What's Important?

 "Be not forgetful of prayer. Every time you pray, if your prayer is sincere, there will be new feeling and new meaning in it, which will give you fresh courage, and you will understand that prayer is an education."

Fyodor Mikhaylovich Dostoyevski, 1821-1881

I love Magnolia blooms! Despite the freeze at night recently my Magnolia Tree is blooming. The blooms sure bring me a little bit of God's Hope during this special season.

Many years ago, a friend asked me if I would type a collection of poems that her grandfather wrote. He was not famous . . . just an average person who worked hard and was trustworthy. He lived his life for God and was my friend's hero.

One day as we traveled to Lancaster, I spotted this beautiful large tree full of Magnolia blooms. I had Jerry pull over so I could get a few snaps.

Of all the poems he wrote, my eyes and heart stayed with a simple poem. I call on it frequently to remind me of what's really important as we walk with God. It aways make me smile.

"How wonderful at evening to be able to say

What a day Lord! What a day! Because I could pray."

These words tell me that no matter what kind of day I've had, it's been a wonderful day because I can pray. Anytime. Anywhere. That I should be praying all through the day and enjoy communication with my Heavenly Father.

I believe I've confessed before on this blog that I don't pray enough, especially during the day. In the early morning my prayer and devotion time are set. In the evening before bed God hears my prayers. But during the day? Occasionally, but remembering to pray doesn't seem to come to my mind. 

I typed up a hundred some poems for my friend and enjoyed them all. But a simple two-line poem is what stuck in my mind. Sometimes the least said makes the most impression.

Oswald Chambers wrote, "The point of prayer is not to get answers from God but to have perfect and complete oneness with Him . . ." and when we pray, we communicate the pleasure of His presence . . . "better is one day in God's presence than a thousand elsewhere. (Psalm 84:10)"

Remember . . . He's always thee. We just have to call on Him. That's really important.

All Day Long

African Folk Hymn

2nd verse

"All day long I've talked with Jesus, It has been a glorious day.

It has moved me one step higher, On my walk along the King's highway."

By His Grace . . . 

Big or Small It All Matters

"Spiritual gifts are bestowed upon believers according to the purposes of God and distributed by the sovereign wisdom of God. Our spiritual gifts never belong to us, they're an expression of the Holy Spirit doing the Father's will."

Henry and Mel Blackaby

A post from July 2010 . . .

When I would give my “Note Writing” talks, I’d share a story about a little hearts-ease. I didn’t know what a hearts-ease was when I first read the story so I looked it up in the dictionary. I found out that it is a variety of violets and pansies, especially Johnny Jump-Ups. It also means peace of mind and tranquility.

Some little hearts-ease.

The story is found in “Streams in the Desert” Volume 1, compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. An older women who I sat next to in choir many years ago gave me a copy of the book. Jeanne has now passed along, but this little book she gave me has stayed with me 40 years.

The story is about a "King who went into his gardens and found every tree and flower sick of life and discouraged because they couldn’t be someone else. That is until he came across a hearts-ease. He found it’s bright face lifted as cheery as ever and asked it why. The hearts-ease told the king, '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 hearts-ease, I am determined to be the best little hearts-ease that I can.'”

What a happy yard!

I like that story. I know many times I’ve complained that I couldn’t be like someone else who, in my eyes, has it all together and is recognized for the gifts that they have. Yet, I know, we all have our own gifts and they are all important in God’s mind.

"Our gifts and talents are the things people celebrate about us, but we find to be no big deal, because the ability comes naturally to us. That is why it is called a gift."

Michelle McKinney Hammond

I was reminded of this again after reading the June 21 devotion in the same book. Here’s an excerpt from it: “If your place in God’s ranks is a hidden and secluded one, beloved, do not murmur, do not complain, do not seek to get out of God’s will if He has placed you there . . . The day will come when Jesus will give the rewards, and He makes no mistakes, although some people may wonder how you came to merit such a reward, as they had never heard of you before.”

And that’s the way it should be. The only one who needs to know what you are doing is the Lord Himself. We are called to be faithful, whether our service is big or small. So I’ll just go on doing what God has called me to do and you do the same. Thank Him for the gift(s) He’s given to you and be faithful for His Kingdom. Big or small, when we work for our Lord it's all BIG in His eyes!

I'm hoping to start seeing babies soon. 

"Whether your gift is mighty or humble, whether you exercise it in the marketplace or at the podium . . . your main task or gift or ministry is to be a light in a dark world."

Gigi Graham Tchividjian

By His Grace . . .

Powerful Words

"Words are not just letters strung together. Words are the incarnation of emotions and the stimulators of emotions. A word can be a balm or a bomb. A positive word makes you feel good. A negative word leaves you feeling depressed and defeated. Words release energy. A single word can turn you on, or it can turn you off. A negative word can defuse your enthusiasm for a project. A positive word releases positive energy and becomes a creative force."

Robert Harold Schuller, 1926-2015

Spring brings new life, new hope and cute baby animals!

I love reading words by faithful men and women. I keep journals of quotes that encourage and inspire my heart. Paper and pen are beside me whenever I read so I can jot down words that cause me to ponder.

One quote that stays in my mind was written by George MacDonald. MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian minister. MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.

 

Standing in the buttercups!

 

I was recently reminded of this quote and want to share it with you now. They are powerful words.

"Few are needed to do the out-of-the-way tasks which startle the world, and one may be most useful just doing common place duties, and leaving the issue with God. And when it is all over, and our feet will run no more, and our hands are helpless, and we have scarcely strength to murmur a last prayer, then we shall see that, instead of needing a larger field, we have left untilled many corners of our single acre, and that none of it is fit for our Master's eye were it not for the softening shadow of the cross."  George MacDonald 

 

 Seconds after I took this snap mom went down over the gosling.

 

We all want to do our best for our Lord and we all fall short. Our eyes need to focus on everyday happenings and close associations.  Many of us have a single acre that needs tending. Those words are powerful!

Doubles!

"Little keys can open big locks. Simple words can express great thought."

William Arthur Adams, 1838-1882

By His Grace . . . 

Remembering Abby

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."

Ben Williams 

 

 

We lost Abby last Friday. She had cancer in her jaw. She's the one in the red. Jo is blue. Most of you know the joy and fun in having a pet. You probably also know the heartbreak when they have to be put down.

 

 

After I retired it was in my heart to get two puppies so they could grow up together, and I could enjoy watching them. It took two years to convince Jerry to do this. We decided on two chocolate labs and got them when they were 12 weeks old.

 

 

 I love the snaps of them playing!

 

 

I had only one other puppy in my life. My other dogs came from homes that needed to get rid of them. I was so happy when we brought Abby and Jo home. Being retired I could watch them all day long. It was an adventure.

 

 

They stuck together like glue. Where one went the other went. Abby was smaller than Jo by 20 pounds. Abby was quick and alert. Jo lumbered along and was more peaceful.

 

 

Always together. When they were outside, Jo wouldn't come into the house unless Abby was right there beside her. Protective of her sister.

 

 

They just turned one when I found out I had cancer. I remember we had to build a border around me so they couldn't jump on me. But they still found a way to be close. They definitely took care of their mom.

 

Abby wasn't free with her kisses most of her life. It wasn't until I broke my ankle last August that she started being affectionate. My fall scared her, and then she was generous with her kisses. I'm going to miss that. 

 

 

 

We expected Jo to leave us first because she has joint pain and is on medicine. But she's here, quiet as usual, missing her friend.

They were always waiting for mom to finish this or that. Patiently waiting until mom took too long and they let me know it! Jo's favorite green toy! She picks it up every time we come home to welcome us.

You really can have 100 pounds of dog on your lap and be okay They would take turns sitting on top of me. As soon as one got off the couch the other one would jump up.

 

 

Always racing some where when they saw or heard anything.

A favorite toy. The balls made a noise.

They would sleep on top of each other.

Playing again.

We're going to miss our sweet Abby.

"The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be much esteemed were it not so common. Our Lord God has made His greatest gifts the commonest."

Martin Luther

 

 By His Grace . . .

A Beautiful Bouquet!

"You will receive a double portion of joy when you recognize My love coming to you through the kindness of others and when you learn to express your gratitude to them and to Me."

 Frances J. Roberts

 

One of my favorite pictures from our back yard in Mt. Airy, MD.

 

 Have you ever been thanked for something you did? It's always nice to be thanked, but more often than not, it is God who should be thanked

 

I found words in Joni Eareckson Tada's devotion book "Diamonds in the Dust. that beautifully suggest how to accept words of thanks and what to do with them

 

The scripture verse was from Isaiah 42:8: “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.” Joni told how Corrie ten Boom, survivor of Nazi concentration camps, handled the world-wide accolades she received for her efforts to protect Jews during the World War II occupation of Holland:

“She often commented that she was able to accept each compliment as though it was a rosebud, gathering many words of blessings during the course of the day,” Joni shared. “Then in the evening she presented God with a big bouquet of praise. Corrie knew that glory, praise, and honor belonged only to the Lord.”

 

A little cutey pie from Mt. Airy, MD
 

 God gives each individual all the ability they need to serve with their unique gifts. And sometimes it does seem amazing what one can do for the Lord. The words God gives me when I write certainly astonish me. And I always try to say thank you and share that God is the one to be praised.

So my heart is happy knowing the words God gives me does what it is intended to do . . . encourage . . . uplift . . . and point that person to God. And I can gather all those words of thanks and present God with a lovely bouquet at the end of each day.

 

Often I sign the cards I write with the words, "By His Grace." If it wasn't for God I would have nothing to write about, and if it wasn't for God's Grace I would have no skill to write -- it's all because of His Grace. I think I will start adding "By His Grace" to my blog posts!

 

An anonymous comment from a reader shared: "I too have tried to learn how to accept praise that, in reality, needs to be redirected. But one thing I try to remember is that God has given others thankful hearts that need to find an outlet. Thus the doers do and the thankful thank and both God and we are blessed!"

 

A very cold, icy morning on my way to work.

 

The next time someone tells you, “You’re amazing! Thank you!” accept the thanks and thank God also.. Just think of the beautiful bouquet you can give God at the end of the day. Now that’s amazing!

 

Dear little Pansy who lived at my mother's home.
 

By His Grace . . .
 

By Any Other Name

 "The Spirit of God first imparts love; he next inspires hope, and then gives liberty."

Dwight Lyman Moody (1837-1899)

 Signs of Spring. Following pictures taken a number of years ago.

I was reading a book recently where the main character gave God different names so she could have intimate conversations with Him. The main character in the story is an author. Names were important to her, finding the right name for the characters she created. (Dee Henderson, Full Disclosure)

She knew many of the names that God is called in Scripture: Ancient of Days, Wise, Wonderful, Eternal are just a few. Many of the names Jesus is called are: Lamb of God, Bread of Life, Redeemer, Living Stone, Good Shepherd. But there wasn’t any names she remembered that the Holy Spirit was called. So she asked Him to help her choose a name so she could talk with Him.

I thought it interesting. I’m a simple person. I call God, God. I call Jesus, Jesus. I call the Holy Spirit just that. I’ve never called Him by any other name.

Have you? Do you use different names that bring you in intimate conversations with the Trinity? Do you often speak directly to the Holy Spirit inside of you?

 

"The Holy Ghost destroys my personal private life and turns it into a thoroughfare for God."

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)  

The character in the book wanted to get to know the Holy Spirit who lived inside of her. This is who directed her through life, guiding her path as written by God. I really like that.

I became curious wondering if there are names the Holy Spirit is called in Scripture. Here are just a few I found:

Spirit of glory (1 Peter 4:14); Spirit of revelation (Ephesians 1:17); Spirit of the Son (Galatians 4:6); Eternal Spirit (Hebrews 9:14); Comforter/Counselor/Advocate: Isaiah 11:2, John 14:16, 15:25, 16:7; Teacher/Witness/Guide John 14:26, Romans 8:16, John 16:13

I don't speak to God often during the day. That's on me.We’re instructed to pray continually in 1 Thessalonians 5:16. that's a matter I need to work on. 

I love it when I take a picture and get home and see things I did see when I snapped it. This picture was darker and I missed the two fawn turning back to look. Always a thrill!

I enjoyed reading about this new avenue of worship by talking with the Holy Spirit. I know I will think on this frequently and hopefully do it.

The name she gave to the Holy Spirit? Lovely. What a lovely idea!

"Breathe on me, breath of God; Fill me with life anew, That I may love what thou dost love, And do what thou woulds't do."

Edwin Hatch (1835-1889)

i"m Looking for my Leaves

  "The greatest moments of your life are those when through all the confusion God got a message through to you plain and certain."

Bertha Munro, 1907-1986

 

 

Last week I was speaking to a friend and my baby leaves story came into my mind. Most of you have heard it before, but it's something I always consider in the Spring when the baby leaves are seen for the first time.

 

Following are excerpts from the original article titled, There's Life In Winter:

 

"The blistering wind hit my face as I opened the door. Winter was here. 'Come on, Sparkie,' I said. 'You have to go for a walk.'

 

"The wind slapped my face and tears dropped from my eyes. 'It's been a difficult year, Lord, I thought. Winter has harbored in my heart leaving me cold and dead, just like the trees.' My eyes traveled around the yard taking in the bleak appearance. 

"Yes, the year had left stains, and the ache in my heart hurt. 'I know I should be thankful, Lord,' I whispered . . . My eyes fixed on the maple tree behind our home. Stripped of all its colorful clothing, it looked dead. 'Just like my heart,' I thought. And then I remembered the baby leaves.

 

 

"Last February, I began watching the buds develop on the maple tree. I couldn't remember ever taking the time to watch leaves grow, and decided I'd see firsthand how God gave them birth.

"Sparkie and I would stop every evening on our walk to look for any development. It was a slow beginning, but finally--one day in April--the buds opened

"Long tentacles reached out, as many as 10 or 15 from each bud, as I remember. At the end of the tentacles were blossoms and at their base were leaves. The leaves were bound together, just like the cold buds had been. As the weather warmed, they began to unfold.

"My heart tingled with excitement when the leaves began to open. My husband, Jerry, was at the garden and I remember yelling excitedly to him, 'Come quick! The leaves are opening.'

"Half-inch baby leaves, perfectly shaped, stretched their little frames for all the earth to see.

"In one week, some leaves had grown to 3 inches in length. My eyes couldn't believe the transformation. As the leaves grew, the blossoms were blown to the ground. I walked on yellow drops of sun splattered all over the place. I had witnessed the birth of one of God's creations.

 

 

"The cry of a lone bird brought me back to the present. Chilled, I headed back to the house, shivering. But my heart was no longer cold.

 

"You see, it's February now--just the time I began watching the frozen buds last year. When everything looked dead, and no life was visible, God was working. And now I knew God was working in me.

 

"It's been a long year, but I know my heart will feel the warmth of God's love again. Why, in just a couple of months, He'll bring me baby leaves."

Spring is always a reminder that God is working all the time and never stops. We can always know that God cares and in His time He'll bring new life to your soul. There is life in winter.

"There is not one life . . . which is not so near to God that whatever touches it

touches Him with sorrow or with joy." 

Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893