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 – Terroir
The selah moment is concluded, unless this post throws you back into another one…which is often my hopeful intention! I sit in amazement at how the Lord continues to bring to my notice intriguing tidbits relevant to Vineyard Days. I go off on a search about one thing and hit pay dirt. Which now leads […]
Vineyard Days – Selah
Selah. That simple word in scripture that invites us to pause, weigh and value what we have read. Selah is a suspension of music – and here in Solomon’s Song, here in the vineyard, let’s have a selah moment… The Word of God is rich in its truth. Like the Shulamite in Vineyard Days, the […]
Vineyard Days – Two Suitors
The Shulamite was faced with a dilemma. That “something special” about her had captivated the attention of two suitors. On one hand, she had experienced her first love. More than that, her Shepherd Lover was her true and lasting love. They were meant for each other, and she would yet come to know what longing […]
Vineyard Days – The Shepherd’s Hut
Truths are first clouds, then rain, then harvest and food. ~ Henry Ward Beecher ~ How perfectly matched was the Shulamite to her Shepherd Lover. Just as there was nothing in His appearance that would warrant a second look, neither was there in hers. She was swarthy – a colorful word for dark, black, brunette, […]