Cushion of the Soul

"And the peace of God, which transcends all our powers of thought, will be a garrison to guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Philipians 4:7

 

These are hard days for everyone. Our country is in turmoil and it's difficult to watch the destruction being done to our way of life and freedom. Keeping our mind in peace, and not worry or be depressed, is a hard thing. But those of us who have faith in Jesus and know the God of all creation have an extra advantage over those who do not believe.

It's our "cushion of the soul." I like these words written by Dr. A. T. Pierson, 1837-1911. He was an American pastor, Bible expositor and editor of The Missionary Review of the World. Here is what he said:

 

"There is what is called the 'cushion of the sea.' Down beneath the surface that is agitated by storms, and driven about with winds, there is a part of the sea that is never stirred. When we dredge the bottom and bring up the remains of animal and vegetable life we find that they give evidence of not having been disturbed in the least, for hundreds and thousands of years. The peace of God is that eternal calm which, like the cushion of the sea, lies far too deep down to be reached by any external trouble and disturbance; and he who enters into the presence of God, becomes partake of that undisturbed and undisturbable calm.                                                                              Streams in the Desert, October 20 

I wonder who uses these steps!

All of us who have been Christians for any length of time and lived through difficult circumstances is aware of this "cushion of the soul." It is real. You know it as soon as you reach it. The mysterious method God has of quieting our soul and calming our spirit. The peace of God. A true blessing in the believer's life.

 

"Ofttimes the test of courage is to live rather than to die."
Conte Vittorio Alfieri, 1749-1803

Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote these words describing this peace:

"When winds are raging o'er the upper ocean,

And billows wild content with angry roar,

'Tis said, far down beneath the wild commotion,

That peaceful stillness reigneth evermore . . .

"So to the heart that knows Thy love, O Purest,

There is a temple sacred evermore,

And all the babble of life's angry voices

Dies in hushed silence at its peaceful door.""

Harriet Beecher Stowe

As we are bombarded with disturbing headlines and sickening and hateful matters let's keep our mind focused on the One who is in control. We may not like what is happening, but we have the assurance God knows what is happening and is able to keep us safe until Jesus comes again.

"True peace is found by man in the depths of his own heart, the dwelling place of God."

Johann Tauler, c. 1300-1361

A nice mixture of color!

Fitly Spoken

 

Let's take another walk down fall lane . . .

 

 "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver . . ." 

Proverbs 25:11

 

The bright sun hitting the red behind the yellow was gorgeous!

 

When I use to speak on the ministry of note writing, this is one of the Scripture verses I shared. And, in truth, I can't remember hearing a description of this verse other than talking or writing words. But I found these words recently by Debbi Bryson.

 

 "Of all the books you will ever read, you will never learn more about yourself  and the meaning of life than from reading God's Word. His Word is powerful, it is light, it breaks strongholds, it heals broken hearts. it gives hope, it transforms your thoughts. Most of all, the greatest benefit is that in His Word, God reveals himself. It indeed is a word fitly spoken."   Debbi Bryson, The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional

 

Gorgeous yellow

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We can encourage by both writing and talking, but the one place we can find words that will refresh, instruct and guide us are in the Bible. 

 

"The sweetest music isn't in oratorios, but in kind words."

Ralph Waldi Emerson, 1803-1882 

So many people reject faith without ever reading the Bible. They just listen to what other people say, who more than likely, have never read the Bible, and rely on that to make their decision. They have no idea what they're missing.

Isn't that scary. Rejecting God's Word and never reading it or listening to it. 

 

It was an overcast, drizzly day but I love the scene!
 

Apples of Gold

Karen Lafferty

 

"Like golden fruit in a basket When it's given to the poor

A word so fitly spoken Can mean love and so much more

There are words so empty There are lives so incomplete

But there are words of comfort When the Spirit speaks so sweet

 

"Apples of Gold, Can we talk for awhile

Apples of God, Can I give you a smile

Apples of God,Can I show that I care

Apples of God, There are things we can share."

 

Being there for each other. Encouraging others and inspiring others. Your "Apples of Gold" can be just what is needed to help another. 

 

"Good words are worth much and cost little."

George Herbert, 1593-1633

 

Be free with your "Apples of Gold." And gather as many as you can as you read in God's Word and be filled to the brim with encouragement, inspiration, direction, and best of all, God!

 

"The small change of human happiness lies in the unexpected friendly word."

Unknown

 

 

"Encouragement is oxygen to
the soul"

George M. Adams, 1878-1962 

 

 

 This is one of the first pictures I took of fall color. It's been many years and I still enjoy seeing it!

 

If you want to walk down fall lane again, now is the time! Soon leaves will be down and days will be cold, but there's still time to enjoy the beauty!

Portraits of Fall

 "The best thing is to go from nature's God down to nature; and if you once get to nature's God, and believe Him, and love Him, it is surprising how easy it is to hear music in the waves, and songs in the wild whisperings of the winds; to see God everywhere in the stones, in the rocks, in the rippling brooks, and hear him everywhere, in the lowing of cattle, in the rolling of thunder, and in the fury of tempests."

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 1834-1892

 

It was a beautiful fall afternoon driving through the country. I enjoyed this view of Fall splendor with a pond at the end!

 

The glory of the season of Fall is without compare. The colors of Fall  are stunning to the eye. Yes, snow thrills my heart; baby leaves in the Spring are a sign of Hope, and wildflowers in the summer turn out a lovely scene. But there's just something about the orange and the red and the gold of Fall that is just plain beautiful!

Following are some of my favorite snaps of Fall color. Sit back and enjoy the beauty of God's creation! Just think, He made it all for us!

From our tree in the front yard in MD

For the Beauty of the Earth

"For the beauty of the earth For the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies.

Lord of all to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise."

 John Rutter

A lovely park near home in MD.

 

"If you have never heard the mountains singing, or seen the trees of the field clapping their hands, do not think because of that they don't. Ask God to open your ears so you may hear it and your eyes so you may see it, because, my friend, they do."

McCandlish Phillips, 1927-2013

The beautiful tree I passed on the way to work each day. Beautiful blue sky, tree of orange, and cows to balance the picture.

This is My Father's World
"This is my Father's world, And to my listening ears,

All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres.

This is my father's world, He shines in all that's fair;

In the rocks and trees of shies and seas; He speaks to me everywhere."

Maltbie D. Babcock

 

What a lovely place to swing in the breeze.

"Think of the number of trees and blades of grass and flowers, the extravagant wealth of beauty no one ever sees! Think of the sunrises and sunsets we never look at! God is lavish in every degree."

Oswald Chambers, 1874-1917

 

The running water never sounded so refreshing.

"In wonder-workings, or some bush aflame,

Men look for God and fancy him concealed;

But in earth's common things he stands revealed

While grass and flowers and stars spell out his name."

Minot Judson Savage, 1841-1918

 

I noticed these bright red trees a few streets over and had to find them.

 

God of the Glorious Sunshine

"God of the glorious sunshine, God of refreshing rain,

Whose voice bids earth awaken And clothe itself again

With life of richest beauty In plant, in flower, in tree,

Thou God of light and splendor, We rise and worship Thee."

Thomas Paxton

 

Love the orange and cream together.

"The tree us full of poetry."

Henry David thoreau, 1817-1862

 

Always enjoy when I get wildlife in a snap.\

 

Flower Carol

"Through each wonder of fair days God Himself expresses;

Beauty follows all His ways, As the world He blesses;

So, as He renews the earth, Artist without rival,

In His grace of glad new birth We must seek revival."

Author unknown, 13th century

The orange against the blue sky was lovely.

 The God of Nature and of Grace

"The forests in His strength rejoice; Hark! on the evening breeze,

As once of old, the Lord God's voice

Is heard among the trees."

James Montgomery

Take time to walk among the trees and forests during this Fall season. Stepping on leaf filled paths of wonder. Oh, how I love Fall!

This last picture is an original painting by my neighbor, Norma. It now sits on my living room table to help celebrate the beauty of fall! I love it!!

Thank you, Norma!

Let the Cheering Begin!

!

"Pumpkins are showing up everywhere!

 

"Christians should never fail to sense the operation of angelic glory. It forever eclipses the world of demonic powers, as the sun does a candle's light."

Billy Graham, 1918-2018

Billy Graham wrote about God's angels watching the drama of this age in his book Unto The Hills. The angels have witnessed all the ages, and they are interested spectators.

I like these words he shared: "We know they are watching, but in the heat of the battle, I have thought how wonderful it would be if we could hear them cheering."

Love these yellow and orange Mums!

What would it be like if we heard angel's cheering? Just the thought brings tears to my eyes. What a phenomenon that would be! Talk about a sign from God!

As I ponder this thought, one way I can "hear" the angels cheering is reciting scripture: "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Hebrews 1:14 And, "For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11 They are serving me and guarding me.  That makes me cheer!

 "The angels are the dispensers and administrators of the divine beneficence toward us; they regard our ways, and exercise a constant solicitude that no evil befall us."

John Calvin, 1509-1564

A lovely scene at a farm.

Another way is to sing this simple melody: "All day, all night, Angels watching over me, my Lord." That certainly brings them close!

  

"If God were to open our spiritual eyes, we would see 'horses and chariots of fire' (2 Kings 6:17) surrounding the servants of the Lord, for we are encircled by 'Thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly' (Hebrew 12:22) sent to protect His royal seed."

 

"Angels guard you when you walk with Me. What better way could you choose?"

Frances J. Roberts

 

Sam's favorite bucket!

"Loyalty to their Lord leads angels to take a deep interest in the children of His love . . . What an amazing level of dignity God's chosen enjoy when we consider that the radiant attendants of heaven have become our willing servants! To what level of communion have we been elevated when we realize we abide with spotless heavenly beings!  Charles Spurgeon

Yes, we all need our cheer leaders. I know I do! Those folks who stand by you when the going gets rough, encouraging you on and letting you know you're not alone.

 

One day I'll see heaven's angels, and I can ask when they cheered for me. Unto then, I have a few angels  here on earth that I can turn to who always cheer my heart!

And happy fall days to you!