60 SECOND LAINE-LIFE PRESERVER

Looking up at the top of the tree that ws like about 35 feet tall. I could wrap my arms around the trunk. There was no branches till more than half way up and at that point only three ten foot branches extended out. To me it looked like nerves tentacles extending out in three different directions. Each of the three had a few branches extending out with leaves on it. Darn! I wish I took a picture for you. The leaves I'm pretty sure were oak. I found when I leaned on the tree it was strong and for sure it didn't look old.

I want to describe it so you could get a really good picture in your mind. I thought I didn't need a photo but now I don't feel like I'm doing a very good job. If you were to draw it from my description I don't think you would be able to accurately do it. I'm trying here but....

At this point you should be asking me "Why am I even reading this?" This assignment I did at a nature therapy hike was to allow myself to be drawn to a tree and really spend time completely observing it.

My take away was this...stop...look...when I took the time I learned so much more. This was one of like 5 exercises I did out in nature. For me it enriched my relationship with Jesus. It drew me to creation really gave me ideas of what to do in nature other than racing through on a path. That day I saw so much more.

I liken this experience to my reading the bible this morning. I'm drawn to reading John 6. The people saw Jesus feed 5000 miraculously. They wanted more food  but Jesus point in the whole thing was for their hearts to be drawn to His heart, to see Him as the son of God who loves you and gives eternal life.

Read it for yourself. Ask yourself questions, explore and come to a conclusion for yourself who Jesus was. Just like I explored the tree and I now I see nature different.

I pray you see Jesus different from the passage. You know if you have a smart phone you can get the free app Youversion and pop in any verse in any version of the bible. NLT, NIV, the message...read John 6.

Observe what he says about "work" and what we should work for. I love this, Jesus said "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away." it is the Father's will to preserve those who come to Christ.

PRAYER:  Thank you Jesus that you are my life preserver. Lord lead me where you need me. Amen.

I was blessed in nature from GOD'S CREATION. Be blessed with the RED WORDS of Jesus.

Side note:  After reading this passage I went to work. I didn't put two and two together. But I'm not kidding when I write you this. The night before I got loaves of bread from my daughter stating "I got these and don't know what to do with them." I said "I will just bring them and give them away at work." Arriving at work when I was closing my car door I remembered I got the bread and grabbed them (thinking nothing about the passage I read that morning.) As I was passing them out a lady said "What are you like Jesus feeding the 5000?" A light bulb went on in my brain and  I declared "I just passed out loaves of bread and I can't believe just that morning I read this passage of scripture feeding the 5000." I didn't plan it or realize it till that girl said that. Thank you Jesus you orchestrated a gift! A way to give and love others. To be the feet and hands of Jesus.