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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Trees (12/05/05)
Rose Tree


I know I know… “This is the day that the Lord has made,” but God, I just don’t feel like rejoicing. I am just so frustrated!

Today’s sermon was all about us being like trees planted by the water. God, I’m not a tree. Look at my life - there’s no fruit; anybody dependent on me would starve to death.

I’m not a tree. I’m a what? a bush? a shrub? a weed maybe? Let’s just be honest about it, I’m not a tree, I’m a thorn bush.

I get impatient. I get angry. I get jealous. Anyone who tries to get close to me gets jabbed by one of my thorns.

Lord, I want to be a tree. I want people to find comfort in my shade, protection under my branches. I want them to find fresh fruit growing within easy reach.

My leaves should be a healthy green and not wither under the relentless heat of the sun. I should stand tall swaying gently in the wind and not break under its assault. My roots should be connected to the deep wellspring of Living Water.

Why am I a thorn bush?

When I accepted you as Lord of my life, I was supposed to be a new creation, but I still have thorns. Why? I want to be a tree!


My Child, I created you. I know what you are. Only I can make a tree. You are a precious rose in my garden. As you begin to bloom, your beauty and fragrance will draw others to Me. With time and careful attention, your thorns will be dulled and will no longer be harmful to others.

I have a great plan for you – greater than you can imagine. If you truly allow Me to be your Gardener, I will shape you into something the world has never seen – a Rose Tree.

Many will be drawn to you and they will know that you were shaped by Me. Your branches will provide shade and protection. Fruit and rosebuds will both adorn your limbs. Your roots will drink of the Living Water to sustain the harshest of droughts.

You belong to Me. I am the Gardener and you are my precious little thorn bush.
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This article has been read 1557 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Crista Darr
12/13/05
Sincere and hopeful. Well done.
Sandra Petersen
12/13/05
I like your passion in writing this (from one thorn bush to another!)
Paragraphs 5 and 6 are the goals each of us should have for our walk. Thanks for stating them so lucidly.
Paragraphs 7 and 8 reminds me of the pot asking the Maker why He made the pot in such a manner. Our desire does not make us a 'tree' automatically; the last four paragraphs state that so well.
The words of the Lord that He gave you in the last of your piece are so precious and sweet! The last line was especially tender. Thank you so much.
Beth Muehlhausen
12/14/05
This is a tribute to God's promises! Very uplifting, very true to life. Thanks for this straightforward message of hope. :-)
Jan Ackerson
12/16/05
I like your 4th paragraph; I have often felt that way myself. And the voice of God is very tender and loving here. Thank you very much.
Julianne Jones
12/16/05
Oohh, I can relate to this so much (too much I think. LOL). You've done a wonderful job of presenting this message of hope and growth - kinda like "God ain't finished with me yet". You've said nothing you didn't need to say, and left nothing unsaid. Going back to read it again - it was powerful. Well done.
Sally Hanan
12/18/05
Well, even if you don't think you should be in advanced, you for sure do NOT belong in beginners :)This makes me think of thorny people, whose thorns grow dull overtime and finally become both beautiful and fragrant.
Pat Guy
12/19/05
But it's so true! The Rose tree (and bushes) bear the 'rose hips' that are prized as an excellent (and preferred) source of Vitamin C (fruit!) And can definately survive without It's thorns when tended by It's gardener. Very creative take on 'tree.' And a wonderful message.
Val Clark
12/19/05
Wouldn't we rather God made us into something other than he intended? Overnight - if not sooner. :-)Really connected to what you were saying here, though putting Rose Tree as the title kind of gave the game away for me. Yeggy
Marilyn Schnepp 
12/19/05
I want to thank this Author, (who doesn't know me) for writing the perfect prayer for me! This Author has depicted me to a "T"! - and it grieves me to say this, but "hit the nail on the head"! Oh, if only I could be a tree! And rid myself of my thorns! I loved it! Kudos! and a Standing Ovation from one who needs alot more pruning from God before I can stand like a tree by the river. Thank you!
Joanne Sher 
03/29/07
Excellent, James. I think you put my life on the table for EVERYONE to see. Thanks for sending me this way.
Julie Arduini
03/30/07
I loved both formats you gave for the brick, web and here, because both can continue to impact those feeling the same exact way you describe. I loved this.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
04/04/07
What wonderful thoughts you expressed in such a beautiful way! It's so good to know that the One who made us knew our purpose.