Now What?
Updated: Jul 20
Nov 2011 The patio, pergola, gate with arbor, and pathway, were complete. My savings was spent and there was still much to do. The patio jutted out into the shadeless yard, absorbing and reflecting heat. The sun blazed through the open slats of the pergola. An oasis needs plants, water, and shade. I wanted it to happen NOW, but trees take so long to grow! How could I afford to buy all the plants, trees, and fountains to create a backyard oasis, and how long was it going to take? I prayed for direction, provision, and patience.
Faith is both a fruit of the Spirit and a gift, not a commodity to be replenished at will. Mine fluctuated, and, after the powerful surge that enabled me to sacrifice all (and man-handle rocks), I began to question again. God was growing my faith, and just like anything else, it’s strengthened through practice: listening for God’s voice, following his direction, failing, and succeeding.
I waited to hear what the next step was. My brother had passed away in August, leaving the ranch in south Texas unoccupied. When I went to his funeral, I had seen two unusual pillars of wood in the barn. During worship at church in late November, I felt impressed to go to South Texas and bring back the pillars. I was learning that obedience to the Holy Spirit is important, so I rented a trailer and took my friend Albert with me.
After this, things went quiet for awhile. I can't find anything in journals or pictures from 2012. My mom passed away in May of 2012, but in 2013 things started happening. I had held off planting anything because I was stuck. I couldn't decide on a layout, where the paths should go, how to configure the planting beds, and what to plant. In May of 2013, I paid a landscape designer to draw up a garden plan. (More on that later.)
Then, two more events converged that impacted me and my mission: 1) My pastor invited me to take a leadership class, and 2) I had a dream.
Part 1 of 4. Click NEXT to read Part 2 of Provision: Inspiration
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