This lovely tree has been here a while as you can tell by the thickness of it's limbs. And it has lovely new pink flowers blooming.
Hubbie and I went to the contemporary service at church last weekend. I love the contemporary songs with the band as much as I love the traditional songs. (Our church has both types of services.)
Of course at my age, uh hem not saying I'm that old, I bend my knees or sway a bit and clap my hands to the music. Out of the corner of my eye a few rows down to my right, I noticed a "distraction." I bent over to look. You know of course, one must be discreet when staring to appear not to stare in church. After several attempts to sway in between peoples heads, I saw her. A mid-aged adult jumping, clapping and beating air drums to the songs.
Huruumph. My "spiritualness" just pricked right out. Yes, "pricker" is a word that is a cross between a prick and sticker, which means both. She distracted me from my worship.
Then the Lord's Spirit sent a pricker into my spiritual attitude. He spoke to my soul, "With whom do you suppose, I am most pleased?" Ouuuch, Lord!
"Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-song at the top of your lungs." Psalms 47:1 (MS)
Father, may this old pricker help support and encourage young growth, as we all lift our hearts up in praise to You.
PS-Does anyone know the name of this tree? (It was at Busch Gardens.)
Photos:karenrevans
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11 comments:
No idea about the tree. I'll check back to see if you get an answer.
As far as the worship distraction, I wasn't there but I do know that sometimes people being 'prickers' are not necessarily in the Spirit and sometimes they are.
Perhaps God used the experience to teach you something but at the same time, God's Spirit is not counterproductive to worship. Been there...seen that.
HUGS and thanks for sharing.
Wow -- that is a gorgeous tree!
I guess everyone worships in their own way.
You know, sometimes it takes "prickers" to get us to 'move over'. Sometimes an action, sometimes an attitude. I had "prickers" on Sunday too. I didn't respond very well. -sigh-
I'm not sure about the tree.
maybe a pink flowering floss silk tree or maybe a pink dogwood?
Great post
You could never be anything but the bud.
Wow. That was an ouchie, and a great lesson.
I sometimes tell the people at our congregation, who are VERY staid, "If you don't like clapping here, you won't be comfortable in Heaven, because it's LOUD!"
Good lesson, Karen. I too have been there with a critical instead of loving nature. Thanks for the reminder to be more loving.
Hi Karen,
I found you at Robbin's blog. When I read you live by a BEACH...I was ooohhhing and aaahhhhing! Lucky you! You have a beautiful blog with a beautiful family. I'll be back to visit again!
Tanya
Youch, Karen! Those darn critical thoughts can be so insistent, can't they? Thank GOD HE enables us to get back on track and equips us to become more like Him--positive, encouraging, and kind-hearted. (Thank you, Lord!)
Love your authenticity with this one, Karen!
So long as everyone enjoys themselves Karen, huh? - Dave
Autumn, yes God did teach me...again. You'd think I'd learn the first time.
Lady Fi yes, it is beautiful, I'd just hate to be the one to trim it with all those stickers.
Teri, I'm right there with you.
Melissa, it's not a dogwood, but might be that other tree you mentioned.
Angie!! Aren't you the sweetest! :)
Jeanette, I love that, "heaven will be loud."
Jeanie, the Lord reminds me over and over....sigh....why can't I learn once and for all?
Tanya, thanks so much for stopping by and all the compliments. :)
Yes, I get "pricked" often, but only because He wants me to be better.
Yes, Dave. After my pricker-I worshiped, too. :)
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