With our lack of rain, I feared leaves were just shriveling up. But this past week, the colors exploded! Words cannot adequately describe the joy these colors bring to this earth for all to enjoy and to my soul.

Creation exclaims God’s glory and has much to teach us. As you read  “Advice from a Tree” slowly, perhaps open your heart to phrases or words the Spirit is highlighting for you. Maybe ask the Lord, “How am I doing in this area? Where do you want me to grow?”

I pray that you and I will be “like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf  does not wither.” Psalm 1:3

            Advice From a Tree  (By Ilan Shamir)

Dear friend,

Stand tall and proud

Sink your roots deeply into the earth

Reflect the light of your true nature

Think long term

Go out on a limb

Remember your place among all living beings

Embrace with joy the changing seasons

For each yields its own abundance

The energy and birth of spring

The growth and contentment of summer

The wisdom to let go like leaves in the fall

The rest and quiet renewal of winter

Feel the wind and the sun

And delight in their presence

Look up at the moon that shines down upon you

And the mystery of the stars at night

Seek nourishment from the good things of life

Simple pleasures

Earth, fresh air, light

Be content with your natural beauty

Drink plenty of water

Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes

Be flexible

Remember your roots

 Enjoy the view!

Last month, Neighbors, a city ministry with Cru, asked if I would do a short video presentation about symptoms and challenges of grief and loss due to Covid-19. Though it was hard to condense this topic to 13 minutes, when asked what was the “most helpful part” of the two-day conference some staff replied:

“Dana’s entire message / talk / encouragement.”

“The grief care part as we continue in a long season of life being abnormal.”

 “Definitely the acknowledgement of grief and the difficulty of engaging in Covid and this current cultural moment. The speakers were so tender and compassionate to us in our wrestling.”

 “Dana talk on Processing Pandemic Grief. It was inspiring, validating, and practical.”

EVERY 
Years ago Cru staff developed a website called EveryStudent.com to provide answers for many of college students’ key questions in life. This tool now spans 40 languages.

Our innovation team is researching how to make this tool even more engaging for U.S. students.

Global stats for the 2019-20 school year alone show 67,902,298 visits and 926,750 decisions to receive Christ.  You may enjoy checking it out!   EveryStudent.com  There is also an app for iPhones where you can forward articles, etc.