A Challenge

"It may be little we can do to help another, it is true;

But better is a little spark of kindness when the way is dark,

Than one should miss the road to heaven for lack of light we might have given."

Anonymous

 

Some Christmas cheer from my home this year. I'm delighted with the hanging Christmas bow I made! Was able to clip it on the one behind it."

 

December. The month of Christmas. The month of celebrations. The month of parties. The month of baking. The month of buying gifts. The month of joy for God’s gift to mankind.

This is the first day of December. Before we get into all the celebrations I want to divert your mind for a few moments. A friend posted this on her Facebook page. I don't know who wrote it. I’ve experienced it many years and it’s worth sharing in this month of Hope.

“Was cleaning my house - I stopped in my tracks and sat down and just went down memory lane...All I can say is it wasn't pretty. I think I cried for over an hour with memories of what this time used to be for me and how it was filled with such love and anticipation - and now it brings back memories of the reality of emptiness and sadness. So I would like to remind you that there are people for whatever reason who are not looking forward to Christmas. Some people are not surrounded by large wonderful families. Some of us have problems during the holidays and are overcome with great sadness when we remember the loved ones who are not with us any longer. For many it is their first Christmas without a particular loved one and many others lost loved ones at Christmas. And, many people have no one to spend these times with and are besieged by loneliness. We all need caring, loving thoughts right now.”

 

Another new addition is this quilt piece and pillow made this year.

True words. They could represent your hairdresser. Your co-worker. Your neighbor. Your children’s teacher. Your postal worker. It could be the man or women who sits in your pew at your house of worship. After the year we've all been through, lost people will be numerous in needing a friend.

As we begin this month take a few moments and consider the people you come in contact with day by day. Is there someone whose heart you can touch for Christ? An invitation to lunch . . . a baked treat . . . a hand written note . . . a friendly telephone call , , , a small decorated gift. A small dose of encouragement that will bring a smile?

We all want to be happy and joyful during this special month. We’ve been given the greatest gift in our life . . . Jesus. Open your heart and let God use you to encourage and bless someone this Christmas season. And if you're the one who is hurting and needs encouragement, be a gift to someone else and your own heart will be encouraged. God's Word says so in Proverbs . . .

 

A Time toTestify

 When asked if he believes in God, Carl Gustav Jung said:

"I do not believe . . . I know." 

Carl Gustav Jung, 1875-1961

 

Do you know? Do you know God is real? Do you know He is in control of your life and everything that happens? It's an important question. Following is the Thanksgiving post I posted in Nvember 2014.

 

A Time for Testimony was the sermon title of my pastor's Sunday message. We're in the book of Revelation, and he was teaching from chapters 10 and 11 about three witnesses: the mighty angel; the two witnesses, and the 24 elders (who represent the saints of all the ages).

The title caught my eye. A Time for Testimony is very accurate for the week of Thanksgiving and the coming Christmas season. Accepting God's control of your life enables you to be thankful in all things.

Sharing your testimony during these two seasons of THANKFULNESS and HOPE may not always be easy or accepted well by the hearers, but it provides a seed that can grow and touch the hearts of others. In Matthew 28 we're told to bear witness for our Lord. So whether it's easy or hard, our joy should be so complete that we must tell others about our Lord and God.

So when you gather together and ask the Lord's blessing with your family and friends, I trust your heart will be full and your words will be a testimony of all He's done for you! And in the upcoming days, your heart will shout of His goodness. I hope you know!

On Facebook I saw this display of colors. Don't know who created it, but loved seeing the cycle of color from beginning to end on these leaves,

One of my most cherished blessings I will be thanking God for this Thanksgiving are my friends. In John C. Maxwell's  book: The Treasure of a Friend, these words are shared:

"Warm as a crackling fire, Sweet as hot chocolate, Comforting as a child's embrace. Few things are more precious, Few more cherished, than the value of a genuine friend."

 

 "There are deep sorrows and killing cares in life, but the encouragement and love of friends were given us to make all difficulties bearable." 

 John Oliver Hobbes

I think of the stirring song Testify! Come on friends. Our God is awesome! Let's tell the world this Thanksgiving week and everyday that WE KNOW!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNeQ7Tj40aU   Testify, by The Talleys

 

 

 

Inspire yourself! Praise God!

Fall, your beauty is here for such a short time, but memories linger on.

"An attitude of happiness in life is a matter of our will. Abraham Lincoln once stated that 'most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be.'" Kenneth Osbeck  I can agree with that. Depending on how you perceive things, you can either be miserable or happy.

In Amazing Grace by Kenneth W. Osbeck, he took that statement in this direction: "Closely related to a Christian's happiness is the determination to live a life of praise to God. The goal of every believer should be the overflowing of praise, regardless of the circumstances."

Do I praise God enough? How much is enough? Is there a limit?  Andrew Melville, 1545-1622, said: "Praise is the best auxiliary to prayer. He who most bears in mind what has been done for him by God will be most emboldened to ask for fresh gifts from above." 

I'm so glad God gave somebody the ability to create a camera, and I can take pictures of lovely scenes!

"You don't learn to praise in a day, especially since you may have been complaining for years! New habits take time to develop. But you can begin today, and practice tomorrow, and the next day, until it becomes part of you." 

 Erwin W. Lutzer, 1941- .

"O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise!" Charles Wesley, 1707-1788. This hymn is part of my Melody of Hymns. I always envisioned seeing a thousand people singing praise to God. But recently I read about the song when written, and the author's meaning was for him to have a thousand tongues! I like that too!

Osbeck continued: "Praise is our highest spiritual exercise. There is more said in the Scriptures about our praise life than even our times of prayer. In prayer it is possible to approach God out of selfish motives; in praise we worship Him for what He is Himself . . .One of the most important times to sing praise to God is when we feel imprisoned by the circumstances of life. Like the experience of Paul and Silas in the Roman prison, Acts 16:24-25, it is often uncanny how prayer and praise open the doors of our lives to new dimensions of opportunity and spiritual power."

I love the chorus of the hymn "I Will Praise Him." It's such a joy to sing it! Listen to the song (below) and feel the joy!

"I will praise Him! I will praise Him!

 Praise the Lamb for sinners slain; give Him glory, all ye people,

for His blood can wash away each stain." 

Margaret J. Harris, 19th century, I will Praise Him

So sing out friend in praise to God! He will be glorified and you will be refreshed and inspired!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4b_-_ifeec, Gaither Homecoming

I enjoyed this scene every fall from my kitchen window in MD.

The Anchor Holds

One fall day I found this scene in Gettysburg. 

 

 "Faith is the Christians foundation, hope is his anchor, death is his harbor, Christ is his pilot, and heaven in his country."

Jeremy Taylor, 1613-1667

 

Every November I celebrate a special anniversary. It's a day that changed my life. No other day compares to the joy I feel as I celebrate this special day. November 14. Forty-two years ago. 

 

I was lost, and at my lowest, when an older friend suggested I go to church. There just happened to be one a short walk from the apartment I was living in. Those short steps led me to a Baptist church where the gospel of Jesus Christ was presented to me. 

Soon after one Tuesday evening during a revival I walked forward and accepted Jesus into my life. And by His grace, I've never looked back.

Oh, everything didn't automatically become fixed in my life. And through those 42 years, there have been many storms that I felt were going to blow me away. But His Anchor held, took me through the storms and continues to guide me along life's way.

 

Having faith in Jesus doesn't make your life perfect, or great or even happy. What it does do is provide a steady hand that guides you each step of the way and will always see you safely through. It's a miraculous work in your heart that fills you with joy knowing you are safe in the arms of Jesus.

The Anchor Holds

by Ray Boltz

"I have journey Through the long dark night

Out on the open sea

By faith alone Sight unknown

And yet his eyes were watching me

Chorus

"The anchor holds Though the ship is battered

The anchor holds Though the sails are torn

I have fallen on my knees As I faced the raging seas

The anchor holds in spite of the storm

"I had visions I've had dreams

I've even held them in my hands

But I never knew They would slip right through

Like they were only grains of sand.

"I have been young but I am older now

And there has been beauty these eyes have seen

but it was in the night through the storms of my life

Oh that's where God proved His love to me

In spite of the storm."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSAc5Z2lprk  Ray Boltz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rxbju9ymtuQ  Donnie Sumner

 If you're in the middle of a storm . . . if you've lost all hope and have no where to turn, there is somewhere you can go. It's not mystical, or scary, or weak or crazy. It is REAL!

Celebrate with me this week as I celebrate 42 years of living for Jesus, the Living God. Yes, November 14, 1978 changed my life.

 

 

https://www.shutterfly.com/share-product/?shareid=275d6ed4-f69f-4d42-893a-8bbc4eb8b390&cid=SHARPRDWEBMPRLNK

https://www.shutterfly.com/share-product/?shareid=275d6ed4-f69f-4d42-893a-8bbc4eb8b390&cid=SHARPRDWEBMPRLNK

Real Freedom and a Little Fun

 "There are two freedoms: the false, where man is free to do what he likes; the true, where a man is free to do what he ought."

Charles Kingsley, 1819-1875

 

This would be a wonderful way to pass a fall day!
 

Tomorrow is an important day in our country. We have the freedom to vote. It is a privilege and shouldn't be taken lightly. 

 

But I'm talking about a different freedom that Warren Wiersbe pointed out to me the other morning: "What is freedom? Some may say freedom means the privilege of doing what you want to do. But that is not freedom . . . Real freedom is a life controlled by God's truth and motivated by His love.

 

"This is true in every area of life. If we obey the traffic laws, we have the freedom to drive on the streets and highways. If we obey the laws of truth, we have the freedom to speak, and people will believe us. If we obey the laws of science, we won't blow up the laboratory. If the airplane pilot obeys the laws of aerodynamics, he will be able to fly his plane. You see, we have the freedom to enjoy the power of the law when we have yielded to the commandment of the law. So when I submit myself to the will of God, I am taking my first step toward freedom."

 

People don't want to submit to laws they don't like. But when you do what you want, your choices hurt others. God's law isn't here to make our lives miserable. His law is here to provide the perfect atmosphere to live and live joyfully.

 

No matter what happens tomorrow at the voting booths, All those who have given their life to Christ and live for God have hope because God is the greatest hope we can have. His perfect plan is being worked out minute by minute and we know the Author and Creator. We have confidence in our hearts that this world can not take away. 

 

And now the fun . . .

 

 

I received a surprise in the mail last week from my friend, Kathy. She saw a book in Goodwill for $1 and knew I would love it. My surprise? Snowflakes!!!!

 

As many of you know I love watching snow fall. There is just something mesmerizing about it. Instead of dwelling on dirty snow or shoveling snow or driving in it, let your mind be focused on the beauty of it. It slows you down and gives you pause in life so you can consider the Great Creator.

 

 Jerry helped me out by holding the pages open. Some of the pages had information about the first person to photograph snowflakes, Wilson A. Bentley, in 1885, and other interesting facts.

Bentley discovered no two snowflakes are alike. They are a "masterpiece of design." he said.

Many of you must remember making snowflakes out of paper when you were young. Or catching a snowflake on your tongue?

The book is written by Jennifer Preston Chushcoff and illustrated and engineered by Yevgeniya Yeretskaya. 

Bentley has an incredible snow crystal collection for you to see at www.snowflakebentley.com.

I will be displaying the book in my home during the season of winter and will enjoy looking at it from time to time. Snow is white and pure, and that's just the way God cleans us when we sin. "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18

Thanks, Kathy, for a fun book to remind me of the beauty yet to come. Consider the refreshing and mesmerizing scene of snow this year. It was created by the master Creator!

Let's remember we're now in the month of November. A month to be especially thankful. A month to celebrate with family and friends. We have much to be thankful for. Even in the chaos of our country. We are free in Christ. Now that's worth celebrating!

 

 

 

Calm and Serene

"Growing older only means the spirit grows serene,

and we behold things with our souls that our eyes have never seen."

Helen Steiner Rice 

Now this is a place I'd enjoy sitting as fall flaunts it's beauty!

Calm and serene? I dare say not very many of us feel calm and serene right now. With all that has happened in our country this year, and a major election only a week away, calm and serene is scarce.

But that poem caught my attention one morning last week, and I've been pondering it and the accompanying Scripture verse (below) ever since:

 

"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come." Psalm 71:18 

 

The words came from the One Minute Devotion book, From the Heart, which shares excerpts from the poems of Helen Steiner Rice and an appropriate Scripture verse. She was popular when I was younger, and I have several of her books of poems. Simple, touching, relevant and heart changing, Steiner's poems were a joy to read.

I can be called older at this point, with hair of gray. Am I serene through the difficulties of this year? Do I want to tell the next generation about God's might?

 

"If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should not grow old."  

James A. Garfield, 1831-1881

A delightful leaf covered path through the woods.

 

It's so easy to get riled up inside and afraid, but I can honestly say it's just as easy to be serene because of the faith that's in my heart. And, yes, as I grow older my spirit has become serene. It's hard to explain how you can be calm and serene when discord is all around you. But it is true. A miraculous gift from a loving God.

 

"Spiritually, we never grow old; through the passing of the years we grow so many years young. The characteristic of the spiritual life is its un-aging youth, exactly the opposite of the natural life." 

 Oswald Chambers, 1874-1917

 

And one of the reasons I write my thoughts on this blog is to  share the God I love, serve and live for. I know what it's like to be encouraged during difficult times. I do want to share of my faithful God and turn hearts to Him.

  

I love driving down the road and seeing woods filled with bright yellow.

 

The practical application for the given devotion reads: "Today appreciate those who are older. Value their advice. Seek their companionship." 

 

I'm going to do just that. Last week while delivering meals for our church, an older woman said to me: "Come visit some time." I've written on my heart to make that visit this week.

 

"In old age faith seems to be the most marvelous possession anyone can have." 

Malcolm Muggeridge, 1903-1990

 

Look at that color! It really was this bright!

Calm and serene. It is possible to enjoy these characteristics in times of difficulties. Because of the truth of God's Word we know He is in control of all things, even my little life.

 

"Spiritual maturity: the quiet confidence that God is in control." 

Charles Swindoll, 1934- 

Love the reds!

Whether you're older or younger or in the middle, do your best to be calm and serene during the difficult days. God promises to see you through!

Brocade Curtains

 

This beautiful tree and the next picture were in a back yard not far from home. They both were stunning. It was a bright, sunny fall afternoon and the sky was a lovely shade of blue with white clouds. I love big, beautiful, healthy trees both in the spring and fall.

 

What is Love? "Brocade curtains . . . boots Ingrid's father wore, and an engagement ring."

 

I don't watch much TV anymore, rarely a new series or show, which is a good thing I suppose. I'd rather read or watch DVDs of my own choosing for my entertainment. But a number of years ago, there was one television series that I loved to watch: Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. Maybe it was the romance of life on the frontier that drew me to it. Whatever it was, I watched faithfully from its beginning in 1993 to the last show in 1998.

A few years ago, as a gift to myself, I purchased the complete series, and I've enjoying the shows since then. I watched the shows again this year. Thankfully, Jerry liked the show too so he watches with me.

You can just see the small covered bridge on the other side of the tree. What beauty!

The other night we watched the episode "What is Love?" as the cast prepared to perform Romeo and Juliet. Brian, the young boy, was writing an essay about love, and as the show ended his essay declared "brocade curtains, boots Ingrid's father wore and an engagement ring" was love.

But Jerry topped this saying: "Love is trying to explain ice cream to someone who's never tasted it." It brought fun laughter to my face--we love ice cream! A little while after, the thought came to me: "how do you explain faith to someone who doesn't believe."

One of my thoughts is: "believing when you can't see, yet knowing in your heart it is true." Following are words from faithful men and women:

"Faith is not a sense, nor sight, nor reason, but taking God at His Word." Arthur Benoni Evans, 1781-1854.

"Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you cannot understand at the time." Oswald Chambers, 1874-1917.

A peaceful scene indeed!

"Faith is not anti-intellectual. It is an act of man that reaches beyond the limits of our five senses." Bill Graham

"Faith is knowing something is true, but you can't prove it, and you prove faith by the way you live your life and treat others in Jesus name." Jerry

 

"Faith means being grasped by a power that is greater than we are, a power that shakes us and turns us, and transforms and heals us. Surrender to this power is faith." Paul Johannes Oskar Tillich, 1886-1965

 

"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible." Corrie Ten Boom, 1892-1983

 

 

All this because of trying to explain love. I can certainly identify with this description: "Love is like swallowing hot chocolate before it has cooled off. It takes you by surprise at first, but keeps you warm for a long time." Anonymous

Even an episode of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman can trigger my mind to greater topics. Faith. How do you describe it?

This is another lovely tree I saw in a backyard. When I asked permission to take pictures the lady said: "I just took pictures of it yesterday."