The Shulamite’s (and our) progress in spiritual growth can be likened to ascending stairs from one level to the next. The lovely truth is that Shepherd Lover was so intentional in His desire for her fellowship that He designed opportunities for her to respond to Him (just as He does for us). At every level […]
Vineyard Days – Selah II
I’ve been on a pause that refreshes. (A polite way to say my writing brain cells have been melting…) Where I live, we spent the last many weeks sweating in relentless 90+ degree heat. It has been a beautiful summer season, but like life, too much heat and sun without a cooling break can drain […]
Vineyard Days – In the Footsteps of the Flock
*** Yoyo-ing between frustration about herself and others and feeling good about her self-impression and how others viewed her, had swung her one too many times in the wrong direction. She was worn out and had finally tired. It was about time. The Shulamite was ready to listen… “Tell me, You whom my soul loves, […]
Vineyard Days – A Branch, A Vine and A Pile of Rocks
The Shulamite was coming uncorked. She was upset with those close to her (“my mother’s children were angry with me” SS 1:6b), while not yet realizing that her frustration resulted from some erringly placed attachments. All she knew is that she was laboring hard, trying her best, working long hours guarding the vineyard, and feeling […]
Vineyard Days – The Processes of Potential
*** The Shulamite had some un-learning to do. But that did not deter her Shepherd Lover. In fact, this is where He excelled and took such delight for He had the patience of Job and His very nature was hope. This Man with a plan possessed great confidence in the final outcome. And it was […]
Vineyard Days – Rock Piles of Potential
A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral. – Antoine de Saint-Exupery Previously: Either way, we have a pile of rocks to deal with. What becomes of the rocks has everything to do with the image we bear within… *** […]
Vineyard Days – The Way of the Beloved
Who is there that does not love a good story? The most intriguing, I have found, is the one that draws us into the fabric of the narrative being woven. As if we have stepped into the very pages… Such is the Song of Solomon. It is the beautiful and challenging account of the Lord’s […]
Vineyard Days – Parched Fields
Vineyard Days has been mulling around inside almost since I began writing Desert Days two years ago. Though I was experiencing a ‘parched field’ season back then, there was a growing assurance through faith that I had not traveled thus far in my life to remain living in desert-like conditions. If my desert was to […]