One day I decided to quit…
I quit my job, my relationship,
my spirituality…
I wanted to quit my life, to give it all up and
just be a hermit, I don’t need anybody.
I went to the woods to have one
last talk with God.
“God”, I asked,
“Can you give me one good reason
not to quit?”
His answer surprised me…
“Look around”, He said…
“Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”
“Yes”, I replied.
“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds,
I took very good care of them.
I gave them light, I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.
But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the fern grew more
vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the
bamboo seed.
But I did not quit on the bamboo.”
He said.
“In year three there was still nothing from
the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing
from the bamboo seed.
I would not quit.” He said.
“Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout
emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern it was seemingly
small and insignificant…
But just 6 months later the bamboo
rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots.
Those roots made it strong and gave
it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations
a challenge it could not handle.”
He asked me …
“Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been
struggling, you have actually been growing roots.
I would not quit on the bamboo.
I will never quit on you.”
“Don’t compare yourself to others.” He said.
“The bamboo had a different Purpose
than the fern.
Yet they both make the forest beautiful.”
“Your time will come”, God said to me.
“You will rise high.”
“How high will I rise?” I asked.
“How high will the bamboo rise?”
He asked in return.
“As high as it can?” I questioned.
“Yes.” He said…..
“I will raise you up as you give me the Glory,
for in doing so My Radiance is
reflected in you.”
And you will know my Love, Hope, Peace, Joy, and Eternal rest,
because my Melody in you will glow like
The Colours of The Rainbow.
I left the forest and brought back this story.
I know these words can help us see that…
God will never give up on us.
Never, Never, Never
Give up.
We don’t need to tell the Lord how big the problem is…
We need to remember how…
Great The Lord Is!
“The Key question in life is not how strong are we, but how strong is God.”
For the Christian Prayer is not an option,
but an opportunity to share
in the Heart of God.
Adapted – Author Unknown
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth a living
Just because He lives.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth a living
Just because He lives.
Words by William and Gloria Gaither
Posted for Julie with Love – http://nnyphishnet.net/2012/04/16/if-a-tree-falls/
Freedomborn 
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I remember now. I just needed to give thanks for prayer give thanks for everything and not to give up.. I have been feeling so low and my thought not altogether, pain makes you feel yuck. My thoughts on medication are all over the place.
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What do you mean Bj that your thoughts on Medication are all over the place?, are they not helping you or are they making you feel worse?
Prayer is very powerful, God knows our hearts and our needs, He will life you up.
Keeping you in Prayer dear friend as I’m sure many others are doing too.
Blessings – Anne.
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That was such a nice read
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Thanks Barb for taking the time to read this message and it’s True, we don’t ever give up we have the victory in Jesus.
Blessings – Anne
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Thanks much for refering me to this link again.
Indeed, God never gives up on us.
The story is an ever refreshing one.
With the understanding that we have unique purposes, we can patiently await our own blossoming.
Like our father who never gives up on the bamboo, we won’t give up on our circumstances.
You have always been awesome with your thoughts and your ability to identify and link related stories.
Keep up the good work.
Regards to Ron.
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And you my Son are a delight to Grannie Annie’s heart, I give thanks that you seek Jesus our only Teacher and also value The Body of Christ, we need each other but Jesus first He is our only Teacher and as we share His Truth we can have assurance it is His Truth.
1John 2:26-28 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing Teacheth you of all things, and is Truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath Taught you, ye shall abide in Him.
Matthew 10:26-28 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops (KJV) perhaps our Computers today.
God’s Abundant Blessings – Grannie Annie
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What more can I say, Grannie Annie?
You are awesome.
Best regards to Ron.
Cheers!
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Awesome story, Grannie Annie!
Thanks for sharing the link with me.
I’m glad that you never gave up.
I am glad that you lived on to impact my life positively.
You’ve always been there with encouraging words.
Remain blessed.
Regards to Ron.
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Thank you for your kind words Son , if only you knew how much joy your encouragement has given Grannie Annie, your kindness has been a great blessing, I Love your compassionate heart Son.
Christian Love from both of us -Grannie Annie
P.S Its time for a froggy view Son – see link below ….
Never give up – https://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/dont-give-up
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I enjoyed the froggy view, Grannie Annie.
I’m all smiles!
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I’m pleased you enjoyed both views Son, God’s plans for us are very good and I always remember no matter how deep the water is, He is my Safety net and prevents me from swimming into dangerous waters and He lifts me up when I feel weary so I can keep swimming and in the Garden of life, He keeps me refreshed so I continue to blossom.
Blessings always – Grannie Annie
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The hand that holds us is more reliable than any human can be.
My confidence is that where I am weak, His strength is made manifest.
By His stripes we are healed.
It’s not so much about how faithful we are but much more about how faithful He is.
We’ve got hope and a future in God, through Christ.
Thanks always, Grannie Annie.
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God never goes against our free will Son, we have heart repentance shown by our choosing to turn away from evil and do good and when we do, He empowers us so we can. He is strong when we are no longer walking in the flesh, which means we are weak in our carnal strength, we must put our flesh to death by The Holy Spirit as confirmed in the Scriptures below and Aim as Paul confirmed, to be perfected in Love.
Romans 8 :12-15 Therefore, brothers/ sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. or if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Colossians 3:4-6 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
Galatians 24 -26 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
2 Corinthians 7: 1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
God He does not just sap us Son but He knows those who are His and has from Eternity by His foreknowledge of our hearts repentance, He does not force us to repent but does discipline us when needed by letting us have our own way, so we reap what we sow until we come to our senses and Wow than like the Prodigal Son what a welcome Home.
Thank you Son for your prayers for Ron, he is still in pain but it’s not his heart , he saw his Doctor yesterday and he said Ron has pulled a mussel in his back and it’s very swollen and so he has pain when he moves but I’m so thankful it was not his heart.
Blessings – Grannie Annie
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Thank you Anne, beautiful! Thank you also for your kind and caring comments on my blog post. I love your choice of scripture quotes and treasure them. My daughter also enjoyed reading, ‘We Don’t Ever Give Up.’ In agreement also with the comment made by isaiah43123.
God bless.
Mimi
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Thank you for visiting Mimi and I enjoy visiting you too, your very honest and straight forward in a good way, this I respect very much in people. I’m pleased you appreciate the Scriptures I share, to me they have life, I believe in them 100% they are a solid foundation but without knowing the Author they cannot be understood in full, His seeds of Truth are everywhere though, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear, so good that you see and hear them Mimi.
isaiah43123 no longer Blogs but I have her precious words to remember her by and I treasure them as I will yours and do others who have taken the time to visit, they don’t always realize it but they are growing good roots when they reach out to others, it is in giving that we receive Eternally.
Christian Love – Anne
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Awesome thought! I needed that today 🙂
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Angie your one person who I don’t think will ever give up, you Love The Lord too much but of course not as much as He Loves you and even my Love for you as my Sister in The Lord pales in comparison, when we are so Loved how can we not Love Him back and others.
Thank you for sharing Angie Christian Love – Anne.
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Oh I just LOVE this!! God never gives up on us. Thanks so much for the reminder. 🙂
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Thank you Elissa for visiting, I was also very encouraged with your sharing and look forward to visiting you again in the near future, yes I know I have a lot of detail but I Love to share God’s Truth, it is what set me free, thank you for your acceptance.
Christian Love Anne
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Reblogged this on Be Better Not Bitter.
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Thank you for the Reblog Sharine as I said on your Blog, you are a blessing.
Christian Love Anne.
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Anne, thank you for this word of encouragement. Yes, God is in control and He will never give up on us and in knowing this who am I to give up on God? A price was paid for me and my debt is to a bloody Savior on a cross ,who laid His life for me. So I will be that bamboo rooted so strong in Christ for all to see the faithfulness of Christ. He just keeps on loving us. Behold the precious lamb of God. I just praise you Lord for your miracles and spiritual food.
This Anne is spiritual food to press on and len on God when you feel like giving up. Amen.
Shenine
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Thank you Sharine for your uplifting encouragement and yes very True what you shared, once we really know God in our heart and we sing His melody of Love, we could never choose to walk away from Him but sadly many are deceived and don’t know Him as a God of Love.
There has been times I felt like giving up Sharine but God rescued me as He does all His Redeemed Children if we don’t mature by coming to heart repentance, putting our evil flesh to death and so being perfected in Love and conformed into the image of Jesus, nothing can separate us from God then because we are one with Him in Christ Jesus….And nothing can stop Him Loving us even before we are perfected in Love, God is Love and can be no other way.
Christian Love Anne.
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Yes Anne the story of the bamboo is a telling one of Gods patience with us and of the promise He holds for us when we too are patient and wait for Him to lead us , nice pictures also.
Blessings
Ron
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Thanks Love for sharing and very True what you say, I’m pleased you enjoy the pictures , they save words at times or they highlight them.
Christian Love Anne.
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Beautiful!
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Thank you for visiting Marie, and yes how beautiful are the feet of Him who brings good news, Jesus does indeed make our day.
Christian Love Anne.
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Anne… I LOVE YOU! You delivered this at just the RIGHT TIME! THANK YOU! It was BEAUTIFUL, just like you!
I have found myself at the very end of me these past few days and all I could think of was “Why? Why am I here Lord? I want to go home & this isn’t it! I want to go to sleep & wake up in Heaven, but instead I arise to only feel the fall once again.”
I get so excited to run to Him, but find myself two steps forward & then three steps back. I think on the Scriptures of how God’s people, His chosen, had to wait upon the Lord for His best in their lives and I am encouraged for a time…
Like with a shepherd boy named David, the youngest son of Jesse, threw his stones again and again against the tree, perhaps from boredom, loneliness, insignificance of being~ until that day… the day the Lord had prepared and made for David.
“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
Thank you for this powerful post Anne! It was so rich in His love & promise to us. I really did need this today and have found new strength, in part from your words of encouragement. The Father sure is AWESOME and so terrific about getting messages to His children. Thank you again Anne for being a God-send!
Love you Friend!
julie
I know I am no King David, but I sure love to dance… with Jesus. And… my next home is a mansion 😉
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Hi Julie, how beautiful are the feet of Him who brings good news, Jesus knew you needed uplifting and to remind you He was close and understood your doubts and fears. God has prepared for you good works to do and He is equiping you to do them and He will empower you so you will achieve them, not in your strength but in His. Please feel free to e-mail me at any time, we are God’s vessels to minister to each other in the Body of Christ, to help each other shine His light in the darkness.
Thank you Julie because you too ministered to me, your warm and caring heart is a blessing, your honesty is also very refreshing as is your willingness to be real and not wear a mask, we thank God has He continues to bless us greatly.
I Love you in the Lord dear friend – Anne.
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AMEN SISTER! Your lovingkindness & generosity is a great refreshment to me Anne… Thank you!
The Lord has said to me of recent “What if I made you exactly who [& what] you are for such a time as this?” I thought “What?”, “If”, & “What if?” “What if I am designed exactly… as what & who, I am to be for right now? Lord, who is that, & what does that mean… exactly?” 😉
I know for fact [The Bible tells me so] that God doesn’t make mistakes, and so as one of His kids I must have been planned and cannot be a mistake. So for all the days that I still feel like I am an error, I have peace & rest my case with this…
“Being confident of this very thing that He who has begun a good work in you [& me], will perfect it [exactly] until the day of Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 1:6]
Until that day… I am so Thankful to the Lord and all His God-sends that He delivers along the way. Anne I am so blessed to have a friend like you to journey with… one that gives it to me ‘straight UP’. Love Love Love this! julie
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Hi dear Sister Julie, so very True, God does not make mistakes everything He makes is good this is why He did not make sickness, suffering, hardship and sin they are part of a fallen world which is under the influence of the Devil but because we Love God He makes everything work for good.
Blog Post – https://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/the-early-years-a-little-lost-girl/
As an example Julie I was born with a gean defect and also a disability, one eventuality would lead me to be a Paraplegic, the other has caused me to have great difficulty in reading and writing, the link below and the links on it tell a lot of my Story but there is more for me to write I haven’t finished yet.
Because my mother was an Alcoholic which can cause birth defects and also she may have tried to abort me as I was conceived in Adultery but what ever happened I’m now disabled. I have had Miraculous healings and God has intervened and saved my life a few times and now I will not be a Paraplegic as medically diagnosed also I have experienced signs and wonders, none of this could have been done by man so they are not counterfeit and they were witnessed and documented.
But what is so wonderful Julie is that God gave me gifts that compensated for my shortcomings, no He it did not take them away, I’m still disabled and Dyslectic but He helps me with these, I can’t write fluently more then a few sentences without His leading yes I’m still a cracked vessel and make spelling , punctuation mistakes etc but He is the Super glue and it is His Truth as confirmed in the Scriptures and I also create Power Points so I can bring His Truth to life and as I do my Spirit soars and I often feel His presence greatly and there are tears of Joy and thankfulness. God has also given me a Balm for the pain I suffer. All things work together for good when we Love The Lord.
You also blessed me greatly Julie when you touched my Life and heart and I give thanks to God for your friendship in Him.
Christian Love Anne.
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PRAISE THE LIVING GOD! ANNE what A BEAUTIFUL MIRACLE you make!!! I am so BLESSED to even hear of your impossible made possible by God… testimony. I would very much love to hear more of the mighty & miraculous works the Lord has brought you through and continues to do in you. WOW! Our God is Greater, Stronger, Higher, Healer, & Awesome In Power… our God!
Love in Christ!
julie
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Hi Julie, thank you for caring and taking an interest, how very True, God is God of the impossiable but He chose me I believe not because of how cleaver I am but because I’m not, in Truth my shortcomings are great and so are my weaknesses but I Love God passionatly and I do so because He Loved me first.
if you read the link on my last reply it leads to other links and you can also read these two links below, one is a confirmation from Ron and the other is my own account of what happened with my Poetry and the 2nd link on it tells how it happened..
Blog Post – https://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/rons-corner-blessed/
Blog Post – https://freedomborn.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/gods-ink-anointed-poetry-1/
Christian Love – Anne
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Beautiful!! I especially love this:
““Your time will come”, God said to me.
“You will rise high.”
“How high will I rise?” I asked.
“How high will the bamboo rise?”
He asked in return.
“As high as it can?” I questioned.
“Yes.” He said…..
“I will raise you up as you give me the Glory,
for in doing so My Radiance is
reflected in you.”
Phew!! 🙂 Thank you.
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Hi Jennifer, thank you for visiting and yes like you I’m thankful that we don’t have to strive in our own effort to be succesful but we choose to do God’s will and Trust in Him, giving Him the thanks and praise for what He does in our lives, and so we reflect His strong light not our own flicking flame.
Christian Love Anne.
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I especially like, “We don’t need to tell the Lord how big the problem is…We need to remember how…Great The Lord Is!” Nothing is too difficult for Him!
Keep the Faith!
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I agree Sis, we never have to carry our burden alone, God has given us each other to help and He gives us strength so we don’t fall into despair or fall away.
Thanks for visiting Sis and for your agreement in The Lord.
Christian Love Anne
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