Now the rest of the story as Paul Harvey would say. As Dick and I walked around the island, he pointed out to me the still green growth hidden at the base of some of the plants that looked dead. He even revealed to me that which I had totally missed, flowers blooming on the Passion Vine. Multiple flowers as well! How appropriate a message to me, God's gift, from a Passion Vine,one of many to be grateful for this Christmas.
Last week we saw record cold temperatures and though all precautions were taken to try to protect the garden, we sustained significant damage. I was heartbroken when I saw the previously lush garden, now spotted with brown and death. For myself, it was at a particularly hard time anyway and I was anything but feeling joy this Christmas season. But, Sunday morning God told me to get up and go out to the island, bring my journal and spend time in prayer. While on the way I called my friend Dick Smith to ask for prayer to help me through this difficult time. To tell the truth, all I could focus on was the loss of life. For me personally, this is the 2nd year since my son Christopher died and I was at a low point on the emotional scale anyway. But as I sat out there with my journal, I sensed God had a divine appointment with me and he began to touch my broken heart. Some time later, I heard a familiar voice and looked up to find Dick walking down the path, Bible in hand, and carrying the love of Jesus in his heart. I can't explain in words how sometimes, someone, will be the hands of Jesus for you to hold you and lift you up when you most need it. There are so many that have been a part of my life in this way. John Jeanerett, Dave Ambrose and Dick Smith have been extra special brothers to me these last few years and I am so grateful for them. They really encourage me and help me along this journey I am on.
Now the rest of the story as Paul Harvey would say. As Dick and I walked around the island, he pointed out to me the still green growth hidden at the base of some of the plants that looked dead. He even revealed to me that which I had totally missed, flowers blooming on the Passion Vine. Multiple flowers as well! How appropriate a message to me, God's gift, from a Passion Vine,one of many to be grateful for this Christmas.
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Author Dean EvansGrowing up at Dunklin, I was there before there was a lake Elijah or Prayer Island. Over the years, I've seen many transformations but none so drastic or exciting as the current one. I am so grateful to have been a part of this project. Just the experience was healing for me and I know will be a place of healing for many others and making it all worthwhile. Archives
February 2017
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