That Well Again

 Fawn are almost spotless now and have grown confidant and sure. I love seeing them stamp their feet like Momma when there may be danger.  It always makes me smile.

I know that trials and sufferings are hard. You do too. But looking at it from God's perspective makes those trials and sufferings easier. Knowing He will work for good and instill qualities in you that you can share with others makes it a little easier to go through them.

I was introduced to a song in 2018, and I heard it mentioned again this past Sunday morning. I wrote a post regarding it in 2018, and following is that post. I think it's a good lesson for all of us and encouragement in helping us through valleys. I love the words, especially the chorus, and several groups sing it on YouTube.

 "Leave a Well in the Valley."

"Leave a well in the valley

your dark and lonesome valley

for others have to walk that valley too

what a blessing they will find

the well of JOY you've left behind

leave a well in the valley you go through."

Gordon Jensen, Lyrics 

These words struck a cord in me. As a note writer who wants to encourage those that I write, I definitely believe sharing what God has done for you will help others. You can encourage, inspire and motivate a person who is walking through their own valley.

The phrase "leave a well in the valley" signifies hope and joy. That you made it through and others will too. My dictionary defines "well" as "a spring serving as a source of water." Such as "streams in the desert."  Isiah 35:6.

  

 The fields are alive with color! Everywhere you look entire fields are yellow. Goldenrod blooms. What a fitting way to welcome Fall!

"Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress." Psalm 4:1a    I liked what was written in the September 8th devotion in Streams in the Desert about this verse: "This is one of the grandest testimonies ever given by man to the moral government of God. It is not a man's thanksgiving that he has been set free from suffering. It is a thanksgiving that he has been set free through suffering . . . He declares the sorrows of life to have been themselves the source of life's enlargement . . . to encourage others."
 

There is also a book by the same title by Dale Peterson. I appreciate these words he said: "Emotional and spiritual stamina begins with the tiniest seed--thoughts of hope deep within the recesses of our hearts and minds." How true. That word hope matters. Hope. HOPE! GOD'S HOPE!

"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."

 Psalm 71:14

Hope is a big word for me. I live it. I trust it. I believe it. Sharing that hope with others makes a difference. 

Just a few spots are seen on this fawn as it takes a rest behind our house.

I also like these words Dave Brown said in the description of this book on Amazon: "God prepares deep valleys for some of us to walk through in order to touch many lives with His love and grace . . . Instead of allowing Peterson's troubles to destroy him, he dug wells in his valleys that would not only refresh him but also water the lives of those his life touches."

I believe strongly in leaving a well in the valley so others can be refreshed. The second verse says:

"Blessed is the man who has learned to understand

He's to be the hand of God to those in need

then all the tears that you have shed

with God's help become instead

a precious balm for those hearts that bleed." 

My life verse identifies with the words "leave a well in the valley:" Proverbs 11:25: " . . . he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."  In Matthew Henry's Commentary he speaks about Proverbs 11:25:

 "The liberal soul, the soul of blessing, that prays for the afflicted and provides for them, that scatters blessings with gracious lips and generous hands, that soul shall be made fat with true pleasure and enriched with more grace . . . He that waters others with the streams of his bounty shall be also watered himself, God will certainly return it in the dew, in the plentiful showers, of his blessing, which he will pour out, till there be not room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10)

I'm so thankful for the joy that is ours because of the creative gifts of writers who fill our soul with good things to read. I'm so glad I was introduced to this song. It is encouragement to me!
 

Praise It Is!

 "Angels listen for your songs, for your voice rises to the very gates of heaven when you praise Me."

Frances J. Roberts

The joy of a sunrise across the land. One of my favorite farms to pass each day.

"By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life."  

Psalm 42:8

Most of us are familiar with the doxology: "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creature here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost." You may have even been singing it as you read it. If you don't recognize it you can hear it on this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBz7vuJ2b1A


Those words are a doxology: a set form of words praising God. I remember the doxology from my childhood.

No what are they investigating?

That verse is actually the fourth verse of the hymn: "All Praise to You, My God, This night." Written by Thomas Ken, 1637-1711, the hymn is actually an evening song for God's protection through the night.

"All praise to You, my God, this night,

For all the blessings of the light,

Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,

Beneath the shelter of Your wings.

"Forgive me, Lord, for this I pray,

The wrong that I have done this day.

May peace with God and neighbor be,

Before I sleep, restored to me.

"Lord, may I be at rest in You

And sweetly sleep the whole night through.

Refresh my strength, for Your own sake,

So I may serve You when I wake.

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creature here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost."

Reading through a hymn book as part of my devotions has opened my eyes to many hymns I've never heard. This is one of them.

Wilson's farm always captured my attention. Like this little one in the buttercups.

I read this hymn early on a Sunday morning, before leaving for church. When I walked into the church building, I heard my pastor singing, "Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!" during the first service. It immediately brought a smile to my face. It's one of my favorite hymns.

Then as I listened to the sermon during the second service, about praising the Lord, from Psalm 148 and 150, Pastor Jim had the congregation turn to Praise Him! Praise Him! and we sang the joyful words. If you feel like praising Him right now, click on this link and let your voice shine!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q98phadl5Ws

It certainly was a morning filled with praise for God!

There are still some pink flowers to be found.

Speak Out Loud

 Over the Labor day weekend I finished this top. I love the wildlife scene. It felt good to accomplish something after my "lazing" summer. I purchased the fabric months ago and donated some of it to the quilting group. They created two blankets out of it. But I kept some for myself, and finally felt like doing something with it. I'm hoping the Quilt Shop just down the road will still have the blue fabric. I want to use it for the back.

"Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you."

Proverbs 2:11

That's the scripture verse Charles Stanley used for a short devotion in Wisdom From Above. His message was : "Help me speak the words of faith that will preserve my soul."

We read the Bible all the time, but how many of us actually speak the words from our mouth? Sometimes I do, but the majority of times I don't. I thought his words interesting as he wrote about going through adversity:

"Adversity should never be the end of our faith--it should be the spark that ignites it . . . What should you do when you discern that your circumstances are indeed rattling your confidence . . . Make the decision to believe that God is trustworthy . . . The Lord always keeps His promises, so quote them often . . . Give Him thanks for guiding you . . . Praise Him for having wisdom . . . He knows the way to produce the most spiritual fruit, the strongest character, and the greatest faith in you . . . Refuse to doubt God . . . When you see adversity through God's perspective, you will always receive His peace and rest . . . Read His Word aloud . . . SPEAK in faith, it will certainly return to you in blessing . . . Help me speak the words of faith that will preserve my soul."

Spots are beginning to fade on older fawn as we head into the Fall season. The cuteness of early life and exploration is giving way to confidence.

When we hear a sermon, God's Word is spoken aloud. It reaches us. It settles in us. It motivates us. If we actually speak it aloud, it reaches into the depths of us.

We sing aloud, and what encouragement our soul receives. Let's speak his Words aloud, often, and gain a deeper feeling of His presence.

Whether you're in a season of adversity or your heart is full of joy and thankfulness, SPEAK God's Word out loud and let it permeate your entire being!

Speak boldly, and speak truly. Shame the devil!

John Fletcher (1579-1625)

Summer gardens are full as we come into the Fall season. How I miss you, lovely garden!

Lazing

 I felt like I was just moseying along like this doe and her fawn.

Now, there's a new one for me. Lazing. I'm not familiar with that word. The dictionary says: "to spend time idly, or in idle relaxation; an act or period of lazing." I was going to say I'd just been lazy this summer, but I think I like lazing better.

"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop."

Ovid (43 B.C.-A.D. 17) 

These last three months of June, July and August have been quiet ones for me. It just seemed like I couldn't get anything done. Yes, there was some anxiety and stress mixed in there which may have contributed to my state of mind, and some health concerns, but anyway you look at it, I was lazy.

My cousin Rick said I probably needed the rest. Maybe so. I did do some things. I still went out on my early morning drives watching for wildlife. That is always refreshing.

"Not without design does God write the music of our lives. Be it ours to learn the time, and not be discouraged at the rests."

John Ruskin (1819-1900)

I'll just find me a nice place to lay down and rest for awhile.

I still cleaned the house, well, halfway anyhow. Many years ago I had a magnet that said: "The amount of time you spend housecleaning is directly related to your acceptable level of dirt."

I still cooked meals. I wrote a few posts for my blog. Wrote a few notes. Met with the quilting group twice a month to knot blankets. But, overall, I didn't do much of anything.

I know rest is a good thing for you. As an introvert, resting and solitude are what energizes me. But I can't remember the last time I spent an entire summer not doing much of anything.

"There is no music in a rest, but there is the making of music in it.

John Ruskin (1819-1900)

I'm hoping as we turn into the month of September I will find renewed energy and purpose. But, then again, I am 70 now. Help!

One sunny afternoon on the way home from work, I found this family enjoying a restful break in a horse field.
 

You're Never Too Old

"God gave us memories that we might have roses in December."

Sir James M. Barrie (1860-1937)

 
I laughed, with tears in my eyes, as I watched a video this morning on Facebook of an older women going on a motorcycle ride for the very first time. She was laughing and carrying on, and it reminded me of an adventure not too long ago that I fondly remember.

When I was in my 20's I had the opportunity to ride on a motorcycle a number of times. I loved the feel of the ride, the wind on my face and the joy of being outside in the sun. I visited parks, country roads and even the Florida Keys. I have a number of gentlemen to thank for the fun of those adventures.

But back in 2015, after my cancer treatments, there was a man in our church fellowship that rode a cycle, and I asked him if he would take me for a ride to celebrate! He said yes!

I will ever be grateful to this man who took a few minutes out of his day to ride over to our house and take me for a ride. I laughed too. Memories flooded my mind as he carefully rode down some quiet country roads to give me a thrill.

Thank you, Guenther, for helping me relive special memories!

 

If you'd like to enjoy a laugh you can catch the video at:
https://www.facebook.com/choppertown/videos/375147653422148/; or pull up Choppertown on Facebook.

My Favorite Little Word

 My friend, Cindy, came from Maryland to visit me and brought me these beautiful snowflake hydrangea! They were still damp and had a sweet fragrance. I'm hoping to enjoy them all winter!

I'm thinking about my favorite little word. Hope. And no wonder! For the hope I have is grounded in the truth of God. No other hope can match His ability, His control or His promises.

"Hope, the balm and lifeblood of the soul."

John Armstrong (1709-1779)

I love this little word. I believe the promises it holds. Following are quotes I found interesting on hope:

""Our hope in Christ is surer than anything we can see and experience on this earth, and we arrive at that place through faith . . . Faith is a commitment to walk in the footsteps of Christ, not knowing what lies ahead, but knowing that He is with us, therefore we can take the next step."
Sheila Walsh


"Thank you, God, for the very real hope I have in You. Knowing You in all Your goodness, power, mercy, and love makes the hope I have much more than mere wishful thinking. Hope in You, rooted in Your written Word and in the risen Christ, gives me confidence about life on this earth and about eternal life."Lisa Guest, 100 Favorite Bible Verses"

This is another one of those little surprises that I didn't see until I downloaded it. The happy face of the sunflower was what I snapped. When I pulled up the snap to view it, I found the deer watching me!

 "Hope is more than just a word--it's a state of being. It's a firm belief that even if you don't know how, even if you don't know when, God will come through and better days are ahead. Life sends rain . . . Hope dances in the puddles until the sun comes out again." Rain on Me by Holley Gerth

In the February 28th devotion in Look Unto Me: The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon, the scripture verse is "My hope comes from him." Psalm 62:5. "What a privilege for a believer to be able to say these words! If he is looking for something from this world, it is indeed a poor 'hope.' But if he looks to God to supply his needs, whether they are earthly or spiritual needs, his 'hope' will not be in vain. He may continually make withdrawals from the bank of faith, getting his needs met from the riches of God's loving-kindness. This I know--I would rather have God as my banker than all the Rothschilds put together . . .  "We hope through faith that when our pulse becomes faith and our heart struggles to beat that an angelic messenger will stand over us, looking with loving eyes upon us, and whisper, 'Arise . . . and come with me.'" Song of Songs 2:10 . . .

"If these are your 'hopes,' O my soul'  (Psalm 103:1), then live for God . . . Live with the desire and determination to glorify Him who is your eternal supply and whose grace provided your election, redemption, and calling. And remember -- it is only because of His grace your have any 'hope' of the coming glory."

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Hebrews 11:1

This young buck visits out back, enjoying the abundance of greenery.

Jim Reimann, Editor, Look Unto Me: "We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. . . The believers hope is powerful and permanent -- 'an anchor ... firm and secure' -- anchored 'behind the curtain' to the very throne of God!

"The word hope I take for faith; and indeed hope is nothing else but the constancy of faith." 

John Calvin (1509-1564)

This is something you don't want to miss out on. It's real; it's alive, and it's truth. There is no other hope in this world. God is your only Hope. Yes, my favorite little word

"But as for me,  I will always have hope . . ." 

 Psalm 71:14

The Miracle of Patience

"God engineers our circumstances as he did those of his Son; all we have to do is to follow where he places us. The majority of us are busy trying to place ourselves. God alters things while we wait for him."

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)

 
As some of you know, back in the 90's I freelanced articles for publication. It was a fun and exciting time for me. Seeing an article I wrote in print was thrilling. Having a favorite magazine publish my work was a dream come true.

I was looking through the articles I've written and found this one: The Miracle of Patience.  I thought I'd share excerpts from it. Hope you enjoy!

"Patience is a word nobody likes. How can we? Everyone knows you don't pray for patience! Laughing at my dictionary's definition of patience--the capacity of calm endurance--I thought 'they must be kidding! Calm endurance?' . . .

"Yet patience is becoming a reality to me. Recently encountering a new trial in my life, I cried:  'I can't believe it's happening again.' But after the initial shock, a startling thought came to mind. My heart was breaking, but I felt strong. 'How can this be?' I wondered. And I knew, this must be the miracle of patience.

Patience is a hard word to learn. It's not like joy, when you bubble over with gladness, or being sad, tears announcing your hurting heart . . . patience is something that's hard to explain but what we have to learn to survive. It's when we must trust God--His timetable and His will . . .

"I had no awareness of the true meaning of patience in the early years of my life. It wasn't until I became a Christian that I came to know patience as a quality . . .

"In my late 20s when I came to know Jesus, I learned patience to mean the ability to trust God with His timetable. My Savior now took care of me. He was in control of my life. . .

"Although I was fairly disciplined in reading the Bible, I determined to spend 30 minutes each morning with God. I yearned for the comfort and hope only He could give me. I used a devotion book and study guide to give me focus as I studied His Word. I didn't know it then, but that discipline early in my faith, was the beginning of my introduction to God's Class 101 in patience . . .

"He filled me with strength to get through each day. Many mornings, through tears, I told God, 'I trust you and I know you will take care of me.' He was always waiting to comfort my heart. And my heartfelt words He honored . . .

"About the time I was getting on my feet from a heavy burden, I received an encouraging note in the mail. My heart was so moved that someone would take the time to write me a note of encouragement that I felt God's call to join in this ministry. It was exciting to touch someone's heart! . . .

"After a few years on smooth ground, I was hit with another burden that broke my heart. My ministry of writing encouraging notes took on a new meaning . . .

"'How can I write encouraging words when my heart is breaking?' I soon realized that the words I found to write to others helped me too, reaffirming the strength I stood on. I still find it amazing though, that my heart breaks and at the same time my faith is strong. Smiling, I consider how I laughed when I read--'the capacity of calm endurance.' As I grow in understanding my God, and establish disciplines in my life to help me during times of trial, I grasp the miracle of patience . . .

"Learning about the nature of God and how He works to bring about His will is an ongoing process. Time is the essence. Just as the other Fruit of the Spirit takes time to internalize and develop in my life, patience is realized as it is played out year after year. I witness that the God I serve is able to overcome all my concerns . . .

"As the years of my faith build one upon another, I find it easy to say with the psalmist, "Be at rest once more, O my soul, For the Lord has been good to you." (116:7)"

It's always fun when I go back and read articles I wrote years earlier. My success rate of publication was 30%. But nothing will equal the very first acceptance letter I received. He gave me the desire of my heart!

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4