A Morning of Delight

 "God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures."

Francis Bacon

The other weekend I had a post pop up on my Facebook feed from the Gateway Lodge in Cook's Forest, just up the road from us. I'm not friends with them, but somehow, they were there.

The post was about a lady who brings them flowers for their customer rooms and dining room each week. Her name is Lynne from the Meadow and Twilight Flower Farm in Corsica, PA.

Corsica is just down the road, about 20 minutes from our place. I'd never heard of this flower farm but was intrigued. I looked it up and sent an email off to see if I could come by and take pictures of her garden.

Last Tuesday morning I went there and had a most delightful and joyful time! I'm thinking her garden is about an acre and a quarter in size and there were rows and rows of blooming flowers. Beautiful flowers. 

I took my time walking through, capturing the beauty I saw. When I finished, I had 289 pictures. Lynne talked with us for a time and cut a bouquet for us to bring home.

She told us about her dogs, one being a Newf, and asked us to go around to the front of her home and she'd bring him out. We both love Newfs, Jerry having raised one, and me being a friend with someone who had one. It was the cherry on top of the sundae as we petted and talked with a new friend.

Lynne has gatherings occasionally at the farm. People can come and pick their own bouquets, enjoy sitting in the swings and just relaxing in a beautiful place.

I managed to get through the pictures I took, keeping 92 to remember the day I walked with the bees and butterflies in God's creation. 

They specialize in a wide variety of pollinator friendly flowers that are perfect for bouquets. Their intent is to provide fresh cut blooms that reflect the season.

It was a beautiful morning for me. Strolling in a garden, delighting in the beauty and thanking God for His magnificent creation. I'm thankful God has given me the gift to take pictures and share His creation with others. He is masterful in His work!

By His Grace . . .

The Grand Finale

Not the clearest of pictures but it was a thrill to see six buck with large antlers! 

The season has ended. My early morning fawn spotting drives are now over. When the sun doesn't rise until 6:30 and school busses hit the road, that's when I stop my early morning drives.

Last week as I drove around for the last time, God decided to give me a grand finale and I saw many buck, doe and fawn. There was always something for me to take a picture of. It was a dream ride.

Fawn are a good size now. Doe and fawn aren't running as quickly now when I stop to take a picture.

I hate to see it end. Hopefully, when next year's fawn spotting begins, I'll be ready and able to do it.

This doe was hardly 8 feet away and let me talk to her a few minutes.

The other week I found a small book that fits right in with the extensive work I've done recently with my hymn studies. Hymn Lines is written by R.G. Huff, a relatively unknown man who has been active in church ministry for 40 years. On his blog site: hymnlines.blogspot.com he posted 75 thoughts and musings from one line in verses of hymns.

I thought this was right up my liking and ordered the book. There are 75 devotions from lines in hymn verses. I read from a hymnal every morning and have highlighted many lines in hymns that speak to me. I'm enjoying reading through this book. 

Of course, I looked through the blog's archives to see if he'd chosen one of my favorite lines from Be Thou My Vision: "Thou my best thought by day and by night." He did! I enjoyed reading his devotion on it.

I like the last line of his devotion: "Today let the best things about Christ be the center of your thinking. All day long and into the night until you sleep in peace, kept safe by the One on whom you have thought."

I saw many doe and twin fawn this last week.

I'm still writing hymn studies. I find them interesting, inspiring and encouraging. It another way for me to learn and grow in my faith. I'm happy to share studies with you. Some are already on this blog, to the right of the main column. I can also send copies through email or messenger.

I enjoyed watching these triplets last week. Watching them play, running around, darting here and there, is always a delight.

Summer also comes to a close. The next season of God's creation, with color and beauty, will soon arrive. 

Driving by a field with deer peacefully eating is soothing.

By His Grace . . .

My Herd of Buck

These big guys had just finished eating at our back gate. 

With the buck I've been seeing the last few weeks it got me thinking about my own little miracle. I've shared it here before, but it never fails to remind me that God listens to every one of our prayers.

It was back in 2013 and I'd been taking pictures of deer for a number of years. I'd gotten a few snaps of buck, but they don't stick around long enough for you to take a picture, when you do see them.

It was always a thrill as I watched them walk up.

It was November 2012. I asked God if he would provide opportunities for me to take pictures of buck. Soon the year was over, and I was looking forward to fawn season the next spring. 

Our neighbor had been putting out corn over her back gate for several years, and we'd enjoy sitting in our backyard watching the deer come up and eat. Jerry suggested we put corn out at our back gate, so we did. The doe and fawn would even come up when we were sitting in the backyard.

Three of our beauties.

One morning in July I looked out the back window and saw buck at our back gate. There were eight of them. A few with large antlers, a few with medium antlers and a few small ones. That began a summer I'll never forget.

Every morning and every evening buck came up and ate. Sometimes there would be 10 or 12 buck walking around out back. There were some woods behind us, but we weren't in an area surrounded by a lot of woods.

Two young buck enjoying a drink oat our neighbor's bird bath.

It was in August that I remembered my prayer from the previous November. You can imagine the chills I got as I realized God was answering my prayer right at my back door.

It wasn't until October that they stopped coming. We never saw them again.

God always listens. He always hears what we pray, and He always answers. This time He gave me my own little miracle. Let me rephrase that. He gave me a BIG miracle.

A favorite snap!

By His Grace . . .

The Words of Spurgeon

 

Just last weel I decided to follow Charles H. Spurgeon - Devotionals, Gems and Other Writings on Facebook. I've been a fan of Charles Spurgeon for many years now.

His devotional "Look Unto Me: The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon" by Jim Reimann has been an excellent study book for me through the years. 

When I worked, a coworker had a book of quotes by Spurgeon. I am a quote person and enjoyed him letting me read it.

I have used his quotes in many of my writings, and his words have given me much food for thought in living the Christian life and understanding my faith. He's remembered as the "Prince of Preachers."

There are many good devotion books out there by many different authors. I have a number that I go through periodically. I've always felt confident and sure after reading Spurgeon's words. 

Spurgeon was an English Baptist preacher. He born in Essex, England. His conversion from nominal Congregationalism came in 1850, at age 15. On his way to a scheduled appointment, a snowstorm forced him to cut short his intended journey and to turn into a Primitive Methodist chapel in Colchester where he believed God opened his heart to the salvation message. The text that moved him was Isaiah 45:22: "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God, and there is none else."

en.wikipedia.org/

If you're looking for a deeper study that is understandable and interesting, I'd recommend his devotional "Look Unto Me."

By His Grace . . .

Being Still

 "Be still and know that I am God." 

Psalm 46:10

A foggy, early morning sunrise on my way to work back in 2016.

A very familiar Scripture verse is Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." We hear it often and we read it often. The other morning, I read the following by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, in her devotion book: Streams in the Desert.

"I heard about a Quaker lady who had to spend half an hour every day sitting quiet and doing nothing calling it her 'still' lesson. I wish we could enjoy such a half-hour daily in God's presence. Our 'still' lesson would be one of the most useful lessons of the day." 

When I was a new Christian, the lady I sat next to in the choir loft gave me a copy of this devotion book. It was just what I needed as I learned to live as a Christian and handle all the ups and downs of life. I read it straight through for the first few years of my new Christian experience.

Peaceful Moments for Women Facebook page.

Occasionally I'll pick it up and read a devotion even now, 40 some years later. There are many readings that I've held on to that help me through each day. 

"Silence is a great peacemaker."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Are you able to sit for 30 minutes in quiet and be with God? We are either watching television, reading a book, listening to music or talking with someone when we sit down. It's very rare for me just to sit there and be quiet.

I sometimes go out to the front porch or back deck and sit quietly for a while enjoying nature. My early morning drives I'm usually singing my Melody of Hymns for a while, but always looking for an animal. 

Other than my devotion time, just sitting thinking about God doesn't happen very often.

I've read some of the great Christian saints of old spent an hour or two in the early morning with God. But, like the Quaker lady above, just sitting focusing on God is rare.

I think of Matthew 6:28 when I see a lovely flower, 

" . . . And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

When David wrote this verse it was a time of conflict of war. In the Hebrew "still" means to stop the frantic activity, to let go and put down your weapons. Why? Because God's in control. When we are still, we can remind ourselves that God's got us in His hands.

"In this place the word seems to be used as meaning that there was to be no anxiety; that there was to be a calm, confiding, trustful state of mind in view of the displays of the divine presence and power."

Albert Barnes

Being still, we are to be confident, calm and trustful in all circumstances because of our faithful God. We are to rest in our God who knows everything and is in control of all things.

That appears easier to do than to sit for 30 minutes being still. But, sitting and being still is relaxing and calming. So, whether you're like the Quaker women and practice being still for 30 minutes or focus your energy on being confident and calm in any situation because God is in control, being "still" is a great thing!

"One hour of real communion with God is worth more than a lifetime of everything else."

Waterbury

By His Grace . . . 

I Love You, Lord

"God is so good that He only awaits our desire to overwhelm us with the gift of Himself."

Francois Fenelon, 1651-1715

Mark's garden in Sigel is a delight to visit. I found it last year on one of my early morning fawn spotting drives. I've visited 3 or 4 times since to see all the beautiful flowers. This snap was taken early July. Mark created his garden 30 years ago and continues caring for it daily.

Last week my post was on "Kindness Now." One of the comments I received told me about the song "Goodness of God." I wasn't familiar with it and listened to it on YouTube. I choked up the first time I heard it.

I recorded the first and second verses on my phone and the next morning when I left on my early morning fawn spotting drive, I played it. I can't listen to that song without tears.

What a time of rejoicing I had. I played it for 20 minutes over and over as I drove to where I knew I'd see many fawn. 

So, this post is rejoicing over the words and music to this song. Each line my thoughts went towards my life and how God has brought me through.

"I love you, Lord." What a wonderful way to begin a song. It brings such joy to tell God I love Him. 

"For your mercy never fails me." I did a Shutterfly book on Mercy and Grace last year. Some of my favorite snaps with words from Christian people are included. I know His mercy never fails.

"All my days, I've been held in Your hands." Thinking back over 74 years of life, and 44 years lived with Christ, I can't imagine what my life would have been like without Him. I found Him when I was 28, and it's brought me so much cheer and joy to know He is with me.

"From the moment that I wake up." I'm an early morning person. My first thoughts of Him I say, "Good morning, Father." I think of the first verse of Harriet Beecher Stowe's hymn "Still, Still With Thee."

"Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,

When the bird waketh, and the shadows flee;

Fairer than morning, lovelier than daylight,

Dawns the sweet consciousness I am with Thee."

"Until I lay my head." With an early morning wake up time, I turn off the light early at night. My favorite place to be is in the writing room, sitting in my favorite chair. My important books are in a case right beside me. It's easy for me to be with God before I sleep.

"Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God." My "Melody of Hymns" brings God close all the time. I can have my own little hymn sing wherever I am. It brings joy to my heart to sing to God. I'm so thankful for words and music. 

This snap was taken the first week of June when peonies were blooming.

Mark plants them throughout the garden with all the other flowers.

When the song gets to the refrain, I get choked up once again. 

"And all my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God."

The second verse starts like this:

"I love Your voice." I have heard God's voice a few times in all my years. I know for certain that He spoke to me. I've tried to be faithful when I have heard Him. I hear Him through His Word also.

"You have led me through the fire." None of us go through life without experiencing great heartbreak. I have had my share of broken years, lost relationships and days, months and years of depression and disappointment. During all those times I knew there was only one person who could help me, and I always called upon the Lord. He walked me through each day, each month, each year.

"In the darkest night." During the darkest night He gave me my gift to serve Him. He brought light to my heart through the simple gesture of an acquaintance who sent me a note to encourage me. That one little note, just a few sentences of caring, changed my life. It gave me a purpose. It took my thoughts off of myself and started me on a journey of encouraging others. We often hear the phrase "He gives songs through the night." He gave me much more, and I am thankful.

"You are close like no other." I have been given many friends in my life, from Elementary School through High School. From working years and retirement years. Since my family was not close, my friends are the ones who helped me through my life. But the One who sticks closer than a brother, is the One who helped me the most.

"I've known you as a Father." My father was an alcoholic. I never experienced happiness and love as a father is meant to give. But when I met Jesus, and became a child of God, He brought me joy unspeakable! I can always depend on Him. He always instructs me. He holds me with His Everlasting Arms.

"I've known You as a friend." I don't have to worry about being rejected, gossiped about or not being understood. Jesus is the BEST friend and BEST thought I can ever have.

"And I have lived in the goodness of God." I have no fear as I wake up each day because I know God is guiding each step I take. He's with me when things go wrong. He's with me when things work out. I have lived in His goodness, and I will continue to live in His goodness. My way is sure. I have no doubts concerning His working in my life. It's not always fun or easy, and sometimes it hurts greatly, but I know He is directing my steps and will bring me safely to His side in His time.

These blooms are from last year about this time. Mark has flowers blooming

all through the growing season. It is a delight!

If you've never heard the song, Goodness of God, click on the link below. The words and music are beautiful.

By His Grace . . .

CeCe Winans - Goodness of God (Official Video) - YouTube

Goodness Now

 Enjoyed watching mom groom her twins. 

"[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." 

Psalm 27:13

"This encouraging testimony was written for us by the psalmist, David, after he had gone through some shadowing experiences of severe trial and testing . . . The sweet psalmist of Israel reveals the secret which kept his soul from fainting. He 'believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.' That means in the present life, not in the life hereafter."   Streans in the Desert 2, Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

I've always loved this verse in Psalms. I will believe in the goodness of the Lord. NOW. Even if everything is falling apart. Even if I'm scared of what is going to happen. Even if I'm discouraged. 

It's easy to say you believe God has your life under His control at all times. It's harder when sorrow, hurt and sadness are all you see. "Believe to see." Believe. That's what gets us through all those hard and undesirable things. 

Matthew Henry said: "The psalmist requests the favor of the Lord; the continuance of His presence with him; the benefit of Divine guidance, and the benefit of Divine protection . . . There is nothing like the believing hope of eternal life, the foresights of that glory, and foretastes of those pleasures, to keep us from fainting under all calamities."

Fawn have now doubled and tripled in size. Rare to find a small one now.

Most of us feel like we're going to faint under the pressures of life. So, keeping the frame of mind that says: "believe to see" is important. It may not cause the problem or concern to go away at that moment, but it can direct our thoughts to something greater that is capable of changing the way we see them.

My testing came quick. I drafted this article in the early morning. That evening, as I sat in my chair in the writing room, I was in low spirits. The words I wrote that morning came into my mind. I said to myself, "Do I believe what I wrote?" I knew I did, so I kept repeating to myself, "I will believe. I will believe. I will believe." 

And I do. I started recalling the HOPE I have in my heart and the home I will one day go to. There is always a choice. Make your choice: "I will believe to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Say it again and again. Cement it in your mind.

It's that deep, settled confidence that God gives us. Make sure you have it.

By His Grace . . .