"He told them another parable:"The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field."  (Matthew 13:31)

We have already talked about me being a 'city slicker' and not knowing plants vs. weeds but I want us to continue to think about "seeds" as ideas.  The idea God is "planting" in our hearts -- even if it is a new idea.  It is interesting the various ways God can plant the seeds but we still need to 'tend' to the seed to help it to grow.  All different ways of 'planting' seeds - Scripture we are studying, a book we read, a class we are at or even a need we see around us - also provides different ways of growing said seed -- study, classes, help from others.

This parable reminds us how small the mustard seed is but the next verse points out the "smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants." (vs. 32)  This happens when the "seed" is an id ea too.  The small idea can (could?) grow into something big IF we take care of the planting and growing of said seed.

This could be what makes us nervous (or even scares us silly!) so we are slower to actually "plant" the seed - right?  God keeps God's promises!  God promises to be with us and give us "peace" (John 14:27) so we can plant, take care of and grow the idea -- even a new one!  What is the "seed" of an idea God is planting in your heart?

"And the salves of the householder came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?'"  (Matthew 13:27)

We are to summer, the flowers are blooming, the corn is nice and high and the fields are green.  So why are we thinking of 'planting'?  As Caregivers, with everything needing to get done, it is hard to imagine time in the schedule to be able to "plant" anything -- even an idea.  Ideas are what I'm thinking of right now, however, so for just a minute........

We know how busy we are, as Caregivers, and how fast things change.  We have already planted, worked on and, in some cases, harvested the time invested into our care receivers.  We have even heard the idea of the need to take care of ourselves - the seed, maybe even of something new but we realize the truth of (the importance of) self care.  We might even have liked the idea (seed) and worked with the idea.  But then something happens (weeds?) -- changes, busy schedules, timing - and the "new" idea (seed) has difficulties (weeds?).

So....... what are we to do?  Where is God leading?  Which idea - seed or weeds - is God asking us to follow?  How do we take the idea (seed) and grow it into a strong relationship with God through God's son Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit?  

"As for what was sown among thorns this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing."  (Matthew 13:22)

I am a "city slicker" born and raised but now I live in "farm country."  I have been blessed with people who are willing to answer questions and who help take care of the beautiful garden in my yard.  If it is green, and growing, it is "supposed" to be there - right?  When I got frustrated with an out of control garden, several years ago, a friend told me "if you don't want it there it is a weed."  I have no idea what all I pulled out of that garden but the rose bush and a hosta plant were all that was left!  (I know what a rose bush, and hosta, look like!)

This parable is the sower with the seeds.  Jesus is talking about the Word of God and how it is planted in us AND how we are to be planting 'new' seeds.  The question is - which are we?  Are we the ones who hear the Word, get excited about the Word and even think of trying the "new" thing.... but then "the cares of the world" choke out what God is calling us to?  Are the cares of "giving care" keeping us from following where God is leading even when we know God will provide a way?  As care givers I don't see "the lure of wealth" as the thorns "choking" us but I understand the "cares of the world" choking us!

We have families, our care receivers, our work and (oh yeah!) all of the changes and things happening - so yes we can "choke the word" so it "yields nothing."  At the same time a strong relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit changes us to the "good soil" so we not only yield "fruit" (v. 23) but we are also planting good "new" seeds.  What "soil" are you in?  Can you "pull" the weeds?"

"Jesus said to her, "Mary!"  She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni!" (which means Teacher)."  John 20:16

Yes, this is an Easter "reading" but being called, by name, is something to think about all the time.  We are told, in Scripture, God has known us since before we were in our "mother's womb." (Jeremiah 1:5) so we can understand, and believe, God is calling us by name.  I think the hard part is understanding, and believing, God is calling us to new things.  We already have a LOT we are doing - right?  How can we do something "new"?

There had been a lot going on for Mary, and the other women who went with her, at the time also.  They were trying to do what needed to be done while in the midst of grieving.  They weren't sure what was going to happen next or which way they were supposed to go.  Then to add to the confusion the tomb is empty!  I can just hear the "say what?!! and the "No Way!!"  I can also understand Mary's confusion and need to understand - "tell me where you have laid him". (John 20:15)

In the midst of all the things happening now we are also confused, tired and trying to figure out what is happening.  The idea of something "new" gets the same "say what?!" response.  We can, however, also trust God to be calling us - by name(!) - into new things.  We can feel God's presence with us as we go forward.  So...... is God calling you to try something "new"?  What is your reaction?