Happy Dance!!

Preacher man and I have been through a deep trial this month. We took a stand as I believe the church should do and it didn't make everyone happy. However, we felt in our hearts that God was with us and calling us to be the church, to do what the church is called to do. We have learned and continue to learn that when the still small voice says "Do It!" you do it. Today, we dance the happy dance, not because of anything we did, but because God is sovereign and hears the cries of his people!


I have a monk story today to pass along that I got out of "Streams in the Desert".


Many years ago there was a monk who needed olive oil, so he planted an olive tree sapling. After he finished planting it, he prayed, "Lord, my tree needs rain so it's tender roots may drink and grow. Send gentle showers." And the Lord sent gentle showers. Then the monk prayed, "Lord, my tree needs sun. Please send it sun." And the sun shone, gilding the once-dripping clouds. "Now send frost, dear Lord, to strengthen its branches," cried the monk. And soon the little tree was covered in sparkling frost, but by evening it had died.


Then the monk sought out a brother monk in his cell and told him of his strange experience. After hearing the story, the other monk said, "I also have planted a little tree. See how it is thriving! But I entrusted my tree to God. He who made it knows better than a man like me what it needs. I gave God no constraints or conditions, except to pray, 'Lord, send what it needs - whether that be a storm or sunshine, wind, rain, or frost. You made it, and you know best what it needs.'"