Survivor

"Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,

Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,

Chords that were broken will vibrate once more."

~Fanny Crosby~

You Come Too - Part II: A Visit to the Pasture

Come along for a trip through the pasture (and surrounding farm) that we are most familiar with! To get a closer look, just click on the picture.

Before you go through the gate, please read the post just below this one - if you haven't already done so!

"Take the blue of the sky and the green of the forest,
And the gold and the brown of the freshly mown hay;
Add the pale shades of spring and the circus of autumn,
And weave you a lovely today."
~Bill and Gloria Gaither~

You Come Too! - Part I

The Pasture
By Robert Frost

I'm going out to clean the pasture spring;
I'll only stop to rake the leaves away
(And wait to watch the water clear, I may).
I shan't be gone long. -- You come too.

I'm going out to fetch the little calf
That's standing by the mother. It's so young,
It totters when she licks it with her tongue.
I shan't be gone long. -- You come too.

Love this simple, but full-of-meaning poem! It speaks of companionship and sharing the simple pleasures of life with someone we love. Even everyday tasks and sometimes-mundane chores can be opportunities to "seize the moment" and enjoy God's creations - together. Making memories doesn't take a lot of time . . . or money . . . or elaborate planning. All it takes is an invitation: You come too.

I think Jesus, who desires a close relationship with us, says to us, "Come with Me; follow Me. There's much to be done. I'll be ministering to a hurting world, and I don't have long. You come too!"

And He is pleased when we, with our words and our lives, say to someone else, "You come too!" Makes the trip even sweeter!

"Going together, enjoying the trip,
getting used to the family we'll spend eternity with . . . "
~Bill & Gloria Gaither~

Contrasts

Cold, gray, drizzling . . . words that fit the morning. Until this beautiful cardinal lit right outside my window. Suddenly my view changed . . . brilliant color arrived . . . winged cheer lit in the dead, brown grass! What a contrast his presence made on a dreary, winter morning!

Contrasts are a part of life: day and night . . . light and dark . . . good and evil . . . ups and downs . . . winter and summer . . . ins and outs . . . good times and bad times.

But I can't think of a greater difference than the contrast of our lives before and after we allow Jesus to take control. What a difference His presence makes! Think about it:

a stony heart a pliable heart
despair hope
fear peace
focus on self service to others
indifference compassion
bondage freedom
death LIFE

"I can't explain it,
and I cannot tell you why.
But, oh, what a difference since Jesus passed by."
~Bill Gaither~

Caused Any Ripples Lately?

I watched as our grandson tossed rocks into the water on a beautiful day last week. One small splash soon became a distinct circle in the blue water . . . then another . . . and another until the effects of that small stone extended far across the pond. And I thought of the ripple effect of our lives.

A life of service to God and others has a ripple effect . . . even when our sphere of influence may seem so small. Our prayers and efforts to reach out to others are used by God in an ever-expanding way. One small act of kindness, a simple prayer, an encouraging word, a shared Scripture or praise can touch a life in far-reaching ways, and that life touches another . . . and the circle widens and God works. We may never know the extent of our influence this side of heaven, but Ecclesiastes 11:1 encourages us to "cast our bread upon the waters."

Just think what happens when we join our hearts and hands with other Christians . . . in prayer . . . in giving . . . in loving unconditionally! Just think what God can do with that kind of ripple effect!

"Cast thy bread upon the water,
Christ will watch the rolling wave,
As it ripples slowly onward,
To the soul He seeks to save."
~Barney E. Warren~

New Things Are Popping Up Everywhere!

This has been the coldest winter we've had in a long time, but I have enjoyed the cozy fires and the rare snowfall. But like most of you, I'm ready for spring!

Today has been fairly warm and sunny, and I've enjoyed the the very subtle hint of spring. While outdoors with our grandson, I noticed several signs that winter won't last forever. I know that we'll have more cold, dreary days before spring actually arrives, but it was refreshing to see some of our trees budding and tiny flowers blooming amidst the deadness of winter. Let me show you!

Pink Honeysuckle

Tulip tree

Plum tree

Fig tree

Tiny green growth peeking through the browns

And three generations of our family went fishing in a nearby pond. It really was the perfect spring-like day to be outdoors!

Even though spring won't officially arrive for another month, we can be sure that winter will end, and new life and new growth will announce spring's arrival! It's never failed to happen since the Creator set the seasons in motion.

Likewise, we can be sure that the winter seasons of our lives - those difficult times marked by coldness and bleakness and deadness - won't last forever; spring will come, and newness . . . and growth . . . and beauty . . . and warmth will spring forth.
Isaiah 42:9-10 says:

Behold the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth.

"Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love."
~Thomas O. Chisholm~

Wings of a Snowy Morning

"If I take the wings of the morning,
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
even there shall Thy hand lead me,
and Thy right hand shall hold me."
Psalm 139:9-10

Snow Day in the South

"Snow Day" in the South . . . what fun!! About five inches of snow fell yesterday, and the views were spectacular. Getting out of bed, looking out the window, and seeing the blanket of snow were as exciting as those long ago Christmas mornings when we awoke to gifts under the tree! This snow was indeed a beautiful gift from the Creator . . . and one that we'll talk about and remember for a long time.


I've so enjoyed seeing pics of snow-covered bird houses and feeders posted by my northern blogger friends. Now I get to share some of my own!









I believe God enjoyed creating our amazing world; that's the idea I get from this Scripture in Genesis: "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." (I want to put a few exclamation points at the end.) I think that He delights in looking down and watching us enjoy His handiwork today.

Our "snow day" is turning into "slush day," but yesterday was good . . . very good!!!!

"For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies . . .
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise."
~Folliott S. Pierpoint~

Haiku

Grandson

Young, energetic,
Can't understand my slow pace.
Where's my second wind?


"Oh, the old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be . . .
Many long years ago."

Hope you weren't expecting a hymm!!

In Praise of His Wonders

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done.

The things you planned for us no one can recount to you.
Were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
(Psalm 40:5 NIV)

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them.
They would outnumber the grains of the sand.
(Psalm 139:17-18a NIV)

"To God be the glory!
Great things He hath done!"
~Fanny Crosby~

Strength

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
(Ps. 121:1)

Tomorrow I'll have a medical procedure, one that's labeled "minor," I'm sure. But since MY body is involved, it's "major" to me! Thinking about it, reading about it, and hearing the stories of others have brought me many anxious moments and caused my imagination to run wild. Sometimes ignorance is bliss, I guess!

But if I really believe that He cares for the little sparrows (as I wrote in an earlier post), and if I really believe He cares about every detail of my life, then I can depend on Him for the strength that I need to face tomorrow. And once again, He hasn't failed to comfort me and let me know that it's in my weakness that His strength shines.

I was overwhelmed this morning when I opened my much-used Streams in the Desert to the page marked "February 8th." In part here's what I read:

Do not look forward [ahead] to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

How perfectly those words fit my needs on this day in 2010! Yet they were written long ago by Frances de Sales and placed in the first edition of this powerful book in 1928 by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman! Coincidence that I read those words today? Absolutely not! God knew that I would need them and orchestrated what happened in my quiet time today. He's not a God of coincidences but One who planned my days even before I was born.

I can trust Him! I can depend on His strength to be MY strength tomorrow. Does that mean I'll not have any anxious moments or that I won't dread the procedure? Not at all! It does mean that when I am afraid, I can lean on Him . . . the Creator of Heaven and Earth . . . my Refuge and my Strength!

"Learning to lean - I'm learning to lean;
I'm learning to lean on Jesus."
~John Stallings~

"I've Got Your Back!"

Isaac & Abby

The simple, pure bond between big brother, Isaac and his sister Abby is strong. As with any brother/sister relationship, they have their "moments," but there is no doubt they are best friends! There's nothing quite like the friendship enjoyed by siblings! It's a treasure . . . a gift from God! I'm so thankful for the bond of love that exists and grows between myself and my sister and brothers.

Speaking of a love that binds, I think of the Scripture in Proverbs 18:24 that says: "There is a friend who sticks closer that a brother." One who always has my back! I'm so thankful that Love Himself is my friend . . . and Savior . . . and Redeemer. The friendship between us, which He initiated, can't be separated by "death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation." (Romans 8:35)

And as my Friend and I walk this uncertain road of life, He whispers: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

What a friend!!

"Beautiful life with such a Friend;
Beautiful life that has no end!
Eternal life, eternal joy,
He's my Friend!"
-Will L. Thompson-

Who Cares?

Jesus, The Master Teacher, used simple, familiar things to teach some of life's greatest lessons: sheep, coins, seeds, planting . . . and birds. I'm so glad He included birds! Listen to His words found in Matthew 10:29-31 (NLT):

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Flocks of sparrows, including the one pictured above, feed outside my kitchen window every day - rain or shine! I love watching them. They are not powerful and majestic like the eagle or brightly colored like the cardinals and blue jays. Nevertheless, these seemingly insignificant little creatures came to Jesus' mind as He gave instructions to His twelve disciples.

His Words remind me that He cares! He knows me inside and out, from the graying hairs on the top of my head to the soles of my size 6 feet! He cares about the smallest need that I have. He cares about the situations that look impossible.

And my part is . . . to cast all my cares on Him. (I Peter 5:7). That's the easy part! The difficulty comes in following the next step: Leave them there! Remember the old song, "Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there . . . "? I have trouble with that! But since He knows me - better than I know myself - He's fully aware of my weakness. And since He cares, He will teach me and gently remind me and help me in this area - if I ask.

The Psalmist, who so honestly exposed his weaknesses, writes: "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you." (Psalm. 55:22a) Notice he didn't promise that the cares would be removed; instead he declares that God's grace is enough to keep us in the midst of difficulties. We can identify with Paul when he said: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (II Cor. 4:8)

Hard pressed . . . perplexed . . . persecuted . . . struck down! BUT . . . not destroyed! Why? Because He cares! He cares about the little sparrow . . . and He cares infinitely more for you and me.

"I cast all my cares upon You;
I will lay all of my burdens down at your feet.
And any time I don't know just what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon You."
-Kathy Willard-

And the Winner Is . . .

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

"Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith . . . "
I Peter 5:8-9a (NIV)

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you."
I Cor. 15:57-58a (NIV)


"We've been made more than conquerors -
overcomers in this life.
We've been made victorious
through the blood of Jesus Christ."
-Bill & Janny Grien-

Showers

Grace rains down into the hurting, dry places in our hearts . . . restoring and healing!

Mercy drops fall . . . soothing our fears and calming our anxious thoughts!

Gentle showers of hope soak into our souls . . . bringing life!

Let them fall!

Let them continually fall on me!

An occasional shower just won't do!

"There shall be showers of blessing; this is the promise of love.
There shall be seasons refreshing, sent from the Savior above."
-Daniel W. Whittle-

Still Waters Run Deep . . .

It's been a noisy day!

No, the grandchildren aren't here . . . John David and I haven't had any "heated discussions" . . . the television hasn't been turned on . . . no visitors! It has actually been quiet here in the house.

But it's been noisy in my mind!

So many noisy situations clamoring for my attention . . . health issues . . . upcoming tests . . . deaths and grieving families . . . questions . . . anxious thoughts. It's so easy to let the mental noise seep into my soul. And I don't want that!

But God knew before I awoke this morning that I would need his soothing Words more than ever. And so He placed these words in my reading this morning: In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. (Isaiah 31:15)

Yesterday I read: The Lord your God is with you . . . He will take great delight in you; He will quiet you with His love . . . (Zeph. 3:17)

And the picture above reminds me that He leads me beside still waters; He restoreth my soul.

Once more, He's proven that He knows just what I need and that He cares about every separate need I have. Noise doesn't disquiet Him; circumstances don't overwhelm Him! Questions don't threaten Him; storms are just opportunities for Him to demonstrate His power! After all, He's in the business of quieting the winds and the waves!

How much more is He able to bring quietness to my mind and soul! As the songwriter says: Oh, what a Savior!

"Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God . . . "

Lesson From a Drama Queen

"My life is a perfect graveyard for buried hopes!"

Quite the statement of disappointment! Especially coming from the mouth of an eight-year-old girl . . . our granddaughter! This was her reply to her mom who told her to turn off the TV.

She's reading the book Anne of Green Gables . . . and apparently is stepping into Anne's character really well. Her timing and the delivery of Anne's line give you a little insight into why she's sometimes called Drama Queen! (By the way, she remembers what she reads in the Bible, too, and can already quote more Scripture than I can.)

Her childish hopes of being able to watch TV were dashed! And it happens to us "big kids," too. Oh, not because we miss a television program . . . I hope! But we each experience disappointments - some minor and others that seem to sweep us off our feet. It's during those confusing, difficult times that we are most tempted to think of our lives as "the perfect graveyard for buried hopes." That's exactly what Satan wants us to think and believe.

But as God's children we know the Giver of Hope! No matter how deeply buried hope seems to be, if we listen closely, we'll hear His gentle whisper: I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer. 29:11)

If we really believe that . . . and Hope Himself lives in our hearts . . . there'll be no room in our hearts for graveyards of buried hopes!

"Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers her comforting word:
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone.

Whispering hope . . . "
- Septimus Winner, 1868-

Under the Circumstances . . .

Under the circumstances . . .

Ever use those words?

Under the circumstances, I can't . . .
Under the circumstances, I did the best I could.
Under the circumstances, we'll have to change our plans.

You know, I don't want to be under any circumstances! And I don't think that's the place God wants me to be.

Under the circumstances it's dark . . . and suffocating . . . and depressing . . . and seemingly hopeless. Under the circumstances is not a productive place to be and can become home to feelings of self-centeredness and self-pity.

How do I know? Because I've been there . . . way too many times. It's easy to get there; just get my eyes off Jesus and focus on my problems, and I'll be there before I know it.

But . . . I have a choice. When I find my world crumbling around me, I don't have to live under the rubble! The Mountain Mover Himself is as near as a prayer. He waits with an outstretched hand to rescue me.

Sometimes He chooses to remove the circumstances . . . the pain . . . the troubles . . . the bad situation. He is able to do that!

Sometimes He helps me get on my feet and walks with me through the circumstances. Being a Christian certainly doesn't make me immune to life's trials, but He says I can be "more than a conqueror" in the midst of trials!

Sometimes He gives me the strength and courage to rise above my circumstances. Ever been hurt? Then you know about forgiveness and rising - with His help - above those painful situations. I have to say that I am NOT the poster child for "rising above" or "letting go"! Probably because that involves "laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets" me (Heb. 12:1). But words can't describe the peace that comes when - by His grace - I do! The load is lifted, and The Light breaks through, again!!

And there have been times that He has carried me when I had no strength left to climb out from under a heavy burden.

But he never intends for me to live under the circumstances.

So, the next time I find myself headed under, I pray that I remember to look up . . . toward the Son! Even in the darkest of times, His Light can break through the clouds and warm my heart and light my way!

"He's able! He's able! I know my Lord is able to carry me through."

Food for Thought - Part II

In my last post I told you how much I enjoy feeding the birds - especially in the frigid weather we've had . . . and that likewise, I think our Heavenly Father delights in "feeding" His children. The Bible speaks of God's care for the birds. One way He provides for them, I believe, is by putting a love for His little creatures into the hearts of some of us . . . who, like myself, enjoy putting out feed and water for them - even on the coldest and rainiest of days. He uses us to take care of his creations.

Today I've noticed a variety of "takers": cardinals, sparrows, juncos, warblers, titmice, nuthatches, chickadees, blue jays, and even one red-bellied woodpecker. It seemed that the harder it rained the more that came! And, the location of their "table" doesn't seem to matter, I've found.

A wet picnic table works just fine!

My kitchen window ledge is the perfect place! Perfect for a close-up like this one, too!

Hanging feeders seem to be very popular - and often crowded - places to dine!

Even an upside-down bucket makes a nice table for two!

Do you see another truth? You got it, I'm sure! We can "dine" with Jesus anywhere . . . under any circumstances . . . as long as we invite Him!

So . . . on this soggiest, dreariest of January days, I've enjoyed birdwatching from my warm kitchen . . . while a cozy fire burned in the living room fireplace.

Meanwhile . . .

Meanwhile in Haiti . . .

Meanwhile in Haiti . . . precious people are hungry . . . and thirsty . . . and homeless . . . and suffering . . . and hopeless . . . and dying.


And I know in my heart that God wants to use me and you to feed them . . . and clothe them . . . and bring healing and hope. He wants us to be His hands, His feet, His eyes and ears, His voice. He wants to use us to take care of them!

I pray that He will give us a love for the Haitian people - and a desire to be Christ to them - that will result in an overwhelming outpouring of giving . . . and most of all, of prayer.

"Somebody's running out of time
Not too far from here.
Somebody's got nowhere else to go;
Somebody needs a little hope
Not too far from here.
And I may not know their name,
But I'm praying just the same
That You'll use me, Lord,
To wipe away the tears.
'Cause somebody's crying
Not too far from here."
-Michael Crawford-

Food for Thought

(Photo taken through my kitchen window)

Isn't this little creature the cutest thing? I'm always excited when these colorful warblers come back to my feeders. I love feeding them and watching them flit about from feeder to feeder in the cold weather we've been having. I pull the blind up in my kitchen window so that I can better see . . . and photograph them. Even on the bleakest of winter days, their cheerful appearance and antics brighten my days. Washing dishes even becomes somewhat enjoyable when I can see a flock of birds outside my window!

I'll even venture out in temps in the teens (and still in my bathrobe) to put out feed early on a frosty morning! I'm not a morning person, so normally it takes me quite a while and a leisurely-sipped cup of coffee to get awake in the mornings . . . one of the perks of being retired that I really enjoy! So, when I open the back door and am blasted by the unusually cold air, I'm fully awake! And I've discovered that experiencing the brisk morning air makes my cup of coffee taste even better! Might be because I'm awake while I sip!!

How much more must our Heavenly Father enjoy "feeding" us . . . on sunny days . . . but especially during the cold, dreary days that are a part of all of our lives. I like to think that He delights in watching us fill our hearts and minds with the good things that He places in front of us . . . His Word . . . His listening ear . . . His gentle whispers of peace and hope . . . His creation . . . His Church . . . good literature . . . uplifting music . . . encouragement from fellow Christians . . . and most of all, His Holy Spirit.

Thank you, Father . . . The Bread of Life!

"Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more . . . "