Harvesting My Summer

What Have I Done With My Summer?

That is the question, is it not for all of us?

"The Joy of Harvest" from Isaiah

• Vacations: besides the fun and joy of being with family, did I do what I could to encourage my loved ones toward godliness? Did I lift up their spirits? Did I speak words of kindness rather than criticism? Did I show appreciation for the glorious scenery, the wonder of their smiles and the good times?

• Church Camps: Did I do my part in celebrating the spirit of revival in hearts? Did I take the time to speak to those fighting trials and disheartening times? Did I enthusiastically participate in events to encourage others to do the same? 

• Home Life: Did I keep up with devotions? Did I ask for help when needed, whether from my God or from others who were willing to do so? Did I accomplish what I planned on doing throughout these weeks? Have I grown spiritually, mentally, and even physically (by keeping up with the right training and eating for me?

• Ministry Work: Whether in weekly church services and/or events such as Vacation Bible School, etc., or special services of music or ministry, did I volunteer willingly? Did I put my all into the work, or begrudgingly complain that I was too busy; why couldn't someone else do something? Was my heart totally lifted up to HIM in obedience? 

Can I say positively "yes" to all these questions (and more)? Probably not. Have I learned lessons I needed through these past three months that have taught me to be more willing, less out-spoken, more encouraging, etc? I hope so. 

Whether we had a busy, constantly on-the-go summer or quiet, relaxing times alone, we need to be vigilant in keeping ourselves ready and obedient to harvest what God has for us. 

And it's never too late! :)  Autumn is coming--the time of reaping. Let us look forward to good times ahead. 

Abundant blessings!

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

When The Sun Shines On Rain

“Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"...

“It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...”

― Frances Hodgson Burnett, author The Secret Garden

What a beautiful picture Burnett paints with her words. Here in South Carolina, the tulips and daffodils have long since bloomed, and the hot days feel more like summer than spring. We finally got rain this week, and it was glorious!

Seems like we went from winter to summer overnight.

Do you ever feel time races past you—much like the seasons do? It certainly has felt that way this year for me. Seems like yesterday we were ringing in the New Year, and now we’re planning for Memorial Day. Not enough hours in the day to accomplish all that I want. I suppose that’s something most people feel, whether they’re creatively bent or not.

Even nature seems hurried when it rains and the sun shines at the same time!

The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. Ecclesiastes1:5-6 NIV 

As the days fly by, I try not to feel the pinch of fleeting time and carve out time for quiet. It’s in these moments that God meets us. And if you’re really quiet and still, He’ll share His plans for your life. Not in the hurriedness of our requests, but in the moments of reflection and openness, we hear Him. His compassions are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). He makes our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

So, do I really need to worry about not getting things accomplished? Or feel rushed to do more than I possibly can each day? No, and this has been an ongoing lesson for me that God probably wonders if I’ll ever learn completely.

In the scope of life, the undone doesn’t matter near as much as how we’ve lived or affected those God has placed in our lives.

Our only goal should be to hear these words one day: Well done, good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:23a 

How do you find quiet moments with God? Do you have a favorite place or time of day that you spend with Him? 

Laura Hodges Poole blogs at  "A Word of Encouragement." Her latest novella, "The Trouble With Jasmine," is available on Amazon.com.

Website/blog: http://laurahodgespoole.blogspot.com/

Email: laurapoole565@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laura_Poole

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/LauraHodgesPoole

https://plus.google.com/+LauraPoole#

https://www.pinterest.com/lhpoole/

“Background Sun Indicates Raining” image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

“Bluebell Woods” image courtesy of Rob Wiltshire/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

College student and equestrian Jasmine Gray’s life has been turned upside down. She’s still reeling from the loss of her father, successful rancher Hamilton Gray, when her newly discovered sister, Carly Shepherd arrives at the ranch to visit and plan her wedding. With the spring horse competition ahead, Jasmine’s in a funk and looking for a distraction.

Ranch hand Zach Crawford tries to ignore his growing feelings for Jasmine because he knows he wouldn’t measure up to Hamilton Gray or his wife’s standards. Jasmine’s daily quest to snag him only adds to his frustration. If he could get her to focus on the upcoming horse show and not on him, then maybe he’d have time to figure out his own future.  Grieving the loss of his little brother who had Down’s syndrome, Zach finds it difficult not to be drawn to Jasmine in her grief.

Memories of the past and the promise of the future collide with the horse competition and wedding both at hand. Can Jasmine pull herself together to win? If so, does she have the courage to walk away afterwards and pursue a future outside the ranch, if doing so means leaving Zach behind?