Creative Writing for the Creator

 I glance with sleepy eyes into my backyard. By the creek, I spot this unsightly tree Its “oh-not-even-a-week-ago” bare branches  are now barely adorned in white! And, oh, I suddenly sense a fresh-linen scent as the gentle breeze frolics around  the timid and scantily dressed new petals! Ahh, the  early signs  of Spring springing! It is early March in central Texas and Winter is saying goodbye to my now wide-awake eyes. More than ever, I am reminded of the early signs of God’s revelations. All around, early signs: blooming in His creation and springing from His Word. Creation and salvation (or judgment) are revelations of the same wonderful, gracious, loving, and almighty God. Are we to be as unsightly trees, skeleton-bare branches, out of focus in the wintry distance? It is urgent we bloom with the abundant life which only springs from Christ! Then, and only then, will the gentle but mighty breeze of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit move within and around us to...

It is evident that 2020 has brought many changes and hardships to the whole world.  And it looks like 2021 may bring more uncertainty than hope. How can we navigate into the NEW YEAR? I am reminded of a phrase I learned in Literature class: INUTILIA TRUNCAT. Inutilia truncat (Latin) means "cut that which is useless," as in cutting off useless leaves and branches. But why should we do it, and how does that apply to our daily lives in the New Year?   Why? Because the essential is what brings and keeps life. And the unessential stands in the way of life. But first, we must determine what is 'useful' and what is 'useless'! (We must have the ability to discern one from the other). Thus, these questions remain:  What is essential? (And what is not?) I will illustrate my answer with two pictures of my "Euphorbia Pulcherrima," aka Poinsettia: Picture 1: Cutting off (pruning) the excessive branches and leaves that detract nourishment (sap) from the main stem...