Tag Archives: Come With Me

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Only five days of April left.  If I’m going to meet the Poetry challenge I set for myself this month, I’m going to have to write a poem every one of those five days!  This poem was inspired by my little Magnolia tree.  In the process of putting in our new home, we had to take down a very large Pine Tree.  Despite the care taken by the men removing the tree, part of it landed on this Magnolia when it fell, splitting it right in half.  Of course, I (the negative Nellie I am) knew it was going to die for sure.  As often happens, I was proven wrong.  As I was admiring the blooms this spring it struck me that despite being broken and thought dead, it is bathed in beauty and living up to its potential!  That got me thinking about myself and how I offer up a lot of excuses why I can’t (or won’t) follow through on what I believe God is calling me to do and thus not really living up to my potential.  And so, this poem was born.  As I began to write, lessons I’m learning in a study of the book: “Come With Me” by Suzanne Eller also became woven into the poem….Maybe, just maybe you can relate to it too.

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)

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We might be broken.
We might be bruised.
But that doesn’t mean
We can’t be used.

Too old? Too Young?
We really shouldn’t care.
We’re all given gifts
That only we can share.

A look at our calendars
There just isn’t space.
We say we’ll try again next time
Then resume our busy pace.

Who me? Surely not!
Isn’t she a better fit?
I could never do what you’re asking
It’s out of my comfort zone just a bit!

We have lots of excuses
When God’s voice we hear.
He’s calling us to action.
What is it that we fear?

When Jesus called the disciples
They answered without looking back.
He promised to be with them
And what they needed they wouldn’t lack.

It’s the same today, my friends
He calls; “Come with Me”!
So, up out of your chair, off your phone,
Answer yes and you’ll see.

Despite all our worries
And reasons to say no,
We have love beyond measure
And seeds of kindness to sow.

The thirteenth disciple
That is our place.
The hands and heart of Jesus
Sharing His grace.

Time is short, the need great.
No more delay!
He’s calling us to follow
Will you walk with Him today?

** You can learn more about Suzanne Eller at http://www.suzanneeller.com

Wise Wednesday 8/3/16

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I collect words! I savor them. Linger with them. Ponder over them. They can touch my heart and satisfy my soul.  Whether they are words in a devotional, a speech,  a song, a book, a sermon, a poem, a conversation, or even a blog post; wisdom abounds! This love of words has influenced me to try something new…..Ta Da!….Wise Wednesday is born!  To be honest, it’s as much for me as it is for you.  It’s my hope that by sharing bits of wisdom which have inspired me, caused me to pause and think, or to look at something differently than I have before, will do the same for you AND it will allow me to create a gathering place for the words of others that have resonated with me in some way: like to motivate a change, encourage, reassure, spark an idea, gain a deeper understanding, or kindle a dream. 

Some weeks I’ll share my connection with the “Wise Wednesday” words. Other times, I may simply post the quote and let it stand on its own.  Either way, I would love it if this compilation of words will be an invitation for conversation between us and an opportunity for you to share YOUR wise words with me! So, here we go……….

"Knowledge comes from learning. Wisdom comes from living." Anthony Douglas Williams

“Knowledge comes from learning. Wisdom comes from living.”
Anthony Douglas Williams

I’m in the midst of an on-line book study.  The timing of it is no coincidence! The book is Come With Me by Suzanne Eller. Her previous books have had a tremendous effect on me and so far this one is no different.  My “Ah-Ha” moment came with these “wise” words:

“Whisper yes where no wants to take root.”

Since retiring, I’ve felt God calling me to do things, but out of fear of failure, lack of confidence, and selfishness with my time; I have ignored Him and put them off. “No has taken root!” There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s time for me to say, “YES”.  It’s still scary and will require some sacrifice, and I’m pretty sure my “yes” WILL start only as a whisper and not a shout, but these wise words are inspiring me to rip up the old roots holding me back and follow where God is leading me. 

Have you felt called to do something that you too, have ignored? What’s holding you back? Are you in the midst of fulfilling God’s call? What helped you to step out and follow?  I’ll meet you in the comments to continue this conversation!

To learn more about the “Come With Me” book study, go to http://www.tsuzanneeller.com