The Enriched Life

I've always loved this picture. I bought it a few years ago at a fair in Cook Forest.

The scene is made in cotton.

 

Back in January 2016, I made a list of ways God enriches my life after reading David Jeremiah's book:  The Upward Call. They still ring true today!

He refreshes me! He's steadfast and true.

He provides peace and brings rest.
He enables me to do good things.
He helps me to do my best.
My worry's are limited because I know He's in control of all things.
He brings joy, rich and full joy.
He talks to me through His Word.
He thrills my soul when I hear others speak of Him and trust Him.
He guides my way, confirming choices and opening doors.
He cheers me when I'm scared and assures me He loves me.
He's always with me. I can always turn to Him when I'm in need. I'm never alone.
He provides a family for me to be a part of so I know I  belong somewhere.
He is trustworthy and true. He never lies.
His creation is glorious and majestic. It brings laughter, fun and satisfaction.

What more can you add to this list? How does God enrich your life?

The beauty of a snowflake. Photographer unknown.

Psalm 119 is a favorite psalm. I like what Johannes Paulus Palanterius, from the 1600s, said about it:

"This Psalm is called the Alphabet of Divine Love, the Paradise of all the Doctrines, the Storehouse of the Holy Spirit, the School of Truth, also the deep mystery of the Scriptures, where the whole moral discipline of all the virtues shines brightly. And as all moral instruction is delightsome, therefore this Psalm, because excelling in this kind of instruction, should be called delightsome, inasmuch as it surpasses the rest. The other Psalms, truly, as lesser stars shine somewhat; but this burns with the meridian heat of its full brightness and is wholly resplendent with moral loveliness." 

Spurgeon says the 119th psalm is known among the Germans as "The Christians' golden A B C of the praise, love, power, and use of the Word of God." 

Marjolein Bastin Art

And on another topic . . . I recommend the DVD The Star of Bethlehem."  Our Sunday School teacher recommended it a few years ago, and we purchased it. It is a documentary on "the star of Bethlehem" and is a presentation exploring the truth of Scripture and reveals the evidence for God's existence as seen in the stars above. It is fascinating to see.

Enrich: improve or enhance the quality or value of. God certainly does that! Have you thought of ways God has enriched your life?

By His Grace . . .

Just a Few Words Back . . .

"His mercies are new every morning; Great is His faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22 

We are all familiar with the above Scripture verse and have said it or heard it said hundreds of times. It is well quoted and brings calm and comfort to all that hear it.

But just a few words back are words that go with this verse but are rarely spoken of. I was introduced to these words early last Sunday morning, and as I read them, I had to stop and ponder: "This I call to mind; therefore I have hope." 

I was reading a devotion in the little book

"The Prayer Jar Devotional: HOPE" by Wanda Brunstetter. The title of the devotion is "Daring to Hope."

 

Reading those few words before the well-known verse adds a special touch. HOPE. We can hope because His mercies never fail. We can hope because they are new to us every morning.

HOPE is a big, beautiful word! It's the reason we can go on living each day because of all God does for us. I can be 

calm and be comforted because of God's hope. 

Recalling the faithfulness of God in your life makes it possible to be thankful for new mercies each morning. It reminds us of all God has done for us before. We can trust Him each day to be faithful.

Dare to HOPE that God will oversee all

that each minute brings to your life. Take hold of the mercies that never cease. 

Remember to recall: "This I call to mind; therefore I have hope."

By His Grace . . .

By His Grace . . .

Contentment in Being a Heartsease

“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” 

Philippian 4:11

The beauty of the little Heartsease

When I was a new Christian, I sang in the choir at my home church. I sat next to a friendly, older lady who took me under her wings. One Christmas she gave me a copy of the devotion book, Streams in The Desert, Volume One.

I read that book for a number of years. It helped me understand the Christian life as a new Christian.

I recently picked the book up again and was reminded of a story I used to share when I spoke about note writing. Note writing seems like such a little thing, but this story helped show that nothing done for God is little. Whatever God has given you to do; whatever gifts He has given you, remember that every gift is big in God’s eyes.

“A story is told of a king who went into his garden one morning and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine was all out of heart because it could not bear grapes, like the vine. The vine was going to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and have as fine fruit as the peach tree. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac; and so on all through the garden. Coming to a heartsease, he found its bright face lifted as cheery as ever. “Well, heartsease, I’m glad, amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened.” “No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would have planted one; but as I knew you wanted a heartsease, I am determined to be the best little heartsease that I can.”

“Others may do a greater work, But you have your part to do; and no one in all God’s heritage Can do it so well as you.”

A graphic that encouraged me many years ago.

This little story and others like it helped me to believe I was doing something important for God in writing encouraging notes. What are you doing that doesn't seem to be important in God's kingdom? Do you just put tables up and take them down for a fellowship? Do you just cut out things for a Sunday School teacher? Do you just pray at home. Do you just cook soup for the elderly? Do you just drive people to appointments? Do you just take care of your grandchildren? Just. Just. Just.

If what you do is for God's glory, and you use the gifts He has given you, it's a BIG thing in His service.

Be the best little heartsease you can be, for yourself. and for your brothers and sisters in Christ. You will bring a smile to the gardener of your soul.

By His Grace . . .

Girlfriends

This is the charm bracket I had made into a necklace in celebration of my 75 years of life which I spoke about in my last post. I will wear it all this year as a reminder and thank you to God for the gift of salvation He has given me and all the good things He continues to give to all those who live for Jesus. I also thank Him for the work He has given me to do for His glory, by His grace, as I live for Him. 

I was browsing through my list of things to write about and came across the following words below. I don’t remember where I read them or who wrote them, but with Valentine’s Day just a few weeks away, I decided this would be a good word to pass along.

As many of you know, girlfriends have been my lifeline all through my years. I have been helped in all situations of my life by their guidance, wisdom and cheer. Think of your girlfriends as you read the following:

 

"Years ago, I was at the beach with my family when I noticed a group of ladies nearby who appeared to be in their 50s. With a quick glance, I knew they were on a girls’ weekend. All the signs were there — coolers, beach bags with romance novels, straw hats, umbrellas in the sand — but most telling of all was their laughter. Lots and lots of laughter, the kind that draws attention and curiosity from anyone in earshot.

My friend, Karla Dornacher, created this piece, a magnet.

I always had a few available when I gave my note writing talks. 

"I loved watching these women enjoy each other’s company. Although they were older than me, and well past my season of life in having babies, I could imagine being in their shoes one day, basking in the glow of old friends who still made me feel young again.

"That afternoon, I saw two of them in the elevator. When I commented on how much fun they seemed to have, they smiled and nodded. One replied, 'Oh, we do have fun. We’ve kept this beach trip going for 20 years and have been through everything — divorce, death, cancer, unemployment. Don’t ever lose touch with your girlfriends, sweetheart. The older you get, the more you’ll need them.

"The conversation left an impression on me. While I’d always treasured my girlfriends, I’d never thought about needing them more with age. And if I’m being honest, it’s only been in the last year or so that I’ve taken their words to heart.

"Because now that I’m in my 40s, I’m seeing how real divorce, death, cancer, unemployment and other major life problems are. I understand what they meant when they emphasized the importance of girlfriends, as my age group faces hardships we couldn’t imagine when we were young and carefree."

Another piece of art my friend, Karla, created. With her permission

I created a Valentine card for my girlfriends with it one year.

Interesting words. Our girlfriends can't save us, for only God can do that, but girlfriends can help make a tragedy bearable. They can read our mind and emotions, intuitively recognize what needs to be done -- then do it. They can listen, empathize and show compassion. They can be used by God to comfort us and provide a timely shoulder to cry on.

Don't lose touch with your girlfriends. The older you get, the more you'll need them. Having great friends is largely a matter of being a great friend. 

My "Celebration of Friends" party! My special girlfriends

from elementary school up to that time in my life.

My friend, Kathy, recently reminded me of the party I had on my 50th birthday: a "Celebration of Friends" party to honor those girlfriends that have been with me through my life. It's one of the best things I have ever done.

We sang a special song that day (Sister's Keeper) because we share a special bond:

"It's not just accidental that our paths have crossed this way,

I believe Divine appointment has brought us here today.

We all need each other, and we all need a hand,

Together we can make it, together we will stand."

"I will be my sister's keeper, If you fall I'll lift you up,

While we walk this road together, He will keep us in His love."

Words and music by Twila McBridge LaBar and Anita Renfroe

Sung by: Kim Hopper

Remember your girlfriends. Valentine's Day will be here soon. A special note or call or card or text from a friend sharing your love and appreciation will not only make your girlfriends smile but will put a smile in your heart. 

Lang created a figurine of Molly and Kate which has special meaning for me.

Girlfriends. Yes, I love my girlfriends. God has made us unique. We need each other. Don't forget yours!

  By His Grace . . .

The Party Begins!

"Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen.

He named it Ebenezer, saying,

'Thus far the Lord has helped us.'"

1 Samuel 7:12

"Then will come old age, sickness, disease, and death, but will this be the end? No! We will awaken to much more -- the likeness of Jesus, thrones, harps, sons, psalms, robes of righteousness, the face of Jesus, the fellowship of the saints, the glory of God, infinite happiness, and the fullness of eternity."

Charles Spurgeon

2024. A new year. A significant year. A meaningful year. I turn 75.

In March, on my favorite number of 14, I turn 75. I’m going to celebrate!

When I turned 50, I decided it was time to celebrate all month. Celebrations give us something to be thankful for. It’s time to celebrate all year!

I’ve learned through the years when you don’t have any family to celebrate with you have to make an effort to celebrate! So, I decided God has done so much for me that it's time to celebrate! Celebrating special times or accomplishments are important to encourage us all and inspire us to continue on.

When I lived in Maryland, I had lifelong friends I could celebrate with. Since moving to Pennsylvania, where I knew no one, my number of friends has increased slowly. So, I have made an effort to remember to celebrate and be happy with small or large accomplishments. Turning 75 is a large accomplishment! (Of course, partying at 75 is a lot different than partying in my younger years!)

Ten years ago I found my lost charm bracelet when we were cleaning out my mother’s home. I was given the charm bracelet by my parents when I was in the 10^th grade.  I started putting charms on it that reflected my life. A graduation cap was one of the first charms placed on it. A sewing machine charm was next. And my life story began.

Lady friends. Did you have a charm bracelet when you were growing up? They've been around a long, long time. The web placed them in the Neolithic era, 4,000 to 3500 B.C. They’ve shown up in the Roman Empire, Knights and Middle Ages, early 20th century through the Greatest Generation. By the 1950s, the charm bracelet was a must-have accessory for girls and women.

In Jacki Lyden's book "Charmed Bracelets" she says: " . . . the most irresistible and alluring thing about a charm bracelet is its ability to tell a story unique to its owner . . . Truly, to wear one is to wear your history upon your sleeve." Jacki also said: "Charm bracelets express who a woman is in a subtle way, simultaneously giving a whimsical little nod to her style while also serving as a record of remembrance of her life."

When I found my charm bracelet I added and deleted a few charms to bring it current to that time in my life. I mounted it in a shadowbox, and it has been sitting in the writing room for me to see. As I began to think about my 75^th birthday I wanted to do something special with it.

I’m making it into a necklace for me to wear this year. My life story. My history. What God has done in my life and what He has given me to do for Him. I want to thank Him each time I wear it for the years He’s given me through all the joys and fun, and all the heartbreak and sadness. I want to remember.

To my astonishment there are 14 charms on the bracelet! I had not thought to count them before. The number 14 comes up everywhere in my life. It’s just right!

The bracelet tells my story . . . a Graduation cap for my High School graduation; a sewing machine for making my own clothes; a piano for lessons I took in my childhood, a telephone for working at the Telephone Company for 21 years; a typewriter for the type of work I did and continue to do.

A child charm for my daughter, Sandy; a Volkswagen Beetle for my favorite car in my 20s; a friend's charm for my lifelong and new friends; a Bible for my faith; a HOPE charm for my Savior; an anniversary charm for my marriage; a camera for my hobby; an envelope for my note writing years and article writings; a watering can for the gardens I created when I retired.

We all have enough bad memories. It's nice to be reminded of good times in your own life. Memories that warm your heart, especially in the winter of your life. 

I'm celebrating God's Hand in my life. God isn’t finished with me yet. I want to thank Him for all He's done for me and continues to do in this, my 75th year. It's time to Party!

"The Lord who 'thus far' has helped you

Will help you all your journey through."

John Newton, 1723-1807

By His Grace . . .