Plus a Tommy Nelson Mommy Giveaway!
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares YHWH, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
As I sat watching this month’s Tommy Nelson Mommy resource, The Legend of the Three Trees
The story is just as relevant to me today as it was when I was little.
My mom used to read us The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt when my sisters and I were still young enough to beg for a bedtime story. I remember how it was one of the stories she would cry reading. As a girl, I never understood why.
Okay, so I guess some things have changed.
As an adult, I understand the inherent meaning of this story more than ever. No matter what, our Creator has a plan and a purpose for each of our lives. He instills in us big hopes and dreams, but sometimes our plans don’t pan out the way we expect them to.
And I’m ever so grateful.
Many of you know I’m writing a novel (trying to, anyway). Sometimes I look at my life and just laugh. Homeschooling and motherhood (oh, and wifehood too) are enough to keep me busy twenty-four hours a day, and here I go and decide to add to my to-do list. Sometimes I just want to toss the whole thing so I can have a break (maybe even watch the latest episode of Parenthood) but that’s when YHWH says:
I know the plans I have for you.
Sometimes I kick myself for not taking the opportunity to write when I had one child who took four hour long naps. Oh, all the time I could’ve spent working on my novel! Except, back then I knew much less than I know now. I had no idea what Scene and Sequel was and I’d never even heard of Deep Point of View. So really, I’m glad His plan was for me to write now, even with all the craziness. Without that time to grow and learn, I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my writing journey today.
I still have a long way to go, but I trust His plans for my future are prosperous ones. My life may not always turn out the way I expect. I may never get a publishing contract or end up on the New York Times bestseller list. But I know, whatever happens, Yah is right here with me, leading me into the Promised Land. And that’s good enough for me.
More about The Three Trees…
If you love the classic folktale, you’ll love the DVD. The Legend of the Three Trees is a sweet and simple retelling of a timeless story narrated by Hal Holbrook. Full color images come to life on the screen as we follow the Three Trees on their journeys through their dreams and disappointments. Each tree has high hopes of sailing the seas, holding treasure, or growing tall. But the Creator has different plans. As each story unfolds, we discover what true greatness looks like and that the Three Trees are more special than they realize.
I really enjoyed this DVD. It’s great for quiet time or as a companion to the book. My daughter always loves when she reads a book and is rewarded by watching a movie that goes along with it. It’s sort of her special treat for reading independently. I feel like The Legend of the Three Trees doesn’t really have an age limit because everyone can learn from this story. As Passover approaches, this tale is closer to my heart than ever. In remembering Him and what He did for us, The Legend of the Three Trees is one that can add that extra special touch to your scripture studies this month.
The Giveaway…
It is my privilege to bless one reader with a copy of The Legend of the Three Trees DVD. Enter via the Rafflecopter below through Wednesday, April 30th. One random winner will be chosen and announced in my May newsletter. Until then, happy reading!
Yours in Messiah Yeshua,
S
Disclosure:
I received a copy of The Legend of the Three Trees through the Tommy Nelson Mommy Program. I was not asked to write a positive review. All views and opinions are solely and completely my own. I received no compensation other a copy of the DVD featured in this post, which is mine to keep or gift as I so choose. This post also contains affiliate links. To learn more, please read my full policy.
Copyright © 2014 SaraElla.com
October 30, 2010 we lost our son, Aiden, at 20 weeks gestation. This was so hard to handle. My husband tried to be supportive, but I felt so alone. I used to cry out to God. It really drew me closer to God. I can’t imagine not having a heavenly Father to cry to.
Hi, Amanda! I am so sorry about Aidan. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. When I lost my mom I had similar feelings of loneliness. I was really upset for a long time but the more I pushed Him away the closer He came. Thank you for sharing your story. It means so much that you commented. You’ve blessed me today.
Thank you for this opportunity! I have been blessed to see God working in my life more times than I can count. One that sticks out to me was when our son was a toddler and our daughter a newborn. I was not working at that time and we were barely covering the bills with my husbands’ paycheck. It was Christmas time and we were getting stressed about how we were going to get everyone covered with a gift. We came home one evening and there was an envelope in our door with a $100 bill in it. I just sobbed! What an amazing blessing that only God could orchestrate! God IS good!!
Hi, Rachel! It’s my pleasure. The situation you described has happened to me several times throughout my life. I call it manna from heaven because He provides just what we need the moment we need it. Thanks for sharing!
I would definitely say my step-dad going into the hospital due to second degree burns! It was the first time I really felt the peace that Bible describes during a time of fear and uncertainty!
Amen, Laura! Sometimes I am astonished at how I can freak out over little things and have such peace for big things like that.
When, at the very end of my senior year in college, I decided I wasn’t going to pursue what I had been studying all along. I finished my classes, got my B.S. degree, but the future was uncertain at that time for sure.
I can relate, Joyce:) I changed my major 3 times and now I’m doing something totally different from what I last studied. It’s amazing how our goals and dreams change and grow over the years.
My mom died suddenly and we took our grandmom to come live with our family. Taking care of 3 little ones and a grandma was hard work, but God blessed and honored our family and our boys saw how to Honor The Aged as the bible tells us.
Thanks for sharing, Merry! My mom passed 2 years ago. It was tough but I couldn’t have gotten through it without my Messiah by my side:)