Call Back in 2014

We are now in the last days of 2013. A new year, a new anticipation, a fresh new beginning is about to begin.

The December 19th devotion in that much loved and sought after devotional, Streams in the Desert, spoke about a much loved poem I believe was written by Edgar A. Guest, although I'm not sure. I have one of Guest's books, but can't remember where it is and if I saw the poem in there.

Anyway . . . for the Christian, hearing and reading about men and women of faith, through the centuries, is a great learning opportunity. And YOUR life can be the life that helps draw your family and friends to a fuller life of faith.

So this new year, please join me and "call back" how God has seen you through the years, and the amazing things you've learned in following Him. I hope this poem inspires you to share with others.

"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 shook 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."

"Life is a steep climb, and it does the heart good to have somebody 'call back' and cheerily beckon us on up the high hill . . ."  "If anyone among us has found anything worthwhile, we ought to 'call back.'" Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

My friends, He went with me into the storm and kept me when my roots were torn; He bore me up and held me close when the earthquake shook my heart; He heard me when my prayers were but a cry, and He saw me through the night's sin-darkened sky. My face glows with triumph and my feet continues the race. My God is FAITHFUL, you CAN trust Him to see you through!

As you get ready to begin 2014, I hope you will "call back" to fellow believers and tell them how God has seen you through as you've walked with Him.

The snaps are some of my favorites from 2013.

Happy New Year!

That Encouraging Word

This weekend, when you attend worship services at your church, whether you are excited about the coming Christmas celebrations or hurting and discouraged about the festivities to come, look around and you will see someone whose heart needs encouraging. There are always people who are hurting at this season of the year.

Bring with you an extra baked treat, your smile, or an invitation to Christmas Eve festivities or Christmas dinner. Even a small inexpensive gift, wrapped beautifully will delight a hurting someone.

Can you recall a time when you were hurting and discouraged, and someone came up to you and offered cheer? I sure do! And it was that invitation to Christmas dinner, and that invitation to attend Christmas Eve services, and that delicious homemade treat that helped me through hard Christmases.

Even with a house full of family, inviting that one person who needs encouraging to share it with you will make a difference.

The heart of Christmas is giving, and the most perfect gift is Jesus. He comes in many forms, and is always perfect. Your hands are His to share!

So look around you this year, at coworkers, neighbors, friends, check out workers at your favorite store, and give that special touch to light the heart of someone.

This delicious cake, which is all gone, was a pleasant surprise as Jerry and I celebrated our anniversary at the Country Cupboard in Lewisburg, PA last Friday. It was a lovely day for a long drive to a favorite dining and shopping establishment. Even Mom was happy to be there!

As I've encouraged you to give that special touch, I'll be doing the same thing this week to those who need a touch of God's encouragement. And while you're at it, how about a special note, or a friendly word to your pastor who stands before you every week and teaches God's Word. Each Sunday I'm filled with God's truth, knowing my pastor has studied and prayed about the message he brings.

Turn up your Christmas music, write that encouraging note, bake that delicious treat, make that cheerful telephone call, and make Christmas a happier time for someone else. You have the best gift of all in your heart. Share it with someone with a smile!

Some of the snaps are from the Country Cupboard which was deliciously decorated; some from the beautiful snows of last week, and some miscellaneous occasions. Did you see those two squirrels on the back gate during the snow storm? They were stocking up on the corn we put out for the deer.

A very merry and happy Christmas to all of you as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

The Gardens at Longwood

Last week I was delighted to visit Longwood Gardens with Jerry and Mom. It had been several years since I had the pleasure to experience their Christmas display. Longwood Gardens is in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, about 2 1/2 hours from our home. We also enjoyed lunch in their restaurant. It was a lovely excursion!

This post will share some of the snaps I took during this visit. And for many of you that have enjoyed the beauty of Longwood Gardens in person, may these pictures awaken your memory of the beauty and delight you saw when you were there.

Mom purchased the large and beautiful Longwood Gardens Christmas book, which is a complete book of the beginnings of Longwood Gardens by the du Pont family, and history of their lives. I just began reading it last evening, and I must share this reading with you that definitely made me smile!

It's a letter Pierre du Pont wrote to his wife's father when he asked for Alice's hand in marriage: "Alice said that she would tell you that she has consented to share my lot in life but I do want her consent to have your approval. No man can claim to merit the sacrifice that a woman must make in marrying but he can promise to do all in his power to compensate her for what she gives. This promise I give, may I be capable of carrying it into effect!"

And on that note, a very happy 28th anniversary to Jerry and me!

Hope you've enjoyed the beauty!

December Again

When the calendar turns over to December, what are your thoughts? "I can't believe Christmas is here again?" "Another year almost over. "I hate Christmas!" "Oh no, it's going to snow soon." "I love Christmas!" "It's so good to go home!" "Do I have to go home again?"

December certainly brings about many different feelings. I've experienced the gamut of feelings at Christmas time through my life. The thing that helps me the most is remembering that I control my feelings and expectations.

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year! Whether your family is happy or sad, angry or loving, you can still discover the joy of Christmas in your own heart. If you focus on what's important and not other people, the joy inside of you can celebrate! It may not be easy, but it is possible.

"Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man." unknown

"Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born, If he's not born in thee thy soul is still forlorn. " Angelus Silesius (1624-1677)

I like this verse from the hymn "All That Thrills My Soul":  "Love of Christ so freely given, Grace of God beyond degree, Mercy higher than the heaven, Deeper than the deepest sea!

I was reminded recently of a favorite passage in the Old Testament--the story of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. He was a man of God who sought the Lord for direction, and led as God instructed. (2  Chronicles 20)

The part I read that encourages my heart is: "We do not know what to do but our eyes are upon you" . . . "All the men, with their wives and children and little ones, stood before the Lord." (verse 13)

We have to wait for many things in this life, and God wants us to be filled with joy as we wait. Joy comes in the waiting, and we must keep our eyes on Jesus.

And so it is at Christmas time. Whatever state you find your emotions in as we go through the month of December, keep your eyes upon Jesus. As you go through each day of this special season, stand with the Lord, with your joy in Him, knowing He controls all things and you will find sweet peace to share with others.

Let this December and Christmas be a happy and joyful one.