Each Life

by Shauna Brown 

     I smile as I think of the great blessing friends and neighbors have meant in my lifetime. Upon reflection I can see the many faces that have been planted within my growing garden. Since early childhood some have blossomed right beside me. They have shared the water, the light, and we grew together. Some stood taller than I, and caused me to reach and seek the sun. I had a few that bloomed for what seemed a few moments, their petals faded, withered and fell, but still, I remember their once vivid colors of hope and faith, as they played their part within my garden.  I am forever grateful for those that have encouraged me, by their words,and often their example, that helped me see the possibilities within.  I thrived, and sent forth new budding bursts of growing confidence.   Oh, how grateful I am that I was planted in the garden intended by God.     

Just the other morning I was talking with my oldest daughter, Heather, about the blessing it is to be surrounded with family and friends. I shared how many times I haved gleaned lessons from those planted beside me. Some of them unaware of my needs, yet, they strengthened me.  

        Life naturally stirs those up and down moments, and so there were times I  felt intensely scorched with life’s challenges. Gratefully, there were those who were timely planted in my garden to shade me and give me reassuring confidence and hope.  Timely conversations have literally lifted me from moments of wavering faith. It was as if a good drenching of faith was poured around my roots and thankfully, it penetrated deep. Some have cheered me on, extending a few words that held me. Some have been there to just stand beside as support. Because of them, their experiences, their wisdom, insight, and their willingness to reach out and share, I grew.  I grew taller and sought for greater light. We are meant to help one another grow and develop. Blooming where we are planted is essential to life.  Clearly, time and time again, I have been watered and nurtured by so many in my purposefully, planted gardens. I have marveled how the Master Gardner, knew just who I needed planted beside me. I have been impressed how many have come, touched, fertilized and nurtured my seedling soul.

Karen Lynn Davidson, a good friend planted within my husband’s garden during college, wrote lyrics to a song that I believe reflects my thoughts. 

  

 Each life that touches ours for good

Each life that touches ours for good. 

Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;

Thou sendest blessings from above    

Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,

What greater goodness can we know

Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways

Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

     Yes, if everyone realized how “Blooming where you are planted,” can be life lifting, enriching, and can often make a difference. Well,  we should bloom bigger.  May I testify that I continue to be blessed by those who share. It is because of their  lasting influence - I value the growing seasons, and our Masterful Gardner even more.  

“I love my garden, and I love working in it. To potter with green growing things, watching each day to see the dear, new sprouts come up, is like taking a hand in creation, I think. Just now my garden is like faith - the substance of things hoped for.” 

~ Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne’s House of Dreams

Take a moment and look into those faces that surround you, and know God planted them near for a purpose--perhaps it is your purpose.

Enjoy this Sabbath Day of Wonderful

Love Always,

Shauna 

                         Happy  Everything!

by Shauna Brown 

         I love garage sales! As a young bride,  my mother-in-law first introduced them to me years ago. Since then I have found treasure upon treasure, and have enjoyed timeless memories, as I have reviewed and remembered items from my past. “Oh, I had one of those when I was growing up.” “Grandma, had a dish just like that.” I frequently giggle when I find a toy, similiar to one, once held by my own children’s hands.  

         Some thirty three years ago, I wrote a play, Within the Four Walls, centered around a family’s garage sale. The leading couple, who had recently passed away, found their married children preparing for an estate sale. Peeking through the veil, the couple was stirred by the items that helped them to recall the many miracles, precious moments, and spiritual tutoring within their earthly time.  

        You can imagine it, I’m sure, you’ve seen garage sales-- items piled high upon table tops, clothes hanging from the garage doors. Objects are bulging within crates and bins, flowing from garage to front yard. People are eagerly digging through boxes and bags, while some are dickering for a better price.  Everyone in hopes of securing something that they consider a treasured or needed find. 

Trust me, it’s fun! 

            Yesterday, we followed the signs that led to a fundraiser/ garage sale. Many friends and neighbors had gathered together, and donated items to raise money for a young fourteen year old girl in their neighborhood, who is in need of heart surgery. Her picture was placed upon a table top. As I looked at her picture, one of  her neighbors came up to me and said,“She’s a wonderful young woman. She could use any help. We are  trying to raise enough to lift the family’s burden. We are hopeful for her.”  I nodded my head.   “We’ll take any offer you make,” she added. 

I wanted to buy something. I looked around. I didn’t need bedding, curtains, skis, or tons of baby clothes.  Then I saw it, a large polka-dotted platter. It didn’t fit any of my “need - want” evaluation criteria. However, it instantly made me smile, as I read the words written upon it: Happy Everything!  

        Happy Everything!  Sometimes we only celebrate birthdays, or Valentines, and Christmas is usually a happy time. In reality-- it should be a happy everyday, and everything!  Happy- every adventure, happy -heart, happy -attitude, happy thoughts.  

         Yes, I know there are always ups and downs in this life, and heaven only knows we pay good money to go and ride on a merry-go-round.  But even then we seem happy, contented, the music plays on, and we go round and round with a smile on our face. 

        My donation was small in comparison to the sweet reminder written on a platter.  Happy Everything!  I must continue to ask myself each day, “What are you dishing out Shauna?” or “Who will I serve today?”  “Feed my sheep.” “Can I make someone’s day better- a touch happier?” “Can I lift a burden?”   

        Things are just things until you define their purpose and value. 

        “Happiness is not a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, 

         a state of mind.”   ~ Daphne du Maurier 

        Yes, garage sales, even a play written years ago about a family’s garage sale, still generate the message of living with purpose, appreciating the lessons learned within the four walls, and then some.  It reminds me that our loving parents in heaven have encourged us to “Go forth, be of good cheer, and serve well.”  

            Now, when you have a moment stop by a garage sale and see what it mayhold for you.” 

        Enjoy your Sabbath as you enjoy a happy everything around you.  

         

        Love always 

Shauna