My husband does not like artificial flowers in any way, shape or form. I have been ordered never to place any kind of “fake flowers” on his tombstone if he should happen to be heaven bound before me.
I have tried to reason with him, and often make wreaths with artificial flowers. And honestly, many times I cannot tell the difference. I have even been known to even smell a flower or two only to find out that it was not the real thing.
That was kind of like my life as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We can look good from the outside. For many years I appeared as though I had it all together…I wanted to be the “perfect” Christian.
That didn’t last. Trying to be a Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ by my own merits and in my own strength had no life. I worked hard to achieve “acceptance” by the Father and everyone else I came in contact with.
But like the artificial flowers in the sunlight, I faded. My plastic blooms fell to the ground. My polyester/silk petals didn’t last forever…even though I was sure that they would last. I was down to nothing really.
The deception is that they will not fade. Only the real flowers die and fade away. That being said, the reality of the life of the flowers cannot be denied, but the artificial are just that…artificial. They are not real. They don’t smell, they don’t grow, they don’t die.
I was depending upon my own actions. The reality of the gospel and the love the Father had for me was a head knowledge, but not heart knowledge. Then the Love came to me.
In the Father’s gracious love and mercy, He taught me that my acceptance wasn’t dependent upon my actions or ability to stay in bloom. He assured me that He loved me…and that His love didn’t depend upon my actions to look like the perfect Christian.
The flowers became real. The color was vibrant, the life was mine. Sometimes the flowers bloomed brightly, other times they looked beaten and battered. When they were nourished, even in the battering wind of life they maintained beauty. And someday the time will come for them to die. But they will have truly lived.
I think I will stick to the real flowers…..planted and rooted deeply.
My husband will be happy.
IN CHRIST ALONE
TSA
*NIV Bible, personal graphics
Encouragement for Today 
I continue to so enjoy what you write. I love your family. You continue to inspire others and show His love that is available. Facebook has given us an opportunity to stay connected and be inspired. I appreciate you and your gifts and how you use them.
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Why thank you so much! How sweet of you to say those kind things! My prayer is that people will indeed be encouraged by something I believe that the Father gives me to share. Facebook indeed has been a wonderful way to stay in touch with that “family” that is no longer here in our area.
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I am going to see.our Southern family, Eva and Ray.
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Wow! That is great! Have a wonderful trip, give them hugs for me and be safe!
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What a fabulous post!!! So true. Really enjoyed the insight you have for finding Biblical applications. (aah, so few of us left, 🙂 ) Anyway I couldn’t help but want to follow your blog and I look forward to reading and discovering more about you in the future. As a writer myself, I hope you are inspired to write a novel in the future because I bet you’d be wonderful at it. Blessings, PS What a cute photo of you, your hubby and dog. Without trying to sound weird, it shows how friendly and personable you all arel . . . well unless Fluffy bites 🙂 Blessings,
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Oh my…thank you Miss Ellie! The Father knew I needed some encouragement in my writing right now. I have been blogging almost two years (since I resigned as a special education teacher) and have written several years before that for a publication in the Ukraine. I feel called to encourage others and will continue to do it. Writing a book is a long held dream…who knows? I currently get to speak encouragement into listeners lives on a Contemporary Christian radio station, so my “speaking” desires are still alive and kicking! Thanks for the picture comment, I hope that is true and what people find when they meet me. Oscar, our Westie doesn’t bite…he might lick you to death though! I have accessed your blog and I think we have a lot in common! I look forward to reading more and getting to know you Ellie. Again, thanks so much! 🙂
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What an exciting life you are leading for our Lord! You have so many diverse skills. It doesn’t surprise me that you were a special education teacher at all. My followers become my friends too so I look forward to getting to know you better! 🙂
My husband almost became a teacher for a Bible college in the Ukraine but decided to pastor of a small church in northern Ohio. We have two small dogs, (a Cocker and Lhasa) which occasionally get mentioned in my posts. You also made my day by following my blog. Blessings back,
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Thanks again..look forward to reading more as well!
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