Hephzibah.

once again the Lord has been delighting and refreshing my heart by inviting and bringing me to several gardens this past week. the Lord spoke so deeply and intricately about the garden during my time at IHOP and to now actually be standing in the midst of several i am filled with the utmost peace, inspiration, and longing. He in His perfect leadership has led me to His gardens to remind me of the work He has done and is doing in my heart. 


i love what a friend shared last week that as we bear fruit we can be encouraged that not only does it nourish us and the ones around us but the fruit in itself encompasses a wide variety of beauty because it comes from a flower. we bear light and beauty refreshing souls around us. 


yesterday when i was peering around a good friend's back yard i was so encouraged to hear the story of the vision of her backyard and how it has come to be. as her husband and son joined in this summer they viewed it as work but as she started showing them what she was envisioning their passion was stirred and their whole perspective changed from having to do this project to getting to do this project. no longer was it an arduous task but a beautiful blooming opportunity. they were able to contribute in some way and partner together to complete the planting.


so with these reminders of holding beauty, Holy Spirit nourishing me, being poured out to nourish others, and how we get to partner with God in this grand scheme of life sparks up eagerness in my heart and a longing to pursue and achieve. 


to be His fragrance.
His love smells so sweet and His mercy smells of rejuvenation.
may i bear His scent.