It Has Everything!

 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Words shall not pass away."

Matthew 24:35

Priscilla Howe wrote these words about the Word of God:

"The Word of God contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Therefore, how can it ever fade from the grasp of man? Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

"It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

"Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

"It is given you in life, will be opened in the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred content."

Those words just about say it all. What a complete and accurate description of the Bible. And it's right at our fingertips. All we have to do is open the Book, or pull it up on our phone, or listen to it via recordings. 

We don't have to search for it. We don't have to have a college degree to understand it, especially with the help of easy to read commentaries. We just have to make time to use it.

I love the Word of God. I read it. I use other books written by saints of God to help me when I get to a difficult part or need more understanding. An answer can always be found.

We are blessed to have God's complete Book to guide us every day. It is available to all of us.

The Bible redirects my will, cleanses my emotions, enlightens my mind,

and quickens my total being."

E. Stanley Jones, 1884-1973

What are you reading these days? Biographies are good. Nonfiction is good. Fiction is good. Recipes are good. Instruction manuals are good. Travel books are good. The Bible is BETTER. Make time for it. It has everything you need. 

By His Grace . . . 

More Love

"Love is the fairest bloom in God's garden."

Unknown

 

It's walking on leaves time . . . a royal carpet!

The other day I finished a hymn study on the beautiful hymn "More Love to Thee, O Christ." The hymn was written by Elizabeth Prentiss, who wrote the bestselling book, "Stepping Heavenward." 

More love to Thee. It's really very simple. We are to give more love to Christ. Every day. But is it simple to do?

It's clear in Scripture: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength, Deuteronomy 6:5."  It's not part of the Ten Commandments. It's in the next chapter. But it's very clear.

To love God is written throughout the Scriptures. Mark 12:33 says it this way: "To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifice."

A fall sunrise.

I got stuck on Prentiss words: "More love to Thee." Not because I didn't want to do that or didn't believe it. But because it truly touched my soul. I think I'm loving Christ more now in my older years. When I was younger there was so much drama, heartbreak and hurt that my main focus was turning to Christ for help and comfort. Now that most of the drama is gone, I am focusing more on Christ for who He is and not what He can do for me.

Elizabeth's Prentiss' life was a life of poor health and sorrow. She lived with pain. She lost two children early in their lives. She wrote, “To love Christ more is the deepest need, the constant cry of the soul . . . out in the woods, and on my bed, and out driving, when I am happy and busy, and when I am sad and idle, the whisper keeps going up for more love, more love, more love!”

You may be familiar with the first verse:

"More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!

Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee;

This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, more love to Thee!"

I bought and read her book "Stepping Heavenward" many years ago. I think it was a little deep in my earlier years of being a Christian. I'll have to go through my books and see if I still have it. I think I may be more open to her words at this point in my Christian life.

Yes, it's very clear. More love to Christ. Giving more love to Christ, He supernaturally fills us with more love for others. Fill me with more love.

By His Grace . . .

An Embarrassment and God's Cathedral

Beauty to come. Driving through the woods on a beautiful fall day.

I was at the writer's conference this past Saturday that I spoke about in the other week's post. The conference center was surrounded by woods. 

The conference didn't start out well. My confession: Sometimes I don't understand simple words, meanings and pronunciation. This has been a lifelong disadvantage. I've concluded that my brain just isn't able to remember words and meanings that I don't use often. That can be a disadvantage and an embarrassment.

The first session in the conference we had a simple assignment of a simile exercise. I couldn't remember what simile means. My written response was: "I have absolutely no idea what to write about. My imagination doesn't even come close to doing what I've been asked to do. I can't even remember what a simile is. Sometimes I feel stupid that I can't grasp what other people seem to have no problem doing. I just accept that these are my limitations and there is nothing I can do about it so why get upset. I know what I am able to do, so I will concentrate on doing that and be happy with my accomplishments. I have acceptance within myself and that is a good thing." Thankfully, we did not have to turn in our assignment.

My friend, Kim, from the Chambersburg area, joined me at the conference. It always makes things easier when you are with a friend you know and enjoy. 

I managed to get through the morning exercises. I was most interested in hearing advice and tips for writing. I tried not to let the exercises bother me.

The afternoon assignment was outside. We were to walk in the woods, choose an object and observe sounds, smells, textures, colors, shade and surfaces, writing about what it brought to mind. It didn't interest me. The only thing I could think about as I stood before the entrance to the woods was God.

"That's what I will write about," I decided. As I walked into the woods my first thought was, "I'm walking into God's cathedral. He is here, all around me." 

First, I heard the chirping of insects. I basked in the sound. The noise was smooth as a stone as they sang their song. I stood in one place, turning a quarter of the way around, looking and listening. Then I would turn another quarter around, until the circle was made. 

The third turn brought bright light shining down upon me. A break in the treetops let the sunshine through completely covering me, enveloping me in God's warmth. He came down from heaven for me. 

"How mighty He is," I thought. Strong as a rock and bold as a lion; gentle as a lamb. "How magnificent is His glory." I was standing in His sanctuary filled unashamedly with gratitude and thankfulness.

As I turned to my original position, color caught my eye, I looked up. Bright yellow and orange at the top of the trees shown through. Brilliant blue in the sky was behind the fall color. That's when I snapped the picture below.

 

The "Black Bear Trail."

I stood there for some time admiring God's creation. Smiling, I turned and walked out of the woods, my heart full and my mind at rest. I had completed the assignment in my own way and met God in the process.

The confusion and embarrassment of the morning evaporated for I had stood in God's cathedral and felt His presence. What a glorious experience! God shared His glory with me and encouraged my heart.

We all have our limitations and feelings of embarrassment and disappointment. Our God doesn't leave us there. If we just look and listen, we can hear His voice and see His splendor. Aren't you thankful for that!

. . . and hopefully see a deer or two!

By His Grace . . .

In Resting Mode

"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."

Johnm Ruskin, 1819-1900 

I always liked this wall hanging. As I've gotten older, I like it even more. So, I am resting. Or trying too.

Since last November I worked at an intense pace writing hymn studies. I just couldn't get enough of them. It brought such joy and encouragement to me. By the time June rolled around, I was tired. 

I slowed down in July and August, finishing up a second session of studies. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them. I also finished some sewing items that I dropped when I started writing the studies. 

It is good to rest. I'm doing a lot of reading, both fiction and nonfiction. I love a good story. I love inspiring and encouraging biographies and stories. Mark 6:31 says this about resting:

"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'"

Dailyverse.knowing-Jesus.com says this about Mark 6:31:  "Just as Jesus gave these men [Apostles] work to do, so He called them to step aside from their mission and ministry and rest of a while . . . Throughout Scripture God often uses the simple, natural things to teach us important spiritual truths, and these gentle instructions of the Lord to His faithful disciples 'to rest a while,' were no exception."

How busy are you? Have you been burning the candle at both ends, speeding along the road of your life with no rest? Let's thank Jesus for showing us what we need so we can carry out His plan for us in His time.

"The solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind."

Albert Einstein

Ah . . . relaxation.

PS As this post was written last week, after reading a hymn story yesterday morning, I felt compelled to begin a new hymn study. But I promise myself, I will take it slow. Slow and easy. Slow and restful, but I just couldn't help myself.

By His Grace . . . 

An Inspiring Treat

"It's a good thing for an uneducated man to read books of quotations. "Bartlett's Familiar Quotations" is an admirable work, and I studied it intently. The quotations when engraved upon the memory give you good thoughts. They also make you anxious to read the authors and look for more."

Sir Winston Churchill, 1874-1965 

This is my big splurge while away. I saw this and couldn't pass it up. I love donkeys! When Jerry saw it, he was astonished. He asked me where I was going to hang it. When I showed him, he said, "No. This is going in the living room. Every time I come in here, I will see it and laugh." Guess what? It's hanging in the living room!

I was away a few days last week visiting friends. I took one of my journals that is full of quotes I've found in various books and articles. I started writing down quotes back in 2004 when I received a journal for my 55th birthday.

I wasn't a journal writing person, but somehow the idea came to me to write down words of others that touched my heart and gave me thoughts to ponder. 

Back in my beginning stage of writing I bought my first quote book titled: "Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World." Many authors recommended it when writing articles or stories. I fell in love with quotes at that point. 

"Discovering the collected knowledge of our ancestors provided me with an education like no other

 and shined a light on my possible path in life . . . they made me laugh, they made me cry,

but mostly, they made me think. A gift like no other . . ."

Susan Branch, Distilled Genius

I've always enjoyed reading about saints of old, relishing the inspiration and encouragement I received from their life experiences. And so, I've been collecting quotes ever since.

One of my favorites.

While I was away, I reread quotes I wrote down in 2008 and 2009. I had a wonderful time reacquainting myself with the words. This post I will share some of the quotes that I enjoy. Take a moment and ponder the words.

"Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard." Anne Sarton

"The moment you notice that you are an instrument of God, the moment you become like a hollow flute, the wind will blow through you, and there will be music." Shri Dhyanvogi

"Quiet the mind and the soul will speak." MaJaya Sati Bhagavati

"I will prepare and someday my chance will come." Abraham Lincoln

"But as we pray, maybe we should ask God to touch hearts as well as circumstances." Lisa Guest

"My friends are my estate." Emily Dickinson

"The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"The happiest miser on earth is the man who saves up every friend he can make." Robert Emmet Sherwood

"I am officially too old to die young." Charles Lowery

"Wrong, wrong, wrong will never be right, right, right." Ann Platz

"I have come to realize, that the radiance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not take away the fragrances of the little violet or the delightful simplicity of the daisy." Unknown

"If it is impossible to slow your world down, slow yourself down. When you can't alter the whirling pace, retire to your inner sanctuary and alter yourself." Charlie Shedd

"They come and go so quickly, Spring and Fall . . . as if they had not really come at all. Perhaps we could not take too much of beauty, breath-catching glory, ecstasy without relief; and so . . . God made them brief." Ruth Bell Graham

"Drop useless goals. You may be wearing yourself out doing things that do not matter." Charlie Shedd

"There is only one rule to practicing simplicity--keep it simple." Harriet Crosby

"Of all the commentaries on the Scriptures, good examples are the best." John Donne

"Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old age." Christopher Darlington Morley

"I'll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death. and praise Thee as long as Thou lendeth me breath; And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow. If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now." William R. Featherston, 3rd verse, My Jesus, I Love Thee

"I love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed

with much authority by someone recognized wiser than oneself."

Marlene Dietrich

My favorite donkey, Eeyore.

By His Grace . . .

In The Woods

 "All morning I worked on the proof of one of my poems, 

and I took out a comma; in the afternoon I put it back."

Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900

My first "real" writing desk. No computers and internet back then.

September 30th at the Sawmill Center for the Arts in Cook Forest State Park, I will be attending the "Writers in the Woods" conference. I first heard about this conference last year but was unable to attend. When the invite came in August, I studied the workshops and decided to go! 

The Sawmill Center for the Arts is a delightful place to visit. Artisans from across the state sell their wares during the summer months and during special events, like the Gingerbread Tour coming up in November where 80 local artisans display their hand-crafted items.

I've picked up a few cards and pictures through the years and some handmade towels among other things. It's always fun to walk through it and see the creativity of others.

"It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others say in a whole book."

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsch, 1844-1900

Another writing desk with my favorite things: Eeyore, my Hershey bear, my cinnamon bear, a chocolate kiss, the little hurricane lamp, Longaberger baskets, and peonies.

I've taken classes and attended other writer's conferences but haven't enjoyed one in many years. My first class was via snail mail titled "Writing Non-Fiction." A few years later I attended a three-day conference near Philadelphia with a dear friend. 

One of the workshops on the 30th had an intriguing titled: "The Art of Praise." The description asked: "How can gratitude and appreciation motivate our written creativity?" The three other workshops touch on writing your life story, creativity with language, and compositional hiking where we will take a short, non-strenuous (I like that) walk in Cook Forest.

I think it will be fun to listen to instructors talking about one of my favorite things to do: write. 

"Don't forget, no one else sees the world the way you do,

so no one else can tell the stories that you have to tell."

Charles de Lint

Registration ends on the 15th. If any of my PA friends are interested, I would love to have the company of a friend. You can contact Lora Zill at timesing@zoominternet.net to have a brochure emailed to you or call Lora at 814-439-0914. The cost is $55 and the conference is from 10 to 4, including lunch.

My life verse in writing: Proverbs 11:25

Magnet created by Karla Dornacher, author, artist and friend.

Writing in the woods. I like the sound of that. 

"The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do."

Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826

And here you are friends. One of my earliest creations in my writing life. I started out with poems:

Born Again

February 1979

"My Sunday mornings have never been so bright.

Not like a shining star glowing in the night.

Or the flash of lightning during a summer storm,

Like brightness my eyes have never seen before.

"What a beautiful evening it was the night I found,

The love that people told me was all around.

The trust and praise I felt within my soul,

for Jesus Christ, the Son of God, I'd never known.

"My reason for life has now been defined.

Fulfillment lies in now opened eyes.

My life will be led through faith and prayer,

Thank you, Father, I'm so thankful You are there."

By His Grace . . .

Open At The Top

"When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me."

Psalm 86:7 

Last week these words made me smile:

“Once when Charles Garret was preaching to a large congregation about the mysterious troubles that often come to the Christian, he was saying that: we are not exempt from trouble; whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and some converted men had more trouble after their conversion than before. He had known Christians who were steeped in trouble—surrounded by it; trouble to the right, trouble to the left, trouble in front, trouble behind. Then an old man in the gallery, who had served God for seventy years, shouted, ‘Glory be to God, it’s always open at the top.’”  Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, Streams in the Desert 2, August 30

That's the way it is. Our connection with God is always open as long as we are in fellowship with Him. We don't have to worry about Him shutting us out, turning us off, hanging up on us. He's always available.

Every way we turn may be filled with trouble, heartbreak or sickness. All we need to do is look up and call on our Father, and He is there. 

Don't lose your connection. Keep in constant contact with God so you can be assured He will always be right there with you. 

Elisha Hoffman wrote, I Must Tell Jesus, and shared the story that prompted him to write this hymn:

"There was a woman to whom God had permitted many visitations of sorrow and affliction. Coming to her home one day, I found her much discouraged. She unburdened her heart, concluding with the question, 'Brother Hoffman, what shall I do?' I quoted from the Word, then added, 'You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus. You must tell Jesus.'

"For a moment she seemed lost in meditation. Then her eyes lighted as she exclaimed, 'Yes, I must tell Jesus.' As I left her home I had a vision of that joy-illuminated face . . . and I heard all along my pathway the echo, 'I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus.'"

Verse Two

"I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;

He is a kind, compassionate Friend;

If I but ask Him, He will deliver,

And in my griefs with me He will blend."

Chorus

"I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me, Jesus alone."

Remember the old man's words: "Glory be to God, it’s always open at the top."

By His Grace . . .