Your Lost Sheep

Many of you are familiar with the song "The Ninety and Nine." The poem was written by Elizabeth Clephane in the 1800s. Ira Sankey, music director for evangelist Dwight L. Moody, wrote the music. Folklore claims that Elizabeth wrote "The Ninety and Nine" for her brother who had "returned to the flock" only a short time before his death. The song is based on Jesus' parable in Luke 15:

"Then Jesus told them this parable: ^'Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? ⁵ And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders ⁶ and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep. I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Sankey spot­ted the words in a Bri­tish news­pa­per while on an evan­gel­ism tour in Scot­land with Dwight Moo­dy. He tore the po­em from the pa­per, put it in his pock­et, and for­got about it. Lat­er that day, at the end of their ser­vice in Edin­burgh, Moo­dy asked Sank­ey for a clos­ing song. Ira was caught by sur­prise, but the Ho­ly Spir­it re­mind­ed him of the po­em in his pock­et. He brought it out, said a pray­er, then com­posed the tune as he sang. Thus was born “The Nine­ty and Nine.” This was Sank­ey’s first at­tempt at writ­ing a hymn tune.

Who is your own sheep who is lost? Jesus will search for your sheep who is crying and lost. And there will be great rejoicing, not only in your heart, but by the angels in heaven. Consider the words once again, or for the first time:

"There were ninety and nine that safely lay, In the shelter of the fold.
But one was out on the hills away, Far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains wild and bare, Away from the tender Shepherd’s care,
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.

“Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine; Are they not enough for Thee?”
But the Shepherd made answer: 'This of Mine, Has wandered away from Me;
And although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find My sheep, I go to the desert to find My sheep.'

"But none of the ransomed ever knew, How deep were the waters crossed;
Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through, Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry, Sick and helpless and ready to die;
Sick and helpless and ready to die.

“Lord, whence are those blood drops all the way, That mark out the mountain’s track?
They were shed for one who had gone astray, Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.
Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn? They are pierced tonight by many a thorn;
They are pierced tonight by many a thorn.

"And all through the mountains, thunder riven, And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of Heaven, 'Rejoice! I have found My sheep!'
And the angels echoed around the throne, 'Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!
Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!'"

Never give up hope. Our God is faithful. To all of us who believe, our own little sheep is worth our time on our knees. Our God not only hears prayer but also loves to hear it.

"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy."  Psalm 130:1-2

Bede, Graham and Peonies

"If history records good things of good men, the thoughtful hearer is encouraged to imitate what is good. Or if it records evil of wicked men, the religious listener or reader is encouraged to avoid all that is sinful and perverse and to follow what he knows to be good and pleasing to God."

Thus said Bede, a British monk in 735. Bede was a monk at the English monastery of Wearmouth and Jarrow, in Northumbria. From the age of seven, he spent all his life at that monastery except for a few brief visits to nearby sites. He says of himself: "I have devoted my energies to a study of the Scriptures, observing monastic discipline, and singing the daily services in church; study, teaching, and writing have always been my delight."

These words were in the devotion on May 26th from the Christian History Devotional I started reading the first of the year. The scripture verse for the day was: "One generation will commend your works to another." Psalm 145:4a

It has been quite an adventure reading about so many individuals and the work they did for Christ. Of course, we are encouraged to read historical events to learn about saints of old. The wealth of information left to guide and encourage us is extensive, to say the least. The stories inspire me to stand tall because I have a Mighty God in control of all things.

I'm also reading Billy Graham and Me, where 101 individuals tell their personal stories of knowing Billy Graham. The key words that keep popping out at me are humility, obedience, narrow-focused and caring.  People such as Tony Blair, John Carter Cash, Jim Cymbala, Tony Dungy, Al Gore, Henry Kissinger, Rocky Slaggs, Rick Warren and Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. tell about meeting Billy Graham and the affect he had on their lives.

In one story, Joe Stowell, host of Strength for the Journey ministry and president of Cornerstone University asked Billy Graham this question: "What have you enjoyed the most about your ministry?" The answer he gave: "By far and away, the best thing in my life has been my fellowship with Jesus, walking with Him, relying on His wisdom and sensing His presence with me."

I thought about my own ministry of encouraging through note writing and what I have enjoyed the most: "God continually amazes me as He provides words for me to write. There will be nothing in my mind except bewilderment and when I finally pick up a pen the words come out of no where and are written down on the note card. When I'm done writing, I sit there in amazement."

Billy Graham, indeed, is a giant in our world, and I've enjoyed hearing up front and personal experiences from an array of people. To many of our young folk, Billy Graham will be a historical character to be read and learned from in the future.

Both of these books are worthy of reading, and I encourage you to allow folks from ages past to share their lives to inspire and refresh you.

The snap above is from a photo shoot I created with my first peony bloom this year. The bloom is sitting in my Longaberger peony basket with some cards, books, vase and a "friend" block it around it. There's a funny story associated with peonies. When Jerry and I first wed and moved into our first home (and current one still) there was a peony garden at the end of our driveway, near the street. I was young and foolish and didn't want the peony garden because ants were in the blooms. Gardening was not anywhere in my mind so my sister-in-law came and dug the peonies up and took them home.

It wasn't until many years later when my friend, Karla Dornahcer, shared a post on her blog about peonies that my mind changed it's opinion. (www.karladornacher.typepad.com) Following is a summary of sorts, of her post: There had been a serious thunderstorm and her beautiful peony bush was bent and broken. She went out to see if she could save any of the blossoms, which were weighted down with water and mud. She brought in more than twenty stems laden with blossoms and buds inside. She worked with them and was able to fill two large vases with beautiful bouquet of peonies."

Karla shared how God used this experience to remind her that "the fury of winds and rain of this world leave us broken and bent over with great heaviness and sorrow . . . We lose hope as we are not able to lift ourselves up and out of the pit we're in . . . When we put our hope back in Him as the Lover of our souls and Master Gardener of our hearts and lives, He reaches down and gently lifts our heads, washes us with His Holy Spirit and Truth, and He carefully places us in a vase with other broken people, church bouquets, for our own blessing . . . giving ourselves to the world who need to see what great things God has done for us."

You can read it in it's entirety at: http://karladornacher.typepad.com/karlas_korner/2009/06/index.html

Her post of encouragement has ever since changed my opnion of peonies and I eagerly wait for their blossoms each year. The below snap is from my peony garden this year! The ants don't bother me anymore!

Now there are chairs!

Thanks to Jerry I now have a private sitting area in my first garden. I needed something to close in the garden from that side of the back yard, and privacy from our neighbors. We picked up the wood privacy screen at Lowe's and Jerry put it up. I love the butterfly house too!

In the morning I go out about 5:30 or 6 and sit in the quiet of the hour. The birds wake up and bring music to my ears. Only the early morning traffic out front is visible. It has become my refreshing time to enjoy the gardens and be close to God.

This spring was my first spring to watch all the plants come up out of the ground. What a joy it was! Most all plants are healthy and growing. The wiegelia bloomed this spring (below), and the color is lovely.

The second garden is coming along nicely also (below). Jerry got the bird house up, and soon the sign "God lives here" will follow. I can see it when I sit in my spot on the couch. The first day it was up two sparrows visited it. They stood on the platform and went on their tip toes to try and see in the hole. It was quite comical. Didn't have my camera ready. Jerry also put up the lattice at the end of this garden.

                                         

My second year of gardening is still a joy. I've never spent winter months planning and deciding what to do in a garden. It certainly made January and February more interesting.

May 16th I posted a picture of a poppie from my garden on Facebook. Last fall we purchased more poppies and planted them in the second garden. Look at the difference between the two. It's remarkable. One has puffy layers and a soft orange shade while the other has a single layer and very bold orange. I was surprised.

My peonies are just beginning to open, but down in Rockville the peonies are in full bloom!

I love these Bachelor Buttons in my wild flower garden!

The other day Jerry looked out the back window and found two deer taking a siesta at the back gate.

While visiting in the home of my dear friend, Kathy, she created this lovely vase of flowers and had it sitting at the kitchen table where we ate lunch. A special touch from a special friend. Thank you, Kathy.

And last, most of you know how much I love to photograph fawn. Well my dear friend, Carol, posted the snap below that was taken in her yard. The first ones I see each year are usually larger than the one she saw. What a great snap!

Now I think it's time for me to go sit in my garden!

Flower Farming

I recently read the book "The 50 Mile Bouquet" by Debra Prinzing. She writes about individuals who grow and sell fresh flowers in the United States. She shares their struggles in competing with foreign countries in selling fresh flowers and their creativity and joy in producing flowers and selling them locally.

There was a lot to learn about the $40 billion worldwide industry of selling flowers that are fill with chemicals, or buying flowers grown in the United States that are fresher, chemical free and longer lasting. The lives and stories of these dedicated farmers were fascinating.

There were many tips throughout the stories such as how to postpone the bud's opening of a peony for up to a month, and keeping daffodils in a separate water-filled plastic bag when part of an arrangement When the stems of daffodils are cut, a sap-like substance seeps out and shortens the life of other flowers in the vase.

Years ago my sister-in-law, Bobbie, put up a green house in her backyard and sold flowers in her front yard. Then she went on to sell at farmer's markets and craft fairs. I not only enjoy photographing her bounteous supply, but also enjoy the flowers I buy from her (when she lets me). Knowing someone labored lovingly over their work and enjoys supplying others with their gift of creations, makes me want to purchase from them. The below snap is one of my favorite from her garden.

The individuals and their stories are heartwarming. They really care about the flowers they grow and want them to be the very best quality possible. And they want their customers to be pleased!

No, I'm not considering becoming a farmer and growing fields and fields of beautiful flowers. My two small gardens are more than enough for me to handle. But I am more discerning about where I purchase flowers, asking if they are locally grown. All it takes is a little research in your area to find where these determined and happy farmers ply their trade. You can find many at your farmer's market.

In March, I pulled up a website from the book that sells gorgeous dahlias only to find they were already sold out for 2013. It was Corralitos Gardens, on the California coast, and they are best known for their mail-order business selling dahlia plants to gardeners and growers. Customers in 42 states gobble up 15,000 plus plants each spring. I'm now on their email list.

I enjoyed reading about folks living their dream of growing and selling fresh, chemical free and beautiful flowers. The next time you need a bouquet of flowers, try avoiding the cellophane wrapped bundles and finding some fresh flowers locally.
Flower farming. Right here in the USA. Unfussy, chemical-free, natural flowers. My eyes have been opened!

Another snap from Bobbies garden that I love!

Worth the Wait!

Last week we were able to visit one of our favorite places: Intercourse, PA. As I mentioned a few weeks ago when we went to Lancaster to the Sight and Sound theatre, we love the Lancaster area, but specifically Intercourse. The small town is brimming with shops, food and scenery to enjoy. It had been several years since we've been there.

Jerry, and his son, Eric, were to go to Brookville, PA last week, but because of health concerns for both of them, they didn't go. I was going to go with Jerry when Eric cancelled, but then Jerry decided, no, he wouldn't be able to do the things he wanted too. That's when God brought Lancaster to mine.

Mom and Sam were already scheduled to go to friend's home's (different ones) so I suggested we get away overnight for a break. We hadn't been away since Mom came to live with us last August. Jerry liked the idea! We were off.

The B&B we stayed at was on a main road into Intercourse. I was up early the next morning to snap the scenery. While sitting on the gazebo (above) I snapped this picture of an early morning horse and buggy going by.

I love this scene, taken from the parking lot of the Kitchen Kettle Village. I spotted it as we were leaving the shopping village. Such a serene and restful picture!

Spotted this field of lambs as we drove around. Do all four belong to her? The other momma appeared to have three (one out of the picture).

It was amazing watching this boy handle the team of horses. Even in the turn the boy held firm and able!

We stopped at the house below to buy some bird houses. A typical front yard with clothes on the line.

Two Amish families were enjoying a picture on the other side of the horse and buggies. It's not often we see buggies and horses resting at a covered bridge.

These blooms at the B&B were a delight to see!



Another lovely view of a farm as we drove roads north of Intercourse.

It was a wonderful two days and one night in a favorite destination. I treated myself to a delicious cupcake, fit for a queen! I won't forget where that bake shop is in Bird-In-Hand!

A Last Will and Testament

The April 14th devotion in The One Year Christian History devotional is titled He Served a Good Master." It shared Andrew Duncan's will, dated April 14, 1626. It certainly is a lot different from the wills we write today! Following are excerpts:

"I, Andrew Duncan, . . . set down the declaration of my latter will, concerning these things, which God has lent me in this world; in manner following, -- First, as touching myself, body and soul I leave to Christ Jesus, who gave it, and when it was lost, redeemed it, that He may send His holy angels to transport it to the bosom of Abraham, there to enjoy all happiness and contentment; and as for this frail body, I commend it to the grave, there to sleep and rest, as in a sweet bed, until the day of refreshment, when it shall be reunited to the soul, and shall be set down at the table with the holy patriarchs, prophets, and apostles; yea, shall be placed on the throne with Christ, and get the crown of glory on my head . . . As concerning my temporal goods, the baggage and blathrie of the  earth, as I have gotten them in the world off God's liveral hand, so I leave them behind me in the world; giving most humble and hearty thanks unto my heavenly Father for so long and comfortable loan of the same."

Duncan was a Presbyterian minister in Scotland in the 1600s. He saw many hardships: being arrested for defying the king; imprisoned multiply times, and banished to France. Duncan saw simple examples of God's care over him and his family such as when a stranger came to his house and gave him a sack of food, after he prayed and told his family that God would provide food for them to eat.

I enjoy reading words such as these and learning how Christians in the past openly and honestly beheld their Savior and spoke it!

The snap above is on the mountain top in Cacapon, WV. One of my excursions while at a ladies retreat last weekend. Below is an early morning doe making her way through the misty field near the lodge.

An Overcast Morning

The other day I left home at 8 a.m. for a photo shoot. It was an overcast morning, lightly raining. Several years ago I snapped pictures in my sister-in-law's garden on an overcast morning and they came out great.

I was looking for blooming trees and I wasn't disappointed. I like the one above and below.

After an hour and a half, my mind brought up the horse farm we drove by a few days before. There were several foals in the field. I decided to stop by there and see if I could get permission to take some snaps.

What a time I had! I focused on two mares and their foals in a field to themselves. They really gave me a show! Following are some of the snaps I took.

I created two matted prints and four note cards a few days later and took them over to the farm to thank them for letting me take pictures. Later that day I received a nice email thanking me and telling me how much they liked them. But the thing that gave me the biggest smile was how she signed the email . . . sisters in Christ.

I'm sure glad I didn't let a rainy, overcast morning keep me away. What a thrill!