The bleeding heart is a perennial plant, meaning they come back year after year. They grow in the shade or part shade and are usually paired off with hostas or other shade loving plants.
The flowers look like hearts and the little “white” at the end looks like a drop of blood — thus the name bleeding heart.
Perhaps instead of humans being called “living beings” or “man” we should have been called bleeding hearts. We certainly have a lot in common with the plant. All around us there are plenty of people whose hearts have drops of blood flowing in them because of the inhumanity of other people or of life in general. It’s a vicious circle. Hurt people hurt other hurt people. Intentionally or unintentionally. All bleeding inside — this thing we call humanity sometimes doesn’t appear to be so human.
Or perhaps that’s really what being human is all about.
The word “inhumane” is a variant of the word “inhuman” which means lacking compassion, sympathy, or being cruel. Â So couldn’t we then assume that the word human would be the opposite, ie, having compassion, sympathy and not being cruel?
The bleeding heart comes back every year just as humans bounce back from emotional or physical distress. But when humans bounce back they don’t come back the same. One has to hope they come back with a better vision of life but that’s not always true. Sometimes they come back too hurt, bitter or discouraged to feel much of anything.
It’s like people stay in the “shade” of life instead of coming out to enjoy the full sun.
Life — it’s just what it is.
Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7
Went to church this morning at 11:30 a.m. Â The church I’m attending off and on has two worship services – one at 9:30 and one at 11:30. They have the Sabbath School in between those two times.
I’ve always been at church by 8:45 a.m. so the later time is a new experience for me but I like it. I can sleep in and leisurely make breakfast.
The church is 30 minutes away in Minneapolis. Today it was rather warm as they don’t have air conditioning and the service didn’t end until almost 1:00. By 12:30 my eyes were getting kind’ve sleepy.
Normally I enjoy the service. The people are diverse and there are many African people here — quite a few from Kenya. The special music they have is very lively. I nod my head and tap my toe to the music. Today, although the music was great and there was a baptism, I was annoyed.
They started the service with a hymn I’m familiar with — The Battle Hymn of the Republic. But then they went and meddled. They continued with the songs America the Beautiful and God Bless America. Then they had people stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Fat chance I would get up and pledge my allegiance to America in church. Or any other place for that matter. I’m quite upset with the America I live in right now.
First – I believe in separation of church and state and I don’t want to go to church and pledge my allegiance to anyone but God. I go to worship God — not America.
Second – the America I know today has gone ballistic. From illegal searches at airports by our very own government to going to war for — what was it again? Oh yeah, we were trying to kill Osama bin Laden — in Iraq. Then there’s Guantanamo Bay where hundreds of people are locked up for years with no “rights.” Yeah, yeah — military rule is different than civilian rule. Give me a break!
Shouldn’t there be human justice? Forget the labels we plop on things to make ourselves feel better and/or to treat people inhumanely.
I’m tired. Tired of the excuses or lack of excuses that our beloved (uh … not!) politicians give us. Can anyone answer a question anymore? Perhaps they should ask more simple questions of our politicians. Instead of “Were you confused when you stated John Wayne was from Waterloo? Wasn’t it John Wayne Gacy?” To which the reply was “Well, my intention was … ”
I think the questions we should ask our politicians should be more basic “Was the sky blue when you entered the building today?”
No — let’s not answer the questions anymore or take responsibility for being WRONG. And, according to a recent Los Angeles Times article, Ms. Bachmann is ahead in the polls. Are you kidding me?
I was giving her the benefit of the doubt as we should anyone. I waited to “hear more.” And then I heard. I heard her not saying anything.
Pledge my allegiance to America? No. Especially knowing, from Biblical prophecy, what this America will and is already turning out to be.
So — if any more church services I attend decide to pledge their allegiance to anything other than God I’ll be walking out. And I’ll keep walking. I get enough junk in the world without having to hear it from the front of the church pulpit.
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11
We live in a world where we can see everything live on TV, the internet or on our cell phones. And yet, in the U.S. we live fairly sheltered lives. We have a choice in what we see — what we allow to be in our minds.
Not so with millions of people throughout the world. In a June 22nd article in World Magazine, Afghan Christians purportedly warned President Obama of the danger in pulling our troops out of their country – a risk to their lives.
We are aghast when we see crimes in the U.S. not fit to be viewed with our eyes. But this is everyday life for a lot of people.
Our American society gives us freedom to believe as we wish and yet there will come a time when that will not be the case. (Revelation 13) There currently exists bits of prejudices against people with a different belief system whether they are Christians, Muslims, Jews, etc. yet not as bad as in some other countries.
People are afraid of the unknown and seem to be more afraid of getting to know the unknown.
For now, I choose not to look at pictures of beheadings or other gross crimes whereby the images will permanently be etched in my brain.
I asked the Lord that I might grow In faith and love and every grace Might more of His salvation know And seek more earnestly His face
Twas He who taught me thus to pray And He I trust has answered prayer But it has been in such a way As almost drove me to despair
I hoped that in some favored hour At once He’d answer my request And by His love’s constraining power Subdue my sins and give me rest
Instead of this He made me feel The hidden evils of my heart And let the angry powers of Hell Assault my soul in every part
Yea more with His own hand He seemed Intent to aggravate my woe Crossed all the fair designs I schemed, Cast out my feelings, laid me low
Lord why is this, I trembling cried Wilt Thou pursue thy worm to death? “Tis in this way” The Lord replied “I answer prayer for grace and faith”
“These inward trials I employ From self and pride to set thee free And break thy schemes of earthly joy That thou mayest seek thy all in me, That thou mayest seek thy all in me.”
We invited family over for Father’s Day and had a great time spending the afternoon talking, snacking, playing on the Wii and napping. (I have always found it a compliment when guests feel comfortable sleeping at our house. Having said that — there are times when I don’t want my guests sleeping if I rarely get to see them.)
Our son made roasted lamb, spanakopita and for dessert we had apple cobbler — all of which was delicious! I don’t think I have ever had lamb that good before.
In searching for the lamb, we went to two grocery stores and finally wound up at the butchers. Lamb is expensive! I don’t know if this is true throughout the U.S.
But – the day was about fathers – the role models of children everywhere. “Daddy, daddy!” I love to hear those words although I’m not a father. I enjoy seeing little children running into their father’s arms with twinkles in their eyes as they are lifted up into caring arms.
One day … I’ll run into my heavenly Father’s arms. What a day that will be!
Make your home atmosphere fragrant with tender thoughtfulness.
Home is to be the center of the purest and most elevated affection. Peace, harmony, affection, and happiness should be perseveringly cherished every day, until these precious things abide in the hearts of those who compose the family. My Life Today, Pg 178 by Ellen White
In reading this devotional today, my heart couldn’t help but give a hearty Amen! to the thought of what our homes should be like. Imagine if every child grew up with tenderness in the home. How different our society might be. Fear, mistrust, pain, anger, insecurity — all would be abolished.
But, it won’t happen in this life. At least not in society as a whole. Little by little though, one by one, we can make a difference — each one reaching one.
If we love one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:12
Thinking back to when I was a child, I was wild, out of control, wanting to be loved but fearing it at the same time, unsure of myself, fearing rejection, dressing to be noticed but wanting no one to notice me, contrary but agreeable to please.
How does that compare with who I am today? Tame — okay, well, somewhat tame, still wanting to be loved but having some fear of being hurt either intentionally or unintentionally, more sure of myself but still questioning some things I do, fearing rejection, dressing for comfort, contrary but mainly to incite questions and make people think about what they say.
I wonder what Jesus thought to Himself as the people around Him rejected His love, His word, His very presence. Did He ever feel depressed at being misunderstood? Did He ever wonder why people didn’t want the best love one could find in the whole world?
He didn’t worry about wearing a tie to the synagogue – sandals and a tunic were good enough. He spoke what was in His heart and yet was careful not to come across as brash.
Only His and the Father’s love propelled Him to continue His work among humanity — the very people who would nail Him to a cross.
Humanity. Sometimes we just don’t get it. We’re all basically the same – the same needs and wants but on different rings of a ladder.
Thirty-one years ago, my family and I were camping in the Pacific Northwest. It was raining most of the weekend so it wasn’t the greatest experience for us. The ground and roads were sopping wet.
Packing up the tent and our supplies into our 1981 Datsun, my husband, 6 year old son and I left for home Sunday morning. As we drove on the road we noticed that they were a little slick. The speed limit sign showed 25 miles per hour. We were probably right at that limit.
The mountain snow was starting to melt and the creek to the left of the road was running quickly.
Suddenly, we skidded. The car rolled over on its side and half of it was on the road and half of it now lay resting on a large tree branch that protruded into the water. If it weren’t for that branch …
Being on the passenger side, the door to my side of the car was resting on the road so I was not able to get out without my husband, the driver, getting out. We unbuckled ourselves and looked back to make sure our son was okay. He was.
Suddenly we heard a man’s voice asking if we needed help. Yes! we screamed. He opened the driver’s side door and helped my husband out. The car rocked back and forth. We weren’t sure how stable it was lying half on the road and half over the creek. My son was then taken out and then I was helped out. With each movement, the car also moved.
Looking around, we noticed a Jeep-like vehicle that belonged to the stranger helping us. The man stated we needed to call a tow truck company to get the car out and he offered to take us to the closest house to do that. (This was before cell phones were in use.) My husband and I looked at each other and I agreed to go with the stranger. My son and I got in the man’s vehicle and we drove off.
I never thought about the danger of going off with a stranger. Being shaken by the accident, my concern was more along the lines of “Is everyone okay?”
We finally came to a house and called a tow truck. The stranger then drove us back to where my husband was waiting for us. As we waited for the tow truck, we assessed the damage to the car. We also assessed how fortunate we were not to have fallen into the quick-running creek.
When the tow truck came, they were able to get the car on the road but it was now shaped like an A (not that exaggerated though). It was driveable.
I looked to where the stranger and his vehicle were and he wasn’t there anymore. I don’t remember if we thanked him.
All of the conditions for tragedy were here – the rain, the slick road, the running creek. Instead we received all the blessings we could have asked for — immediate help, a house where someone was home, a driveable car.
Some would say we were lucky. I call this one of the miracles in my life.
I believe that even before the accident our Father in heaven arranged for our protection. The angels surrounded us and He let nothing touch us that would cause us harm.
Sometimes we go through things that we think are not beneficial for us because they cause deep pain with memories that won’t subside. But the Father is still there and He still sends His protecting angels. We don’t know why He allows some things to happen to some people and not to others. But in all the years I’ve trusted Him, He has never failed me.
So I will trust again that no matter what happens in my life or to those around me, things will be okay.
For I will restore health to you and I will heal you of your wounds. Jeremiah 30:17
I will not die but live, and will declare what the Lord has done. Psalm 118:17
On a recent trip to Seattle, I was impressed by the remarks of a young man who spoke to his fellow classmates at graduation. He stated that he was a collage made up of all the people he knew and proceeded to name each person stating what impact they had on his life. This young man was very wise for his years.
We seldom take the time to meditate on who we are and how we were/are shaped by the people around us. Each person in our life brings a small bit of themselves that helps to shape our hearts into a collage – fragments of other people.
Lilly Pads
The experiences vary – love, rejection, trust, mistrust, laughter, pain, sorrow, healing, anxiety, anticipation, temptation, hope, failure, disappointment, joy – the list goes on.
Each experience brought to my heart by people whose own hearts have been “collaged.”
I could list each person I know by name and what they have brought to my life but perhaps it’s better to let them know directly, one by one, of the piece they have helped to form my collaged heart with.
We normally focus on the good attributes of what is brought into our hearts. But I believe bad can also be good.
Negative and difficult experiences help make me stronger because I learn to bend and stretch as my heart grows in patience and perseverance. Every day I am a better person because of experiences given to me (knowingly or unknowingly) from another person’s collaged heart.
There is One who I will credit for allowing these experiences to form the collage in my heart – always interceding whether through people or through Himself directly – My Father in heaven. For He allowed all these people to be in my life. And …
He allowed me to experience rejection so that I may know acceptance
Sadness so that I may know joy
Death so that I may know life
Turmoil so that I may experience peace
Failure so that I may know victory
He taught me to lean only on Him – the Creator of my humanity.
My collaged heart is grateful today.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
