First, thank you so much to everyone who came to hang out here last week! It was such an honor to host your words, and I just loved meeting so many new friends and amazing writers! But this week, we’re back to linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday, so here we go – the quickest five minutes of writing I’ll do all week. Probably not the best, but definitely the most fun. This week the prompt is: Bloom.
It was a year of upheaval. Of being ripped up by the roots and replanted into the new and unknown and I’ve felt weak and insecure. Unsure of my place, my foundation, whether or not it would even be possible to find new roots and settle back into a comfortable rhythm of growing. It’s been slow. It’s been a season of living dormant, a time to regain energy and refocus.
It’s been a season of pruning and replanting.
And now? I feel the uncomfortable nudges every day. This sign that now is the time to start stretching, reaching back into the places of my heart that know how to grow and shine and seek the Son. The time to rest and recover is ending and there is a gentle push to do something more – to bloom. Right where I am, to let roots dig in. After a season of going low to find the best, I’m feeling called to stand tall.
Right where I’m planted? It’s good here, friend. It’s redemption and peace, rest and healing and pruning to take away all the dead from the former to make room for the beauty of the future. It’s not the end – but it’s the beginning of a promise fulfilled, plans that are good, proof of a God who fights for me when I’m still. And now?
It’s time to bloom.
I really love it when he is behind the scenes working in our lives every day and every night.
Pruning is so hard, mostly because I don’t pause to recognize the inconveniences as such. Thanks for the perspective-shift!
The pruning, it’s painful most of the time, but so necessary. Only through pruning can we really bloom into all He has for us.
I don’t like the pruning or the replanting, but I have to trust the gardener. Reading a book by Thomas Keating where he talks about Mary Magdelene mistaking Jesus for “the gardener” and how he actually is the gardener. Good tie-in for all the “bloom” posts today. God bless and thanks again for hosting last week!
Oh, the pruning? I don’t like that part. But when it happens and I see the fruit. It is good. Very good. So fun to connect with you here again! Missed this community! XOXO
A season of pruning. Those words echo back to me from a conversation we had months ago. We are given glimpses and ideas without really knowing the full implications or results. I’m so excited for you as you branch out, dig deeper, and show what has been hidden inside of you all along! His plans indeed are good! 🙂
Beautiful post. After a big upheaval a few years ago, your words ring true for me… especially “reaching back into the places of my heart that know how to grow and shine and seek the Son”. Thank you for the encouragement!
Oh, this is so good! It does feel uncomfortable when one season ends and another begins, but there is something amazing waiting for you, I just know it. 🙂
SO much yes to this, my friend…”After a season of going low to find the best, I’m feeling called to stand tall” I’m with you, getting up and reaching high. May He hold us as we stand. Love you so. xo
Yes, Yes and Amen !!! I love that He is always behind the scenes working on our next new thing. (Isa 43:18-19) Thanks you for always sharing your beautiful honest heart.
Oh how I have been there, Crystal. And some days feel like I still am. Loved this: “It’s been a season of living dormant, a time to regain energy and refocus.” I believe I’m still gaining that energy and focus but am feeling God work as He draws me out of this time. Great words and encouragement, friend. Thanks!
“uncomfortable nudges”. How persistent are they, right? But thankful because they propel us to grow and as you said it, “to stand tall”.
So beautiful friend. I’m with Karen. That line about going low and standing tall really resonates with me. I have been in the fires and the Lord is calling me to stand tall with raised hands. Amen sister!
Crystal,
I second all of the comments above! “After a season of going low to find the best, I’m feeling called to stand tall.” Yes! And it is time to shine!!
Thank you for these encouraging words!
Cheers FMF friend! Cheers!
~Brandi
Thanks so much Brandi 🙂
This was beautiful. I’m new to blogging and this was my first 5 minute linkup and I enjoyed it!
Oh I’m so glad you did! Isn’t it so fun?
So much good soul-soil here, Crystal!
The kind that God uses to grow a 100-times harvest.
His words never return void — and the Word is tucked in and sent out through the heart of yours.
I am praying for you, right now, that when you read these words you will lift your beautiful face a little higher, and feel the Son’s warm embrace a little better, and dig in a little deeper.
He is so pleased with you!
What a sweet blessing your words are to me this morning – thank you, friend 🙂
Amen and Amen!
I love your honest writing. Your heart always comes through with your words. This line got me: “After a season of going low to find the best, I’m feeling called to stand tall.” And I’m feeling ‘ya. Thanks for sharing your gift. Loved this!
mmm, yes. the new. He is doing a new thing.
Thank you. –An FMF neighbor
Yes, it is, Crystal. Yes … it is! I loved your words tonight. They blessed my soul.