Mt. Airy, Maryland, formally dressed for winter . . .

I love that line! I first read it in Calvin Miller's book Snow, when he wrote this sparkling description of Prussia, PA. It creates a dramatic picture in my mind. And the snow was indeed delightful!

Some of you may be familiar with my snow poem. It was a special morning when . . .

I Heard Snow . . .

When I opened the back door I heard it,
Snow. I was amazed at the sound.
A whisper different from wind,
Yet, precise; like nothing else I've ever heard.
Snow falling from the heavens.
My heart rested and listened.
I couldn't keep away from my back door.
I heard snow falling and I thanked God."


The other weekend Jerry and I went a little west of Gettysburg to a Christmas Tree Farm for a Pet 'n Pull event. That gentle, loving breed of Newfoundlands had come out to help foster the Christmas spirit. Following are some of the pictures I took.


I think the little guy had been picked up one too many times!

I'm told there may be more snow this weekend. I'm ready!

Winter is Coming . . .

Snow. The season is fast approaching for my winter joy! The beautiful picture to the left was snapped by Donna Shiflett Thanksgiving week when she was in WV. It reminds me of all I love about snow.

A December 1 devotion by Charles Spurgeon also awakened my senses to another reason for snow. This is a different picture than I normally view on snow, but certainly captures all God has intended for us. Spurgeon’s scripture reference is, “You made both summer and winter.” Psalm 74:17 Following are some quotes I especially enjoyed!

“Dear soul, begin this wintry month with your God. Let the cold snow and piercing wind remind you He keeps His covenant with you day and night . . . Winter in the soul can be an uncomfortable season. He sends the cold blasts of adversity to nip the buds of our expectations. ‘He scatters the frost like ashes’ over the once green meadows of our joy . . . freezing the streams of our delight. He does it all, for He is the King of Winter, ruling even the realms of frost.

“Oh, how we enjoy the warm cheerful glow of a roaring fire on the hearth on a cold wintry day! In the same manner, may we treasure our Lord who is the constant source of warmth and comfort in every time of trouble . . . May we wrap ourselves in the warming garments of His promises and go forth to service appropriate to the season.”

And from Jim Reimann: “Spurgeon, like many people today, suffered occasional bouts of depression. Yet from today’s devotion we see he understood that even those were sent to him with a purpose from his heavenly Father . . . he saw God’s purpose in it.”

Last evening I listened to Debra Talley sing “No Other Word for Grace” on her CD “Seasons of the Heart.” The second line says: “White can’t tell the magic in the air when it snows.” Any way you look at it, snow is part of God’s plan, for the beauty it sends on earth, and for the work He does in each heart in wintertime.

I’ve had my share of both summer and winter in the soul. But I know who is in control of all weather . . . and I am thankful for His care.

Next week I’ll share a poem I wrote about snow. Don’t miss it!

A Time To Rest . . .

I will be enjoying Thanksgiving week at home, and I’m looking forward to relaxing and being refreshed. Holidays are quiet in my home as my family is small. Jerry will be working Thanksgiving day so I will enjoy a “me” day! Being a person who is most comfortable with solitude, I will be doing a little reading, listen to a little music, watch a favorite video or two and play spots with Sammy.

As I’ve been noting on my blog, there are many things I’m thankful for. Some that made it to the list this year are listed to the right on my blog if you haven’t seen them. Perhaps you’ll be encouraged to write down 30 things you’re thankful for!

My next blog will appear in December. Be blessed this Thanksgiving as we go into the Christmas season . . . and worship Jesus’ birth.

Celebration . . .

Saturday, November 14, is a glorious day for me! It marks my 31st anniversary of salvation. I still remember the day when I walked down the aisle to take my pastor’s hand, and then was counseled. When I walked home that evening, I told God, “I’m not sure if I’ve done the right thing, but I believe I have and trust you.”

One month earlier had found me crying on my living room couch when I told God, “I don’t like life. There is no reason for me to live. If there is something more, please show me.” He did.

I can’t imagine how my life would have turned out if I’d never found God and His saving grace through Jesus. Life is never easy, but with faith in God and fellowship with Jesus, I can get through each day.

The 14th is a good day for me. I was born on March 14th; Jerry and I married on December 14th, and March 2010 will be the 14th year of employment with the Baptist Convention. I’m expecting it to me a very good year!

Human Art . . .

As some of you may know, Ruth Bell Graham was a prolific writer. Her works are published in the monthly issues of Decision magazine, published by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. A recent work of hers caught my eye.

Ruth described going to a number of important places around the world, and how all of them were engulfed in scaffolding for repair or upkeep. Her question was: “Is that the way the world sees the church?”

“The church is scarred by wars, buffeted by storms and eroded by pollution, and God is at work restoring His own–-repairing, cleaning, purifying. He sees the end from the beginning. He sees us 'complete in Christ.' (Colossians 2:10) And the day will come when 'we shall be like him.' (1 John 3:2) But in the meantime, the world sees mainly the scaffolding.

We’re all a piece of art – human art – that God is working on every day. We need repair and upkeep to keep us going, and God is faithful to not give up on us.

Works in progress. And that’s the way the world see us.

Take Up Your Pen . . .

I enjoy corresponding monthly with two friends. Distance separates one of them; illness the other. How I look forward to receiving their notes/letters in the mail. Personal communication, purposely written, to me.

I know time was taken by both of my friends to sit down and write to me. A love letter through the mail. Although we may never see each other again, our lives our intertwined because we take the time to share our lives through writing and encourage each other.

Corresponding with someone is a special endeavor. Although my ministry is encouraging through note writing, writing these two friends is a special time of reflection. It slows me down so I can care about someone else.

Real feelings, transmitted through the written word, to have always. Whether they include encouragement, disappointment, ponderings or the sharing of lives, the written words keep us close.



I reread each letter several times before I put it away in a special place. That keeps my friend on my mind for several days so I can lift her up in prayer.

I like to say “leave a paper trail of encouragement” as you go through life. It really stirs hearts!

“In today’s lightning–paced, nuclear-obsessed society, we are virtually starved for the individual stamp of a personally handwritten letter . . . What makes us “too busy” to send the gift of a letter to someone we care about? “. . . Alexandra Stoddard

It’s all about caring . . . touching lives . . and being refreshed.

Enjoy the beautiful scenes from fall which I took at Lake Needwood the other week.

A Simple Thought Today . . .

My favorite character, Eeyore, an unbelievably lovable donkey who is dismally gloomy, said the following:

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” Such a simple statement for a simple fella to make . . . dear Eeyore. How I like and relate to him.

This donkey sure said a big thing! Consideration . . . others . . . difference. What a difference a little consideration make in others. The small things . . . may just be the big things in life.

Can you remember a time when you regretted having said a kind word? Encouraging words plant hope, courage and confidence. Gentle words are life-giving. The few words of encouragement that you give another may be just the praise needed to propel them to their desired goal. Mark Twain said: “One compliment can keep me going for a whole month.”

The simple help you give to another by taking care of a duty or concern will reap multitudes of blessing to that person’s life and your own. No matter how simple an act, the results can be great in another’s life. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said: “Give what you have. It may be better than you think.”

By helping another . . . standing with another . . . motivating another, you better yourself and them. It truly is the simple things that matter. And simple things are within everybody’s grasp to give.

Why not be like Eeyore and show a little consideration to someone. Even Eeyore can overcome his gloominess and encourage another. I know. I’m just like him.

A Light in the Night . . .

A poem by Edgar a Guest caught my attention many years ago. The words he shares in “Call Back” I’ve found true both in receiving and giving.

“If you have gone a little way ahead of me, call back–
‘Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track;
And if, perchance, Faith’s light is dim, because the oil is low,
Your call will guide my lagging course as wearily I go.

“Call back, and tell me that He went with you into the storm;
Call back, and say He kept you when the forest’s roots were torn;
That, when the heavens thunder and the earthquake shoot the hill,
He bore you up and held you where the very air was still.

“Oh, friend, call back, and tell me for I cannot see your face;
They say it glows with triumph, and your feet bound in the race;
But there are mists between us and my spirit eyes are dim,
And I cannot see the glory, though I long for word of Him.

“But if you’ll say He heard you when your prayer was but a cry,
And if you’ll say He saw you through the night’s sin-darkened sky–
If you have gone a little way ahead, oh, friend, call back–
‘Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track.”
Edgar A. Guest

I recently read a devotion by Spurgeon that spoke on this subject. He referenced to Psalm 84:6 which says, “As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.” 'This verse teaches that the blessings obtained by one person often prove to be of service to others, just as these springs would provide refreshing water for those who followed,' Spurgeon says. “Suddenly we realize someone has been here before us and not only dug a well for himself, but also for us.”

As is always the case, men of God reach back to the saints of old for instruction. We’re all familiar with Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us . . .” Likewise, the experiences we’ve had in our walk with God and what we’ve learned from them, give us valuable wisdom to past along.

Whether we’re reading from God’s word, or a saint of God is telling you how God heard his/her cry and answered their prayer, “call back” when the need is there to help your fellow brother or sister.

Fall Flies In . . .

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” Albert Camus

The beauty of fall. Color dances all around us as leaves change from green to oranges, reds, and golds. The wind blows and it’s sweatshirt weather. Toasty fires emerge in the evening to sooth the soul from the work day. Farmers harvest and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

“Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.” Elizabeth Lawrence

The words of fall invoke pictures in our mind: Autumn . . . the word itself draws forth soothing thoughts . . . giving thanks . . . acorns . . . counting blessings. Harvest . . . fields of plenty . . . caramel apples . . . gathering of crops ... candy corn.

Maryland is a state where we enjoy all of the seasons. Fall brings me color . . . winter brings me snow . . . spring brings me new birth . . . summer brings me fawns. Although all sun and warm temperatures may delight some hearts, I love the changing of the seasons.

And I wonder, Is this the “fall” of life on earth? It amazes me to watch God’s plan unfold before my eyes and know that He is in control of all things. Will winter be far behind?

Some of my favorite quotes on fall:

“October gave a party: The leaves by hundreds came
The Chestnuts, Oaks and Maples, And Leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet, And Everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band.”
George Cooper



Ruth Bell Graham spoke these words in her book Footprints of a Pilgrim: “They come and go so quicky, Spring and Fall . . . as if they had not really come at all. Perhaps we could not take too much of beauty, breath-catching glory, ecstasy without relief; and so, God made them brief.”

As my co-worker, Roy Thomas, said recently, “Fall is an artist, but it is God who provides the palette and the paintbrush.”

Enjoy the beauty God paints!

My Sister . . .

My one and only sister is here from Oklahoma, and I've had the pleasure of spending time with her this week. We've enjoyed a number of outings, just the two of us, and enjoyed a day with our husbands too!

I often wonder how different my life would have been if my sister and I lived close to each other. But she was swept off her feet and taken to Oklahoma some 40 years ago and we've only shared short visits since then.

I give thanks for my sister and thank God for the wonderful relationship we share. She was saved a number of years before me, and I know the prayers of her and her husband impacted my life and brought me to Jesus.

Thank you, Kathy, for being a wonderful sister and a great friend! I love you.

What Really Important . . .

Many years ago a friend asked me if I would type a collection of poems that her grandfather, P. J. Wolz, wrote. He was not famous . . . just an average person who worked hard and was trustworthy. He lived his life for God and was this girl’s hero.

Of all the poems he wrote, my eyes and heart stayed with a simple two line poem. I call on it frequently to remind me of what’s really important as we walk with God.

“How wonderful, at evening, to be able to say,
‘What a day! Lord, What a Day! Because I could pray.’”

These words tell me that no matter what kind of day I’ve had, it’s been a wonderful day because I can pray. Any time. Anywhere. That I should be praying all through the day and enjoy communication with my Heavenly Father.

Remember . . . He’s always there. We just have to call on Him. That’s really important!

The beautiful picture is of Mount Hood in northern Oregon. My friend, Cindy Dunigan, snapped it. A beautiful end to a beautiful day!

"Learning" to be Content

“A dog at the feet of her mistress, a cat curled up in front of the family fireplace, a cow in the midst of a green pasture–these are pictures of contentment far beyond what most human beings enjoy.” Dorothy Kelley Patterson, BeAttitudes for women

I like this statement and believe everyone can learn from it. It helps that I enjoy watching and photographing cows and deer. This certainly provides me with the word picture she creates. This is “peaceful satisfaction” in my mind.

So few individuals practice the art of contentment. Paul said “he learned” to be content. “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."—Philippians 4:11. This is a state you must strive to attain. It won’t come unless you seek it.

Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “THE APOSTLE Paul was a very learned man, but not the least among his manifold acquisitions in science was this—he had learned to be content. Such learning is far better than much that is acquired in the schools. Their learning may look studiously back on the past, but too often those who cull the relics of antiquity with enthusiasm, are thoughtless about the present, and neglect the practical duties of daily life ... It was a thing of ever-present utility, and alike serviceable for all generations, one of the rarest, but one of the most desirable accomplishments.” http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0320.htm

Fanny Crosby, 1820-1915, wrote about it:

“O what a happy soul am I! Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world Contented I will be;
How many blessings I enjoy That other people don’t!
To weep and sign because I’m blind, I cannot, and I won’t.”

In Job 36:11, Elihu says: “If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” Contentment is an important element in living. If you’re not content, your life will be spent striving to find happiness with things. We can only be content when we’re following God’s plan for our life and living within His laws.

It seems being content was learned very early in the life of the world. Socrates, 470-399 B.C. said: “He is richest who is content with the least.”

Charles Spurgeon continues his teaching on being content: “Now, contentment is one of the flowers of heaven, and if we would have it, it must be cultivated. It will not grow in us by nature; it is the new nature alone that can produce it, and even then we must be specially careful and watchful that we maintain and cultivate the grace which God has sown in it. Paul says, ‘I have learned to be content;’ as much as to say he did not know how at one time. It cost him some pains to attain to the mystery of that great truth.”

One of my favorite poets, Edgar A. Guest, had these words to say at the end of his poem titled “Contentment”:

“So I fancy the joy which men strive to win
Is born of something which lies within,
A strain of courage no care can break,
A love for beauty no thief can take--
The pride of neighbors, the faith of friends
And a mind at peace when the sun descends.”

Where are those cows? I want to spend a little while watching them. There’s still more to learn.

Simple Pleasures . . .

"Pleasure is seldom found where it is sought; our brightest blazes of gladness are kindled by unexpected sparks.” Samuel Johnson, 1709-1784

After all these years it finally happened. On a breakfast date with a friend, after we both enjoyed a delicious breakfast, we shared a slice of ice cream pie for dessert. A big piece. Chocolate, of course. Ah, the simple things of life make all the difference.

It tasted good. It was fun. I wonder if there’s ice cream in heaven. Maybe I’ll get to be a “fountain girl” and make milkshakes all eternity. Chocolate, of course.

It was as natural as if I did it every day. (Well, if no one is home, I do!) Ice cream for breakfast. Chocolate, of course.

Sydney J. Harris said: “A real friend is not so much someone you feel free to be serious with as someone you feel free to be silly with.” My friend, Jackie, has a special place in my heart for enthusiastically sharing such a special treat with me.

What simple pleasures are you letting pass by? I encouraged you to be a little silly. With chocolate, of course.

"Whiter than Snow"

In a recent chapel service where I work, we were asked if we had a favorite Bible word. Snow immediately popped into my mind. I consider snow to be one of the most beautiful things God has created.

Snow not only falls in a beautiful fashion but lays upon the earth in a delightful form. It is mystical. I believe God gave us this creation so that we can better understand how our sins will be “washed as white as snow.” Psalm 51:7 From snow ice cream to snowballs to snowmen, snow is God’s way of slowing us down so we can spend time with Him. Snow draws me to God to meditate upon His gift of salvation.

“I Shall Be Whiter than Snow,” by James Nicholson, 1857, who lived in Maryland, provides beautiful lines to ponder:

“Lord, Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe–
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

“Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow,
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

“The blessing by faith, I receive from above;
Oh glory! My soul is made perfect in love;
My prayer has prevailed, and this moment I know,
The blood is applied, I am whiter than snow.”

The next time we have a snow fall and you watch it cover the ground, and your insides start churning because “you have plans,” I encourage you to sit down and consider how completely Jesus’ blood washes away your sin. And if you haven’t listened to snow fall, open your door in the quiet of night or early morning and hear beautiful music composed by God. Your plans may not seem quite as important after all.

“ ... I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

The above picture is “snow balls” in summer!

"Songs in the Night"

I recently had the pleasure of reading Charles Spurgeon’s sermon, “Songs In The Night.” It is a thought-provoking, inspirational exhortation which provides help as you go through trials.

Do you have “songs in the night?” when your heart breaks and you don’t know what to do. Spurgeon gives three subjects to sing about when your heart is sad: “the day that is over,” “the present night,” and “the days to come.” Following is just a handful of his thoughts:

“In the midst of the night the most usual subject for Christians to sing about is ‘the day that is over.’ There was a time when I could say, ‘I know that my Redeemer lives.’ I have my doubts and fears at this present moment; but it has not been long since I could say, with full assurance, ‘I know that he shed his blood for me; I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God’ [Job 19:25-26].

“No matter how dark the night is, there is always something to sing about, ‘even concerning the present night.’” (It truly is amazing the comfort you can find when you seek it. From God’s word . . . to godly friends . . . to beautiful music that stirs your soul, it is there, you just have to find it.) yours truly

“Besides, Christian, however dark the night is, there is always a star or moon. There is hardly ever a night that we have, when there are only just one or two little lights burning in the sky. However dark it may be, I think you may find some little comfort, some little joy, some little mercy left, and some little promise to cheer your spirit.

“But, beloved, there is another thing we can sing about and, even more sweetly; and that is, we can sing of ‘the days that are to come.’ A day is coming when every minister of Christ will speak with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, when all the servants of God will preach with power, and when the massive systems of heathenism will tumble from their pedestals, and mighty, gigantic delusions will be scattered to the winds. The shout will be heard, ‘Alleluia! Alleluia!’ The Lord God Omnipotent reigns. For I look to that day; it is to the bright horizon of that Second Coming that I turn my eyes.

“Your head may be crowned with thorny troubles now, but it will wear a starry crown soon; your hand may be filled with cares—it will hold a harp soon, a harp full of music. Your clothes may be soiled with dust now; they will be pure white in the future. Wait a little longer”

You can find this sermon at http://www.biblebb.com/files/spurgeon/2558.htm
... there is so much more to glean!

I encourage you to read his words. We will all experience night. Let’s choose to go through it with joy!

Charles H. Spurgeon
1834-1892
Preached sometime in the mid to late 1800's


Finally, after several years, a big doe was standing in the perfect place on a homestead I pass. The scenery is beautiful, but there was never a deer there. Always deer on the homestead beside it, but never there. Last week I was thrilled to see this doe and she let me take her picture.

Have You Been Changed For Good?

On Sandi Patty’s CD Songs for the Journey, she sings the song For Good. As you may know, the song was written by Stephen Schwartz for the musical Wicked. I’m not familiar with the musical except to say it involved two friends. And that’s where I come in.

“Because I knew you I have been changed for good.” Each time I hear those words I begin recalling my friends and how they have affected my life. I am blessed with women I call friends. My friends date back to my elementary school years and through my entire life— childhood . . . teen years . . . early adulthood, middle age and every year since.

Friendships just don’t happen. You have to nurture a friendly relationship just like any other relationship. Sometimes you’ll find the relationship one–sided. Sometimes you learn the relationship is not a good one for you. Only you can determine if you’ve chosen well. But if you believe the relationship has value, I promise you the end results are worth all the effort you put into building a friendship

“We need people with whom we can be open and share our struggles, those who will bear our burdens as we also bear theirs, and who will support us in prayer. That kind of vulnerability is what produces genuine fellowship, or koinonia–the heart-to-heart connection God desires for His people.” Leigh Ann Powers, just between us

Sister’s Keeper, words and music by Twila McBride-LaBar and Anita Renfroe, is another song that expresses love for friends. It was recorded by Kim Hopper, on her CD Imagine, and it shares the following words: “ ... and though our lives are different, we share a common bond, our Father makes us family, and family makes us strong, our sisters make us strong.”

“C. S. Lewis said, “ Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a fire?” [“especially on a snowy day.”]

Have I been changed for good because of the friends I know? Yes, I have. Friendship is indeed worth having. Another line I like from “For Good,” “I know you have re-written mine [life] by being my friend ...”

Have you been changed for good? I think it’s a question worth your time.

Awash With Tears

On the back cover of this month’s Home Life, Ivey Harrington Beckman talks about tears, calling herself outright, a crybaby. How I can relate to that! God made me so tender that anything that requires an emotional response will produce tears in me.

Ivey asked God about her cryablilty (my new word). His response to her was enlightening and pleasant. “I wanted someone to share My tears, so I carved you from the most tender part of My heart . . . I created you, My tenderhearted child, to cry with Me – and by doing so, show the world just how much I care.”

Although I wish I didn’t cry at the drop of a hat, He made me tender so I could serve Him with His special gift of encouraging. Billy Graham said, “Tears shed for self are tears of weakness, but tears shed for others are a sign of strength.”

There certainly are times for tears, both in women and men. Ken Lyle, former BCM/D Executive Director, wrote about tears in his Journeying column in 1986: “It took a long time for me to learn that real men (and women)* do cry, even in public. There is a time for weeping (Ecclesiastes 3:4) and the sooner men (and women) understand and apply this truth, the more real and healthy they will be. “

“A teardrop on earth summons the King of heaven.” Charles Swindoll
God sees tears fall (2 Kings 20:5). One of my favorite things to do is watch the Gaither Homecoming videos. Many times during the course of listening to beautiful music, the singers shed tears. No embarrassment … just heartfelt moving of His spirit.

Ivey ends her article referencing Psalm 56:8 where scripture says our tears are caught in a bottle. Ivey says her tears “must be caught in a rain barrel!” I like that. I don’t always like crying, but if it allows me to use the gift God has given me to help others, I guess I’ll shed many tears in thanksgiving to Him!

• Insertion mine

The above picture is in memory of my friend, Cindy Dunigan's dog, Arial. She was a sweetheart! I shed teardrops for her kisses.

"Minding the Heart II . . . "

A few weeks ago I posted “Minding The Heart . . .” Recently I pulled up some “gems” of Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers. There were several that spoke of the heart. I’ve shared a few below. One Hundred “gems” can be found on www.biblebb.com. I recommend it highly.

"'All my fountains are in you,' said David. If you have all your fountains in God, your heart will be completely full. If you went to the foot of Calvary, there your heart will be bathed in love and gratitude. If you go often to your place of seclusion, and there talk with your God, it is there that your heart will be filled with calm determination. If you go out with the Master to the Mount of Olives, and looked down with Him on a wicked Jerusalem, and weep over it with Him, then your heart will be full of love for eternal souls. If you continually draw your stimulus, your life, your entire being from the Holy Spirit, without whom you can do nothing, and if you live in close communion with Christ, then there will be no fear of you having a cold heart. . .

“Don't keep back any part of your life. Make a full surrender of every inclination of your heart; work to have but one purpose, and one aim. And for this purpose give God complete control of your heart. Cry out for more of the divine control of the Holy Spirit, so that as your soul is preserved and protected by Him, that it may be directed into one river, and one only, that your life may run deep and pure, and clear and peaceful; its only banks being God's will, its only river the love of Christ and a desire to please Him.

My sunflower friend above was a nice surprised last evening. My husband, Jerry, brought home this happy sunflower to make me smile (which it did). I put it out by the back gate to see if it would attract any visitors. I was pleasantly surprised when one of “our” fawns came by for a sniff.

"Is This Me?"

“The highest earthly enjoyments are but a shadow of the joy I find in reading God’s Word.”
Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554)

I have to admit, when I read this quote, I wanted it to be me, but wasn’t sure it was. I certainly love God’s Word–reading it, hearing it, and reading resources from other people who share God’s Word. But do earthly pleasures over shadow it?

What do I enjoy? And do I enjoy it more than reading God’s Word? Do I enjoy photography more than I do reading God’s Word? Do I enjoy “dates” with friends more than reading God’s Word? Do I enjoy creating on the computer more than I do reading God’s Word? Do I enjoy sitting in my backyard listening to all nature brings my way more than I do reading God’s Word?

I do love taking pictures! God’s creatures and creation are awesome and capturing a scene in a serendipity moment is a thrill. Breakfast, lunch, dinner–any date with friends is special, especially if they live for Jesus. Creating on the computer making note cards from pictures I take is very satisfying and fun. Sitting in the back yard with Jerry, and our dog, Sammy, is a special time, one of rest and refreshment.

I do love doing all these things . . . but nothing thrills my soul more than reading and hearing God’s Word. So I do believe I am in agreement with Lady Jane Grey. The centuries may come and go but God’s Word will always live.

Below picture I captured last evening driving home. A secluded two lane road with a small creek brought these two young fawns for water. Do you see both of them?

First Fawn . . .

Many years ago our neighbors started putting corn out in hopes of deer coming up to feed. The area behind their home and ours is a safe, secluded place for the deer to come. About five years ago, Jerry and I started putting corn out at our back gate. And now we have our own small herd of deer that come up and feed.



I have always enjoyed seeing deer . . . those chance meetings along the roadside or in a field. Having my own small herd has been exciting. Presently we have three does and two bucks who enjoy our corn.

The pictures above are of the first fawn I've seen this season. One of our does brought her two fawns out a little over a week ago now. I was able to snap the above shots . . . just about the only two that came out--they move fast as you can see!

Since that evening Jerry has seen five fawns out, which means one of our does had triplets--the third doe doesn't have an udder. The does are still keeping them hidden. We haven't seen any fawns for a week now. Soon, when mother doe feels the timing is right, the fawns will be feeding at our back gate.

Our deer certainly arn't tame. The pattern has been set many years now of us sitting out back and them coming up. But if we start moving around, they are gone in a flash.

The picture below was taken a couple of years ago. One evening on my drive home, I was looking around and spotted two fawns. I turned into the lane, pulled out my camera, and went, "Oh no! My batteries are dead." Knowing they'd be gone by the time I put new batteries in, I quickly installed new batteries, and to my delight they were still there! This is one of my treasured snaps.



Glasses, camera, extra batteries and an extra memory card I now take everywhere with me. God delights my heart with His beautiful creatures and creation!

Quotable Words on Encouraging through Note Writing . . .

The following quotes give inspiration to encourage others through note writing:

“But God could not have used an unwritten letter.” Unknown

“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” Mother Teresa

“John Donne’s observation rings true: ‘Letters mingle souls.’ And if you write to others sharing the Good News of salvation, your letters just might mingle souls for eternity!” Lynn Morrissey

“Notes stir hearts.” Yours truly

“She writes with the pen of scripture and the ink of grace on the stationery of real life.” Beth Moore

“A few lines not only lift the spirits but can also be kept for other days when a boost is needed. They can even change a life.” Cheri Fuller

“God has revealed Himself to us through words.” Unknown

“You are the scented ink God uses to spread the fragrance of Christs’ love.” Karla Dornacher

“The greatest compliment I’ve ever received is from those who say they keep “Lynn files” in which to store my correspondence.” Lynn Morrissey

“We hurt people by being too busy ... too busy to drop that note of comfort or encouragement or assurance of love ... too busy to care.” Billy Graham

“Few of us are blessed with a gift for words, but we all have it within ourselves to speak or write what is in our hearts.” Daria Price Bowman

Writing words of encouragement changes lives. I know. Mine was changed!

Quotable Thoughts . . .

As a writer of encouragement and other “notables” along the way, I recently enjoyed reading the following quotes about writing:

“All morning I worked on the proof of one of my poems, and I took out a comma; in the afternoon I put it back.” Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

“Less is more.” Robert Browning (1812-1889)

“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

“I have only made this [letter] longer because I have not had the time to make it shorter.” Blaise Pascal (1623-62)

“ . . . One writes as best one can, out of the life one leads, in the faith of touching other lives sometimes . . .” John Updike

“Writer’s love quotations. They love quoting someone else’s work almost as much as they love quoting their own ...” Unknown

“The beautiful part of writing is that you don’t’ have to get it right the first time . . .” Robert Cormier (1925-2000)

“Thou takest the pen–-and the lines dance ..." Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961)

“The pen is mightier than the sword.” Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873)

Next week I’ll share quotes pertaining to writing to encourage.

Minding Your Heart . . .

“More than all else, to be watched over and protected (as something in a confined place) it is imperative that you preserve and keep your heart sensitive; because from within it comes divine direction for your life.” Paraphrase of Proverbs 4:23

Do you mind your heart? This paraphrase of Proverbs 4:23 caught my mind when I heard it spoken. I’ve always liked this proverb which in the NIV says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Some of my favorite verses regarding the heart are:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.” Deuteronomy 6:5,6 Love God and know His word. It keeps the heart healthy. It provides guidance as you go through each day. And when the need arises, you know where to go to receive answers.

“. . . since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men)”, 1 Kings 8:39 There is nothing we can think, do or say that God doesn’t already know what is in our hearts. There is comfort in knowing He knows everything. Even when you are wrong, God knows. God cares. God works.

“I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”Job 19:27 I’ve always loved the book of Job because of the Lord’s exchange with Job in Chapters 38 through 42. God knows and created everything. There is nothing God doesn’t know. My heart does yearn within me to be with God. We can have complete assurance that we will be with God when our days on earth are over if Christ is our Lord and Savior. There is no guessing.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 To will one thing . . . that is a pure heart; steadfast spirit . . . that is being firm in belief. Basic principles in living the Christian life.

“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2 This is one of the first psalms I became acquainted with as a new believer. My sister and brother-in-law directed me to it for comfort. The rock is strong and steady and all I need when my heart grows faint.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34 A number of times in previous posts I’ve mentioned treasures I find along the way. Those treasures come from a heart full of thanks for God. His creation, the beauty of life . . . His word, the food of life.

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3 With your mind always on Jesus, who overcame death so that we can live, you can overcome the trials of life.

Do you mind your heart? It is the wellspring of life.

Let's Try Laughter . . .

In Genesis 21:6, Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”

I’m enjoying immensely the words of Charles Spurgeon in the devotion book, Look Unto Me: The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon. In a recent devotion, Mr. Spurgeon shared regarding Sarah and the laughter she enjoyed upon the birth of her son. I especially enjoyed the following excerpt from that devotion, which I knew certainly didn’t describe me on a day-by-day basis. It certainly is food for thought.

“‘May my mouth be filled with joyous laughter because of the extraordinary, surprising grace I have received from the Lord, for I have been found by Jesus, the promised seed, and He is mine forever. Today I will lift up psalms of triumph to the Lord ‘who remembered me in my low estate’ (Psalm 136:23), for ‘my heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance’ (1 Samuel 2:1).

“I desire that all those who hear of my great deliverance from hell and my blessed salvation, which have ‘come to me from heaven’ (Luke 1:78), would laugh for joy with me. I would love to surprise my family with my overwhelming peace, delight my friends with my ever-increasing happiness, and edify God’s church with my grateful confessions of praise. I would even love to impress the unbelieving world with the cheerfulness of my daily conversation.’” I’m sure each of us could use a little more laughter in our lives, especially laughter from God!

As Jim Reimann (edtor of this devotion book) says at the end of this devotion: “Our Lord has given us all we need in Jesus, and one of His greatest gifts is deep abiding joy, even during the most difficult of times.”

We all know that laughter is good for the soul and our physical well–being. A familiar phrase we hear is, “A laugh a day keeps the doctor away.” On stress.about.com it shares how “a good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart.”

Let’s try more laughter. Job was able to say “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” (Job. 8:21) I should be able to also . . . even though I’m Eeyore at heart!

Above picture is a much younger me with Emma enjoying a good laugh!

The Wonder of Digital Art

My friend, Karla Dornacher, author and artist, has thrilled the hearts of her faithful admirers by providing digital art for others to create with. The above picture is my first creation with her art.

What a wonderful outlet for those of us who can’t draw. This new opportunity has given me many hours of pleasure as I design my own note cards from pictures I create. Karla’s digital art can be purchased at Aimee Asher Elite. Another website that sells digital art I admire is Audrey Jeanne’s Expression.

Being able to create with art that you enjoy is the next best thing to being able to draw! The options are never ending as to what you can do. I do my creating in Photoshop Elements. It took me 8 months to master the program, but it sure has been worth it!

As in taking digital pictures and creating with them, try digital art. This may help satisfy your artistic heart! Digital has certainly made a difference in my life.

24 Hours is Enough . . .

“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” Publius Ovidius “Ovid” Naso (43 B.C.-A.D.17)

In the rush of today’s world I have only one recourse to take to use my time wisely and for the purposes I desire. That recourse is hard to obtain. It’s called self discipline.

Discipline means a systematic method to obtain desired results. Self means me. I have to determine to take control of my days. I have found there is enough time in each day to do all that I want to do; that is, if my priorities are in order, and I live by those priorities..

Several years ago a neurologist diagnosed that my brain didn’t know how to relax; hence, it was always tense. That’s why I had lived with headaches every day of my adult life. We settled on medication that helped me, and now I'm almost headache free, but I made a decision that my life was going to slow down.

Aside from my job, which I go to five days a week, all other activities and plans were placed in priority order. I consciously accepted that I didn’t have to do everything or go everywhere. My fulfillment had to come from doing less and enjoying it more. And it has!

The first thing I did was build a routine into my schedule for waking in the morning and going to bed at night. Even on weekends. Receiving the proper amount of sleep was vital to my ability to take control of my life.

As boring as routine sounds, it liberated me. I’m running to my own clock and feeling the benefits. With my priorities in place, there is no longer guilt that I should be doing something else. I’ve accepted my skills and talent; chose the activities where I can used them, and released all other obligations.

A favorite quote comes from Robert Frost: “There’s absolutely no reason for being rushed along with the rush. Everybody should be free to go very slow.”

I now have time to relax and rest my body. Several months ago I saw a pillow in a catalog which had the following saying on it: “How beautiful it is to do nothing and then rest afterwards.” I never had time before. I do now.

Doing less has not deteriorated my quality of life. With my priorities before me, I have plenty of time to be responsible to my call of God. And that’s really all that is important anyways.

A Challenge to Read . . .

I finally made the commitment upon my 40th birthday. I was going to read the Bible through from beginning to end. I’d never done it before.

I’d studied all the books in the Bible–but not in order. The many guides available to help me read through the Bible didn’t appeal to me. So I planned my own steps to achieve this goal.

No Time Restraints: I knew my reading would be enhanced if I didn’t pressure myself with a completion date. I purposed to read each day. If I missed a day I didn’t panic. I just picked up the next day where I left off.

A Commentary Companion: When I finished reading a chapter in the Bible, I then read the same chapter in a commentary. There are many word pictures in the Old Testament. They meant nothing to me in my 20th century life, but everything to the Israelite of old. I needed help in understanding what they meant.

As there are Bibles there’s a wealth of different commentaries. I chose a simple, one volume commentary which addressed all the books in the Bible in an understandable way. It provided me just enough information to understand what I was reading, but didn’t overwhelm me with complicated, in-depth scrutiny.

One Chapter at a Time: My goal when I sat down to read was to complete one chapter–both in the Bible and the commentary. This kept me focused on the text at hand and assured that I had understanding of what I'd read before I moved on.

Each time I read a chapter in my Bible and commentary, I recorded the chapter number on a piece of paper. When I was ready to begin the next day, there was no confusion as to where I left off the day before--my accomplishment to date was before me. I also recorded the date I began each new book. These small steps encouraged me through the months.

What benefits did I gain? I gained the flow and focus of the Old Testament which has sharpened my knowledge and my understanding of Israel. It’s not necessarily facts that I learned, or relearned; but the humanness of the books, and God’s hand in the stories, has broadened my appreciation of the history of my faith. Although I was more familiar with the New Testament books, using the commentary broadened my understanding of each book which made them come alive. And the flow of the books deepened my understanding of how they connected.

Reading the Bible through from beginning to end is a conquerable challenge! It took me 2 years and 4 months to complete and is one of the best things I have done in my life. Since then I have taken the challenge twice. It’s a long-term goal that will enhance your daily life and impact your future service for years to come.

Take the challenge! Your prize is a greater appreciation for God’s Word, and the reward of reaching a goal that will satisfy your soul and enhance your relationship with God.

The Right Atmosphere

Note writing is an important ministry in encouraging others, so I’ve created a work area that will draw me to it and inspire me to write notes. My writing room is a small back bedroom in our home. My desk sits next to a window that looks out into our backyard. I’ve surrounded myself with my favorite baskets which hold cards and notes of all varieties and for all occasions. A bulletin board on the wall in front of my desk holds favorite pictures, published works, a calendar and inspiring sayings.


My husband, Jerry, put up a wren house just outside my window. (You can see it in the top picture.) The first week it was up a family moved in, and I enjoyed watching the development of new life. I also see a variety of other birds in our yard, and we have our own deer to enjoy. I enjoy watching the changes of weather here in Maryland where we enjoy all the seasons to perfection. Watching the snow fall as I write inspiring words to others is very soothing.

On the walls in the writing room are some of the manuscripts I’ve been fortunate to have published. Although I don’t write for publication now, the encouragement from seeing these works help me to continue on with the work God has given me.



“Beauty is food for the soul, balm to the spirit, inspiration for anything worthwhile we do with our lives.” Those words were written by Thomas Kinkade in his book, “Lightposts For Living,” under the subtitle of “Living in the Light of the Lovely.” He continues, “All you have to do is be conscious of the spaces around you and begin shaping them into environments that to your own eye are lovely and inviting." The throw of Longaberger baskets always makes me smile!

The atmosphere created in my room encourages me to share God’s love with others.Whatever you do, sewing, knitting, crafting, pottery, writing, anything . . . create a place that will inspire and encourage you as you labor in your work. Like a small back bedroom that just beckons you to come and create awhile–the right atmosphere!

Timing is everything . . .

Thursday morning as I was driving down one of my favorite “animal spotting” roads on my way to work, I saw this hawk land on a tree stump. I was able to pull off the road and snap a few shots of him. He had his eye on a groundhog half way between us. Either the groundhog was too big or the hawk didn’t like me sitting there because he finally flew away.

I had stopped earlier to snap a new lamb, and as you can see the grass was too tall and I only got the top of it’s head. He's there in the center of the picture below. An older lamb is above him to the right.

That five minute delay put me in perfect timing to catch the hawk land on the stump. It would have been a missed opportunity if that new lamb hadn’t caught my attention.

Then there were two . . .

Last week was rainy and overcast but it didn’t stop me from sighting some new calves at a farm I pass. Needless to say my thoughts were, “How can I get a picture?” I just couldn’t get close enough to them . . . and it rained all week! Each morning I’d turn into a parking lot next to the farm, but the animals were either too far away or the rain was too hard.

Thursday morning was overcast but clear when I turned into the parking lot once again. Right before my eyes was Mom and her twin calves! I had the joy of seeing my very first calf stand on its own. What a thrill! For 25 minutes I watched one calf wobbling around, then the second calf stood up and wobbled too! They sure weren’t pretty from all the rain and mud, but in my eyes they were beautiful!

I’ve never taken so many pictures of one event. It was a red letter morning for me. And, with a little careful maneuvering, I changed my course to work and even made it there on time! Give me an extra 15 minutes any day to have the opportunity to stop and capture a “serendipity find” in my travels.

This spring I’ve had baby leaves, newborn goslings and twin calves. I can’t wait to see what treasure God will provide next!

Quotes to Ponder . . .

Words from the past can educate us . . . challenge us . . . thrill us . . . depending on who said them and what they pertain too. I mentioned in an earlier post acquiring the book: Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World. Today I want to share with you some quotes I found under the heading of “Jesus Christ” and the men who wrote them.

“All we want in Christ, we shall find in Christ. If we want little, we shall find little. If we want much, we shall find much; but if, in utter helplessness, we cast our all on Christ, he will be to us the whole treasury of God.”

Henry Benjamin Whipple (1822-1901)

Henry Whipple was the first Episcopal bishop of Minnesota. He also served parishes in Rome, New York and Chicago. He was a champion for the cause of Native American groups. He is best known outside of Minnesota for his dedication to the welfare of the American Indians and for his missionary work among the Dakota and Ojibwe of Minnesota. He was referred to as “Straight Tongue” by Dakota Indians because of his honesty in dealing with them.

“By a Carpenter mankind was made, and only by that Carpenter can mankind be remade.”

Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536)

Erasmus was given the best education available to a young man of his day, in a series of monastic or semi-monastic schools, most notably a school run by the Brethren of the Common Life where he gleaned the importance of a personal relationship with God. He was ordained to the Catholic priesthood but did not actively work as a priest very long. Erasmus lived through the Reformation period. He has been called “the crowning glory of the Christian humanists” and prepared important Latin and Greek editions of the New Testament. Two of his works are: Handbook of a Christian Knight and Foundations of the Abundant Style.

“I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)

Charles Spurgeon is known as the “Prince of Preachers.” In his lifetime he preached to around 10,000,000 people. He was a prolific author and his works have been translated into many languages. He pastored at New Park Street Chapel in London for 38 years, and his powers as a preacher made him famous. At this time I am reading through Look Unto Me: The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon by Jim Reimann.

“You never get to the end of Christ’s words. There is something in them always behind. They pass into proverbs; they pass into laws; they pass into doctrines; they pass into consolations; but they never pass away, and after all the use that is made of them they are still not exhausted.”

Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815-1881)

Stanley was the leading liberal theologian of his time in England. He was untiring in literary work, and though this consisted very largely of occasional papers, lectures, articles in review, addresses, and sermons, it included a third volume of his History of the Jewish Church. The subjects to which he looked as, the most essential of all–the universality of the divine love, the supreme importance of the moral and spiritual elements of religion, the supremacy of conscience, the sense of the central citadel of Christianity as being contained in the character, the history, the spirit of its divine Founder–have impressed themselves more and more on the teaching and the preaching in the Church.

Information on each person was obtained from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Words from yesteryear . . . never grow old.

Treasures in Hershey

Last weekend I enjoyed a Ladies Retreat in Hershey, and, yes, there was an abundance of chocolate and I indulged! Beautiful spring weather greeted us and God's extravant grace filled our souls!

My special treasure from God was discovered Saturday morning before the first session. The hotel had a pond on one side of the lane and a small creek meandered on the other side. Ducks were friendly and two geese swam the borders. The two above were in dreamland.

I wondered over to the little creek as the two geese were honking their way across the lane. Wondering what was up I soon found out! In the shrubs along the creek bank was a family of geese -- 5 goslings! This photographer's dream -- God's treasure to me. I was able to snap away for several minutes as they took their time walking around.




A little serendipity moment just for me.

The Wonder of Digital Photography

My baby leaves started opening Saturday morning, the 18th. On Sunday morning "half-inch baby leaves, perfectly shaped, stretched their little frames for all the earth to see." (See March 30th post, Baby Leaves)

The pictures above were created on Photoshop Elements using the Magic Extractor feature. Just Friday morning my sister-in-law, Bobbie, showed me how to use it to eliminate the background in a picture. I love the results! The top picture shows the leaves still wrapped together, loosening their hold, under the blossoms. The bottom picture are the baby leaves.

I started using Photoshop Elements two years ago and have finally reached a level of satisfaction. It took 8 months to get over the hump and understand how it works. What fun I have had since then!

I went digital about 3 years ago when my friend, Cindy, started me on a 2 megapixels camera. Within a year I went to 6 megapixels. On the computer you have an entire world of opportunities to work with your pictures.

At this time I make note cards and bookmarks from the pictures I take, and, of course, ones to put on my wall. I purchased an assortment of mats from a place called Redimat on the web. Although your minimum order is $100, you can choose any colors and sizes of mats you desire. I have a rainbow of colors to accompany my pictures.

Photography is a wonderful and fun hobby to spend time on. I highly recommend going digital!