Linéa Blomma flowers, attached to a single root stem.

I was tired and sat down under the shadow of the great pines in a Swedish forest, glad to find such a cool retreat from the broiling sun. I had not been there long before I noticed a fragrant odor and wondered what it could be and where it came from.

No Maréchal Niel rose grew on that barren soil, nor could the sun penetrate the shades of the forest to extract its perfume even if it had; I looked round, and found by my side a tiny flower about half the size of an ordinary daisy, nearly hidden from view by the moss. It was the little “Linéa Blomma.”

Oh, how fragrant it smelt! Again and again I held it near my face, enjoying the perfume, and then I looked up and thanked God for that tiny flower – so insignificant, growing in a wild, almost untrodden forest, yet bringing cheer and refreshment to me.

I thought, why is it so obscure, when it is a flower with such fragrance, and surely worthy of a place in the most stately grounds? I learned a lesson by it, and it spoke powerfully to my heart.

Continue reading →

The reality of God’s grace in your life is not seen through how you act in your strengths, but rather how you react to other people’s weaknesses.  – Mick Mooney

Today on what is commonly called “Good Friday,” I revisted this video I did about poor “Gerty” the chicken, and seeing it in a new light.

Even to the point of revoking something I said.  It’s a short video… I will put it here, then share something briefly after.

.
There is a part where I said, “The other chickens found some weakness in her, or some imperfection.” I’m not sure that has to always be true. Maybe with chickens it is, but human nature is such, that it doesn’t have to see a real fault in order to attack others. It can trump up things. The life and death of the most innocent One of all exposes this – and how to respond in love.

“Father forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.”

Today is a good reminder that it’s time to stop the violence on others.  It’s time to stop ostracizing people and holding back warmth from people because of what they believe, or don’t believe, do, or don’t do.  Who made us a judge of others?

It’s also time to stop the violence upon ourselves.  We have all done things we regret.  We have reminders of it all the time – and sometimes even broken relationships to prove it.  But think about it.  Even if you were perfect in your life, and your angelic reputation was never tarnished, an association with the Cross would still bring scandal and slander upon you.  Of course you aren’t perfect – and you are sorry for things.  But Jesus is not pecking you and putting you outside the fence.  He does not perpetuate the violence.  He knows that hurt and ignorant people hurt people.  Hurt and ignorant people do stupid things.  That’s why He said – “You don’t know what you are doing.”

So forgive yourself.  He has.  And in turn, be a channel for abundant forgiveness to others.

In the Garden of God, there are no fences to separate us from that place of belonging and acceptance.

Do you believe this today?  I woke up believing it – and a burden was lifted.