Looking up at the almost naked trees, I could see new life trying to come forth.  Small green buds were popping out of the branches, pushing off the last dead clinging leaves.  The trees would soon be in full bloom…lush…green…beautiful!

Standing alone in the quietness, still hearing the occasional dead leaf fall as new life tried to break forth, I was reminded of my own life.  I had been dead, and lifeless in my trespasses and my sins.  But Jesus found me, and something wonderful happened!  As His love and knowledge of salvation coursed through my veins, I became alive!  And, just like the still clinging leaves, as His life ran through me, the old, dead things fell away.  I saw myself standing ankle-deep in my old sins.  Old habits fell off around me like chains being undone…I was breaking free! The old leaf, (sin) of bitterness was replaced with joy.  Instead of hatred, I felt love.  No more chaos, only peace.  No grudges…only forgiveness.  The harsh words left as gentle ones replaced them.  Bad things were gone.  Only goodness remained.  Instead of believing the worst, I hoped for the best.  My spirit became quiet and meek, not confrontational.  I finally could keep myself in check, whereas before, I did things in excess. Then it hit me…and what a revelation!  The fruits of the Spirit are not ONLY manifestations of what we as believers are to bear in our lives; but also fruit that we have access to partake of on a daily basis! THANK YOU LORD FOR MY NEW LIFE! By:  Anita Mondragon