The Best Hearts-ease

 "God does not so much need people to do extraordinary things as he needs people who do

ordinary things extraordinarily well."

William Barclay, 1907-1978

I had never heard of a hearts ease until an older women gave me a devotion book that told a story about one. It was my first devotion book. Most of you are familiar with Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman.

 I've read that devotion book many years and it introduced me to many more devotion books. One story caught my eye and it was about a little hearts ease. Years later I would share this story when I talked about note writing.

This story is simple, but profound. The point: Whatever God has given you to do, do it the very best you can.

"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 it's 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 hearts ease, he found its bright face lifted as cherry as ever. 'Well, hearts ease, 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 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 hearts ease, I am determined to be the best little hearts ease that I can.'"

You may think that what you do for God's kingdom is a very small thing. But if God has gifted you to do it, put all your might into it and do it! 

 

"In The One Year Women of the Bible devotion book by Dianne Neal Matthews she says "Too often in the church, attention tends to focus on the more visible ministries . . . But God has given his children all kinds of gifts and abilities. Practical skills like sewing, cooking, decorating, and organizing may not be flashy, but they can have a tremendous impact on other people's lives.  Whatever abilities we have can bless others if we dedicate it to God. We can't all sew clothes [Dorcas, Acts 9:36-42] but we can all sow seeds of kindness--using whatever tool God has given us."

That also includes helpers, comforters, ushers, maintenance workers, reading, and so many more skills that aren't seen.

 

 In Hebrews 6:10 it says, " . . . He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." God knows what we do. Do it the very best you can!

 

 

"The noblest service comes from unseen hands, And the best servant does his work unseen."

Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1809-1894

 

Keep Growing

"Study it carefully, think of it prayerfully,

Till in your heart its precepts dwell;

Slight not its history, ponder its mystery,

None can e'er prize it too fondly or well."

Unknown 

 

March brings baby Lamb! I visited a sheep farm in Maryland a few years ago--my very first time! I was surrounded by sheep and lamb. I was a happy camper!

I wrote the following words in January 2012. I thought they are worth repeating.

 Recently I penned a note to my pastor about how we continue to grow and understand more about God. This is what I said:

 "It's amazing to me how we continue to grow, gaining wisdom and understanding as we walk with and serve God. Of course, our sinful nature continues too, but hopefully that continues to diminish as we mature; although never ending, we should have wiser control over its forces.

This was a "lady in waiting." She looked calm and restful.

"Reading books, listening to CDs and watching DVDs from reliable Christians God has gifted to express His Word always appeals to my unquenchable desire to learn more and be closer to my Heavenly Father. The journey has been an amazing one through my eyes, for who am I that God chose me. Through my eyes, nothing; through God's eyes, everything."

Is your unquenchable desire being filled by Godly design? There's no shortage of reliable avenues to choose. You'll find them amazing!

 

Are you familiar with the hymn, Wonderful Words Of Life? "One of the basic precepts of the Sunday school movement has always been that God's Word must be carefully and systematically studied by believers of all ages . . . We never outgrow our need for the Bible; it becomes more helpful to us with the years." Amazing Grace, March 4 devotion

 

 "Sing them over again to me--wonderful words of life;

let me more of their beauty see--wonderful words of life. 

Words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty

 

"Beautiful words, wonderful words,

Wonderful word of life;

Beautiful words, wonderful word,

Wonderful words of life."

Sing along to this joyful tune! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7x3OX6v5_o

 

"Thy Word is like a garden, Lord, with flowers bright and fair; and ev'ryone who seeks may pluck a lovely cluster there. Thy Word is like a deep, deep, mine, and jewels rich and rare are hidden in its mighty depths for ev'ry searcher there." 

                                                Edwin Hodder, 1837-1904, Hymn: "Thy Word Is Like a Garden, Lord"

 

 

What a Sentence.

 "The future has a habit of suddenly and dramatically becoming the present."

Roger Ward Babson, 1875-1967

I do believe somebody is snowed in! 

Bam! The first six words hit me like a rock! I stopped and read them again. And then again. I felt like I was reading a history book. I don't like those first six words Jack Countryman wrote:

 

"In our Western, post-Christian era . . .' 'In our Western, post-Christian era . . .'  'In our Western, post-Christian era, foundational truths in God's Word are no longer accepted or even respected."

Post-Christian era. Now. While I'm living. I know it in my mind, but seeing it in print stopped me.

I asked Jerry what he thought: "There is a lot in that sentence. Although we do not wish this to be, according to God's Word, as I understand it, I think it is true. Which draws us closer to the rapture. Soon. When I first started thinking about this period of time I asked myself: Could I actually be living in the end time prophecy? Just thinking of that is overwhelming."

 

Of course we know post-Christian is a true statement. It is evident in everything that is going on around us and has been for many a year now, and unfortunately, our country is reaping the fruit of turning its back on God. It is hard to accept. It is hard to believe. It is hard to live in it.

Countryman continued saying: "Living unmoored from biblical values and priorities, we are redefining marriage, deciding that more than two sexes exist, debating about when life begins so that we can end it, and giving people permission to end their own lives . . . And the list goes on."

One of my favorite snow pictures. 

 

 Continuing, Countryman said: "When we are left to ourselves to make a decision in this dark world void of God's truth, we may not always know which option leads to life and which one ends in death. We will remain in the dark until and unless we open God's Word.

Well, Carol, What an I going to do about this? And this is what I decided.

I'm going to continue living my life believing God's Word is the only prescription for life because it is true. I'm going to live for Jesus Christ, worshiping, serving, loving and proclaiming He is the one true God. I'm going to do my best to stay encouraged and be faithful until my time here on earth is over. Why? Because this is what I believe is true. 

 

An original painting by my friend, Peggy, in Maryland

 

The Word of God has been proven so many times throughout history of its truth, how can anyone decide to reject it? Post-Christian era? Not in my heart. How about you?

"If I walk with the world, I can't walk with God."

Dwight Lyman Moody, 1837-1899 

 

A snow scene created with wool.
 

Another Good Story

 

"Can you see them? Diamonds in the snow. I just couldn't get a good picture of them. I can see some in the lower part of the picture. They were everywhere when we drove to church Sunday morning. What beauty.

 

As many of you know, I love reading stories of how hymns were created. It is fascinating to me to see what prompted a person to write down words, and usually in a very short time.

 

I recently read an article by Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi where she told the story of how "In Times Like These" was written. This hymn is certainly relevant in our own times like these. The words directly points to where our focus needs to be.

 

"A native of Western Pennsylvania, Ruth Caye Jones, was reading the Pittsburgh newspaper in 1943 and was dismayed by the World War II casualty list and the reports of the lack of progress being made by the Allied Troops, because of rationing, food and other daily supplies were scarce. It was a distressing time in the world and the United States. Ruth felt that distress," Moore-Koikoi wrote.

I know we all feel the distress of the times we are living in, and quite frankly, our focus needs to be on Jesus, just as her hymn says:

"In times like these you need a Savior

In times like these you need an anchor

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!" 

 

A pond we drive by each week is iced and covered over by snow. So many fields around where I live and all of them undisturbed, that is except for the occasional deer tracks you see as they walk to their journey.
 

 I love this hymn that points us to Jesus and God's Word. Moore-Koikoi continued: "As a pastor's wife and evangelist herself, Ruth did what she knew to do. She turned to scripture. The words of 2 Timothy 3:1, 'You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come,' came to mind. And she took out the notepad that was in her apron pocket and began to scribble down some thoughts."

 

Any writer will tell you they carry a notepad and pen with them for when inspiration strikes. I've found in writing notes, if I don't write down my thought when words come to me, when I do sit down and write the note, the words aren't there. I have pads of paper all through the house so I can grab one quick and write.

Those scribbles Ruth wrote down turned into the hymn , "In Times Like These." "Soon a tune also came to her mind. She did not realize at the time, but the tune was actually the melody from the chimes of the clock that sat on the mantle in her house." Moore-Koikoi wrote.

 

You know the chorus:

"This Rock is Jesus, Yes He's the One

This Rock is Jesus, the only One

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!"

 

 

I wish those that do not know Jesus and have no interest in Him, could understand what we have in such a wonderful Savior. The Hope we have. The Truth we know. The Grace given to us freely. The Mercy we don't deserve. The help that is ready and able at all times. The encouragement within our reach. The joy in our hearts that never fades.

 

So whether you write songs, poems, notes, quotes, lists or anything else, keep a note pad and pen where you can pick it up and scribble down words that you are inspired to write.  Ruth also had the immense pleasure to hear George Beverly Shea sing her song during a televised Billy Graham crusade. What a thrill that wold be!

 

Moore-Koikoi closed the article with these words: "God has been known to use the people of Western Pennsylvania to bring about glimpses of God's kingdom here on earth! Maybe today, in times like these, God is trying to use you. Lord, we're available to You!"

Well friends, whether in western PA where I now live, or my friends in Maryland, what glimpses of God can you share?

Sing along: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3jK3x3iMOM

 

A favorite note card for winner?
 

 

Thoughtfulness of a Friend

 My friend, Jerie, was inspired by a post her cousin put on her Facebook page to pray for her friends in a special way. The invitation read:

 "I'm filling my 2021 planner with scripture. What's your favorite go-to verse? I need at least 52 of them. Also, I'm going to write your name in that week as a reminder to pray for you at that time. If you do not have a favorite scripture but want me to pray for you let me know! I'd love to pray for you!!

What a great idea! I commented and told her my favorite go-to Scripture verse is: II Chronicles 20:15:  

"This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s"

Jerie's special prayer time with my verse was the week of January 20th. How wonderful to know I was included in her prayers! Jerie said: "It has been so good to read about friends who have told me their favorite verses and study them during the week."

This is just one way you can encourage your friends. There are so many things you can do! One of my ways is writing notes. Old fashion for sure, but so welcomed by the receiver! I also make little bookmarks from pictures I've taken, adding Scripture verses on the back.I love using them myself and enjoy the pictures of God's creation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my working days I regularly made breakfast, lunch and dinner dates with friends. Jerry realized how important this was to me and encouraged me to visit my friends. I didn't have good support in my family and my friend's encouraged and inspired me.

I'm not a phone talker, but it's another way to keep in touch with friends. Whether short or long conversations, just receiving a call from a friend brightens any day!

Also getting together with a group of friends and doing something together to help others is a good way to be with friends. Now, I'm in a group of friends who quilt blankets to give to those in need. Sitting down with these friends and having conversation is inspiring. 

"'What is the secret of your life?' asked Mrs. Browning of Charles Kingsley. 'Tell me, that I may make mine beautiful too.' He smiled: 'I had a friend.'" 

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a popular poet of the Victorian era. Charles Kingsley was a clergyman, professor and writer.

Many year ago I gave this little figurine, that goes

with the little book above, to my closest friends in honor of our friendship. I have one in my writing room and always smile when I look at it.

                                                                 

 

"What is a Friend?

"A group of friends were gathered together for a time of social fellowship. The conversation drifted to the subject of friendship and an athlete said: 'In my opinion, a friend is a balancing pole that enables us to walk the tightrope of life without falling.'

"Said a physician, 'I believe a friend may be likened to a soft bandage and a soothing ointment for the cuts and bruises of life.' To a botanist it seemed that 'a friend is a vine that clings to us and hides the discrepancies and rough places of life,' to which a florist added: 'Yes, and the greater the ruin, the closer a friend clings.' 'A friend is a gold link in the chain of life,' said a jeweler. A woman in mourning responded, 'A friend is one who comes in when the whole world goes out.' 'The best friend of all,' said a white haired man of eighty, 'is Jesus, who said, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'"                                     Streams in the Desert 2, From Illustrated Incidents

 

    "You cannot buy a friend. They are God-given and their friendship lasts throughout eternity." 

Unknown

 

Thank you, Jerie, for sharing this wonderful idea and for praying for me. 

 

 A favorite note card I used many years ago.

Sower of Your Heart

 Art from my dear friend, Karla Dornacher

 https://karladornacher.com/

The Greenhouse of the Heart

 " . . . a man reaps what he sows."

Galatians 6:7b

 

 I read about the "greenhouse of the heart" recently. An idea that Max Lucado wrote in his book, Grace for the Moment. He paraphrased the verse this way: "People harvest only what they plant."

 Consider these words that Lucado shared: "Think for a moment of your heart as a greenhouse. And your heart, like a greenhouse, has to be managed . .  . Consider for a moment your thoughts as seed. Some thoughts become flowers. Others become weeds. Sow seeds of hope and enjoy optimism. Sow seeds of doubt and expect insecurity. . . Make a list of some positive seeds you would like to sow in the ‘greenhouse’ of your heart.”    

My friend, Roy Thomas, who shares his Awakening Awareness series on his Facebook page shared a similar story the other day. It was a story about an old Cherokee who was teaching his grandson about life. A story about good verses evil. Two wolves were fighting, the battles we all have, and the grandson wanted to know which wolf won. The Cherokee's answer: The one that you feed.

What are you feeding your mind? What am I feeding my mind? It is so important to spend our time filling our minds with good instead of evil. It affects everything about us. Our moods, our work, our ability to do good things. We can become depressed and anxious if we let wrong things come into our minds.

The lovely post office Love stamp of many years ago.

 Thomas Kinkade said this in his book, Lightposts for Living: "You don't have to let it all in. You don't have to look at everything, hear everything, read everything, any more than you have to eat everything on the menu . . . Filtering and limiting what comes into our lives and into our minds not only makes our existence more joyful; it can protect us from emotional and even physical harm . . . All you have to do is learn the fine art of choosing what you will allow into your life, mind and heart on a daily basis . . . I prefer to surround myself with the kind of input that uplifts me, expands my mind, and settles my spirit."

 It's up to you. The choice is yours. You can sow good seed or you can sow bad seed. I want to sow good seed. Good seed will help me to think right, do right and serve right. I know you do too.

 

First Gleam of Dawn

A lovely soft early morning snap.

 

"The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines brighter until the full light of day."

Proverbs 4:18

A more dramatic early morning snap.

I bought a new devotion book for this year. I read several as I go through the year, and some I've read four and five years in a row. Like Streams in The Desert, volume 1, by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. I was a new Christian when an older lady gave this book to me and I read it through for four or five years. Look Unto Me: The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon by Jim Reimann is one I've read through several years too. Spurgeon has such rich devotions.

 Of course, my devotion books are always after I read in the Bible. Nothing replaces that. But I find many words in devotion books that speak to my heart and help me understand verses in the Bible. It's also where I find many ideas for my blog posts.

The new book I bought for this year is The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional by Debbi Bryson. It's a study through the Book of Proverbs. Two yeas ago I bought Warren Wiersbe's Prayer, Praise & Promises teaching through Psalms. I've enjoyed Wiersbe's book very much. Bryson's book through Proverbs sounded good, and I've enjoyed it so far.

 

That's where I found this recent study called "We Must Shine." I'm fortunate to be an early riser and that drew me to her point of "the first gleam of dawn." I do my best work first thing. On my early morning fawn spotting ventures, I always see first light.

Bryson wrote: "the first gleam of dawn . . . there is something about it that makes you feel like you're witnessing a secret, almost holy moment . . . once the light comes, nothing can stop it . . . And so we must shine. We must shine like the lighthouse set high on the rock of God's Word, the rock of truth, the rock of safety. We must shine."

I've stopped many times and thanked God for the amazing sunrise. Bryson's point is that we must shine too!

If you're a night person I encourage you to watch the sunset. May the light of God shine in you as darkness descends. There is beauty as the darkness slowly covers the land.

And the sun sets on a lovely day.

"It is time for the people of God to stoke the fires of their love for God and their passion to make a difference in this world . . . He can use our lives like 'the first gleam of dawn.'" Bryson wrote.

The first gleam of dawn. My countdown has already begun for my early morning drives to spot young fawn. I think I"ll be looking at that sunrise with a new light in my mind!