Newness by Shea Brewer

For a few weeks, I’ve noticed my basil plant didn’t seem to like where it was planted. The leaves were burned and limp.  Even Steve mentioned how sad Basil looked.

I knew Mr. Basil needed to be moved. I just kept putting it off partly out of pure laziness but mostly because I was just ignoring the problem. I was kind of waiting to see if the shock from going from inside to outside would pass, wishfully thinking he’ll spring back on his own.  

I finally made the decision that I needed to help a Basil friend out. So I decided to move him to a more suitable location with less light. After replanting,  I trimmed off the yellow dying  leaves.  Almost immediately, he already seemed happier and seemed to be coming back to life.

Just like the Basil plant needed something new, we too may need some newness in our lives:  new experience, a new environment, new support systems, new ministry projects,  new friends and the list goes on. 

Positive change often brings about fresh new outlooks on everything: our marriages, our kids, our work; frankly our lives. Suddenly we are energized, more vibrant and don’t feel burn out, depleted or beat down. It’s amazing when we mix things up how we can get a pep in our step, feel recharged.

Always pray before you make any change. You always want the Father’s blessing first.  But it’s not enough to day dream about that new activity, we must take action. We can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. After praying, let the Holy Spirit inspire you to the new.

Replanting ourselves can bring forth excitement.  The Spirit of Sadness is one of the worst for choking out the Holy Spirit.  Living mundane or spiritually dead lives, kills the spirit. Newness especially in the area serving, brings on a spirit of joy and cheerfulness, which fosters gratitude and thanksgiving; all of which increases our connection and relationship to the Father.

Now, keep in mind anytime you make changes there could be adjustment that is needed. You know how sometimes plants go into shock at the new location for a bit. But with a little love and time, you’ll be on your way to feeling excited about the newness in your life. The happier we are, the more we can let our light shine to others and the more powerful we will be sharing the word.  Sad believers just don’t make the same impact on the world.

Today’s Health Tip:  Benefits of Basil
Scientific studies show the following: ( according to Dr. Axe’s website and other medical sites)

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• cancer fighter
• Pain reducer
• Diabetes preventer
• Liver protector
• Blood Vessel protector
• Anti-stress solution
• Immune Booster

Scripture of Day: Isaiah 43:19 

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Thoughts:

• Are you needing or wanting a change? Have you been thinking about starting something new?
• Are you needing a transplant in any part of your life?
• Have you been feeling sad, bored, tired- think of something new you could do.
• What kind of new ways can you serve the poor, the widows, the fatherless or the broken in spirit?
• Are there any environments that you’re in right now that seemed to be burning you out, depleting your energy?

Love it if you will share the newness that has helped you.