Recovering Sinner

Sitting by the fire in the last flicker of pink as the sun sets, I contemplate the end of this year and the beginning of a new one.
For each thought of happiness and blessing, a voice contradicts my mind and reminds me of a sadness or hardship or an uncertainty in my present surroundings. I try to squeeze the darkness out and think happy thoughts, but instead I sink slowly into a state of "poor me".
Now, what has brought this on? I think back over the last few days and only recall good times. Hmmm...I have become melancholy! A condition that I experience whenever I am not in control of all the issues in my life. Which, I might add, is at least once a week. I shake myself and remind myself of all that God has done and is doing.
I recall each blessing, at least all the ones I can name but find that soon I am overwhelmed with God's grace.
Then I begin to laugh...yes, once again I think I have "arrived" at my state of grace. You know, the place where you can sit back and just wait for God to come and get you...you never have to lift a finger ...never need to spend hours in prayer repenting 'cause now you are righteous...never need to think of others before yourself.
Well, He reminds me that I have not"arrived" yet and should not quit my day job of leaning on Him and being a living sacrifice of worship to Him. So, I am back on track.
And I share this with you...Open your hearts to God's grace this new year. Listen intently for His purpose then seek with all your being to obey His word. Be kind to others and do them no harm. Love one another as He loves and run to Him whenever you can for He waits to be with you. Happy New Year and may God shine His face upon you!

Living He Loved

Whether by song or printed word, this word is so true. This Christmas share God's love by loving...spread cheer by being cheerful and kind to all...rejoice in the season by being joyful.
Our gift to Jesus on this, His birthday, should be the compassion we pour out on all we see, the prayers we pray for those in need, the kindness we do in deed and word, and the manner in which we live our lives. I pray for God's grace so that I can be a good steward of all He has given me. I ask Him to teach me how to be a better example of His love and to forgive me of my failings. Let us rejoice this season in God...for He is the Reason we celebrate at all!!!

Psalm 29

What better time of year than now to thank God for His grace to us...for His undying love for us...for His most precious gift to us...His only son, Jesus! We are incapable of returning such love to the same extent in which it was given. Yet, God does not require that we match Him in any way..who could?!! All God requires of us is to love Him, worship Him, and give Him His due.
This season as we celebrate Jesus' birthday, let us demonstrate Psalm 29:2 so all may see God's glory!
Merry CHRISTmas and a wonderful New Year filled with God's mercy and grace!!!

Pray To Win

It's football season! Somewhere, just before each game, there is a prayer going up for victory of a particular team. I have even heard prayers from the pulpit on a Sunday morning asking God to give a win to a favorite team.
Now I am not begrudging the safety and health of any team or any football players, but Gardenfire reminds us that "The Prize" for which we seek is victory in Jesus.
Our focus is to be on our eternal life with Him. Every day we have an opportunity to live as an example of a righteous and Christlike existence. We are charged to be "the light" to a dark world. We are commanded to love one another and be a living sacrifice so that all can see Jesus and His great love.
When we Pray to Win it is for the endurance to be steadfast in our resolve to exhibit a love and mercy that will lead others to Jesus. That is the true victory in each of our lives.
Let us pray for each other...call forth the best in each other...and be victorious for Jesus!

Karma

We often speak of "crossing over" as a form of combining medium, talent, philosophy, even life styles. When someone adapts to another idea we say they are "crossing over". When Luke succumbed to the dark side we said he had "crossed over".
Even musicians "Cross over" when they incorporate a new genre in their music. It is sort of a rite of passage to "cross over" into whatever as we mature or just change our thinking.
Gardenfire reminds us that the only "Cross" that is true is the Cross upon which Jesus bought our freedom. We are not prisoners to a "cross over" into the dark side ...strange philosophies, or even mixed life styles. We are saved from all that is unholy and untrue through the Cross of Jesus.
Jesus saves us from Karma...that which we do to lead us into a better existence in our next life.
The Bible tells us that our next stop is eternity...either with Jesus or without Him. The salvation God offers comes with the security that we can do nothing in ourselves, but through Jesus we have all we will ever need and an eternity with Him. This security cost Jesus His life...all it costs me is my acceptance and love. What a deal!!! I say YES..what about you?

Hello I'm FREE

Who likes free stuff? Who wants free stuff? Sure...you know you do so go ahead and admit it. We are free stuff junkies! Gardenfire has created a platform to advertise the free gift of life everlasting. Gardenfire's christian t-shirts offer free Biblical advise, free meditation prompts, free challenge starters, and free motivational concepts. Gardenfire gives to the church world a free and easy way to witness. Got an opinion concerning your faith? Find a t-shirt and watch the fun begin.
Yep, freedom is a big deal at Gardenfire. Freedom from sin...freedom from damnation...and freedom in Christ. Why don't you let the world know what true freedom is? Support Gardenfire and share the free gift of God's love!

One Love

The media tells us that there is someone out there for everybody. If we are pretty enough or handsome enough...make enough money or are successful in our careers...if we are charming. witty, and charismatic then we are worthy of a great love.
Yet God's word tells me that I am to come just as I am..poor, wretched, brokenhearted, unworthy and He will be the One true love of my life. There is no need to clean up nor work for His affection. There are no hoops to jump through and no rituals to follow for His acceptance. All I have to do is love Him back with all my heart..my soul..my strength.
I have been wretched and brokenhearted. And I have been successful and well thought of in my arena. But nothing nor no one has shown me love like Jesus. No one has died for me like Jesus. No one lives for me like Jesus. Do I deserve His love? No, yet God reaches out with loving arms and draws me to Himself.
One God
One Savior
One Love....ours for the asking.

With My Life

This is the best definition of worship ever!!! Watch how we as fans show our love of entertainment idols...we dress like them...we emulate them...we act like them...we even can be heard saying "I want to be just like..."Now this is worship. Too bad it is for someone so unworthy.
Gardenfire reminds us that the only true one worthy of worship is Jesus Christ. We should emulate HIM...talk like HIM...love like HIM...live like HIM. By being a living sacrifice , we prove His Holiness and worthiness. We sing to please Him and thank Him but we live so as to prove His great love for us. Remember that you may be the only Bible anyone reads!

Get Busy

You gotta love those people who are overachievers... always busy doing things. Often I find they are not sure why they are doing things...nor what the things are for, but their pleasure seems to come in the doing not the end product.
Gardenfire reminds us that there is most definitely an end in life. And if we have gotten caught up in the doing of life without thought as to why the doing or the outcome of the doing,then we may be in danger of a futile and useless life. Jesus tells us that we are to have an abundant life in Him. But He also tells us that we should be living for Him. So, as I see it, our lives must reflect loving and living and doing for God. If that is not what we as Christians are doing, then all our doing is for naught. Living...or dying...hmmmm are there really 2 choices?

I'm Just Saying

There are lots of things we think we need. We need to rest, we need to pay the bills, we need to go shopping, we need to call someone etc. etc.None of these are bad things. But none of these things are what our soul needs. And the only answer for our soul is Jesus. Without Jesus I feel like I am running on empty but still trying to get everything done to please everyone and always failing. Without Jesus I am following a crooked path through uncharted forest and getting terribly lost. Well, you get my drift...I"m just saying without Jesus I am lost!

Zombie

Early in my Christian walk, I saw a grateful dead t-shirt. I remember thinking that to be a clever name for Christians for indeed we are dead to the sin of our past and grateful for Jesus' saving grace that freed us. I later learned that the t-shirt was not a declaration of God's Mercy. Sad, I thought, that they missed the point.
Here we are 40 some years later and Gardenfire tells us that we are Zombies...dead to sin but alive in Christ. Yeah!!! Someone gets my warped sense of humor.

But, the disconcerting truth is that sometimes we walk around as Hollywood zombies...all scary and possessed-looking with no inner light nor proof of a better existence shining within us. Wake up!!! We are not possessed...we are saved!!!! From death into life eternal...GOOD NEWS!!
Yes, we are dead to sin but not dead to life. Let us live so others will wonder...others will ask and seek what has changed us. Walk like Jesus and conquer in love for His name's sake.
Be dead in sin...but very alive in Christ!

Debt Free

Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow.
So are the words of an old hymn that we use to sing in church when I was a girl. I know what it means to be in debt...to get calls all hours of the day for payment...to have utilities shut off and young children needing heat and food. I know what it's like to need assistance for the most basic of needs...to feel overwhelmed with no way out. I understand compounded debt from foolish decisions while looking for a chance to catch your breath and keep your head above the waters. Years of restrain, behavioral change, and help from Holy Spirit have landed me in a good spot...FREE from Debt!
But freedom from sin was not acquired by my work, salary, or by any method or talent I have. My eternal debt was paid by death...the death of the Son of God, Jesus. First, let me say how deeply grateful I am to the God Who loves me that much. Secondly, I owe nothing...no interest...no collateral...no promissory note...no first born child...I owe nothing. His death payment was a gift freely given. All I had to do was accept. I understand being FREE from ETERNAL DEBT!
Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe
He washed me white as snow!!!
Please live your life debt free...accept Jesus' gift ...then live as if all to Him you owe.

Matters

I can only sit so long before I have to take charge of whatever bugs me. It may be as mundane as dusting or washing windows or decluttering my
mess.
Sometimes I find myself telling things that were not to be spoken. This always puts me in an uncomfortable situation...but I can't help taking things into my own hands. I am learning that I am a bit of a control freak!
Yet, God who has every right to be in control, will not take that right. He lets me blunder through until I realize that I messed up again and call out to Him for help. He is a wonderful father...corrects me and sends me on my way with His blessings.
Gardenfire reminds of one time when God took control even though we didn't ask Him to nor even sought Him for help. And that one time changed all our lives forever. When Jesus suffered the cruel death of the cross for our sins, He took matters into His own hands...literally! Those gentle hands of love and sacrifice became the hands of healing and salvation!!! Those divine hands reached out and bled that we might live. Those hands matter...He took us into His hands for we are the "matter". Can you wrap yourself around this image...the creator gave His life for His creation.
Next time you extend your hand or touch someone or help someone...think of Jesus' hands stretched and nailed for you. Jesus took matters into His own hands because we are the "matter" that matters to Him.

Cease Striving

"Stop wiggling!", the anxious Mother said to her child. It was obvious that standing in the grocery store line with 4 people ahead of them was not what the child had in mind as a good time. Exasperated and overwhelmed, the young Mother said in half moan half threat, " Just be still! It will be over soon!"


I often think of that scene when I become like a 2 year old waiting...waiting for an answer that never seems to come. Waiting for an adventure to begin...waiting for my family to arrive on a visit...waiting for a life-changing decision to happen. I must say that "waiting" is not my strong point. I am more of an immediate gratification type person. My Mother taught me that patience is a virtue but God is teaching me how to be patient!

I don't always like the lesson, but one thing I have come to trust is that God is perfect in all His ways. He sees the beginning and the end. He is a careful planner with my best interests in mind.

When I became a Christian, I gave God free reign to guide my life. He has never let me down. So I trust Him but still, waiting is hard. I sense He often tells me to "Be still and know that I am God". So that is what I am doing concerning my latest issues. I am going to be still...and live with the knowledge that He is God...He has, will, and always will take care of me.

Princess

When anyone asked me ,"What do you want to be when you grow up?" I would always answer with the same three choices. "I want to be a Princess, a Jew, and an Indian"(it was not politically incorrect at that time). Years later my Mother told me that it was impossible for me to be those since I had not been born into any of those social or cultural families. While it did not shatter my constitution, I was a little disappointed. I had already imagined my dress and tiara, what horse I would ride barebacked, and all the great songs and dances I would do at every occasion. I think what I really loved was the pageantry. Each of these cultures are so rich in their customs that I found myself daydreaming as a child of faraway, wild places.


When I became a Child of God imagine my surprise to find out that I was a Princess because my Heavenly Daddy is a King!....I was adopted into a Jewish family because I was bought by the Blood of Jesus!...and for the Native American? Well, I may have to let that go unless I can find some distant relative whose is Native American. (I'm still working on it! )


So it seems that my girlhood dreams are true. How like God to give you the desires of your heart! This t-shirt by Gardenfire is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It reminds me that my Jesus loves me and calls me His own.


Any other Princesses out there? Welcome to the Family!!!

Bible Smuggler

We live in a country where the ability to posses a bible is free... at least for now.
We serve a God who has charged us with sharing His word, living the Word's standard, and be a light in the darkness.
But what if darkness was all we knew and God's word was not available? Who would teach us? Who would bring us the "Good News"?
We are instructed to give Hope to a dying world. And there is no greater place on Earth where the word is needed than in darkness. Find a patch of darkness and be the light.
Spread the Light...
Spread the Hope...
Spread the Word.

Secret Admirer

Remember your first card from a "secret admirer"? The imagination runs wild with anticipation of who this person might be. Handsome or beautiful, smart, funny, spontaneous, and totally devoted. Yes, we can dream the perfect person...but the reality is not quite that perfect.
Then along comes the one true love of our lives. The only pure perfection...the only lover of our souls...Jesus. Let's just say that Jesus never disappoints. He always lives up to our expectations...always exceeds our dreams...always gives His all. Now who wouldn't want someone like that in their lives?
Jesus promises to be with us through everything. Jesus has sacrificed everything for us. Jesus is the constant and purest form of love we will ever know.
Read your Bible...it is not really a secret how Jesus feels about us! But it is the one love that never lets go!

What Shall I Call You?

We don't like labels that are given to identify us as individuals. Words used to signify cognitive ability or disability...words to point out physical attributes least desired by today's standards of beauty...negative ethnic or religious names...words that are meant as slurs. These words are often meant to put down the namee and raise the importance of the namer. How ridiculous!
Yet what do you think of when you hear the word "Christian"..."Believer"..."Bible-Banger"..."Born Again"? These words are often used in a negative way to identify those of us who believe in Jesus as the Son of God, our Savior. We wear the names gladly but humbly. For in wearing them, we are stating that we feel a responsibility to share our Faith...share the Truth. We are the living examples of God's Grace and Redemptive Power for a dying people. That is a pretty tough job if done well.
A young teen, angry and high on drugs, once yelled at me..."You Jesus lover!!!" At first I was taken aback and felt insulted. But I quickly realized that I had just been associated with the most precious One in all the world! So, call me names...go ahead and think I am narrow-minded...peg me for a freak. But I am hear to tell you that not one of us will escape judgement. Jesus offers you a way out through His shed blood. If this shirt offends you I am sorry for that was not my intent but Truth must be told.
Wear Gardenfire's truth boldly and wear the names gratefully. God bless you this and every day...

Life

Death is unrelenting, inevitable, and final. It carries pain and despair with it and visits us all sometime, somewhere in our lives. For those who are grieving, joy and sorrow become a constant companion. Joy from our memories and sorrow for our loss.


So how then are we to live abundantly? Gardenfire has created a beautiful testament to the loving grace of God, our Heavenly Father reminding us that we never loose our lives nor loose the lives of those bought by Jesus' blood. While we may be separated for a time, we will be reunited with God forever.


When Jesus arose from the dead, He had in His possession the keys of death...He triumphed over the last stronghold of God's enemy...fear of death. No longer do we have to feel the despair of so great a loss for we will be with our loved ones again.


Having lost someone very dear to me recently, I rejoice that I will see her again. But in my humanness, I am missing her greatly. I struggle with the loss of my Mother...often reach for the phone to share some thought with her...miss her voice, her wisdom, her teasing , and her all consuming love. I even dared to ask God why He needed her...I needed her! Instead of chastising me, I sensed God's love and understanding as He patiently waited for me to trust Him and understand.


The darkness that enveloped me after my Mother's death is not as dark now. There are tears of joy and laughter now more than before. But I still miss her.


Gardenfire reminds me that we have "passed from death into life" when we accept Jesus. My Mother has also passed from death into life...a new life with her Savior! I cannot say that I am glad...but I can say that I am grateful and my spirit rejoices in the knowledge that one day I will be reunited with those I hold dearest. Thanks be to God. For all of you who share this journey...rejoice in that God has made a way.

Religion

Interestingly enough, throughout history it is "religion" that has been at the base of many conflicts. "Religion" has claimed rule over peoples and has abused the very existence of others. Please understand that I am using the term "religion" in a broader since meaning that which we, as mankind, have made out of God's law and ways. When mercy and love are removed from a God relationship, "religion" is what is left.
So what kind of experience are we suppose to have with God, our Father? Scripture tells us that God call us His Children, Friends, the Redeemed, even His Family. Those titles are indicative of a relationship born of love and grace. We were born to walk with Him and talk with Him...to be a companion with Him. Because He is holy, we must strive to be holy. That is done through a relationship...not a set of man-generated dos and dont's. How hard it is for us to let go of control and just love God with all our hearts following His ways and His desires.
In this Holy of Holiest seasons we are reminded of Jesus' sacrifice given of His free will so that we might have a relationship with God. To die for someone demonstrates a relationship...not a set or rules or rituals. In these next coming days, let us each examine our beliefs. Let's make sure our Faith is based on relationship and not "religion". When this sinks into our finite minds, everything changes...how we respond to God and how we respond to others. They will know us by our love (a relationship) not our "religion".

Shine

When I look into a mirror I see the obvious...my own face with its signs of aging and life. But when I look through the eyes of my Heavenly Father Who allows a glimpse now and then of how He sees me, I see something else entirely!! And the "new me" gives me hope that I am a child of the King. But what I strive for...fail and try again for...what is all important, is that I reflect Jesus. They say the eyes are the window into the soul...but I say our lives are the reflection of our love for Jesus. Children want to show their love to Mommy and Daddy by their words and actions. We, as God's children, also show our love in word and deed. So here's a reminder....Be the Jesus' reflection that will bear a life-changing message to the world. Shine in love...in thought...in action!

Start Now

Most of my life has been lived with a wish list of things I planned on accomplishing at some point. Needless to say while there are many things I have gratefully crossed off my list, the list of "yet-to-do" is still rather long. However, due to a decision I made early on, eternal life is not one of those "yet-to-do" things. I have God's word that I will spend eternity with Him. How glad I am that I have the Life insurance policy bought by Jesus Christ through His sacrifice for me. But here's the thing....Jesus paid the price with His life for ALL ...so what are you waiting for? Start living now!!! Start living for Jesus and be guaranteed life eternal with God!

Pure

Clean...like new...untouched...non-polluted...without flaw. Do you fit any of these? These definitely do not describe me. Yet we are called to be a pure, spotless bride ready for the return of Jesus, the bridegroom. There's no way that can happen outside the saving grace of Jesus our Savior. Scripture tells us that we are new creations washed in the Blood of Jesus's sacrifice...forgiven and brand spankin' new. So how do we maintain this pureness? By walkin' the walk and talkin' the talk...by keeping our eyes fixed on Him who saved us...by doing all that He asks and trusting Jesus to see us through. Yeah, I want to be pure...guess I better read the Book that guides me every step of the way.

Satan Is A Nerd

Do you consider yourself to be an intellect? Are you adventurous? Do you like to take chances? Wear this shirt and watch the "fun" begin. While God has several names in scripture which extol His power and majesty, we don't see but a few name references to God's enemy. And those speak of the enemy's evil intent. Gardenfire has dared to call the enemy out for his stupidity.
Why would anyone give up the right to be with God every moment of Eternity? All I can say is that the heart of the enemy is so dark and twisted that God cast him out of Heaven. What a fool to choose such a path.
The good news that you can share is that God has provided a way for all to be redeemed from such a fate. So wear the shirt and declare God's forgiveness to all the nay-sayers who might see this shirt as funny or silly or a cosmic joke.
Tell them that Jesus is no joke! To some this may be just a clothing garment. But to others it is a sword of truth ready to cut through darkness and bring light. Let the shirt start the conversation...you be ready with the TRUTH!!!!

Love One Another

Love is a four letter word we throw around quite casually. "I love my new car". "I love fried chicken". "I love to walk on the beach". "I love weekends". "I love you". "I love God". But these I-love-you statements don't carry the same weight in each situation. The English language does not allow for us to show degrees of feelings. Love is used universally to mean a strong emotion we feel for a variety of objects and situations. So, how do we determine the extent or depth of our love? In our actions. How we treat, honor, handle, represent, or relate to the loved object or person declares our true intent. Therefore our "actions speak louder than words". It only stands to reason that when we say we love God, our actions would testify to the intense response of one sold out in body, soul, and mind to the Living God we worship. We show this action by loving Him and others. These two loves are so closely connected that the first cannot exist without the other in place.
We are taught as children.."Tell Gramma (or whoever) you love them...wave bye-bye..blow kisses". But as children grow older they learn to express their emotions by themselves. What a joy when the child runs into your arms and hugs freely professing love from the heart with no prompting other than the desired feeling itself. How glorious!!! To be loved for who you are and the special relationship you have built with this child!!!
This is the intent God desires. To hear His children say "I love you" and see His children run into His arms for the sheer joy of being close to Him. To declare our love because of who He is....that is the desire of our Heavenly Father. He waits for us with open arms. Run, child of God...Run into your Father's arms and tell Him you love Him!

Duty

I've never been expected nor asked to lay down my life for someone. Never been in a situation where I was required to be willing to sacrifice my life if need be. I've never faced a firing squad for my beliefs and have never given all that I have to save another. I don't even know if I would have the courage to complete such a task. But I have been the recipient of such a gift. Jesus laid down His life for mine. Jesus saw His death as a responsibility to Heavenly Father...His duty to be the reconciliation of a lost people to God. He did this for us all.
What do you say to someone who would do that? How do you thank him? There is a price we must pay...love now and forever. Love cost Jesus His life...His death costs us our devotion and obedience. Time to pay up, Christians! Love the Lord your God with all your heart...all your strength...all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.

BFF (Best Friend Forever)

All little girls travel in packs at one time or another. And they organize their friendships into several groups...friends (those who are in and out on a daily basis)...good friends (those brought together by situations which may or may not last)...best friends (those who are with you in good and bad experiences for a length of time)...and Best Friends Forever (those whose existence is so wrapped into yours that the two of you are a trapestry that has no beginning and no end). While we want our BFF's to last forever, life has a way of severing these relationships often breaking our hearts and making us sad. Prehaps they weren't really BBFs or prehaps we grew up and out of the relationship. Either way there is a hole in our hearts where there was once love and acceptance...a sense of belonging...a completeness.
Well..cheer up...there is great news!!!! There is One who is truely your Best Friend Forever...He will never leave...never disappoint...never betray...never die...never critisize. Jesus is the best friend you will ever have!! Scripture even tells us..."He calls us FRIEND". Jesus is the one who fills the hole left by life. Jesus is the identity we should strive to emulate. Jesus is the one who "gets" you. And that is a God-given promise.
Need that kind of friend? Look no further. You will not out-grow Jesus and He will not forsake you. What a friend we have in Jesus!!!!

Live Free

Ahhh...feeling the wind in my hair and the warm breeze on my face as I ride top down in my convertible on the open road!

Oh... to feel the cool water tickle my toes as I wander the forest streams!

Just to hear the mighty ocean as the breakers crash into the shore!

Mmmm... the sweet smell of the earth after the rain!

Whoa... the thrill of the twists and turns on a mountain road!!!

Oh... blessed silence after a day well spent!
Whatever your personal choice for enjoying freedom from the routine...imagine that 100 times greater and you can begin to understand what God has in mind for those who love and serve Him. Freedom, according to God's word, is abundant living...no regrets, no shame, no worries!! Who wouldn't want that! But it is not a blind walk..it is a forward movement under God's grace and by His leadership. And it is a ride we are all to experience. It is our Heavenly Father's design for each of us....to live free!
Gardenfire reminds us that it is our faith that activates God's design...so, to all my fellow brothers ans sisters in Christ...ride on!!!!

Every Creature Sings

Some might think that to love nature is new age. Some might be offended by those who find awesome beauty in creation. Some might confuse loving creation as a substitute for loving the Creator. But if you listen closely you will hear God's heart in all He has made. The wind carries His voice in secret and quiet ways. The rocks and hills declare His majesty and the oceans show His power as it covers the earth. Every creature is a testimony to God's incredible imagination and design. Yet it is us that God has chosen as His best work. It is us with whom God desires to have relationship. It is for us that Jesus died and rose again thus buying our reconciliation back into the Heavenly family. So do not dismiss the world and its wonder. All creation is an expression from a Mighty God who takes delight in all He has made. We, too, do honor to God when we give thanks for all He has created. Enjoy the beauty and awesomeness of this world and thank our heavenly Father for your life and for loving you beyond measure. He created this world for us and lovingly gave us dominion over it to guard and preserve this earthly garden. Rejoice, for One so Great loves you. Sing His praise in everything you do!

Made To Praise

We sing about it...we talk about it...we go to conferences, practices, and tweet about it....we wear shirts declaring it! Yes, we were made to worship and praise our Most High God! I often wonder what the outcome would be if I asked 100 people "What does Praise God mean? I would probably get 100 different answers all variations of the same concept. Scripture tells us that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our mind, all our strength. That's a lot of loving to do! So I would guess that Praising Him would involve ALL of us in every way possible. Ever loved something or someone with complete abandonment? Gardenfire uses the image of a wild, free horse to illustrate our complete abandonment to the concept of loving God totally. We were made to give our selves totally to God in gratitude and service for our salvation, the sacrifice of Jesus. Often we look at this as a chore or payment. NO way!! There is nothing that we can do to repay our Heavenly Father. He only wants our love...all of it.

Isaiah 41:10

My Mother and I had a routine when we went grocery shopping. Of course, it began once I was about 8 years old. She would shop and I would race to the magazine/toy section where I occupied myself choosing the book, magazine, or puzzle that I would buy with my allowance. The rules were simple. I could stay there until she got to that aisle. I could not wander off or run around the store. I was to be respectful of the merchandise and not talk to strangers. Now in truth, she was within four aisles of me at any given moment and because of the way the store was setup, she could see me every time she started a new aisle. But I didn't know that. I basked in my new independence and freedom feeling grownup and sure of myself. On one occasion as my Mother came around the corner to pick me up I saw her but instead of responding when she called, I ignored her. She called to me once again but I didn't acknowledge that I had even heard her. Quickly her "bothering" me ended and I went back to full concentration on looking at the books and toys. What seemed like a long time passed and my Mother was nowhere to be seen. I looked up and down the aisles now sure she had forgotten me. I broke the rules and left my assigned spot beginning to travel all over the store even asking strangers if they had seen my Mother. No one could help. My bottom lip began to quiver and as I retraced my steps, I panicked....I was lost, alone, and forgotten. The sense of fear completely overwhelmed me and I sat down in the middle of the store aisle and cried.
Within minutes an announcement came over the store's loudspeaker, "If you are missing your daughter, she can be found in aisle 6". Now the whole store knew I was lost and I couldn't decide if I was more scared of being lost or of my Mother's anger over my disobedience. Just seconds later I saw her! And she was smiling...at me! I ran to her and told her how sorry I was that I had ignored her and that I would never do it again. She took my face in her hands and said, "Sweetie, I knew where you were all the time. I just need you to realize that following my directions is for you own safety and happiness. I would never loose you or forget you. I love you".
Well, that settled it! My Mother loved me even though I had messed up. She would always love me and be there for me.
Gardenfire brings to remembrance God's word to us. He, Almighty Father, will never leave us...He will never abandon us...He will never allow harm to come upon us...We must listen and obey. How wonderful to know this kind of love. Christians are not to fear for God is ever before us. Gardenfire brings this life-changing message in an art form that we can share with all we encounter.Wear the Word...Share the Word...Live the Word!!

Grace

Many have tried to define the word "Grace". Some have said it is unmerited favor...others have cited that Grace means being forgiven even before you commit the wrong act. Still others have explained Grace as God's expression of love to us even before we knew Him.
I use to say Grace was when God looked the other way when we sinned. But I was wrong! Grace is when God looks us right in the face while we are sinning and says' "My love is enough. Don't do that any more". Then He forgives and forgets....now, that's Grace! Can we earn Grace? No...can we bargain for Grace? No...it is free from God for our redemption. What other God (or god) do you know does that? Why would we choose any other substitute for God's love? Hey, if you can find something better, let us know. Gardenfire stands behind God's word and makes no excuse to bring God's word to you. Be a walking gospel....wear the shirt and share God's Grace.

Tools Of The Trade

Gardenfire has created an award winning T-shirt with the message of Salvation vividly portrayed in graphics and Word.
It's not the nails that were blunt and painful...It's not the hammer wielded by hate with pounding force...It's not the wood scarred and ripped by past use...It is the Love of God and the Sacrifice of Jesus that is the story.
A teacher's tools of the trade are textbooks, paper, lesson plans,
pencils,markers, chalk,
tape, rulers, sticky notes, etc. etc. But what use are those tools without the driving force behind them. In this case, the teacher with his/her dedication, love of students, and expertise in subject matter.
A farmer's tools include tractors, shovels, gloves, hoes, watering utensils, etc. etc. But without the desire to plant nor the willpower to cultivate, care for, or even get up early in the am, what crop would there be?
It's not the tools that get the results, it is the one using them for a desired purpose. The nails and hammer fulfilled the purpose of God...the reason that Jesus came from Heaven...to buy us from the grips of eternal death and reconcile us to God. Look at the tools...feel their impact...be repulsed by the image...but remember their purpose and live like it matters!