“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” ~ James 5:13
Photograph courtesy of morguefile/orchid
I struggle so often to find a daily post. My mind and spirit become bound by current events and the horrors people all around the globe are facing each day. As I go about my daily life, living out the things I post about, at the back of my mind is a constant thought, like the proverbial hamster on the wheel, “What is going on in our world? How can the evil be stopped?”
I don’t have the answer; I don’t have the solution…but God does. And so, I will wait upon him…praying…singing…and praising his Holy Name.
“God wants to avert judgment, and He’s simply looking for one person who will pay the price in prayer and in faith and in commitment, whatever it takes, to get a hold of God and not let loose.” ~ Del Fehsenfeld Jr.
I love this beautiful Samoan hymn. Take a moment and listen to the timeless words and melody. This song is a wonderful reminder that the world is filled with those who love the Lord. They are all our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.
I try to take a moment or two daily to write down what I call a “Hallelujah” prayer to the Lord. I don’t think the Lord would mind me sharing here what spilled out of me yesterday in the face of the escalating evil against Christians and others who don’t follow the plans of radical ideologies and governments.
“The times we are living in are deteriorating into a horror show…and no one seems to know how to turn away from the spectacle of what is unfolding and do something about it. But what is to be done?”
We all need to pray DAILY for what is happening to our brothers and sisters in Christ. I keep asking my husband, ‘Why aren’t those in leadership calling on all of us for prayer every day?’ If, like me, you feel a sense of futility in regards to the current condition of our world, reach out to the Lord Jesus in your need. Your need is a bridge that will bring you to Him. People everywhere, we all must PRAY about what is happening to these innocents.
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
~ Psalm 139:1-3
I have a delightful dilemma for this coming gardening year. Do I keep my geraniums indoors or let them have a grand vacation outdoors? This would not be a question in past years. Previously, I have stored my geraniums in the winter with bare roots boxed and in a cool place. They often live in this dormant state, but they don’t thrive as they have done this year.
In the summer of 2014 I grew all my geraniums in pots and decided against pulling them out of the soil for storing. I saved the plants by growing them over the winter in my sunniest window.
One of the geraniums has reached amazing heights, and I don’t want to cut it back, but I know if placed outdoors the summer winds and storms will certainly knock it over. And there you have my delightful dilemma, do I take all of the plants outdoors, or do I keep the best ones inside and maintain their pristine condition? Hmmmmm….maybe I will split them up and take note of the results for next year. Updates will follow.
Quick Tip: When your geraniums bloom indoors they will eventually lose all their flower petals. Be very careful not to vacuum these with the vacuum flush to the floor. The geraniums will stain your carpet and the color is hard to remove. I know this from experience of course! 😦 Walking on one accidentally will have the same effect.
The weather has turned warm in my area of New Jersey…perfect for an early Spring Walk. I took advantage of the warmth and strolled the paths of a local park. I love pussy willows, and as I gazed upward at the fuzzy catkins, awash in pollen, I made my first bumble bee sighting of 2015.
He was “Busy as a Bee,” butting and bumbling amongst the golden strands of pollen. On arriving home I followed his example and busied myself making a list of Springtime garden chores. The list looks daunting, but contrary to other to-do lists, this one fills me with JOY! Sunshine, birdsong and muddy fingers await me when I put this list into practice. Yes, I will be busy as that bumblebee this week.
As I was composing this post my husband walked by the room and said, “There’s an orange sky behind you.”
The sight of the brilliant morning sky reminded me that while I can choose to be as busy as a bee, I also need set aside time to cherish the splendor of the springtime and guard against being so completely immersed in the seasonal tasks that I fail to enjoy the glory surrounding me.
ORIGIN OF “BUSY AS A BEE.”
“Ey! Goddes mercy!” sayd our Hoste tho,
Now such a wyf I pray God keep me fro.
Lo, suche sleightes and subtilitees
In wommen be; for ay as busy as bees.”
~ Geoffrey Chaucer, Canterbury Tales, Squire’s Tale
Betwixt and Between – “Undecided, midway between two alternatives, neither here nor there.” The Free Dictionary
Winter is waning, but still trying to hold us in the grip of its icy fingers. Spring is attempting to become a reality and turn Winter into nothing but a bad memory. Who is winning? I hope it is Spring, but this past week has been a dilly of an example of living in the “Betwixt and Between.”
The sun has begun to shine as if it means business.
The volleyball court at the local park resembles a pond,
The sidewalk resembles a stream.
The skunk cabbages, regardless of the snowy surroundings, are thrusting their folded leaves toward the sky.
Yesterday, after the snow finally disappeared, the crocus opened their golden blooms and the birds began singing “The Hallelujah Chorus.” I am joining in with a few “Hallelujahs” of my own. Welcome Spring, you can’t arrive soon enough for me.
“Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.” ~ John Milton
Live each day with a grateful heart.
I recently, quite by accident, stumbled upon a blog post where the author decried the many people who “followed” his blog. How sad—other than the spam he mentioned, and even after reading what he called a “humorous” explanation, I can’t understand why any blogger would not want his or her blog read or followed.
Please know, I feel quite the opposite…I DELIGHT in the comments fellow bloggers and others leave on my blog. I cherish the “Likes” you are kind enough to give me. To all who visit these pages and follow my blog; I thank you with all of my heart. Blessings on your day!
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” (Philippians 2:14-15).
“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” ~Henry Ward Beecher
At times in this world of trouble we need a reminder of where our focus should lie. Please pray today and every day for those enduring religious and ethnic persecution.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.” Robert McCheyne (1813-1843)
Let each of us remember to pray every day for our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” ~ Ephesians 6:18
We all long for it, but achieving it is not as “Simplistic” as it seems. Enjoy these “Simple” quotes and a few gentle reminders that Spring is on its way.
“Simplicity in character, in manners, in style; in all things the supreme excellence is simplicity.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“There is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth.” ~ Leo Tolstoy
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” ~ Socrates
“Whatever science and philosophy may do for mankind, the world can never outgrow its need of the simplicity that is in Christ.” ~ Lucy Larcom
There are some blessed with more money than they know what to do with, others have just enough, and then there are the rest of us who make-do with what we have and keep appliances, furniture and clothing for as long as we possibly can.
Frugality is a good habit to develop, and a good way to live, but all of us now and then need the boost of a small luxury. For me this usually means a houseplant, a new art supply or something for the garden.
African Violets can often be found for a dollar or two, but a year or so ago I spotted a sample of this beautiful violet at the Philadelphia Flower Show and just had to have it. I don’t know if it was the frilly edge of green circling each petal, or maybe the name “Mystic Mermaid,” but my heart pitter-pattered and I reached for my wallet at the African Violet plant stand. The violet I purchased was double, perhaps triple the price of a grocery store violet, and consisted of half a dozen leaves, but I took the speedline home with daydreams of the plant blooming in my home. It has taken quite awhile for my violet to fulfill my dreams, but it has been worth the wait.
We all need a few small luxuries in our lives. I still get excited about robin’s egg pieces I find when walking in the Spring. I carry them home in the cradle of my palm, but they are extremely fragile, and shatter in a few weeks. Love for the real thing makes me quite the pushover for ceramic, wood and papier-mache robin’s eggs that are often found in shops in the Springtime. These also make my heart go pitter pat. Another small luxury that adds a bit of joy to my life.
Did you happen to notice the backdrop to my photographs? A page from “Anne of Green Gables” seems so appropriate as a backdrop for my small luxuries. The character of Anne Shirley found joy in small things and was thrilled over the loveliness in the world around her. If you’ve never read this book, please do, it is a wonderful story for all ages. There is also an excellent mini-series available in most public libraries based on the Anne of Green Gables books.
And so…this brings me to the end of my post. It might seem a little trivial, but it is just a reminder to those of us in throes of Winter with its diminished sun and cold temperatures; be good to yourself and indulge in a small luxury this week. It will bring a little rush of Springtime to your heart. Blessings!
This past weekend my two older grandsons had two nights of sleepover at our house. What fun we had watching movies, blowing up the air mattress, painting amazing artwork and shopping for snacks. It was fun to be a part of their hours here, but these two moments were heart-touchingly sweet, and worth sharing.
The boys love the bin of craft supplies in the basement. The bin is nothing more than a big container filled with recyclables I think hold creative promise. The younger grandson, in kindergarten, learning how to “create” and understand what a treasure is, put together a desk caddy for me from items in the bin. He presented his creation to me as I sat at my desk, his eyes shining with pride, and said, “Nanny, I know you will keep this forever.” Of course I will! Created out of an old coffee can and a CD holder, with loads of tape and an old brass number, it is a perfect receptacle for my pens and scissors.
Later, nearing the time for the boys to go back home, my older grandson disappeared. He came back bearing his gift to me, the thank you card in the photo above. I am blessed!
My grandmother, pictured here with my mother, uncle and grandfather, has been away in heaven for ten years this January. I will never stop missing her until I join her again one day. My mother recently remarked on this anniversary in an email to me. The email I sent her back is “Scene One” in my weekend of “Precious Moments.”
“Hi Mom, I miss Granny. I can’t believe it has been ten years. I miss all the grandparents all the time.
I was filling her shoes today with my older grandsons. They are precious. We had a conversation about God. They are both very spirit-filled. It astounds me. We talked about how God can forgive anything anyone does…past, present and future. **** said when he sees light he feels like it pulls him to it, I told him God is like light and pulls you to him. He liked that! We talked about Jesus being in your heart always and that he will NEVER leave you. They believe so strongly. ***** cried, he said he was so happy he cried. That is the Holy Spirit!”
My friends, that same precious Spirit our sweet boys experienced and cried with joy over is beckoning to you too. Christ Jesus stands before you, arms open wide, to invite you to dwell with Him for all eternity. If you aren’t His already, say yes to Him today. You will never regret it. Blessings on your day!
“So keep these commandments carefully in mind. Tie them to your hand to remind you to obey them, and tie them to your forehead between your eyes! Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting at home, when you are out walking, at bedtime, and before breakfast!” Deuteronomy 11:18-19
(This photo is terrific used as desktop wallpaper)
Christmas day is a week away. If you are like me, most of your shopping is complete, but perhaps you also suffer from the disease that takes hold of me at this time of year, “The Second-Guessing of Gift Choices,” disease.
“Will so-and-so like this color? Will this gift seem too thoughtless? Should I have given a ‘real’ gift instead of a gift card?”
I’m sorry to say that sometimes I give into the agonizing thoughts and run out to buy “Just One More Perfect Thing!”
This is the time of year when it is hard to maintain a gracious demeanor and mindset: terrible traffic, lack of parking spaces, rude and pushy shoppers, endless spending, too many cookies to bake, too many cookies begging you to eat them. (Did you know home-baked cookies are delicious even when eaten right out of the freezer?) This year, I’m going to audibly remind myself to be gracious and repeat the word ‘Grace’ until I can maintain it in the midst of stressful situations, even if I have to growl a little bit first: “Grrrrrrace! I think I can…I think I can…I think I can!
Here are a few wise words from Charles Spurgeon on grace towards other Christians, but we can easily substitute grace toward all mankind.
““We shall, as we ripen in grace, have greater sweetness towards our fellow Christians. Bitter-spirited Christians may know a great deal, but they are immature. Those who are quick to censure may be very acute in judgment, but they are as yet very immature in heart.
He who grows in grace remembers that he is but dust, and he therefore does not expect his fellow Christians to be anything more. He overlooks ten thousand of their faults, because he knows his God overlooks twenty thousand in his own case. He does not expect perfection in the creature, and, therefore, he is not disappointed when he does not find it.
This two minute Youtube video was created by a church in Grand Rapids, but if you look around the community where you live you will find churches that have the same message as those expressed in this outstanding presentation.
This morning, I started the day off by joining a little bird I heard singing outside my window. He sounded merry as he greeted December 1st. I tried to do the same and began to sing, “Joy to the World.” I didn’t get very far, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” My voice was silenced by the flood of God’s presence as I sang those words I know so well, but often don’t dwell upon.
Is my heart prepared and open to him this Christmas season…is yours? Have I kept a hallowed place within where only he can abide, or am I so busy, always setting my inner self to rights, that I cannot fall to my knees and treasure the moments he touches me…moments like the one I experienced this morning when I sang…”Prepare Him room?” My spirit rose and felt touched by God’s presence, when my heart answered, “Yes, I have prepared Him room.” I hope that anyone reading these words has done, or will do, the same. Please my friends, let your heart’s door open and prepare Him room at Christmas time and the whole year through. Blessings on you this Christmas Season.
Ingenuity – the quality of being clever, original, and inventive.
I was searching for songs to fill the “Song of the Day” category on my sidebar, and in my pursuit of the perfect melodies and lyrics came upon one of my all-time favorite singers, Johnny Cash. I love his music. Johnny Cash is one of, if not the most, distinctive voices of my lifetime. I had never heard the bit of “history” he shared in this video concerning the song, “I Walk the Line.” I had to share it in this blog post.
“History lesson young folks, 1955, we started out with just the two musicians, a bass and guitar…I liked the sound of a snare drum, so…I didn’t have a snare drum, so I put the paper in the strings and got my own.” ~ Johnny Cash
It’s a good reminder to me to do whatever it takes to reach my dreams, even if that means using a piece of paper as a snare drum.
Yesterday, as I was beginning to work on a project that has no promise of success, I was besieged by doubts and fears, the perfect breeding ground for inaction. The treasured goal my efforts might bring forth will have no chance of being reaped, if ever, for months, maybe years, perhaps even decades in the future. My inner turmoil was worsened by the fact that I started the project five and a half hours later than I had planned. Why? What happened to the determination filling my spirit as I went to bed last night? It’s the question I asked myself as I began, as always, by chronicling the time and what I was doing in my “Art” diary.
“October 8, 2014 – 2:30 – Well, I’m about 5.5 hours late to get in here. There is no good reason other than I am not feeling quite right since I fell yesterday, and I am struggling with a bit of downheartedness, and everything seems futile due to the threat of Ebola, terrorism and the economy tanking. I am grateful though that God abides.”
You can surmise from the diary entry the thought of spending time on anything pertaining to a future hope seemed useless to me. All the problems I wrote of…along with constant government mismanagement, natural disasters…in short complete global chaos, crowded into my thinking like evil specters in a haunted house and shouted, “Why bother?”
I’ll tell you why I’ll continue trying, my friend, I’ll keep on keeping on because of the last sentence in my diary entry.
“I am grateful though that God abides.”
As soon as I wrote those words a sense of peace filled me and the song “He Abides,” flashed through my mind. I went to Youtube and found a beautiful acapella version of the song, along with many other hymns by the same group on the sidebar. Peace filled my heart, and I decided to share both the song and how my thinking turned around. I hope you enjoy the words and this version of, “He Abides.”
Hymn written by Herbert Buffum. Full lyrics can be found on the Timeless Truths website.
Has a number ever gotten into your head? For some unknown reason the number 10,000 has been swirling around in mine. Are you aware that a “Myriad of Angels” is considered to be 10,000 angels?
I can imagine you shaking your head wondering where this post is going.
“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.”
Revelation 5:11
Myriad – 10,000 (from greek ‘murioi’)
Another of my 10,000’s is a decades old remembrance of people in my grandparent’s generation saying when they arrived in heaven they would spend 10,000 years at Jesus’ feet. Well, let me tell you, I loved Jesus, but my pre-teen brain immediately reared up in a contrary attitude when I heard that remark. There was no way I could ever do anything for so long. Now, at 56, imagining myself in the presence of Jesus, sitting at his feet eon after eon, fills me with rapturous joy.
I like Thomas Edison’s attitude of perseverance as he worked toward making our lives better.
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
~Thomas A. Edison
Another great 10,000 is the study that concluded 10,000 hours of practice often means excellence in your chosen field.
A 10,000 I love is the song, “He Could Have Called 10,000 Angels.” Searching for a sample of the tune to embed in this blog post I found this lovely Bluegrass rendition on Youtube.
This is a photo of the confusion of magnets, artwork and bits of paper on the side of my refrigerator. The shining star of the assemblage is the ultrasound photograph of my new grand-daughter, due in a few months; I already pray and think of her daily.
There are other precious babies, as yet unborn, who are in jeopardy of ever having a chance to walk this earth. Wouldn’t it be great if the mainstream media, newspapers, social media sites, and radio hosts would give as much time to saving them as they have to condemning the alleged abuses of a handful of men in the NFL ? I am not in any way condoning or diminishing the abusive behavior exhibited in the incidents, I’m just wishing as much verbal and written bravado was shown toward saving the unborn. It also would be encouraging to have several politicians actually fighting to diminish the ease with which the unborn are terminated rather than just giving “lip-service” to the pro-life movement.
Hmmmm…I just caught myself in my own net of condemnation, because isn’t that exactly what I am doing here…only stating the obvious? Speaking out against abortion is at least a toeing-up to the starting line. What are you saying or doing about the horror of abortion…anything at all?
And a thank you to my cousin Lisa, for opening up my eyes to the fact that I need to do more to uphold the right-to-life of the unborn.
