Happy 2020 #JustWrite!! As soon as the new year came in, I saw many people on social media declare their many declarations and the things they wanted to accomplish. Let's be honest though, what we say we are going to do doesn't mean much if we're not working, sowing, and planting. This month we are talking about planting and it is very important that we understand the value of laying the foundation for our endeavors on purpose. Most importantly, we need to understand that the major foundation of planting are God's word and will which are the seeds and soil. A new year always brings reflection, thankfulness, and excitement for me knowing that a new year brings a fresh start and the opportunity to finish what was started in the previous year(s). In previous years, mainly the early 2000s, I remember having specific themes such as "I will be free in 2003" (technically I was with my high school graduation), "I will do more in 2004", and "Life will be bliss in 2006". You understand where I'm going right? Well after awhile, saying what I was going to do and not actually doing anything became really stale and years later I just had to decide to just do it!! I've learned that we grow when we do what makes us scared which moves us out of our comfort zone. That's when faith comes into play. So the question is, are we planting good seed in fertile ground (faithful mentality) or is it bad seed in shaky ground (fearful mentality)? Luke 6:48 says, "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock."As we make our plans, let's make sure we are planting and producing. In the midst of both, let's not forget to also pray and have faith that God will answer our prayers in His timing and will. James 2:26 says, "for as the body (church) without the spirit (God) is dead, so faith without works is dead also." 1Thessalonians 1:3 says, "remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father." 1Thessalonians 2:13 says, "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." Remember, the beautiful thing about planting is the fruit that comes forth after careful attention and patience. Anything that we set out to do and accomplish, firmly planted with good seed and soil, with patience and attention will bloom.
In His service,
Lequvia Ousley
