My Mom asked me recently how my quilt was coming along. I smiled and said "It's taking a lot longer than I thought and it's hard to find time to work on it. The evenings go by so fast."
I have sewn multiple projects. All by using a sewing machine and sometimes finishing it by hand sewing a hem, so hand piecing a quilt is an entirely new challenge for me.
I have managed to piece together 9 nine-piece blocks. Now I am in the process of putting the connecting pieces on those blocks. It has been very tempting to just set up my sewing machine and stitch it all together in the matter of hours, but I want to hand piece and hand quilt it. I will wait and take my time.
We live in a time when we want everything done instantly. Why? So we can move on to the next event, project or appointment?
Instant isn't always good. Instant potatoes leave a lot to be desired and so does instant coffee. Sometimes it is just better to wait, but it seems we have lost the ability to be patient and wait.
We need to learn to wait and most importantly, we need to learn to wait upon the Lord. So what happens when we wait on the Lord? The Bible tells us...
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14.
"The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him." Lamentations 3:25
I love what the psalmist wrote in Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God...."
Words to ponder as we "wait upon the Lord."
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Seasons
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
The seasons are changing here in the Midwest. The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are getting cooler. The leaves on the trees are changing colors and falling to the ground.
It is time to clean out the garden bed. We learned a lot with this garden and we are already planning some changes for next year. Fewer tomato and pepper plants will need to be purchased, since we had to actually remove some plants so there was room for growth. Green beans will be planted instead of carrots and leaf lettuce will replace the head lettuce.
The main purpose of planting our garden was to share with others and it was amazing the amount of produce we received from a garden that was 5 feet wide and 8 feet long. It was truly a blessing from God and not gardening expertise on our part.
We enjoyed fresh vegetables at our dinner table but the joy we received when we were able to fill a box with tomatoes, peppers and carrots and deliver them to the local mission surpassed everything else.
I am so thankful I have the opportunity to serve the Lord by giving to others. I have been so blessed to have others give to me when I was in need, I can't imagine not helping others. I am blessed.
My husband proof read this for me and the first thing he said was "Where is the hymn?" and immediately I thought of "There Shall Be Showers of Blessings", written in 1883.
There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.
There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.
My dear husband says "Now it is done."
The seasons are changing here in the Midwest. The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are getting cooler. The leaves on the trees are changing colors and falling to the ground.
It is time to clean out the garden bed. We learned a lot with this garden and we are already planning some changes for next year. Fewer tomato and pepper plants will need to be purchased, since we had to actually remove some plants so there was room for growth. Green beans will be planted instead of carrots and leaf lettuce will replace the head lettuce.
The main purpose of planting our garden was to share with others and it was amazing the amount of produce we received from a garden that was 5 feet wide and 8 feet long. It was truly a blessing from God and not gardening expertise on our part.
We enjoyed fresh vegetables at our dinner table but the joy we received when we were able to fill a box with tomatoes, peppers and carrots and deliver them to the local mission surpassed everything else.
I am so thankful I have the opportunity to serve the Lord by giving to others. I have been so blessed to have others give to me when I was in need, I can't imagine not helping others. I am blessed.
My husband proof read this for me and the first thing he said was "Where is the hymn?" and immediately I thought of "There Shall Be Showers of Blessings", written in 1883.
There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.
There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.
My dear husband says "Now it is done."
Sunday, October 6, 2013
The Kitchen Radio
When I think back to my growing up years it seems like it's the little things that bring back fond memories.
One of those 'little things' would be our kitchen radio. The first kitchen radio I remember was cream colored with a dial that you turned to bring in the station and a dial for the volume. It didn't have a clock or an alarm. It was just a regular radio. It sat on the counter in our kitchen and was turned on every morning to a local AM station.
We could tell what time it was by what was being announced. It would be local news, national news, the farm report and the weather report. I remember on days when the weather was bad I would listen carefully to the school cancellations, hoping school would be cancelled.
On Saturdays, the kitchen radio would be on to the same station but that was the day people would call in recipes to share. There was also a certain time people could call in to buy, sell or trade items they no longer needed.
When Sunday came the kitchen radio would be on while we were getting ready for church and the programming would be Christian based. I specifically remember the theme song to one of the programs being "Tell Me the Story of Jesus." This hymn was written by Fannie Crosby, who wrote thousands of hymns and poems during her lifetime, and it has a special place in my heart.
Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word.
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus,
Sang as they welcomed His birth.
“Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good tidings to earth.”
Fasting alone in the desert,
Tell of the days that are past.
How for our sins He was tempted,
Yet was triumphant at last.
Tell of the years of His labor,
Tell of the sorrow He bore.
He was despised and afflicted,
Homeless, rejected and poor.
Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,
Writhing in anguish and pain.
Tell of the grave where they laid Him,
Tell how He liveth again.
Love in that story so tender,
Clearer than ever I see.
Stay, let me weep while you whisper,
Love paid the ransom for me.
I am so thankful for the people, that God placed in my life, that took the time to tell me the story of Jesus.
The Sunday school teachers that took time out of their week to study the Word of God and prepare the weekly lesson they would teach. The pastors that would spend hours studying and preparing messages. These are people that had a direct influence in my life and my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Then there are people like Fanny Crosby who passed away long before I was born but have influenced my life with the music she wrote about Jesus.
God has blessed me greatly with many people in my life that loved Him and showed that love to me. I pray I can do the same for others.
I am also thankful for the memories I have of the kitchen radio and the Sunday morning hymns.
One of those 'little things' would be our kitchen radio. The first kitchen radio I remember was cream colored with a dial that you turned to bring in the station and a dial for the volume. It didn't have a clock or an alarm. It was just a regular radio. It sat on the counter in our kitchen and was turned on every morning to a local AM station.
We could tell what time it was by what was being announced. It would be local news, national news, the farm report and the weather report. I remember on days when the weather was bad I would listen carefully to the school cancellations, hoping school would be cancelled.
On Saturdays, the kitchen radio would be on to the same station but that was the day people would call in recipes to share. There was also a certain time people could call in to buy, sell or trade items they no longer needed.
When Sunday came the kitchen radio would be on while we were getting ready for church and the programming would be Christian based. I specifically remember the theme song to one of the programs being "Tell Me the Story of Jesus." This hymn was written by Fannie Crosby, who wrote thousands of hymns and poems during her lifetime, and it has a special place in my heart.
Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word.
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus,
Sang as they welcomed His birth.
“Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good tidings to earth.”
Refrain
Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word.
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Write on my heart every word.
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell of the days that are past.
How for our sins He was tempted,
Yet was triumphant at last.
Tell of the years of His labor,
Tell of the sorrow He bore.
He was despised and afflicted,
Homeless, rejected and poor.
Refrain
Writhing in anguish and pain.
Tell of the grave where they laid Him,
Tell how He liveth again.
Love in that story so tender,
Clearer than ever I see.
Stay, let me weep while you whisper,
Love paid the ransom for me.
I am so thankful for the people, that God placed in my life, that took the time to tell me the story of Jesus.
The Sunday school teachers that took time out of their week to study the Word of God and prepare the weekly lesson they would teach. The pastors that would spend hours studying and preparing messages. These are people that had a direct influence in my life and my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Then there are people like Fanny Crosby who passed away long before I was born but have influenced my life with the music she wrote about Jesus.
God has blessed me greatly with many people in my life that loved Him and showed that love to me. I pray I can do the same for others.
I am also thankful for the memories I have of the kitchen radio and the Sunday morning hymns.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Follow the leader...
Do you remember the games you played as a child? Hide and Go Seek, Red Rover, Captain May I?, Kick the Can, Dodgeball or Follow the Leader?
Most of the games just involved people. You didn't need expensive equipment or special shoes. In Kick the Can of course you needed a good sized can. This usually was an old coffee can that was used as 'base'. In Dodgeball you needed a ball that didn't hurt too bad if you were hit by it. The rules were easy and any number of people could play.
Follow the Leader was probably the easiest of all. You follow the leader. If the leader flaps their arms you flap your arms. If the leader skips you skip. Pretty easy stuff. You really only needed to wonder what the leader was going to have you do. So you did need to have some ability to trust the people you were playing with.
Most of us no longer get to play these simple childhood games. The question now is, who should we follow?
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. Matthew 9: 9
Peter, Andrew and Matthew didn't ask questions when Jesus called to them. They just followed. They trusted Jesus. We should and can have that same trust in Jesus.
I love old hymns and the thought of following Jesus brought a favorite hymn to my mind. It's called "Footsteps of Jesus" and it was written by Mary B. Slade in 1871.
Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,
Come, follow Me!
And we see where Thy footprints falling
Lead us to Thee.
Refrain:
Footprints of Jesus,
That make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus
Where’er they go.
Though they lead o’er the cold, dark mountains,
Seeking His sheep;
Or along by Siloam’s fountains,
Helping the weak.
If they lead through the temple holy,
Preaching the Word;
Or in homes of the poor and lowly,
Serving the Lord.
Though, dear Lord, in Thy pathway keeping,
We follow Thee;
Through the gloom of that place of weeping,
Gethsemane!
If Thy way and its sorrows bearing,
We go again,
Up the slope of the hillside, bearing
Our cross of pain.
By and by, through the shining portals,
Turning our feet,
We shall walk, with the glad immortals,
Heav’n’s golden street.
Then, at last, when on high He sees us,
Our journey done,
We will rest where the steps of Jesus
End at His throne.
Following in the footsteps of Jesus. Is there anyway we could go wrong or be lead astray? The answer is simple. No.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. John 12:26
Let's follow Jesus together.
Most of the games just involved people. You didn't need expensive equipment or special shoes. In Kick the Can of course you needed a good sized can. This usually was an old coffee can that was used as 'base'. In Dodgeball you needed a ball that didn't hurt too bad if you were hit by it. The rules were easy and any number of people could play.
Follow the Leader was probably the easiest of all. You follow the leader. If the leader flaps their arms you flap your arms. If the leader skips you skip. Pretty easy stuff. You really only needed to wonder what the leader was going to have you do. So you did need to have some ability to trust the people you were playing with.
Most of us no longer get to play these simple childhood games. The question now is, who should we follow?
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. Matthew 9: 9
Peter, Andrew and Matthew didn't ask questions when Jesus called to them. They just followed. They trusted Jesus. We should and can have that same trust in Jesus.
I love old hymns and the thought of following Jesus brought a favorite hymn to my mind. It's called "Footsteps of Jesus" and it was written by Mary B. Slade in 1871.
Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,
Come, follow Me!
And we see where Thy footprints falling
Lead us to Thee.
Refrain:
Footprints of Jesus,
That make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus
Where’er they go.
Seeking His sheep;
Or along by Siloam’s fountains,
Helping the weak.
If they lead through the temple holy,
Preaching the Word;
Or in homes of the poor and lowly,
Serving the Lord.
Though, dear Lord, in Thy pathway keeping,
We follow Thee;
Through the gloom of that place of weeping,
Gethsemane!
If Thy way and its sorrows bearing,
We go again,
Up the slope of the hillside, bearing
Our cross of pain.
By and by, through the shining portals,
Turning our feet,
We shall walk, with the glad immortals,
Heav’n’s golden street.
Then, at last, when on high He sees us,
Our journey done,
We will rest where the steps of Jesus
End at His throne.
Following in the footsteps of Jesus. Is there anyway we could go wrong or be lead astray? The answer is simple. No.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. John 12:26
Let's follow Jesus together.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Wildflowers
As a little girl growing up I liked to pick flowers for my Grandma. I enjoyed picking the violets and dandelions that would grow in her yard. The problem was I would pick them with very short stems, but my Grandma would gladly accept my fistful of short stemmed violets and dandelions and put them in a glass of water and they would live for a couple hours. (and yes, purple violets and yellow dandelions look great together.)
I haven't picked wildflowers in a long time, but I love going on walks and taking pictures of them.
Earlier this summer we had the opportunity to take a walk in a restored prairie. The flowers were amazing! Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera but it was so much fun to look at all the different flowers and listen to the birds singing. It was so peaceful!
We also had the opportunity to take a trip to northern Minnesota this summer. While we were there Martin and I took a walk in a bog. Now that may not sound exciting to a lot of people, but it was so much fun. Martin is very patient and would wait for me as I took pictures of flowers, but it wasn't long until he was taking pictures of the lady bug on a flower that my camera couldn't focus on.
Later in the day as we were walking back to the cabin a butterfly had landed on a flower and Martin had his camera and started taking pictures of it for me. It was so exciting to see not only the butterfly on the flower but three bees as well!
We are surrounded by God's creation and it is beautiful! We need to take time to enjoy it! The scenery of a mountain range is grand, but take a close look at the flowers on the side of the mountain. They are amazing!
"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." Genesis 1:31
Yes, it is very good! So take a walk and enjoy the colorful flowers and listen to the birds singing! Take time to appreciate what God has done. Experience the beauty of His creation! It is very good!
I haven't picked wildflowers in a long time, but I love going on walks and taking pictures of them.
Earlier this summer we had the opportunity to take a walk in a restored prairie. The flowers were amazing! Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera but it was so much fun to look at all the different flowers and listen to the birds singing. It was so peaceful!
We also had the opportunity to take a trip to northern Minnesota this summer. While we were there Martin and I took a walk in a bog. Now that may not sound exciting to a lot of people, but it was so much fun. Martin is very patient and would wait for me as I took pictures of flowers, but it wasn't long until he was taking pictures of the lady bug on a flower that my camera couldn't focus on.
Later in the day as we were walking back to the cabin a butterfly had landed on a flower and Martin had his camera and started taking pictures of it for me. It was so exciting to see not only the butterfly on the flower but three bees as well!
We are surrounded by God's creation and it is beautiful! We need to take time to enjoy it! The scenery of a mountain range is grand, but take a close look at the flowers on the side of the mountain. They are amazing!
"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." Genesis 1:31
Yes, it is very good! So take a walk and enjoy the colorful flowers and listen to the birds singing! Take time to appreciate what God has done. Experience the beauty of His creation! It is very good!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Sew Many Possibilities
When I was about 7 years old my Mom taught me how to embroider. Mom would take a flour sack dishtowel and she would iron a picture onto the corner of the towel. She would then help me fasten the towel into a wooden hoop and I would use a very basic stitch to outline the picture. I remember the time I was working very hard and when I went to put the embroidery aside and I had stitched the towel to my dress. All the stitching had to be removed in order to detach it from my dress. Expert I was not.
A couple years later Mom taught me how to crochet. I would make granny square afghans and other simple projects. Mom would cut a decorative dishtowel in half and stitch the end, then I would crochet the top so it could hang from a cupboard or stove handle. It seemed like we made hundreds of these towels for gifts and to sell.
Eventually I also learned how to sew. I made my first project in 7th grade Home Economics class. It was a very simple top. After that I made numerous skirts, tops and dresses. Some turned out really well, other projects would sit unfinished because they just weren't turning out as expected.
Recently, I have had the desire to try quilting. My Mom has been piecing and quilting for about 25 years so once again I am seeking her advice on learning a new craft. So far the fabric has been selected and washed. It will then to be cut, arranged, pieced and quilted. I'm really looking forward to working on this project and once again learning from my Mom.
Have you ever thought about all the sewing projects mentioned in the Bible? In Exodus 28, we learn about the garments that would be made for the priests. These no doubt were extraordinary garments. "And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty." Exodus 28:2.
Hannah was barren and prayed to the Lord for a son. She promised to "give him unto the Lord all the days of his life." The Lord answered her prayer and the child was named Samuel. Samuel went to live with the priest Eli and minister unto the Lord. "Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year... 1 Samuel 2:19. A mother making a coat for her son she had given back to the Lord. What love would have gone into making that coat.
"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did." Acts 9:36 Dorcas had been ill and died. Peter was sent for and when he arrived widows were there weeping and showing him the coats and garments Dorcas had made. Dorcas was a seamstress that would make clothing for those in need.
My skills in embroidery would not have been called on for the priestly garments and the fleece coat I made for my daughter when she was little couldn't compare to the coat Hannah made for Samuel. But I do feel I can follow the example set by Dorcas in sewing for those in need. A nice warm quilt to wrap up in on a cold night or dresses made from decorative pillow cases for girls. There are "sew" many possibilities for me the pick from.
Jesus said "For I was an hungered, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." Matthew 25:35 & 36
A couple years later Mom taught me how to crochet. I would make granny square afghans and other simple projects. Mom would cut a decorative dishtowel in half and stitch the end, then I would crochet the top so it could hang from a cupboard or stove handle. It seemed like we made hundreds of these towels for gifts and to sell.
Eventually I also learned how to sew. I made my first project in 7th grade Home Economics class. It was a very simple top. After that I made numerous skirts, tops and dresses. Some turned out really well, other projects would sit unfinished because they just weren't turning out as expected.
Recently, I have had the desire to try quilting. My Mom has been piecing and quilting for about 25 years so once again I am seeking her advice on learning a new craft. So far the fabric has been selected and washed. It will then to be cut, arranged, pieced and quilted. I'm really looking forward to working on this project and once again learning from my Mom.
Have you ever thought about all the sewing projects mentioned in the Bible? In Exodus 28, we learn about the garments that would be made for the priests. These no doubt were extraordinary garments. "And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty." Exodus 28:2.
Hannah was barren and prayed to the Lord for a son. She promised to "give him unto the Lord all the days of his life." The Lord answered her prayer and the child was named Samuel. Samuel went to live with the priest Eli and minister unto the Lord. "Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year... 1 Samuel 2:19. A mother making a coat for her son she had given back to the Lord. What love would have gone into making that coat.
"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did." Acts 9:36 Dorcas had been ill and died. Peter was sent for and when he arrived widows were there weeping and showing him the coats and garments Dorcas had made. Dorcas was a seamstress that would make clothing for those in need.
My skills in embroidery would not have been called on for the priestly garments and the fleece coat I made for my daughter when she was little couldn't compare to the coat Hannah made for Samuel. But I do feel I can follow the example set by Dorcas in sewing for those in need. A nice warm quilt to wrap up in on a cold night or dresses made from decorative pillow cases for girls. There are "sew" many possibilities for me the pick from.
Jesus said "For I was an hungered, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." Matthew 25:35 & 36
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Comfort
I have a fond memory from growing up when my Mom would use a pressure cooker to cook a piece of beef. Our pressure cooker was pretty heavy and when it was on the stove we weren't supposed to touch the valve on top. It would spit out steam and make a chittering noise. (that is the best way I can describe the noise.) I just knew the outcome would be the best beef and noodle dinner ever. Comfort food.
Several years ago I was going through a difficult time and I received a "comfort quilt" from a lady in New York state. We have never met but we have a mutual friend. This friend had shared with her the trial I was going through. She loves to quilt and she makes what she calls "comfort quilts" for people that need comforting. This quilt has brought me comfort and warmth.
Comfort can come from memories, from food or from wrapping up in a blanket. However, everlasting comfort comes from Jesus.
I think the hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" is one of the most comforting hymns I know. It was written by Anthony Showalter and Elisha Hoffman. It was published in 1887 so has given many years of comfort.
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms; What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Several years ago I was going through a difficult time and I received a "comfort quilt" from a lady in New York state. We have never met but we have a mutual friend. This friend had shared with her the trial I was going through. She loves to quilt and she makes what she calls "comfort quilts" for people that need comforting. This quilt has brought me comfort and warmth.
Comfort can come from memories, from food or from wrapping up in a blanket. However, everlasting comfort comes from Jesus.
I think the hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" is one of the most comforting hymns I know. It was written by Anthony Showalter and Elisha Hoffman. It was published in 1887 so has given many years of comfort.
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
- Refrain:
- Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
- Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
- O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
- Leaning on the everlasting arms;
- O how bright the path grows from day to day,
- Leaning on the everlasting arms.
- What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
- Leaning on the everlasting arms;
- I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
- Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Open Doors
I grew up in a old farmhouse. We didn't use the front door very often because it was easier to come in the side door and enter the kitchen. The screen door had a wooden frame but it was mostly screen and it had a long spring so it would slam shut. It was pretty easy to tell when someone came in or went outside, especially in the summer.
The front door was also wooden but it had a glass window with a pretty frosted picture in it. It was amazing it was never broken because across from the door was the staircase and like most kids I would jump the last several stairs and use the door to keep from falling. I am the youngest of five kids so I was not the first to jump the stairs and hit the door.
There are so many different kinds of doors. Dutch doors, French doors, pocket doors, sliding glass doors, revolving doors and automatic doors. Automatic doors are neat and over the years have changed from opening when you stepped on a special mat to using an electronic eye when you walk near. It has been made pretty easy to gain entrance into a place that has an automatic door.
There is one door that isn't automatic, you need to open it yourself. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20
Jesus is knocking. He wants you to answer the door and accept His gift of forgiveness. He wants to be your Lord and Savior. It's not an automatic door, you need to answer and invite Him into your life.
The following hymn was written by Fannie Crosby. She lived from 1820 to 1915 and was blind from the age of 6 weeks, but that didn't keep her from writing over 8,000 hymns.
and hear me pleading evermore,
with gentle voice: O heart of sin,
may I come in? May I come in?
Refrain:
Behold me standing at the door,
and hear me pleading evermore:
say, weary heart, oppressed with sin,
may I come in? May I come in?
I bore the cruel thorns for thee,
I waited long and patiently:
say, weary heart, oppressed with sin,
may I come in? May I come in? Refrain
I would not plead with thee in vain;
remember all my grief and pain!
I died to ransom thee from sin,
may I come in? May I come in? Refrain
I bring thee joy from heaven above,
I bring thee pardon, peace, and love:
say, weary heart, oppressed with sin,
may I come in? May I come in? Refrain
Will you answer the door? Will you let Jesus in? It's not an automatic door you need to open it yourself and let Him in. I pray you will.
The front door was also wooden but it had a glass window with a pretty frosted picture in it. It was amazing it was never broken because across from the door was the staircase and like most kids I would jump the last several stairs and use the door to keep from falling. I am the youngest of five kids so I was not the first to jump the stairs and hit the door.
There are so many different kinds of doors. Dutch doors, French doors, pocket doors, sliding glass doors, revolving doors and automatic doors. Automatic doors are neat and over the years have changed from opening when you stepped on a special mat to using an electronic eye when you walk near. It has been made pretty easy to gain entrance into a place that has an automatic door.
There is one door that isn't automatic, you need to open it yourself. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20
Jesus is knocking. He wants you to answer the door and accept His gift of forgiveness. He wants to be your Lord and Savior. It's not an automatic door, you need to answer and invite Him into your life.
The following hymn was written by Fannie Crosby. She lived from 1820 to 1915 and was blind from the age of 6 weeks, but that didn't keep her from writing over 8,000 hymns.
Behold Me Standing at the Door
Behold me standing at the door,and hear me pleading evermore,
with gentle voice: O heart of sin,
may I come in? May I come in?
Refrain:
Behold me standing at the door,
and hear me pleading evermore:
say, weary heart, oppressed with sin,
may I come in? May I come in?
I bore the cruel thorns for thee,
I waited long and patiently:
say, weary heart, oppressed with sin,
may I come in? May I come in? Refrain
I would not plead with thee in vain;
remember all my grief and pain!
I died to ransom thee from sin,
may I come in? May I come in? Refrain
I bring thee joy from heaven above,
I bring thee pardon, peace, and love:
say, weary heart, oppressed with sin,
may I come in? May I come in? Refrain
Will you answer the door? Will you let Jesus in? It's not an automatic door you need to open it yourself and let Him in. I pray you will.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Perfect Peace
Recently our family went on a overnight camp out. The state forest we like to camp at has primitive camping, with no electricity, outhouse bathrooms and the only running water is the trout stream. It is an absolutely beautiful place. It gave us the opportunity to enjoy God's creation. It is truly amazing how many shades of green there are with the grass, leaves and evergreen trees all blending together. The trout stream next to our campsite was a continual sound of running water and the birds were singing their songs. It wasn't quiet by any means, but it was peaceful.
I grew up on a farm. Sometimes I would sit in the backyard with my Dad on the summer evenings. He loved to sit and look out over the fields. He would whittle on a stick just to pass the time. It was just a time to be quiet and enjoy the peaceful surroundings watching the clouds go by and wait for the lightning bugs and the stars to come out.
Where do we find peace? I'm not talking about the peace we can find on a camping trip or in our backyard watching clouds. Where do we find everlasting peace?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22. Are you seeking peace? You will find peace in the Lord by following Him and having the Holy Spirit in you. It's your choice. I pray you find the peace the Lord has for you. It is everlasting if you follow and trust in Him. Peace be with you.
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
I grew up on a farm. Sometimes I would sit in the backyard with my Dad on the summer evenings. He loved to sit and look out over the fields. He would whittle on a stick just to pass the time. It was just a time to be quiet and enjoy the peaceful surroundings watching the clouds go by and wait for the lightning bugs and the stars to come out.
Where do we find peace? I'm not talking about the peace we can find on a camping trip or in our backyard watching clouds. Where do we find everlasting peace?
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22. Are you seeking peace? You will find peace in the Lord by following Him and having the Holy Spirit in you. It's your choice. I pray you find the peace the Lord has for you. It is everlasting if you follow and trust in Him. Peace be with you.
"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Seeking Simplicity
A couple weeks ago Martin and I went for a drive through Amish country. We love going there to see the horses and go into the shops. There were a couple farmers working in the fields with teams of horses. Children were playing in the yards. Huge gardens had been planted. Obviously, they are hard working because every home, field and garden are well tended. None of the homes or businesses have electricity, but from our point of view their lives have a certain level of simplicity to them.
As I've gotten older and matured in my relationship with the Lord, my desire for a simple life has grown. As I seek simplicity the scriptures remind me of what the Lord has for me. David writes in Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." I think we often pass by this verse to get to the still waters and green pastures but it's an amazing verse. I shall not want! The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." This isn't all our wants, but all our need. Clearly God wants to guide us and provide for us, but we have to be willing to accept his guidance and provision. Just how close am I willing to walk with God?
I love hymns. So when I was thinking about my walk with the Lord I couldn't help but think of the hymn Just a Closer Walk with Thee. So I did some research and the author of this wonderful hymn is unknown but it has been recorded by many artists since 1941. Yes, even Elvis Presley.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
As I've gotten older and matured in my relationship with the Lord, my desire for a simple life has grown. As I seek simplicity the scriptures remind me of what the Lord has for me. David writes in Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." I think we often pass by this verse to get to the still waters and green pastures but it's an amazing verse. I shall not want! The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." This isn't all our wants, but all our need. Clearly God wants to guide us and provide for us, but we have to be willing to accept his guidance and provision. Just how close am I willing to walk with God?
I love hymns. So when I was thinking about my walk with the Lord I couldn't help but think of the hymn Just a Closer Walk with Thee. So I did some research and the author of this wonderful hymn is unknown but it has been recorded by many artists since 1941. Yes, even Elvis Presley.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.
I'll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to thee. The simple life...I think I may get it right yet. I pray you are blessed in your walk with the Lord.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Red Geraniums
Today is Memorial Day. In my life red geraniums and Memorial Day go together. As a child I would go with my Dad to the cemetery to plant flowers on the grave of my Grandpa. We always planted red geraniums. My Dad said that was the only flower he ever wanted me to put on his grave. A very simple request. So for the past 24 years every Memorial weekend I buy red geraniums and drive to the cemetery where I plant them on my Dad's grave, along with my Grandparent's and my Uncle's graves.
Memorial Day is also the day we honor those who have served our country. My Dad served in the army during the Korean War. So many men and women have served and are serving our country so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. I am so thankful for the sacrifices they make. They put their lives on line for us. Jesus said "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.
Jesus is my friend. He laid down is life for me. A hymn comes to mind that was written by Will L. Thompson in 1904.
Jesus is All the World to Me
Jesus is all the world to me, my life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day, without Him I would fall.
When I am sad, to Him I go, no other one can cheer me so;
When I am sad, He makes me glad, He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me, my Friend in trials sore;
I go to Him for blessings, and He gives them over and o’er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain, He sends the harvest’s golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain, He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me, and true to Him I’ll be;
O how could I this Friend deny, when He’s so true to me?
Following Him I know I’m right, He watches o’er me day and night;
Following Him by day and night, He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me, I want no better Friend;
I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when life’s fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend, beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy, He’s my Friend.
Is Jesus your friend? He is the best friend to have. I pray your Memorial Day is blessed.
Memorial Day is also the day we honor those who have served our country. My Dad served in the army during the Korean War. So many men and women have served and are serving our country so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. I am so thankful for the sacrifices they make. They put their lives on line for us. Jesus said "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.
Jesus is my friend. He laid down is life for me. A hymn comes to mind that was written by Will L. Thompson in 1904.
Jesus is All the World to Me
Jesus is all the world to me, my life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day, without Him I would fall.
When I am sad, to Him I go, no other one can cheer me so;
When I am sad, He makes me glad, He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me, my Friend in trials sore;
I go to Him for blessings, and He gives them over and o’er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain, He sends the harvest’s golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain, He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me, and true to Him I’ll be;
O how could I this Friend deny, when He’s so true to me?
Following Him I know I’m right, He watches o’er me day and night;
Following Him by day and night, He’s my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me, I want no better Friend;
I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when life’s fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend, beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy, He’s my Friend.
Is Jesus your friend? He is the best friend to have. I pray your Memorial Day is blessed.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Haven't a clue....
This is a new adventure for me. Blogging. I know it's been around for several years and I haven't jumped on the wagon, but I thought I would give it a try. It's kind of intimidating putting my thoughts out here for people to read, but I guess I want to share what the Lord has put on my heart and what He has done in the my life. I have been so blessed. But as the title of the post indicates. I haven't a clue what I'm doing.
I have tossed this idea around for awhile, but what do I call my blog? I know of a blog called "Whispers in the Wind." How cool is that. Another friend has "A Still Small Voice." So as I was driving this morning, I thought of "In the Garden." Gardens are everywhere. Recently I had the pleasure of planting a small garden. My Sweetheart built a raised garden bed for me, so I have planted carrots, lettuce, peppers and tomatoes. I'm very excited to see how it does. We hope it is plentiful so we can donate produce to the Mission of Hope. But if we are going to talk about gardens we need to remember that the Lord planted the very first one.
"And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed." Genesis 2:8 Just imagine how perfect and beautiful that garden was. It had to be amazing!
When Jesus went to pray, he went to the Garden of Gethsemane. He sought a peaceful place to be and to call on His Father. "And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray." Mark 14:32
"In The Garden" is also the title of a hymn written by C. Austin Miles in 1912. I remember singing this hymn at the little country church I attended growing up.
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
How wonderful to think of the Lord walking with me and talking to me. To feel His presence daily is what makes each day worthwhile. Peace to you and I pray you feel God's presence in your life.
I have tossed this idea around for awhile, but what do I call my blog? I know of a blog called "Whispers in the Wind." How cool is that. Another friend has "A Still Small Voice." So as I was driving this morning, I thought of "In the Garden." Gardens are everywhere. Recently I had the pleasure of planting a small garden. My Sweetheart built a raised garden bed for me, so I have planted carrots, lettuce, peppers and tomatoes. I'm very excited to see how it does. We hope it is plentiful so we can donate produce to the Mission of Hope. But if we are going to talk about gardens we need to remember that the Lord planted the very first one.
"And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed." Genesis 2:8 Just imagine how perfect and beautiful that garden was. It had to be amazing!
When Jesus went to pray, he went to the Garden of Gethsemane. He sought a peaceful place to be and to call on His Father. "And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray." Mark 14:32
"In The Garden" is also the title of a hymn written by C. Austin Miles in 1912. I remember singing this hymn at the little country church I attended growing up.
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
How wonderful to think of the Lord walking with me and talking to me. To feel His presence daily is what makes each day worthwhile. Peace to you and I pray you feel God's presence in your life.
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