April 8th is my third “Hippy Birthday.’  Which simply means I got my new replacement on that date.  Working outdoors trimming bushes and raking gives me a reason to celebrate and to ache!

I spent the morning raking gum balls.  Those wonderful trees that have so many characteristics.  I was being sarcastic until I started looking up facts about the “Sweet Gum” Tree.  

                                I discovered:

                                                     ~The wood is commercially used for furniture, doors, millwork and paneling. It is also used to make baskets, railroad ties, crates and pallets, plywood, veneer and upholstered furniture frames. 

                                                       ~Shikimic acid from this tree is used in medicines, tea can be made with the greener gumballs.  And finches love the seeds inside the gumballs. These are just a few of it uses.

Who would have thought those crazy looking things had a purpose?  I just know that when I step on them they hurt and cause pain.

The last eight weeks have reminded me of those gum balls.  I felt it was time to get off of some meds that I had been on for over 16 years, and it has hurt in many ways.  I will soon find out if it is from meds or another issue.

But the good news is that Abba Father knows that I have a purpose.  I may feel a bit of pain right now, and not know what is going on but I have HIS love and assurance.  Pain can often warn us of things that might be wrong and can be used in our lives.

Yet again today, I receive that manna that He provides.  I have a purpose, and so do you.  

And how neat that He reminded me of His manna through gum balls!

~Be Encouraged Today~

Tammy