I was mowing the lawn tonight, which I love to do, and I noticed a little louder than usual sound coming from the mower.  At a convenient point, I stopped and did a little motor inspection.  I had a cracked muffler, and a big crack at that.  It was sounding like the muffler was not even attached. I took off my ear protection and yikes, it was loud.

Yesterday, as I was walking around the yard, I noticed one of my trees, a 7-footer, looked a little peaked.  The buds had formed, the leaves we out about an inch, but then nothing.  All of the other crimson maples were fully leafed out.  Had it died?

Earlier this week, some other tree and shrub issues came to light.  I had a mature burning bush, a couple of arrowood viburnum, a couple of small river birch,  and a four-year old bur oak that died.  I have never had that kind of winter kill before.

A few years back, I remember believing that everything I planted would not only survive, but thrive.  I made that confession over them all.  I had not doubt that they would do just that.  And they have.  The last couple of years, I planted more trees and shrubs, but did not make the same confession.

Why didn’t I do the same for those?  I failed in a very basic principle.  Do not forget the Lord.  When things are going well, you tend to drift from the those things that bring blessings into your life.  You put a little less effort into it, and start taking things for granted.  Hey, things are going well, I don’t need anything else.

Tell me, when you are working and things are going great, aren’t you proud of yourself?  Look at what I did!  Anyone else need my help?  I have all the answers!  You get all nice and puffed up, just prime pickings for the big burst.

So, that’s it!  I am done yo-yo-ing with those things of the Lord. I will be more purposeful to give thanks to Him in ALL things.  I know the blessings I have are from Him.  I know I would not be where I am today without Him.  I purpose to give Him the glory and honor in everything I do.  Amen.