Paths

Planting

by Tina

Since Andrew and I will be celebrating 25 years married this month, this seems the perfect time to share some of our “How Andrew Met Tina” story, as well as, the events that lead up to my journey of faith. However, first there’s a bit of a planting backstory. 

Before I met Andrew I was dating a Catholic fellow. When he asked what I believed about God my response was likely, “I don’t know.” I really didn’t know what I believed.

I still remember him comparing creation to how his wrist watch was made, pointing out that it didn’t just appear one day; it had to be intelligently designed and created. Then He spoke about other things I’d never pondered—always speaking with such joy and wonder. This set my mind to consider things that I’d been avoiding.

To set someone’s thoughts alight sometimes all it takes is someone calling attention to what they’ve been missing. Why hadn’t I given God any thought? I had a problem with religion. Though I had no clue what it was to be a Christian, I couldn’t see past this word. You’ll have to wait a bit for further explanation of this one. (Keep ’em guessing!)

Plans

Fortunately, God is good. He’s really good. He planned a way around my avoidance. This Catholic fellow became a stepping stone in my life, moving me towards my aversion.

No, I didn’t become a follower of Christ right then and there, and I’m not a Catholic. I’m a Protestant. However, the things that he shared were seeds that were thoughtfully planted in my mind. Later, other seeds that were sown started to take root in my heart. 

I wasn’t looking for God! Jesus was just an obscure religious figure to me. In fact I was trying to steer clear of anything that I deemed religious. I’d dodged many thought provoking seeds as if they were coming at me like heat seeking missiles.

Seeds

Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t wait for us to come to Him. He came to seek and save the lost. Expect many loving HEART seeking missiles.

My mentor, who turned out to be a diligent planter, admitted that he didn’t start to grow immediately. I’m thankful that He did have deep roots because he was one of the many people who planted precious truths in my heart. Because of all of them, and even moreso Jesus, who so lovingly, metaphorically, scattered seed wherever He walked, I’m able to go and sow also.

—

Stay tuned for “Stepping Stones.” Coming Monday to a blog near you.

Jesus’ Explanation

 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Matthew 13:18-23 (NLT)

(Photo credit goes to Pixabay.com user Peggychoucair.)

27 thoughts on “Planting”

  1. Ooh, you are off to an excellent start! Eagerly awaiting “Stepping Stones”! How I love to read testimony and “how we met” stories! Congratulations on 25 years! ❤

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  3. Really looking forward to Monday. Seeds do take time to grow. But eventually if you let them, they do grow. My family are Church of England. My partners family, devout quakers. That definitely planted some seeds. Really hope you both have a wonderful weekend. Hope it’s filled with smiles and maybe even a few pencil juggles. 😀

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    1. 😀 Yes, I’m looking forward to sharing the beginnings of this great adventure, myself. It was fun to write! I hope it’s fun to read! I do have plans to go even further back into my family history. I’m always trying to sort all the pieces to this puzzle. I don’t normally enjoy puzzles, but the mysteries of life and faith are one that I find quite entertaining. You have a wonderful weekend too, Gary. I’m not sure about pencil juggles, but I’m sure there will be many smiles. I hope yours is filled with the same. 😊

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  7. Hi Tina, I enjoyed Planting (love garden terms) and I am looking forward to your “Stepping Stones” post. Glad Jesus’ precious truths grew in your heart. Congratulations on 25 years! 🎈🎈

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  10. Beautiful story! I am so thankful that the Lord chases after us and draws us to Himself. And I am thankful for the people that He puts in our paths to use as steppingstones and prayer warriors! ❤️ Happy Anniversary! Wow 25 years! That’s awesome!

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    1. Thank you. 😊 Yes, I’m thankful too. It’s funny to look back and not only see how God impeded your path, but also how much you have changed. I was very easily intimidated. I can still have a bit of a trInger to new situations, but it’s different. I face things differently. All because I know that God is with me. That’s not religion. That’s faith. 😊

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