. Sometimes it’s because of laziness or selfishness. I might know that I have a particular ability-let’s say it’s teaching-, but when I hear that request for volunteers, even though I feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit, that inner voice that says, “This is something you should do,” I might I turn a deaf ear. Sometimes, it’s fear of failure and lack of faith that keep me from using a particular gift. Or maybe I feel that nudging in an area where don’t feel particularly gifted, such as hospitality or administration. (After all, just because I don’t think I have the gift of hospitality, that doesn’t mean that God doesn’t expect me to be hospitable.) But I don’t want to “go out on a limb” and get stranded there! That’s when I need to remember that the One who calls me is all-powerful, and His grace is sufficient for me. 

 11 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 
​Great things can be accomplished by a soul that is totally relying on God’s strength and power.

       

​        This year, I am branching out! I want to be like that little twig in the painting, reaching for higher and loftier things, straining upward to achieve the purpose for which I was called. I believe that happiness and joy will take residence in my life as I stay connected to the Vine. I am spending more time in prayer and in the Word so that I can derive power and spiritual nourishment from the Lord.
As I go about my day, I’m going to be aware of God’s presence and His plan for my life. I’m going to be open to opportunities to use the spiritual gifts He’s given me. I’m going to lay aside my fears and begin some new endeavors, by His direction, in His strength, for His glory. ​

Branching out and abiding in Christ,
Margaret Kemp


​Resources: Images Pinterest, Monica Wood

There is a reason why I call Aunt Judy my twin!  I had no idea that she was drawn to mountain excursions and the dogwood trees as much as me.  If you've known me very long, you know that my husband Brian and I love to escape to the mountains.  It doesn't matter what time of the year!  Chasin' snow during winter or chasin' beautiful colors during spring or fall.  In March of 2012, we escaped to my hometown Chattanooga, Tennessee for a much needed time of rest and soul care.  There is a beautiful place we like to visit called Reflection Riding. It's hard to believe that it has been 4 years since we last visited there.  The grounds are perfect for any artist or creative to get inspired!  Or...if creativity isn't your thing, it's a great place to rest the mind and soul!  You are free to park your car and walk where you'd like, but I recommend driving (thus, the name of the place) and stopping whenever you want to absorb the beauty of God's wonderful world.  This little slide show is of the beautiful grounds...God's handiwork!  We took these pics on our last visit.  Please welcome Judy Ingle, our guest writer today.  But before she shares with you her experience of the Dogwoods, prepare your heart with a little nature soul care and place yourself in her setting.  I know you will be blessed! As I read and formatted her blog, I could smell the earth, hear the sounds and see the beauty of her travels. ~ Sherry

April unfolded so graciously with her beauty and sweet smells of lilac and wild honeysuckle while we once again experienced God's rhythm of nature.  We sensed His presence all around.  It was our anniversary week and we both were feeling the buoyancy of spring and God's blessings as He scattered them along our paths.  We have reveled in the wonder of His creation as the wisteria opened with it's beautiful cascades of violet sending forth the fragrance of spring-time.  We watched the graceful butterfly in flight and it was so easy to become immersed in the sounds of the season sweetly luring us to the out-of-doors.  I love the wisdom of Charles H. Spurgeon:  "It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness." 

​We celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary with a trip to the Smokey Mountains.  We considered other places but we were ready for rest and renewal so this was right for us.  Every year, with few exceptions, Jimmy plans a trip in mid-April to "chase the snow;" oops, "chase the Dogwoods."  This has been a love of ours for a very long time.  We just drive and delight in God's gorgeous landscapes while the magnetism of the mountains pull us like invisible magnets.  This time we decided to take a closer look at the Dogwood Tree in all of it's splendor.  I will try to share our pleasant journey and do hope you will experience some of our joy while finding, as we did, the spiritual connection and significance of "the aristocrat of all native flowering trees," the Dogwood.  
​

It is not unusual to  experience  a "Dogwood winter."   This is simply a short "cold snap" during the early blooming season.  We were met with chilly temperatures but quickly the temperature began to rise.  Thinking  warm was here to stay along came what some call a "Blackberry winter" meaning more cool weather.  It has been told that this cool weather is necessary to set the blooms on the Blackberry vines.  Finally, we were relishing in Spring's explosion of color and pleasant temperatures.  As we traveled we were overwhelmed with trees of white, their branches reaching outward toward us as if to be calling our name on this our special day.  Left and right the hills were graced with the delicate white petals of the Dogwood Trees.  Taller and much more robust trees were barely budding yet this magnificent beauty was in full bloom showcasing itself in a most humble yet pronounced way  and was certainly making it's presence known.  The profusion of white set my thoughts into motion prodding me to explore this amazing tree that is so universally loved.
​ 
                           "As a countenance is made beautiful by the soul's shining through it,
                                    so the world is beautiful by the shining through it of God." 
​                                                                  Frederick H. Jacoli

As we continued to drive, the majestic mountains loomed in the distance.  Soon we were close enough to smell the fragrance of the sap rising in the trees as they towered over us.  The road began to wind and twist and the crooked streams and whooshing sounds of the water prompted us to lower our windows to hear the sounds and smell the earthiness.  We had to pause and deeply inhale the pure clear smell of the mountainous air.  
Large boulders, some covered with moss, seem to give the meandering streams a song and we were compelled to stop and listen.  We made the right choice, the mountains seemed a powerful solace.  Samuel Taylor Coleridge once said,   "Earth, with her thousand voices praises God."  We found this so true.  The Dogwood Tree seemed to be clinging to the edge of the banks while the angel-white boughs were bent towards the water that glistened in the sunlight.  The simpering breeze now carried the smell of perfume along with a mulchy dampness that was so expected in the air.  Huge trees, their branches gnarled with age stood stately still, although their foliage was not yet thick and lush.

 Huge roots sprawled like giant claws reaching for the water below reminding me of this verse: 

           "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; 
                       his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth will prosper."  Psalm 1:3
​
The trout-filled water was now awe-inspiring as the crystal, rushing streams effortlessly flowed along our road.  The melody of the flowing and cascading water was also an elixir for our souls. The Dogwood tree was still the "show-stopper"  with it's outstretched branches faithfully adorned in white just in time for Easter.  This was the beginning of our journey into the study of my most beloved tree.  I remember a poem that is popular at Easter- time called,  The Legend of the Dogwood:

I believe this poet had a special insight concerning this unique and amazing tree.  It does not normally grow large in height but is seen in forests and mountains growing underneath the larger trees.  For this reason they are called "understory" trees.  However, this tree also must have light and water.  How does a smaller, understory tree, nestled and canopied by huge mountainous trees receive enough light to sustain life and produce magnificent blooms?  The answer is fascinating.  About two weeks before the leafing out of every other tree in the mountains, the graceful Dogwood displays its array of blooms. Thousands of larger trees surrounding them  are only beginning to form their buds.  During this two week window Dogwoods are clearly visible and unimpeded.  The light and sunlight required is given to them allowing for photosynthesis, when water and carbon dioxide are converted to starches and used for food,  a needful process for survival throughout the year.    Our Heavenly Father perfectly times the blooming of this amazing tree just ahead of many hundreds of varieties of trees.  Without the energy of the Sun during these two weeks there would be no photosynthesis.

I find a similarity for us, in the same way we must receive "the Light" or we are unable to allow Christ to initiate the process of a loving relationship with us that is needed to sustain our lives for now and eternity.  His light, His living water, and His word converts the soul of man giving salvation and new life.  When we receive His Light we become a new creation illuminating His radiance.  When plants and trees are in the presence of light, the sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll in the leaves.  Likewise, in the presence of God's Light He provides  "Sonlight" for us to absorb daily helping us to grow closer to Him through the necessities of prayer, Bible reading and studying, and communication plus we have a personal relationship with Him.  Therefore, His Light gives us the energy we need to serve Him and live for Him while  life itself is sustained through Him.

As I describe this majestic ornamental, it is noteworthy to recognize all the spiritual symbolism involved.   The remarkable  petals of white are probably most familiar as they were to me.  However, the bloom is actually the round yellow centers called flower-heads.  This round yellow center is surrounded by the delicate  white petals which we call blooms.  There are two long and two short petals forming the shape of a cross.  Every petal has an obvious notch or indent on it's end.  The notch is stained with a reddish-brown color which so symbolizes Christ's shed blood during His crucifixion.  The round yellow center is referred to as "the crown of thorns."  It is documented that this yellow center produces 22 very small blooms.  We actually counted the center blooms on 3 different Dogwood trees  and found this to be true.  The significance?   

Psalm 22:1 says,  "My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me?"  Reading this information my heart was touched and I began to weep.  

This new information also caused my excitement to rise like that of a launching rocket.  With great anticipation and teary eyes I wanted to learn more so I searched  and this is what I found.  This tree is the first tree to change colors in the fall.  The leaves turn "scarlet" or crimson to burgundy-red enhancing their environment with elegance.  Soon after the leaves are dropped, it bears bright-red fruit.  The fruit lasts from fall through the winter months when they become the all-u-can-eat buffet of robins, mockingbirds and other birds and wildlife.  Deer love  the delicious Dogwoods.  They find the tasty flowers and leaves a delight.

Interestingly,  Dr. John Piper writes:   Before we met Christ we were dead, blind, deaf and insensitive to God's glory;  We couldn't taste it as beautiful...Conversion to Christ puts within us a taste for divine things, a taste for the glory of God.  Our battle is to constantly see Him more clearly that we might delight in Him more fully."   Also, Psalm 34:8  tells us so well, "O taste and see that the Lord is good:  blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."

Spring is welcomed by the beautiful burst of white.  The flowers  provide nectar and pollen for the bees, being a great provision while the horizontal branches provide nests for the sparrow.  God's plan is always sufficient and good for all.  As the branches stretch and hover in an unusual and identifiable manner it reminds me of the lyrics of a song I used to sing:   "The ground is level at the foot of the cross, no man stands higher than I. I can call on Jesus name and a king can do the same, the ground is level at the foot of the cross."   Spotting these trees is easy because of their flat, umbrella like shape.

So far all elements of the tree described provide beauty and benefit.  Also notice how much "crimson" describes the tree.  We studied the bark and the trunk of the tree finding the amazing bark to be rich in tannins, a "bitter" reddish acid that is ground and used in tanning leather products, making ink, and dying fabric.  Also,  the tannins in the bark are important for providing protection from predators and pests.  The astringent properties of tannin is also used in medicine to relieve pain, fever and etc.  Jesus, our great physician, said in Luke 5:31:  They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

The grain of the bark itself is interlocked with a very fine but dense texture.  Because of its's hardness and smoothness and it's ability to shine and resist shock, it has been used for golf-club heads, the finest weaving shuttles, mallets, archery bows and wooden wheels.  Therefore, known to be one of the hardest woods.  This outstanding,  graceful tree is profitable to mankind along with it's four-season beauty.  Moving down to the root system I am still intrigued.  The tap root, the life of any tree,  branches out in the same manner as the upper branches.  Normally a tree's tap root basically grows straight down with secondary roots branching out.  The Dogwood's tap root branches out and is always reaching outward and stretching into the dirt and murky earth acting as an anchor of strength.  Similarly, Christ is reaching with outstretched arms pulling us from the miry clay.  
Psalm 40:2 says:   "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."
Finally, it is amazing to note that the extracts from the root of this tree were used to make a "scarlet dye."  This final fact pricked my heart once again and I believe I understand more fully why this tree has always been so dear to my heart and why in Spring we drive any distance to revel in it's beauty and relevance.  

This stupendous tree serves as a  provision, protection and is profitable.  Just as Christ is our provision, our protection in all things and is profitable to us in all things.  Every element,  including it's unique growth pattern seems to proclaim the story of the love of God.  The "Legend of the Dogwood" may only be a legend but the tree definitely bears a spiritual significance that cannot be denied.  Throughout every season of the year the tree is a reminder of "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever thing are lovely, and whatsoever things are of good report;  if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things  (Phillipians 4:8)."

May we be awakened this Spring to God's true splendor and train our thoughts to desire an attitude and spirit of love as we interact with others to proclaim Christ as Lord of all.  As the Dogwood tree stands as a witness for Him, may we ever raise our voice of praise and sacrifice our lives to the glorious Creator and Saviour of the world.  Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord!

Marveled at His wonderful work,
​Judy Ingle