Soil

The hydrangea is a beautiful plant. I have more than a few on my property because their beauty is so captivating. I nearly bought another one this year. It was a color that I don't yet have. The interesting thing about the hydrangea plant is that the color of the flower can be changed dramatically by changing the pH of the soil. A lower pH will result in more blue and a higher pH will result in more pink. I've used fertilizer sticks that are either acid or alkaline to assist in the color changes that I've desired.

How interesting that a plants' color can be controlled by the environment of the soil that it is planted in. Isn't it often the same with us human beings? The soil, or environment that a person lives in has quite an impact on their behavior and choices. Children can not control their environment. It is a great sadness that many innocent children are raised in environments that are detrimental to their well being. Those of us who are adults can make choices. If we are parents, we can strive to maintain an environment that is warm, loving and nurturing for our children. For ourselves, we can choose the kinds of influences that we want to have in our lives. Choices might involve the type of literature that we read, music that we listen to, movies that we watch, places that we go and the kinds of friends that we keep.

On a deeper level, those who are part of the body of Christ, chosen by God before the foundation of the world to be His children and to represent Him in this fallen world that we live in, there are choices to be made which will determine how much one will actually reflect Christ. There are several New Testament passages that instruct us to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph.4:2,3) We are instructed to be people who reflect the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us be mindful of this command and consider how we might cultivate a life that will truly reflect Christ. A wonderful prayer....attributed to St. Francis of Assisi follows...

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen

A hymn which is also a prayer.....

Jesus, keep me near the cross
There a precious fountain,
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calvary's mountain.

Refrain...
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest, beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Sheds its beams around me.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me
Help my walk from day to day
With its shadows o'er me.

Near the cross i'll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand
Just beyond the river.

I believe that when we ask for anything that is according to God's will, He will grant it. It is His will that we reflect Christ, so let us ask Him to enable us to do so. Watch expectantly for His answer!
Blessings dear friends,
~Ruth