Blossoms Rare by B J Bassett

“I longed to leave the round of daily toil,

Where no one seemed to understand or care;

But Jesus said, “I chose for thee this soil,

That thou might’st raise for Me some blossoms rare.”

 

Selected

Streams in the Desert

 

 

Many years ago, while my children played in the front yard with their friends, I was alone in the backyard, pulling weeds. Discouraged about my life, I talked with God.

 

Since I was a teenager, I’d shared a close relationship with my Lord, and I longed to serve him. Yet as a mother of four, I felt I wasn’t doing enough for God’s kingdom. So, on that day, I prayed, “Lord, I long to serve you.” I yanked on another stubborn weed.

 

            Although God didn’t audibly speak to me, in my head and heart, I heard. This is your mission field.

 

            That day, in the backyard, was a turning point for me. I became more content with the routine of caring for my family.

 

            Today my children are in their fifties. They are not only a blessing to me but to others as well.

 

            If you’re a mother and questioning God about where you can serve him, maybe you are exactly where He wants you to be.

 

Father, thank you for my blossoms rare. Amen.

           

 

 

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea