Being the Tree

        Last Spring I was fortunate enough to take a trip with my daughter, one of my sisters, and my Mom to California coast. We rented a car and took a week to drive up hwy one, hitting all of the touristy places like Santa Barbara, Carmel by the Sea, Monterey, etc. It truly was a once in a lifetime trip.  During that trip I was obsessed with trees and took many pictures trying to get just the right majestic view of a tree.  I quickly discovered photography is not my gift.

     The third day of our trip I awoke really early and didn't want to wake anyone so I stayed in bed and prayed. It was then I was inspired to write a poem about a tree. While I wasn't able to capture just the right picture of a tree with a camera, God showed me I was able to translate my thoughts and desires with words.

     When I returned home I looked through all of the pictures of trees I had taken for one to frame with my poem. I never found that perfect photo, got discouraged, and gave up. 

      A few days ago during prayer I was reminded again of my “Be the Tree” poem. In my mind’s eye I was shown the perfect picture to go with the poem. The picture was of a tree from my mission trip to Kenya in November. Ironically, the picture wasn’t one of mine, it was taken by one of my team members.

     So, one year later my framed artwork is finally complete and I have a great memory that combines of two very meaningful trips from 2010. The biggest lesson I’m realizing is God finishes what He starts, He never gives up.  He’s still telling me to “Be the Tree”. I simply need to do the job He’s given me to do and He will use the gifts of others to achieve a completed work.

     Forever Fed is not just Susan Vanderheyden, I’m just one tiny cog in a machine of eight very talented and dedicated leaders. Those leaders represent 7 families and all are working together to drive what is becoming a large and active ministry. The work of the entire leadership has enabled over 100 volunteers to do God’s work in feeding more than 3000 hungry individuals since August 2010. Directing a ministry is way to large a job for just one person but with God, all things are possible!

All we have to do is “Be the Tree”.

1. Life is filled with storms, stand firm in your faith.
2. Praise Him during the storms because they are a gift. Storms make us stronger.
3. Stand triumphantly each day, do the best job you can, glorify your Maker.
4. Once you learn your purpose, stay focused and don't lose sight of the finish line.
5. Trust God to finish the work He began in you.
6. Be the Tree.