Why "apples" ?

When I first began writing and teaching, it seemed like the theme of apples popped up everywhere. Not just in the traditional 'apple for the teacher' way...but in articles I would read, or sermons I would hear. Add to that my three favorite colors are red, yellow and green! But of the greatest interest to me was the fact that apples, just like people, contain unlimited potential. In each apple are several seeds, which in turn can become trees, which produce apples, which in turn contain several seeds, etc.! WOW! There you are....what I believe is God's most simple explanation for how powerful (or wasteful?) a life can be, if only that potential is appreciated.

Physically, what a wonder the apple is to our dietary health! How about how the apple can stir up our emotions---the smell of warm apple pie bringing welcome memories of Gramma's house or a favorite gift shoppe? And as I've said, considering your life illustrated as a freshly picked apple bursting with the seeds of potential is a-m-a-z-i-n-g, and serves to hopefully motivate one to bring that potential to fruition. At least it does me! So spiritually, that apple sitting on my desk can preach some fantastic sermons!

Yes, there can be a worm inside. But can I share with you an interesting fact about that 'negative' ? The little worm was not an invader that bore its way into the apple; it was already there on the bud of the apple and the fruit grew around it. The hole we observe is from the worm's exit! So what does that say to you and me? Maybe those 'worms' that have ruined our potential (or we think they did) were actually ALREADY RESIDENT inside of us, and as we made ourselves available to the Tender of our orchard, He picked us and began cleaning us up, the "holes" became obvious. Is the apple worth saving? Of course! Once in the Holy Spirit's kitchen, the damage is carefully removed and the fruit is used to make a delicious dessert!

So thats just the 'skin' of the apple....I could go on for days! And yes, I do think it was an apple that Adam and Eve ate in the Garden!

Apples.....People.........I love 'em!!!!!