Check out my other blogsite at HymnStudiesWithScripture.blogspot.com

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Passing the Torch

 

Over the past two and a half months I not only put a hold on my blog posts, but I couldn't continue in writing notes to encourage others. My heart wanted to, but my hands couldn't.

Instead, I received notes to encourage me on a daily basis. I, once again, was reminded what words of encouragement could accomplish to help a person during a difficult trial.

I'm very thankful for all the cards and written words I received, but I want to share with you one note that really touched my heart and the purpose of this ministry God has given me.


As many of you know, I began writing notes after receiving a note when I was going through a difficult time. It made such an impression on my heart, that I knew I wanted to touch others in this way.

Recently I received a handmade note card from a young lady whose heart had been touched by notes I had written to her mother. She saw how the notes made her mother smile and how her mother loved to be thought of, and that meant a lot to this young lady. So she wrote me a note to tell me she was praying for me and Mr. Jerry and missed seeing me.

Friends, that's what we all hope to do as we serve Christ. Open the eyes of another to a possible opportunity of service that's filled with hope, God's love and His encouragement. What a blessing to my heart to see the torch pass on to someone else.

I sent one of my books with Jerry to church last Sunday and asked him to give it to this young lady. I wanted to offer her encouragement as she considers the value of a note.

I don't know when or if this young lady will begin a note writing ministry, but the seed has been planted. God waters and instills the gift! Maybe another little bird will be delivering encouraging notes to cheer the hearts of others!



This was a golden blessing that came during a time of personal trial. Now isn't God just like that!

Monday, March 16, 2015

A Happy Day

                                       Abby and Jo staying close to Mom's seat on the couch!

Throughout the past 2 1/2 months since I took leave from my weekly posts, I would occasionally pull up my blog to see if there had been any visitors. There always were, although not very many.

Not knowing when I will begin my weekly posts again, or perhaps every other week, I decided I wanted to write a happier post than my last one at the end of December. So here it is:

Spring is ready to show its lovely face as temperatures warm, birds sing and clean out bird houses, and our early flowers of crocuses and daffodils begin to sprout from the ground. I'm ready for it!

I've had a long and trying 2 1/2 months, but my time of trial is over and my time of refreshment has arrived!

I won't have the strength to work in my gardens as in previous springs, but I can see in my heart all the beauty waiting to open on it's own, and I'm excited. Thank goodness for perennials!

I'm starting some flowers from seed for the first time. I'm anxious to see them grow and be ready to plant after the last frost. My sister-in-law, Bobbie, is loaning me a wel used seedling stand with light, and I'll be planting giant zinnias. She gave me two giant zinnias last year, and I planted them in my wildflower garden. They were amazing! Jerry loved them too, so we're going to have some in all three gardens.


We have seeds for orange, red, pink, yellow and purple flowers. I can hardly wait!


I'll be back again soon to share about my baby leaves and the hope of new life that God provides. New life indeed! Happy Spring!

Tested and Approved

"Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test." Romans 16:10  The above words are all that are said about Apelles. N...