God's Gift to Me

  

Baby leaves continue to thrill my heart.

Following is my annual post in the Spring. A gift for my encouragement and yours! I wrote this article in the late 1990s, and it was published in the early 2000's in Woman's Touch magazine.  

"The blistering wind hit my face as I opened the door. Winter was here. 'Come on, Sparkie,' I said. 'You have to go for a walk.'

"Sparkie, our 11-year-old dog, slowly walked through the door. 'Do we have to go out in this weather?' his eyes pleaded. That's how I felt too.

"The wind slapped my face and tears dropped from my eyes. 'Its been a difficult year, Lord,' I thought. Winter has harbored in my heart leaving me cold and dead, just like the trees. My eyes traveled around the yard taking in the bleak appearance. Problems had multiplied and left me drained of all my strength. 

"Again, I noticed the trees. Once full of foliage, they now stood bare before me. And the remains of our productive garden now showed hard, cracked earth. 'Even the geese took a detour on their way home,' I told the wind.

"Yes, the year had left stains, and the ache in my heart hurt. 'I know I should be thankful, Lord,' I whispered. 

"'Hurry Sparkie,' I yelled. 'I want to get back inside.'

"My eyes fixed on the maple tree behind our house. Stripped of all its colorful clothing, it looked dead. 'Just like my heart,' I thought. And then, I remembered the baby leaves.

"Last February, I began watching the buds develop on the maple tree. I couldn't remember ever taking the time to watch leaves grow, and decided I'd see firsthand how God gave them birth.

"Sparkie and I would stop every evening on our walk to look for any development. It was a slow beginning, but finally--one day in April-- the buds opened.

"Long tentacles reached out, as many as 10 or 15 from each bud, as I remember. At the end of the tentacles were blossoms and at their base were leaves. The leaves were bound together, just like the cold buds had been. As the weather warmed, they began to unfold.

"My heart tingled with excitement when the leaves began to open. My husband, Jerry, was at the garden, and I remember yelling excitedly to him, 'Come quick! the leaves are opening.'

"Half-inch baby leaves, perfectly shaped, stretched their little frames for all the earth to see.

"In one week, some leaves had grown to 3 inches in length. My eyes couldn't believe the transformation. As the leaves grew, the blossoms were blown to the ground. I walked on yellow drops of sun splattered all over the place. I had witnessed the birth of one of God's creations.

"The cry of a lone bird brought me back to the present. Chilled, I headed back to the house, shivering But my heart was no longer cold.

"You see, it's February now--just the time I began watching the frozen buds last year. When everything looked dead, and no life was visible, God was working. And now I knew God was working in me.

"Its been a long year, but I know my heart will feel the warmth of God's love again. Why, in just a couple of months, He'll bring me baby leaves.

"Come on, Sparkie,' I said. 'Let's go tend the fire.'"

Here we are in April once again, and baby leaves are beginning to open on the trees. It will always be a special time of year for me, for you see, God gave me baby leaves, His HOPE to me.

By His Grace . . . 

Readings

Checkout my other blog sites on the right side of this blog for new devotions to encourage and inspire your heart. Devotions to choose from: Hymn Studies with Scripture, Hymn Line Devotions, Scripture Verse Devotions and Timely Words from Saints of Old. 

Our Hiding Place

A phrase we all know and turn to in our time of need is "God's Everlasting Arms." The Scripture reads: "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun [upright one or blessed], who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in His majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the Everlasting Arms." (Deuteronomy 33:26-27A)

The word refuge can also be translated mansion or abiding place, which offers the idea of God being our home. There is a beautiful fullness in this metaphor, for home is always dear to our hearts, whether it is the humblest of cabins, a mansion or the smallest of attic rooms. Even more dear to us, however, is our blessed God in whom we live and move and have our being.

Home is where we rest and relax after the tiring labor of the day. Likewise, our hearts find rest in God and our soul dwells in peace . . . we can let our guard down, not fearing we will be misunderstood . . . we can freely communicate with Him, completely laying open all our hidden desires.

Studylight.org, Clarkes Commentary: "'Everlasting arms.'  As the arm is the emblem of power, and of power in a state of exertion, the words here state that an unlimited and unconquerable power shall be eternally exerted in the defense of God's Church, and in the behalf of all those who trust in Him."

His Everlasting Arms. Our shelter. Our retreat. Our abiding refuge. He is the only unshakeable refuge. We all know and love to sing "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," written by Elisha A. Hoffman in 1887. Join me on the fourth verse: "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."

We have nothing to dread, and nothing to fear. Our God is near, and He has Everlasting Arms!

Biblehub.com, Benson Commentary: "The Almighty power and infinite goodness of God, which protects and comforts all that trust in Him, in their greatest straits and distresses."

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." Nahum 1:7

By His Grace . . . 

Wishing on a Star

Christopher A. Mills Photography

Houlton Maine

 “Why wish on a star when you can pray to the one who created them.”

Think Positive Power

I saw this quote on the "Think Positive Power" Facebook page and then pulled up some resources online to see what was said about it.

Of course, most of us, from our earliest days of childhood, were told to make a wish on a star. The song "When You Wish Upon a Star" is from the 1940 adaption of Pinocchio by Walt Disney. The song is also popular at Christmas time.

I'm sure some of us still wish upon a star, but hopefully we all are well aware of the fact that stars don't make wishes come true. Only God can do that. Most of us are aware of this Scripture verse:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will

guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7

Following are words from two web pages about this quote:

picturequotes.com: "Wishing upon a star has been a common practice for centuries, with people believing that their wishes will come true if they make them while looking up at a star-filled sky. However, the idea of wishing upon a star raises the question: Why put your faith in a distant, lifeless object when you can pray to the one who created it?

"Stars have long been a source of wonder and inspiration for humanity. Their twinkling lights in the night sky have captivated people's imaginations and led them to believe in the power of wishes. but stars are simply balls of gas burning millions of miles away in the vast expanse of space. They have no consciousness, no ability to grant wishes or fulfill desires. So why do we put our hopes and dreams in something so distant and impersonal?

"On the other hand, praying to the One who created the stars -- God -- makes much more sense. Believers trust in [God] who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving. They believe that God is actively involved in their lives and has the ability to answer their prayers. By praying to God, they are putting their faith in a being who can truly make a difference in their lives."

crosswalk.com, Alexis A. Goring: "God is the Creator of all those billions of brilliant stars we see shining bright against the backdrop of the midnight blue sky. The Bible says He knows each one by name (Isaiah 40:26) just like He knows each of us by name. So why would we whimsically pray to the creation when we can talk directly to the Creator?"

The next time you look up at our beautiful sky and see the bright shining stars, instead of wishing on them, why not thank God for such a beautiful creation. Then ask Him for your wish!

By His Grace . . . 

What a day!

 

“How wonderful, at evening, to be able to say,

“What a day, Lord! What a day! Because I could pray.”

P. J. Wolz

 Years ago I was typing words that a friend’s grandfather wrote, making a book for her. The above words caused me to pause then and continue to have me pause every time I see them. A saint filled with God’s Spirit who was thankful He could pray.

Do I feel that way? At the end of the day, am I thankful I had the chance to talk with God? Her grandfather’s words continue to make me shiver in excitement. In possibility. In desire.

I want to catch the joy this man had. The relationship He shared with God. The happiness that filled His heart because He could talk to God.

I am thankful I can talk with God, but I haven’t realized it in this way. To come to the end of my day and be thankful that I can talk with God.

I see a simple life. Doing simple things. Regular work each day. A home to come to and rest. And thankfulness to God.

We can talk with God any time and know He hears and guides us. But our lives are so crowded with “things” that we miss the simplicity of talking with God any time we want too.

 Ephesians 6:18

“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.”

Biblerepository.com: “Ephesians 6:18 provides insight into the vital role of prayer in the lives of believers . . . This isn’t just about a one-time prayer; it speaks to a continuous, active communication with God. This ongoing dialogue with our Creator is our lifeline, helping us stand firm in our faith . . . The phrase ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication’ indicates that we should be in constant communication with God. This means both thankfulness and asking for guidance or help. Throughout scripture, prayer is presented as a way to deepen the relationship we have with God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul urges believers to ‘pray without ceasing,’ which captures the essence of this ongoing conversation.”

“How wonderful, at evening, to be able to say,

“What a day, Lord! What a day! Because I could pray.”

I made a sign with these words so that I see them each day. I want to feel this in my heart each evening and thank God as this man did. What a day indeed!

By His Grace . . .

The Beautiful Palace

 

The March 20th reading in Streams of the Desert, Volume 2, was interesting. W. Duns provides a picture of the Bible expressed in a unique way. I googled W. Duns to see if I could find out anything about him, but to no avail. Yet, he was important enough to Mrs. Charles E. Cowman to include something he wrote in her book.

Sit back for a different description of the Bible:

"The Bible is a beautiful palace, built up out of sixty-six blocks of marble--its separate books. In the first chapter of Genesis we enter the vestibule, which is filled with the mighty acts of creation. The vestibule gives access to the law courts, the five books of Moses. Passing through these we come to the picture gallery of the historical books. Here we find hung upon the walls scenes of battlefields, representations of heroic deeds, and portraits of eminent men belonging to the early days of the world's history. Beyond the picture gallery we find the philosopher's chamber, the Book of Job. Passing on we enter the music room, the Book of Psalms, where we listen to the grandest strains that ever fell on human ears. Then we come to the business office, the Book of Proverbs, where right in the center of the room stands facing us the motto: 'Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people." From the business office we pass into the chapel Ecclesiastes, or the preacher in his pulpit, and thence into the conservatory, the Song of Solomon, with the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley, and all manner of fine perfumes, fruits, and flowers. Finally we reach the observatory, the prophets, with their telescopes fixed on near and distant stars, and all directed toward the bright and morning star that was soon to arise.

"Crossing the court we come to the audience chamber of the King, the Gospels, where we find four lifelike portraits of the King Himself. Next we enter the workroom of the Holy Spirit, the Acts of the Apostles, and beyond that the correspondence room, the Epistles, where we see Paul and Peter and James and Jude busy at their desks. If you would know what they are writing about, their Epistles are open for all to study.

"Before leaving we stand for a moment in the outside gallery, the Revelation, where we look upon some striking pictures of the judgment to come and the glories to be revealed, concluding with an awe-inspiring picture of the throne room of the King."

It was enjoyable to read this description of the Bible. But have no doubt about it-God's Word, God's Truth and God's Light is what it's all about.

Owning a Bible is one thing; reading it is another. The Bible is God's primary message to us. Reading and studying it has revolutionized millions of lives--it can revolutionize your life too! You can't escape God. 

In John, Chapter 14, verse 2, Jesus says: "In my Father's house there are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you." That's the palace I'm looking for!

By His Grace . . . 

A Delightful Encounter

Last week I was reading a magazine article where the subscribers were told: “There are certain people we encounter regularly, even if only for a moment, who leave a lasting impression on us. Their presence makes an impact on our lives. Have you experienced such an encounter?” Following were words written by numerous subscribers with their story.

The question caused me to pause and consider. An encounter did come to my mind, and I smiled remembering it. I had wrote an article about this encounter and started looking for it. I was so excited when I found it. 

I had started a new job, and while driving to work one morning I saw a man walking his two Golden Retrievers. Each morning as I drove by, the man would be at a certain spot, and I smiled watching him and his dogs. One day I stopped my car and asked him if I could take a picture of him and his dogs. I explained that I was on my way to work and I always smile when I see them.

I'll let the article I wrote about this encounter tell you the rest of the story:

"I love dogs. I've owned a few most of my life. The wagging tail of Sammy, my purebred mutt, always makes me smile. It's no surprise when I saw a man walking his two Golden Retrievers in the same spot every day that I would smile and arrive at work happy.

"What is surprising are the words I heard one sunny morning: 'Take a picture of them.' 'Take a picture of them?' Where did that come from? I questioned out loud. 'You want me to go up to this man I don't know and take a picture of him and his dogs?'

"God's still, small voice always surprises me--send a note, bake a cake, make a breakfast date. I do my best to act on whatever God brings to my mind, but this request was out of my comfort zone. 'You just don't go around asking to take a picture of someone,' I argued.

"'What will he think of me?' I asked God. 'I'll feel so silly.' But, as the days passed, I found I took to the idea and started envisioning the picture on my desk at work. I have pictures of a lot of animals: calves, a baby donkey, goslings, birds, and of course, Sammy. 'It would be a treat,' I decided, 'to have the man and his dogs on my desk too.'

"Mustering all my confidence I pulled up beside him the following morning. Lowering the window I smiled and said, 'Can I take a picture of you and your dogs? You give me so much joy each morning.'

"Before he could say anything I jumped out of the car with my camera. 'Your dogs look so happy--I enjoy them so much,' I told him. He seemed a little flustered, but worked on getting the dogs to stand still.

'Are you done?' he asked, after I snapped a few pictures. 'Yes, I think I have enough,' I said. Thanking him again I got in my car and drove off.

"'I did it,' I yelled! 'I can't believe I did it. Thank you, Lord, for this joy.'

"I was gleaming when I arrived at work a few minutes later. Laughing, my friend, Melody, said: 'I saw you taking pictures of those dogs.' Melody follows the same route as I do the last two miles. 'They are beautiful animals,' she continued. Laughing with her I said, 'I can't believe I stopped and took their picture!'

"I enjoy photography. Six months ago I went digital and love the ability to see my pictures instantly. Editing them to just what I want gives me a whole new area of enjoyment. I was thrilled when I saw the pictures of the man and his dogs. After a little cropping around the edges so my car wasn't in view, I printed off two copies of the prints so I could give the man a set.

"The next morning I could hardly wait to see him and hand him the envelope of pictures, but he wasn't there. 'Oooh,' I muttered. 'I'll have to wait until tomorrow.' But he wasn't there the next morning. He wasn't there all week.

"'Maybe he went on vacation,' I thought. It was the Memorial Day Weekend. 'I'll see him soon.'

"But he wasn't there the next week either. 'Did I scare him?' I wondered. 'Was he uneasy about what happened.'

"'Lord, Why did you want me to do this,' I groaned. 'I feel so bad that he isn't there. Am I the reason?'

"Each morning as I past 'his spot' my disappointment grew. The weeks passed, but not my memory.

"'Melody, have you seen the man with the dogs lately,' I asked about five weeks later. 'Yes,' she replied. 'I saw him one day last week.' 'I'm so glad,' I told her. 'I haven't seen him since I took the pictures.'

"'There he is!' I whispered as I turned on the road. Stunned, there was only one dog. 'Oh no. Where's the other dog?' I wondered.

"I didn't stop. I couldn't. Was it my imagination or did he put his head down as I drove by? 'Oh, Lord,' I asked. 'Is that why I haven't seen him? Please let me see him again,' I asked.

"The next morning, my stomach in turmoil, I pulled up along side of him. Handing him the envelope with the pictures I said, 'These are the pictures I took. Is your other dog ok?'

"'He died of cancer,' the man said. 'Gone in a matter of five days.' Listening, I took his hand to transfer my sympathy.

"He looked at the envelope. 'Pictures of both dogs?' he asked. And then I knew. I had a treasure to give him. A reminder of his early morning walks with his two friends. 'Yes,' I said happily. He opened the envelope and looked at his friends. I reached for his hand again. 'I care,' I said.

"'You won't see me next week.' he said. 'I'm having shoulder surgery.' 'I will pray for you,' I shared.

"Every time I drive past 'his place' I send a prayer heavenward. One day I'll see him again, walking his friend. I'll stop and ask how he is and tell him of the prayers I said for him each day.

"I don't always know the reason for God's prompting me to do something. I've just learned to act when I hear Him. I have a feeling the memory I placed in this man's hands will hold a special place in his heart. An unexpected treasure. A gift from God.

"I smile when I look at the picture now on my desk. It's a reminder that even the smallest act can make a giant different in the life of another."

A lot more happened between this man and I as we stopped each morning to say hello. His wife invited me to have lunch with them one day, and they invited Jerry and me to have dinner with them and another couple at a special restaurant in the development.

This is a happy memory and a lasting impression of a time when a man and his dogs brought joy to my heart as I drove to work. And how I brought joy to his heart with a picture of his two best friends.

By His Grace . . .