While traveling the past month in Ukraine we saw the landscape change dramatically as spring arrived. A bleak gray very quickly turned to fresh green and we were amazed. But, then upon returning home not only did we find green layered everywhere, but, this beautiful clematis loaded with blossoms greeted us at our front door. The interesting thing about this intensely beautiful plant is that during a harsh winter a couple of years ago it appeared to be completely dead. Although it had been striking in it's beauty for several years, now I could see that it was no longer going to grow. So, I pulled it all out and planted a good hardy ivy in it's place. Last year I saw a bit of clematis leaves twining around the ivy--and then this year it has gone crazy with breathtaking blooms again.
This clematis sure makes me think of what Jeremiah had to say about trusting God. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8 The harshness of life comes to everyone, but, those who believe and obey God have strength to continue on through those times and even flourish. May our lives be like the beautiful clematis at my house that has come through tough times only to be as beautiful as ever. May we "not be anxious in a year of drought, nor cease to yield fruit."
There will be a baby dedication on Mother's Day, so, if you are interested please let Pastor know.
Here is an interesting video summary of our ministry in Ukraine during April. Click on the small arrow centered on the video to view.