The words “Come as you are,” washed over me as I ran down the road, stirring up the leaves as I passed by. I thought of the changing seasons and how that parallels to so much of life. What if the trees stubbornly resisted the impending dropping of leaves? Or decided they would not grow new ones this year because they love the winter too much? Sometimes, honestly, that’s how I feel. I don’t want to grow, it’s hard. I don’t want to change seasons, for that requires changing out clothes and I just got used to everything. Why can’t things just stay the way they are?! But if the leaves don’t drop in fall, the tree would die in winter for lack of food. If no bud of leaves appear in Spring, that tree is future firewood. Change is ordained by God and good for us that we may grow and thrive.

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   At the end of a long run my legs ACHE, my lungs HEAVE, and my taste buds crave a re-hydration drink. Crossing that finish line is the only goal in my mind. I can smell it…or is that my sweat dripping down? Giving it all I’ve got, once I cross that line, AHHH I made it, now I can rest. After a good workout our body needs to replenished, right? Well, in the same way, our SPIRIT needs refreshment after its been exercised. After those uphill battles in life, we just need a good lemonade stand!

A verse that encouraged and reminded me where I can find that refreshment is Act 3:19. “Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to Him so He can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord.”

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