Roots sick and infected

trishLeave a comment on Roots sick and infected

For the past three weeks I have been battling a tooth ache.  Things were inconclusive as to what was going on for a while.  After having a miserable weekend I ended up at the endodontist yesterday. I needed a root canal.  For those of you that have never experienced one, a root canal is a procedure performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged.  The root canal is used to repair and save the tooth.  My tooth’s nerve and pulp became irritated and infected probably due to my bruxing and cracking my tooth.  The infection made me feel sick for several days.  The reason was masked until yesterday.    I really miss having my own private dentist!

Much like the roots of my tooth the roots of a tree offer support and nourishment.  In May of 2010 and then again May of 2011 we had trees fall on our house.  We had no idea that the roots were damaged.   

tree on the house

Damage had already occurred before symptoms showed.  In order for a tree to take hold and grow the roots must absorb water and nutrients.  They transport water and minerals from the soil to the rest of the tree.  If the root is injured the disease probably entered the tree due to some form of stress or injury.  The experts say to try to eliminate the stress and restore the tree’s vigor with adequate watering and fertilization.

For our roots to grow in Christ we must absorb His Word through study, prayer, worship, listening to teachings and music about God.  Our roots will be healthy.  We will be anchored in Christ, receiving support.  When hard times come we will not crumble because God upholds us. His Word we have stored in our hearts and minds (like the roots store food and nutrients) will come to us as a source of food-refreshment and support for our soul.

Anything we take in to feed us other than Christ will leave us with injured, stressed and sick roots.  Things that take away our time and energy will not provide proper feeding for our roots.

1 Blessed is the one who obeys the law of the Lord.
    He doesn’t follow the advice of evil people.
He doesn’t make a habit of doing what sinners do.
    He doesn’t join those who make fun of the Lord and his law.
2 Instead, he takes delight in the law of the Lord.
    He thinks about his law day and night.
3 He is like a tree that is planted near a stream of water.
    It always bears its fruit at the right time.
Its leaves don’t dry up.
    Everything godly people do turns out well.  Psalm 1:1-3

  I feel so much better now that the infection is out of my tooth.  I pray that your roots are healthy and strong.

On the journey,

Trish

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My husband is dead, my husband is alive

trish1 Comment on My husband is dead, my husband is alive

Dale Smith

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of Dale’s death.  From my experience, its not good to ignore the day or Bobbie.  Family that was here took Bobbie out for dinner.  We shared fond memories of Dale.  He was such a positive man, friendly to any one and very giving.

The death of a loved one changes your life forever.  Bobbie and I have both found our self in the category of “widow.” My husband is dead but my husband is alive.  I still write checks that have both of our names on it, at least until they run out.  Mail still comes for Neal.  I am Mrs. Neal Smith.  My husband is gone.  My husband remains.

Just yesterday I filled out a volunteer form and had to check the box “widow.” Every time I go to a new doctor or update a form I check the “widow”box.  A constant reminder that my husband is gone yet remains.

I am a new person.  I have to redefine myself.  I am not defined by my past or my circumstances.  Philip Yancey says in his book “Where is God When It Hurts?”that “faith believes ahead of time what can only be seen by looking back.” There will be a day when I will look back and understand, but in the waiting God is drawing me to Him, strengthening me, transforming me who He wants me to be.  I am defined as a child of God, loved and forgiven.  That’s what allows me to move forward and not get stuck on my circumstance or what isn’t.

God made me for a purpose.  For a reason I may not yet know.  I am trusting Him as I continue on my journey.  “God is within her, she will not fall, God will help her at break of day.” Psalm 46.5

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” St. Catherine of Siena

Let’s go set the world on fire!

On the journey,

Trish