Hope Matters

 One of the twin fawn that come to our backyard each evening.  Not as sharp as I'd like, but I like the picture.

"Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear; rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He is your Keeper. He has kept you hitherto. Hold fast to his dear hand, and he will lead you safely through all things; and, when you cannot stand, he will bear you in his arms. Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or he will give you strength to bear it."

Saint Francis of Sales (1567-1622)
 

I enjoy reading biographies of famous people from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Learning about the choices others have made can be inspiring and encouraging.

I read three biographies last week about people who fell from grace. Two overcame with God's help, and the third did not recover from bad choices before his death.

The three men are well known in this age in Christian circles. All three had difficult and disadvantaged childhoods. Let me tell you about them.

Billion Dollar Painter: The Triumph and Tragedy of Thomas Kinkade. A friend and co-worker of Thomas Kinkade wrote the amazing story of Kinkade's beginning. G. Eric Kuskey worked for Kinkade for 14 years, and regarded him as a close and dear friend. Kuskey was kind and truthful of Kinkade's rise to fame and his fall which led to his death.

I found it very interesting as he described Kinkade's two closest friends and business partners and the intriguing and competitive friendship between the three of them. Kinkade's art wasn't accepted in the world of art, and it played a major role in his demised.

I enjoy Kinkade's art and have a painting hanging in our living room. One of his books, Lightposts for Living is a favorite of mind where he shares about living in the light of God's love.


I'm glad I read this story even though Kinkade was unable to overcome his fall from grace. It is a thoughtful and favorable story.

The second book I read is by Michael English, Christian singer well known from the Gaither Vocal Band. The Prodigal Comes Home: My Story of Failure and God's Story of Redemption. I've never been a big fan of Michel English but decided to read his book anyway. The depth of his failures were  great, but God restored him and uses him to reach others for Christ through his brokenness.

I have to admire someone who fell from grace before every eye in the Christian community and was transformed and accepted back into the family of God. His road to redemption was long and filled with wrong choices. But he didn't give up and shared his story to help others. I don't think I have the guts to share my story for the whole world to know. But I believe stories like his can be great encouragement for those with similar burdens.

Rory Feek, of the famous duo Joey and Rory, shares his life in This Life I Live: One Man's Extraordinary, Ordinary life and the Woman Who Changed it Forever. This is another Christian artist who is well known for his music, writing and storytelling. His wife, Joey, died of cancer. The first half of his book shares his first 35 years of life and the choices he made. The second half shares of his life with Joey and how he continues to live each day with God's help.

It is inspiring to know God reaches to all people, through all of the wrecks and messes in their life, and transforms them with His grace. I was surprised and inspired with his story. His blog is: roryfeek.com.

All three stories gave me opportunity to pause and think about my own life and the choices I've made through the years. It reminds me that all it takes is one bad choice to turn your life in a wrong direction and fall from God's grace. But a wrong choice can be redeemed. And God offers you that redemption at every turn.

"I like to remember this Scripture verse: "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed . . ." Romans 4:18  That same hope is there for every Christian believer.

Our lives are filled with ups and downs. Heartbreak and happiness. Joy and sadness. And there is one who never gives up on us. He's always ready to turn our lives around. Always loves us. If nothing else, these three books reminded me that the hope I have in Christ is able to redeem me from my human weakness and change my life to one of good and right.

I think I'll read a good fiction book now.

"A man must completely despair of himself in order to become fit to obtain the grace of Christ."

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Through

"One of the marks of spiritual maturity is the quiet confidence that God is in control . . . without the need to understand why he does what he does."

Charles R. Swindoll (1934 - )

  My opportunities to snap fawn are not as easy as they were in Maryland. With all the woods and forest in the surrounding area, they can run quickly for cover before I'm able to get a snap off!

I did manage to get a few snaps last year, and only two so far this year. So I went on a journey through my digital photograph albums so I could enjoy the thrill of seeing a fawn. I'll share some of them through this post.
 

Last week I brought up several books from the basement that I hadn't read in years. This week I've been reading in "Something Beautiful: The Stories Behind a Half-Century of the Songs of Bill and Gloria Gaither."
 

It's been a good read. I like to know the stories behind songs and pictures--what prompted someone to write those words or snap that shot. What memories do they bring to the one who created the music or took the picture.

There are many songs included in this book that I've never heard before. When you write 1,000 songs over your lifetime, I guess all of them can't be hits.



This morning the song's title was "Through," and Gloria shared that it's the one word they hear over and over again. "The songs got me through." I liked the lyrics and want to share them with you.

"Through the fire, through the flood, Through the water, through the blood,

Through the dry and barren places, Through life's dense and maddening mazes,

Through the pain and through the glory, Through will always tell the story,

Of a God whose power and mercy Will not fail to take us through.

"When I saw what lay before me, 'Lord,' I cried, 'what will you do?

I thought He would just remove it, But He gently led me through.

"Without fire, there's no refining, Without pain there's no relief.

Without flood there's no rescue; Without testing, no belief.

I know He could part the waters, At His voice a mountain move;

But His love would crowd me to him---Through my need His presence proved.

Come, my child, I'll take you through it; When you faint, I'll carry you.

Cast on me your fear and weakness--Trust my heart; I'll take you through." 

I've been through many mountains, and I'm sure you have too. I can gladly say, "He took me through." I would have gladly run from the burden; turn my back on it, and step away. But that
 doesn't accomplish anything, except leave me with bad memories.

Every one of us has to walk through our own mountain(s). And there are usually many in the course of your life. I'm glad I know the One who walks through them with me. He promises "He'll take me through!" That's one promise that has helped me numerous times.

"I would rather walk with God in the dark than go alone in the light."

Mary Gardiner Brainard (c. 1860) 

My Dreams. God's Plan.

So good to see my sister! Kathy has lived in Oklahoma all of her adult life. Having just a tiny amount of time to sit and talk and laugh with her was delightful.

We are now a party of two. The move of my mother took place last week. She's safely with my sister, and hopefully settling in fine.

"A man's heart is right when he wills what God wills."

Saint Thomas Aquinas, 1225-1274

During our drive to Illinois, where we met my sister and her husband, I played some mind games. I hadn't done that in a long time and it was fun. Here's what I decided:

Five states I'd like to live in: Tennessee, around the Smokey Mountains. North Carolina, around the Smoky Mountains. Colorado and those Rocky Mountains. New Hampshire and those Green Mountains. West Virginia. "Take me home, country roads, to the place, I belong, West Virginia, mountain Momma, take me home, country roads." Yes, mountains and country roads are where I like to be.

Five places I'd like to go on vacation: Alaska. Nova Scotia. Montana/Wyoming. Canada.Oklahoma (to see my sister and drive all those dirt roads).

Five vehicles I like: Volkswagen Beetle. Ford Taurus. Ford F-150 Pickup. Jeep. Recreation vehicle.

Five Foods I like to eat: Sirloin steak. Prime Rib. Meatloaf. Pizza. Ice cream.

Five jobs I'd like to have? Wildlife Photographer. Sewing/Quilting professional. Best selling author. Creator of designs. Successful baker.

My neighbor, Norma, has a Hummingbird nest in her backyard. You can barely see it on the wires near her house in the back yard. It's just to the left and higher to the feeder. To my thrill, the eggs hatched, and I got to see them when I went down to thank her for watering my flowers while we were gone. As if that wasn't enough, the mother came and fed them while I was there. I was sitting about 20 feet away and so excited I got the snaps!

It was fun to pass the time thinking about my favorite things. My dreams. But God's plans are so much better!

"I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11


I may not be a professional photographer, but I love taking pictures and enjoy my serendipity travels to find good snaps. I enjoyed sewing early in my life, and have now learned quilting and can create simple pieces that make me happy.

I may not be a best selling author, but I enjoy writing and encouraging others with my words. I've created many designs on the internet and have fun making cards and bookmarks. I'm famous for my chocolate chip coffee cake that many people enjoy.

For all my dreams, God made it possible for me to enjoy them at different times in my life with my skills and desire.My only goal in life as a young girl, was to be a secretary, and God made that possible. I enjoyed 40 years of work in the secretarial field.

God's ways are always better. I'd rather have His ways anytime! But Nova Scotia would be nice.

What's your dreams? How is/has God answered?

"God will either give you what you ask, or something far better." 

Robert Murray McCheyne, 1813-1843

My friend, Kathy, just returned from a trip to New Hampshire where she enjoyed the abundance of beautiful lupines. Thanks for sharing Kathy!

A Second Chance at Retirement

 The other week I spotted another bear during my early morning drive through the forest. There wasn't much light shining through at 5:45 that morning, so I couldn't get a good snap. But the bear did stop for 4 or 5 seconds and look at me before walking out of sight. It could almost be a painting rather than a picture, but I'm glad I got it!

A second chance at retirement. Yes, its been awhile since I retired in October 2011, but the reality is I was only retired for 10 months. In August 2012 my mother came to live with us because of declining health, and we've been care givers for almost 6 years. It's finally coming to an end.

Next week we'll be moving my mother to Oklahoma to live with my sister and her husband. Jerry and I had to make the decision that we couldn't care for her in our home anymore because of Jerry's health and my emotional and mental burnout. I'm thankful that my sister and her husband stepped up and offered their help. They will be in my prayers as they take on this responsibility.

I've enjoyed looking at the blooms on this Martha Washington Geranium plant. The flowers are gorgeous!

It's been a long 6 years of having someone live with us where relationships were not good. So why did we do it? Because God's Word says children should honor their mother and father. Period. I'm not looking for any accolades here or pats on the back. It's just a fact. Since we try and live according to God's Word, it was a responsibility we had to take.

Honoring your parents doesn't rank high in society today, as I listen to many friends share heartbreak and sadness because of separation with their children. I admit, I don't like my mother, but she is my mother, so I've tried to do what I believe God would have me do in regard to her.

My childhood home was without warmth, hugs, kisses, and expressed love. There was bitterness in the home, with lost hopes. There had never been a loving relationship with my mother, so caring for her was very difficult. I couldn't have done it without Jerry's help. He was the one who stepped up and said she would live with us when the situation arose, and he did all he could to make it easier on me.

This was the reality of an unloving and dysfunctional family.

It may be that I'll never see my mother again. She has a critical heart valve and the days of her life are definitely numbered. I feel sad for her, from what I perceive of her life. I hope the years we gave to care for her will bore some good.  It's always best to do the right thing, even if your heart isn't in it. God will provide a way through, and release you when His timing is right.

So retirement begins anew for me. A weight has been lifted from my heart. I am set free from a weary season of life. Jerry and I can try and find our life together once again.

I'm going to miss my favorite deer spotting place again this year. I never failed to find deer and fawn! Snapping this picture through the fence rail was fun! Mommy Doe wasn't concern at all!

A Right Catchy Title

 A right beautiful morning the other day and I just had to snap apicture of it!

Recently I visited the Gaither website and happened upon Gloria Gaither's blog, Love Song to my Life. She had an interesting post about a book she'd read back in the 90s. Her blog post title was: Girls with Grandmother Faces.

I loved the title and enjoyed the read. Most of my girlfriends now have grandmother faces. And yet, I still see the young face of my girlfriends, some of sixty years ago.

An excerpt from her post: "Sometime in the 90’s I came across a book called Girls with Grandmother Faces, encouraging women to stay connected, curious, and active after being widowed, having the kids leave home, or transitioning from the busy career years.  It was an interesting book, but it is the title I most remember because when my closest friends first entered my life, we all sort of still considered ourselves 'girls' . . . Over the years we shared laughter, pain, secrets, disappointments, betrayals, the death of spouses, and some great vacations with our families in tow.
 
"Gradually, we all got 'grandmother faces', but we were still the same 'girls' we’d always been—only better.  Better because we’ve known and loved each other through more than four decades and have been the Keepers of each other’s memories.  We all knew how important this well-earned trust would become in the coming days, for we knew there was a good chance some of us would be losing some memory of our own."

 Most of my friends are now in their 70s or very close behind. I've known them for 20, 30, 40, 50 and some for 60 years. And I still see them as the girls I came to know and love all those years ago. We may have "grandmother" faces, but our hearts identify with each others as the girls we once were.


And yet, I look at my older sister by two very loooooong years, and think, "she sure looks old." Some things never change. 😊


 If you care to check out the book, it is written by Frances Weaver and titled: The Girls With the Grandmother Faces.

  

 

A Hope Chest

When Jerry and I planted 50 daffodil bulbs last fall, I was hoping for a knockout display this Spring. It's not quite a knockout, but I'm sure pleased to see they lived!

 "The secret of your own heart you can never know; but you can know him who knows its secret." George MacDonald, 1824-1905

Did you have a hope chest when you were young? I remember being given one as a teenager. It was to hold items for when I had a household, when I married or for blankets and such.

"Hope chests go back in time to Egyptian pharaohs who used these chests to preserve ancient treasures of gold and writings on papyrus. Some speculate that its origin evolved from the ark of the covenant." Franklin Graham

Our new Magnolia Jane's survived the winter and just started blooming yesterday. So pleased to see my favorite tree alive and well! And the dandelions are coming up too! I remember last spring seeing lawns and fields covered with dandelions. They don't pull them up or try and kill them here. Those yellow fields were quite attractice!

In Franklin Graham's new book, Through My Father's Eyes, he speaks about hope chests in the last chapter titled, Legacy. "The human heart is a type of cedar chest, storing valuable lessons, special memories, and the important pieces of one's life that live on throughout generations."

I enjoyed reading his description of the heart being a hope chest and want to share some of his words: "Are we building reserves of faith, hope, and love? . . . Are we amassing eternal treasure that will live forever in the hope chest of our heart? . . . Is your heart a store house for eternal treasures? Is your mind filled with the testimony of what God has done in you?"

Interesting analogy. He provided words to consider. My hope chest now holds some blankets and sweatshirts. I love every Fall to open it and take out the sweatshirts! And now that I've started creating quilted items, they can be stored in Jerry's aunt's hope chest, which we received a few years ago.

 But what about my heart hope chest? Am I using it to hold reserves of faith, hope and love? Am I amassing eternal treasures that will live forever?

I've only been out two times this year, early morning, so I haven't found many things to photograph. I did love the fog around the trees in this early morning snap.

I think about this verse regarding the heart: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23

A former music minister, Pastor Scott, from Westminster Baptist, MD, shared this translation: "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."
 
"When God opens the book of life--the heavenly treasure chest . . . He will find it filled with souls redeemed by His blood--and He will smile." Franklin Graham

I liked reading a statement Billy Graham said in a book written by his photographer through the ministry: God's Ambassador. It always makes me smile because when I was saved I said a similar thing. This is what he said after he gave his heart to God: "Oh God, I don't understand all of this. I don't know what's happening to me. But as best as I can figure out, I have given myself to you."

Walking home the night I was saved, I said to God: "I'm not sure what I have done, but I believe in you and think I've made the right decision. Help me know the way." Sometimes I've thought maybe that was a strange thing to say after being saved. Maybe instead I should have just been jumping around with excitement and joy! But I wasn't. It was a very solemn thing for me. So Billy Graham's words really made my heart smile!

"God has two dwellings: one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart."

Izaak Walton, 1593-1683

A Story to Tell

 My Magnolia Jane will soon be blooming in Maryland. How I will miss it's beauty. We planted three Magnolia Jane's here, and they have buds on them. Hoping for a lovely display in a few weeks.

Last Sunday my pastor preached from Psalm 71, and spoke about proclaiming God's Glory. He suggested everybody has a story to tell and challenged us to write our own story and bring it with us  this coming Sunday morning. I thought I'd give it a try.

The book of Psalms shows every emotion and situation known to man, and encourages and inspires our hearts. The Liberty Bible Commentary says the Book of Psalms ". . . provides a mirror into which one can peer and see himself and his emotions reflected." It also says: " . . . the purpose of the Psalms is rightly seen as being the outcries of praises and pleading from the hearts of some of God's choicest servants."

I'm not sure if this is quite what my pastor wanted us to do, but most of the verses I've chosen to tell my story are from the Psalms. Over the course of 40 years, I've seen most seasons that befall a person in their lifetime. Seasons such as depression, heartbreak, sin, cancer, divorce, sadness, happiness, fear, joy, anger, anxiety. You name it, most of us have seen similar seasons.

The verses I selected are the ones that have played significant impact into each season of my life. My mind instantly goes to a time when the verse shared my pain or encouraged my heart and helped me get through whatever was happening. Most of the verses are found in Psalms, with a few here and there from others books of the Bible. They're not in any particular order.

All verses are from the NIV version, and I hope I've transcribed them accurately.

 I always enjoyed these geraniums in the spring. They just made me happy.

This is my story . . .

"For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since I was 28." Psalm 71:5   "The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me." Psalm 116:6  "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name" Psalm 103:1

" ... Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast Army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." 2 Chronicles 20:15 and Deuteronomy 31:6   "Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy." Psalm 28:6   "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to me."  Psalm 116:7

"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing." Psalm 5:1  "When I said my foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." Psalm 94:18-19   "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise renews my life." Psalm 119:50


"The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary." Isiah 50:4   ". . . he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Psalm 11:25    "We have different gifts . . . if it is encouraging, let her encourage." Romans 12  "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

"Answer me quickly ... let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love . . . show me the way . . . rescue me . . . teach me to do your will." Psalm 143  "Phrase be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me." Psalm 66:20

"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed . . ." Romans 18   "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Genesis 22:12b   "Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again . . ."  Psalm 71:20  "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3


" . . . Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you." Psalm 25:20b  "Have mercy on me . . . Oh, God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge." Psalm 57:1  "My heart is in anguish within me . . . Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest." Psalm 54:4  " . . . list my tears on your scroll." Psalm 56:8


" . . . If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Isaiah 7:9b  "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13  "I am still confidant of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13


" . . . the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 4:6  "A happy heart makes the face cheerful . . ."  Proverbs 15:13  ". . . but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30b

"May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me." Psalm 69:6  "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me." Psalm 51:3  "But as for me, my feet had almost slipped . . . until I entered the sanctuary of God." Psalm 73:2 and 73:26  " , , , wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7b

"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 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 61:1-2   "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." Psalm 42:1


"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:5  "My soul is weary with sorrow, strengthen me according to your word." Psalm 119:28"  "But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14

"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." Job 19:25  "I myself will see him with my own eyes-I and not another. How my heart yearns within me." Job 19:27  "I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." Revelation 3:8b  "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:17b and 21:4

I will also miss my poppies that came with the house when we bought it some 30 years ago.

Some of these verses may look like or suggest that I'm some kind of super human being. Wrong. I'm just an old sinner saved by grace trying to live my life for God. The words encourage my heart and help me carry on each day.

It's been a good experience to write my story and it reminds me of God's presence in my life and how His Words have helped me through all seasons before, and will help me in all seasons to come.

These are the words that make up my story of God's Glory in my heart. Thank you, Pastor Jim!

This is my story. What's yours?