A heart of wisdom

 How do you get a heart of wisdom so as to know how best to live? The psalmist answers:

Thou dost sweep men away; they are like a dream, like grass which is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and withers. So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:5, 6, 12)

Numbering your days simply means remembering that your life is short and your dying will be soon. Great wisdom—great, life-revolutionizing wisdom—comes from periodically pondering these things.
(John Piper -I Have Kept The Faith)

Wishing you a very Happy and Blessed New Year!

Carolina Breeze

Mia Emerson is a Hollywood star caught in the middle of a scandal. As she tries to find a safe place to weather out the storm, she finds herself at the Bluebell Inn. A place that holds family history but should have been her honeymoon hideaway. Broken hearted, she meets handsome innkeeper, Levi Bennett, who takes her under his wing.

As Mia starts reading her grandmothers journal, she discovers a hidden treasure. One that could be worth a fortune, helping the Bennetts dig out from financial worries. But finding Carolina Breeze proves to be harder than they thought.

This was such a delightful story. The budding romance between Mia and Levi is fraught with complexity at the differences in their lives. Levi's sisters are a large part of the story line, and they play well into the plot.

A sweet romance, following in the foot steps of Ms. Hunters first book, the story has a good flow and keeps your interest.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My soul waits

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.

My soul waits for the Lord more then watchmen wait for the morning.

Psalm 130:5-6

Unconditionial love

I met her when I was first married. She was my husband's aunt and what one might call, a real pistol. She was inquisitive, and honest. Boldly honest.

She and her husband never had any children, but as the "great" aunt, she mothered all of  her nieces and nephews. I can hardly remember a time when she did not light up a room she entered.

I lost my Mom when I was still in my twenties. Not having any siblings, it was a time that left me feeling very much alone. None of  my friends had lost parents. Yet here I was, young and newly married, feeling a deep sense of loss in my life.

Five months after my Mom passed away, this aunt lost her own 91 year old mother. Her loss drew us together like a magnet.  Three years later, when her own husband died, she showed her resilience during her time of deep loss. The bond between us grew even more.

What started as visits and spending time together, grew into a deep loving relationship. She became the "adopted" mother to me, and when my children came along, she became their "adopted" grandmother.  She came to every family event. Never failed to send birthday and anniversary cards. We enjoyed going to lunch or just out for ice cream. Shopping excursions became a fun day. At Christmas, my kids would decorate her whole house. For twenty five years, she was a fixture in our lives.

As her health began to fail, it became necessary to move her into an assisted living facility. My children and I helped her downsize from her home to a little apartment. Then came the day when she could no longer live alone. A caregiver was hired to tend to her needs.Visits became more difficult.

When a stoke finally left her with little strength, it broke my heart to see her struggle. Dementia started creeping in. But she never forgot us. Her eyes would light up and a smile would shine on her face whenever we came to visit.

Through all the years, the one thing that radiated within her, was her unconditional love. It wasn't just with our family, she loved and cared for everyone that came within her radar. She took meals to lonely widows, even when she was a widow herself. She visited anyone who was sick. She was a party girl, and loved being included with family and friends. Everyone loved her as much as she loved them. At times she would tell me she didn't think she was very pretty. But in my eyes, she was beautiful. Her smile alone was like a ray of sunshine.

In all the years we shared together, I only heard her speak once of a person who had hurt her. But she never withheld her love.

We don't always seek out close friendships with people older than our peers. But my life has been richer for having experienced this kindred spirit.  I learned so much from her and deeply miss our times together. She will be forever in my heart as an example of sharing unconditional love.

Books

My home has always been filled with the aroma of printed paper. Ever since I was a young child, a book was a friend who would go with me and fill my life with entertainment. Books capture my imagination and take me to places I will never visit. I relish entering into the lives of characters who often defy odds. 

When we travel, I make it a habit of searching out places where older books are sold. I found a half price book store in Minnesota, and there's always a wide variety of books at the Goodwill or Hospice thrift stores. Have I found treasures? Yes, I often find out of print books or by some of my favorite authors. 

One thing has perked a question in my mind. With all of the ebooks on Kindle and other hand held devices, what is happening to the printed word? Will we still go to the library or book store to acquire a solid, page turning book? Maybe one day books will become obsolete, but for now I think not. I recently went into two thrift stores, and is my habit, went to the book section. As I stood there, head leaning to the right searching out titles, the whole section filled with people. It becomes a bit of a treasure hunt, mostly because the books are not sectioned. But oh the fun and thrill of finding that one special prize. A title, or an author that will take me away to places where my imagination will fill in the gaps. 

Let's not lose the love of books. I've passed that love on to my children. And I hope they will pass it on to the next generation.

Are you listening?

When we travel,  we will stop and pick something up and keep on making the miles.

On one recent trip we stopped at this place -

Hubby parks and I went inside to place a to go order. It wasn't a difficult order, but I found it interesting that the young man who waited on me was not listening. He heard me, and even repeated what I ordered, but he was not listening. 

So when my order arrives, I ask is one coffee decaf? "Oh you wanted a regular coffee too?" he says. Yes one regular and one decaf.  And then I ask, "is one oatmeal only with butter?" He looks at me, "you wanted one with only butter?" "Yes" I said.

So the young man goes back and fixes another oatmeal, and pours a regular coffee.

Now I've been to many fast food places in my time, and sometimes they don't always get my order right. But this young man heard what I said but was not listening. 

Is that what I do with God? Do I sometimes think I hear the voice of the Lord, but am I listening?

For two years I prayed fervently about a situation. Every day I implored with my Heavenly Father to intervene. In my prayers I felt confidant that the Lord would hear my prayers and answer the way I wanted.  But in the end, it was not so. I felt disappointed and discouraged. Why had God not answered my prayers? Doesn't the scripture say "seek and you shall find, ask and it will be given unto you?"

You see, this was someone that is very close to me. And I wanted so badly for this person's life to turn around and return to the obedience of God's will. Yet every time I questioned God about this outcome, I sensed Him saying, Do you trust Me? Yes, Lord I trust you. But see, this is someone close to me, and this person knows better. But do you trust Me? Lord, I do trust you, but ...  Do you trust ME?

Chuck Swindoll once said, " God does not greatly use the man who He does not first greatly wound." Do I feel wounded? Yes, hurt and wounded. But I do know that God is faithful, and I CAN TRUST HIM!

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for HE who promised IS faithful." Hebrews 10:23

For me to live is Christ

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."   Philippians 1:21

These very profound words had such an impact. As our Pastor was preaching from this passage one Sunday he began to cry. He said that as he studied this passage, the realization of his mortality grabbed him. He wrestled with the fact that he really wanted to see his children grow up. He wanted to be here with his family. And yet, the scripture teaches that to die is gain.

Day by day, as we each walk the pathway we are to go, life just seems to keep going. Until we are stopped in our tracks with the loss of a loved one or friend. It is then that we start thinking of the "other side".

 15 years ago, on a Sunday morning, during the middle of a raging hurricane, my BFF lost her battle with cancer and walked into the arms of Jesus. I have missed my sweet friend all these years, but on that Sunday the Pastor's message brought a sense of peace to my heart. You see, Diana was such a special friend. She walked beside me for almost 20 years, encouraging me, always with love and a smile. It is selfish of me to want her to be here, when she has gained so much more. As she reached out her hand that Sunday morning, she left behind her tired body to walk with Jesus. I can almost picture her in my minds eye, looking back at all of us and saying, "It's all right, I'm whole now."

Mark 8:35 states: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it” (ESV).

 

Jesus Christ offers you the greatest freedom - in learning how to die, we learn how to live.

May We Never Forget

In the United States, Sept. 11 has become a day that haunts the nation of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Since the attacks, the day has been called Patriot Day and serves as a day to remember those who lost their lives. The day was passed by Congress on Oct. 25, 2001 and was signed into law by then President George. W. Bush. 

 "Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew." -- President George W. Bush

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  John 15:13

Un-aging youth

For close to 30 years, I looked forward to the start of school.

Whenever school supplies started showing up at the stores, a little thrill of excitement quivered through me. The kids and I would mark our way towards the hunt.

 New pens and pencils.

The smell of glue and the right pair of paper scissors.

Crayons and colored pencils in every hue of color. With new ones appearing every so often.

 Paper, paper, paper.

And of course a new bag to carry every little thing.

The school year marks the progression of time. We grow older and we leave behind the things of our youth. We learn and move onward towards being an adult. Making our way in this thing we call life.

Yet spiritually, we never grow old. Even with the passing of years we hover in un-aging youth. Totally opposite of natural life. If we study God's word, seeking to be more Christlike, we become more like a little child. Simple. Childlike. Trust. Inevitably, we grow younger instead of older.  Revelation 22:13 states, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."  When we trust Jesus with child-like faith, we begin the journey of eternal childhood. It is my desire to lean on my heavenly Father with the faith of a child. 

 

Trusting. 

 

Learning. 

 

Loving.

Names

You know that sometimes a name will conjure up pictures in your mind. Past experience will start the mind computer and run the video.

A rose will conjure up this -


For sewers the name Bernina or Singer brings something like this to mind -


Let's just say "Paducah" or New York City, what do you think of?? Well if you have been to Paducah, and you are a quilter, you think of the annual Quilt show. Or New York as the City that never sleeps. We don't tend to think of all the historical background.

Or if I were to say Ford or Chevy, somehow I don't think this is the picture that you would conjure up in your mind ..........

And of course there are some double meanings for certain names.

Names are important. They hold in place either a person, a place, or even a thing. And they bring to mind a history or a memory.

I have read somewhere that a person's name is the sweetest sound. Have you ever noticed when you are in a crowded room, that if someone calls your name, you will turn and look. Or respond in some way.

I have an unusual name. It has always caused a tongue stumble for most people. I remember when I was a little girl how people would stumble over my name.  I've learned through the years to just answer if they are anywhere close. I have a nickname that I'm called by my family and friends, but there is always an explanation that goes along with it.

I guess for years I did not like my name, but it was mostly because it was different and people would butcher it. I liked my nickname as it was easier and I felt like it could just roll of the tongue. So much so that now when people call me by my "real" name it sometimes feel odd, or like it isn't really me. As I have gotten older, I am feeling more comfortable in my own skin and now I enjoy my name. It is unique, and you don't hear it everywhere you go.

So I hope you don't mind my little bit of banter :-) It's nice to have a place to share thoughts.

Have a wonder filled day.

God's unlimited promises

Prayer is such a powerful tool.

We pray to communicate with God our Heavenly Father. I have a lovely little book called "For the Family" by Sylvia Gunter. She shares Steps to Powerful Prayer.

1. Worship God -
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise" Psa 100:4

2. Be Still -
"Be still and know that I am God" Psa 46:10

3. Confess -
"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord the Lord will not hear me." Psa 66:18
"But if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

4. Submit -
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time." 1 Pet 5:6

5. Believe -
"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Heb. 11:6

6. Do battle in spiritual warfare -
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms." Eph 6:12

7. Listen to the Holy Spirit -
"no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him - but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit." 1 Cor 2:9-10

8. Ask God what He wants you to pray about. -
"I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it." John 14:13-14

9. Join together in agreement with other believers -
"If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them. Matt 18:19-20

10. Persist until the answer comes! -
"Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find, keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you." Matt 7:7

11. Praise the Lord that He has heard -
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him." 1 John 5:14-15

12. Act on what God has revealed to you -
"Do whatever He tell you" John 2:5
"If you abide in me and My words abide in you, you shall ask whatever you will and it shall be done unto you in My name." John 15:7

I hope these verses are an encouragement to you. Remember that God's promises are unlimited, but God's fulfilling it may depend on our abiding in truth (2 Cor. 10:6)

Writing conference

Have you ever been to a writing conference?

 

I have not, although I had always hoped to be able to attend one day. I've taken an online course, and have read many books on writing. But the truth is, I don't know that I'm ready. I don't know any authors. And since I wrote my two manuscripts, I've not been able to find help with cleaning them up.

So when I read about this opportunity, I wanted to take a chance and see if I could win the set of mp3's of the 2019 ACFW conference being held in Texas.

So tell me are you planning on attending? There is still time to sign up.The dates are September 26- 28 in San Antonio Texas. You can find the link here ACFW

Hope you see you there one day!

 #2019acfw

Do not be anxious

Every single morning when I get up, I have to decide what I am going to wear. Sometimes it is an easy decision, other times it is tough. There are days when I look in the mirror and sigh (hurmph). Do I look sharp or frumpy.

But each and every day, the garden is dressed with no cares. The seeds were planted, and they know what they will produce. We water and fertilize and wait for the beautiful show. Some of the fruit are beautiful, and some can be a little wonky. But they taste delicious just the same.

"Therefore, I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
 

See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they? 

"Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan? Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin,
 

yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith?
 

"Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?'
 

For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
 

But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
 

Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself." Matthew 6:25-34

Happy 4th

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776

God Bless America.

God's Secret Agents

As Soon As You Begin to Pray
James 5:16 Daniel 9:23

Prayer sets spiritual forces in motion, although the effect is often invisible, perhaps for a long time.

In the first year of the reign of Darius, Daniel was reading and reflecting about the seventy years of Jerusalem's Iying in ruins. He turned to God in "earnest prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and ashes," confessing Israel's sins and beseeching God for forgiveness and restoration. The angel Gabriel came close to him in the hour of evening sacrifice, "flying swiftly."

"As you were beginning your supplications a word went forth" (Dn 9:23 NEB), he said. The answer was already beginning to be processed when the prayer was offered. It took a very long time. Periods of weeks and years for the nation, and times of mourning, solitude, weakness, and fear on Daniel's part were required before the answer could come to pass.

We should take heart from Gabriel's message. Though our prayers seem feeble and sometimes appear to have gone unheard, a word has gone forth. Spiritual agents from the throne room of the King of kings are mobilized against spiritual forces from the headquarters of evil, and there will be ultimate victory.

"Tremendous power is made available through a good man's earnest prayer" James 5:16 JBP

~ Elisabeth Elliot ~

The Reluctant Warrior - a review

The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy takes place in the High Sierra Mountains during the late 1800. The former army officer, Cameron Scott, barks out orders to his family and friends, as if he were still in the army. With his own daughter frightened of him, as well as his nephew, he finds they always run to Gwen Harkness, a woman with a tender heart.

Life during pioneer days was hard and dangerous, and this story lines up in the telling of it. Overcoming danger, and the adventure of it, sums up this novel. Making the westward journey, men and women had to become more courageous, facing the adventure of tragedy along the way. With a touch of faith and romance, Cam and Gwen learn to get along, caring for the children, building trust along  the way.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Prayer

Prayer! What is it that keeps us on our knees. Is it concern for a child? A sick loved one? Difficulty at work ?The dying? Prayer is the essence of conversing with God, our Father.

Here is a quote by Max Lucado from his book "Outlive Your Life" -

Did God call us to preach without ceasing? Or teach without ceasing? Or have committee meetings without ceasing? Or sing without ceasing? No, but he did call us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17).
Did Jesus declare: My house shall be called a house of study? Fellowship? Music? A house of exposition? A house of activities? No, but he did say, "My house will be called a house of prayer" Mark 11:17."

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ." Col 4:2-3 NLT

"God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, you created all that exists, and you sustain all through your infinite wisdom and boundless power. Yet you invite me to come to you in prayer, boldly and with the expectation that you will hear and answer me. Teach me, Lord to take full advantage of this privilege, especially in regard to reaching others with your love. Give me a heart for those who have yet to experience the fullness of your grace, and prompt me to pray for them and for their welfare. In Jesus name, amen."

A day to remember

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. It is a day set aside for remembering and honoring those who died while serving in the American Armed Forces. This holiday has also been called "Decoration Day", and is the unofficial beginning of summer.

The holiday began around the time of the American Civil War. More Americans died in this war than in any other US war. According to tradition some women chose May 30th to decorate the graves of the Civil War soldiers.

In 1971 Congress passed a law making Memorial Day a national holiday. Originally it honored those who died in the Civil War, Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean War.

People of the Christian faith see a spiritual application to Memorial Day. According to Biblical writings and history, Jesus died in a spiritual struggle for the destiny of mankind. Without His death, which paid for man's sins, all humanity was lost, and had no future with God. Because of Christ's sacrifice, Christians enjoy a relationship with God and know their sins are forgiven. Churches have a memorial of Jesus' death. It is often called The Lord's Supper, Communion, The Lord's Table and others.

I am thankful for the men and women who gave their lives to keep our country free. I am thankful for a Savior who saved me from the punishment I deserve and gave me the free gift of Life eternal.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Happy Mother's Day

May this day bring some sweet memory to cherish in your heart.


"Psalm for Mama"
Forgive me for the times I may have hurt you. Hear the song of love in my heart.

I do not remember the times I drank from your breasts, or the times I slept in your arms, or the times you sat beside me as I tossed with fevers.

I do not remember them, but I know those times existed. I have experienced those times with my daughter who will also not remember them.

I now understand things only mothers understand.

And at night, when I bend over and kiss your granddaughter, I sometimes feel your love in the room.

I only hope.... you can feel mine too!
(Terry Helwig)

Miss you Mom.........

Invisible Mother

INVISIBLE MOTHER

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store..

Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously, not.

No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated sum a cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going; she's going; she is
gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England.

Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling
pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe .. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To My Dear Friend, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam; He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it..' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place.

It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'you're going to love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right; And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0

My Pressed Flower Friend

My Pressed Flower Friend

In my book of memories, 

there is a pressed Flower that fills a page,

With a gentle fragrance lingering still,

though it's faded now with age.

The way my Friend smiled and laughed,

The many ways she cared,

Are a legacy that she left behind

In stories I love to share.

So remember the hearts who've touched

your life,

It's what we each are here for.

A pressed Flower gently reminds us

To love and treasure our friendships more.

·.·.,¸¸,.·´¯`·.,¸¸,.·´¯`·.·\o/.(¨`-¦-´¨).\o/·.·´¯`·.,¸¸,.·´¯`·.,¸¸,.·.·

I love you Diane.  Your Fragrance still lingers.

A Harvest

Every single morning when I get up, I have to decide what I am going to wear. Sometimes it is an easy decision, other times it is tough. There are days when I look in the mirror and sigh (hurmph). Do I look sharp or frumpy.

But each and every day, the garden is dressed with no cares. The seeds were planted, and they know what they will produce. We water and fertilize and wait for the beautiful show. Some of the fruit are beautiful, and some are a little wonky. But they taste delicious just the same.

"Therefore, I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they? "Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan? Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin, yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith? "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself."

God's Promises

For the last week or so we have had a bird who is singing the praises of Spring. Well singing, might not really be the appropriate word. Let's just say, this bird has been screeching, chattering, hollering, and on occasion singing.

It's a Mockingbird and she is either very mad or very happy. I cannot really tell, mostly because I don't speak bird. But she has been insistent in her call. She starts early every morning and does not stop until the sun is gone for the day.

I've also noticed a white cat roaming around in our neighborhood. One day as I was pulling up into our driveway I saw the white cat running out of our yard. Hummm......... could there be some sort of connection here?

Every morning I go out to check our little tomato plants and give them a drink of water. This morning I heard Mrs. Mockingbird singing once again. But then it all stopped. I wondered why. And then I heard the rain. The pouring down rain.

So my little Mockingbird friend has found some cover and has silenced her song. The rain won't last long. It's a much needed Spring shower, doing a better job at watering my small garden and will soon pass.

But I think of Mrs. Mockingbird. Is she mourning the loss of her little eggs? She flits about here and there. I don't know, but she does.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
"Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
"And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God,
"but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. "
Luke 12:6-9

We have storms and rain that pass our way but may your day be full of Sunshine, Spring flowers and God's promises!

George Washington

"The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country."

~George Washington ~

The greatest love story

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God."

 John 3:16-18

The Power of Words

Recently I read a book in a day, yes, the whole book. Well most of it anyway. When I realized the direction the book was taking, I went to the ending. Do you ever do that? I ended up crying at the last chapter. The book was a departure from my regular reading. I did not like the language, and the ending left me feeling somewhat that the author was giving liberty that violates moral and ethical laws. However, at the end, as I was weeping, her words dug deep into my heart. I've been too sensitive this last year, things happening in my own life that have bent my heart. 

 All day long the words sifted through my mind. I've always been a reader, and books have held a special attraction to me. So much so that I can vividly imagine in my mind the cast of characters, the plot and the story line.  I can see the buildings, the furnishings, the costumes.  I envision the people, what they look like, their expressions. It's like a movie theater runs in my mind and I see the whole production. So when the words run deep......... my heart tends to follow.

But do you ever think about how we get involved in the thoughts of the world?  This book made me pause and think about how easily we throw our feelings and emotions into the ring. Yet the only one and true answer to all of life's difficulties lies in God's Word.

Ephesians 2:3-5

Among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.  But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved.

BUT GOD!!  in his rich mercy and because of HIS great love - saved me! There are no more powerful words then these.

Happy New Year