LABYRINTH

What a privilege to walk the labyrinth once again. It is an ancient prayer tool used to experience God's voice in your life as you are walking the spiritual path. For me, it provides a rare opportunity to get off the treadmill of life and enter into a place of sanctuary. The walks, the turns, the other people, the straight paths are symbolic.

How can I not be changed every time I walk the labyrinth. Yes, it is the same journey, but I am at a different place in my journey each time I walk it. On Thursday, the middle school students from the Boys and Girls Club participated. On Tuesday morning, Jim's study group and a host of others throughout the week. I walked on Wednesday night with our senior highs which included 2 seniors and a sophomore at the time I was walking. At times we were side by side, yet at other times we were on separate paths. The tenth grader walking with us appeared to be waiting her turn literally and figuratively to step up in leadership.

Where was my place in each person's life,in the youth group and most importantly my own spiritual journey. As I centered myself in the middle of the labyrinth, those persons with me took time to hug, to hold hands, to pray, to affirm, to be still. I returned to the prayer path with rest and renewal from my business. I appreciate the life parallels depicted in the practical walking of the labyrinth. I am inspired by the voice of God as I pray prayers of thanksgiving,petition,restoration, and reconciliation. This Holy Week experience warms my heart and gives witness to my faith. I can't explain the resurrection only the power the story holds for me. Because He lives, I shall live also.

Hallelujah!
--beckygreene

MASTER GARDNER

"Most of you know I am not much of a gardener. My last name may be 'greene' but I surely don't have a green thumb. My mother on the other hand loved to work in the yard. She enjoyed cutting grass, planting flowers, picking vegetables from the garden. Recently as we drove through the spring layden streets she pointed out the azaleas, tulips, wisteria,etc totally for my benefit and education. When we came upon a hedge that had been severely pruned, I said that looks like what you did at our house one time! And she laughed wholeheartedly as I recalled her chopping to the ground the topiary wall behind which I sun bathed during my high school days. With this wall 'permanently pruned' I feared being spotted from Highway 74! Mother tried in vain to explain to a self-centered 16 year old the benefits of severely pruning branches. She believed the bushes would bear fruit again because they had good roots. As the master gardener, she pruned purposely so there would be abundant foliage next summer. For there to be growth there must be loss as well. In our spiritual lives, we often experience bareness and drained souls. We sometimes feel disconnected and useless, but we may trust God to provide for us again. He is there in times of pruning as well as when we bloom. John 15:2-4 explains the process mother carried out in our yard that day. Thanks be to God for our creator, my mother and our drive that caused me to remember that valuable lesson found in scripture. I want a faith that trusts in God's word more than my own thoughts or the opinions of others. --beckygreene"