inspiration

THE FOREST GARDEN 6-2-25

/ joseph elon lillie / Leave a comment

In spite of some unseasonably cool weather (at least for recent memory) gardens at the Vicarage are moving on in all their spring time glory.

The dandelions are going to seed and the Maple trees are releasing their seed pods which means the air around the Vicarage has taken on a decidedly sylvan quality.

It’s past Memorial Day. So while the nights are still cool, the danger of frost has mostly passed. I took last weekend to put most of my garden in the ground.

The lilacs are in full bloom. The air is filled with their scent

The garden has several stands of irises.

We have also had much rain and finding time to mow between the raindrops has been something of a challenge. Because of this, the forest garden is filled with creeping Mary Janes, false strawberry and wild asters.

It’s a beautiful time of year.

SOME THOUGHT FROM ANNUAL NETWORK CONFERENCE 2025

/ joseph elon lillie / 2 Comments

I have just returned from our fellowship’s Annual Network Conference which was entitle MISSION DEI

Our focus sessions were wonderful here are a few thoughts I came away with.

“Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.”- Jesus

“What you treasure does not follow your heart. Your heart follow what you treasure. Be intentional with what you treasure.” Jim Bradford

“Our doxology must inform our practice not vice versa.” Dr. Kim

“We spend much time focused on what Jesus taught and not enough time noticing how Jesus was with people.” Dr. Kim

“We need to spend less time in behavior modification and more time in heart transformation.” Dr. Kim

“The expulsive power of a new affection.” Thomas Chalmers

The pathway to deliverance is not found in trying to get rid of what is ugly, but it is found in embracing a new beauty that so consumes us that there is no longer room for the old ugliness.

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“You cannot grow spiritually by focusing on your self.” Dr. Kim

“Jesus is the new wine. We are the new wine skins.” Rev. Jonathan Angell

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Seven steps to a new wine skin- Rev. Jonathan Angell

  1. Something has to die for a new wine skin to be made
  2. the flesh has to be removed for a new wine skin to be made
  3. A new wine skin needs to be thoroughly washed with water (the Word of God).
  4. New wine skins need to be cured by fire and smoke.
  5. New wine skins must be turned inside out.
  6. New wine skins needy to be thoroughly sealed with oil (The Holy Spirit is needed).
  7. New wine skins need to be stitched (healed on the inside) before being turned right way around for use.

WHICH OF THESE STAND OUT TO YOU?