Worn doesn't mean worthless . . .

I've never owned a cowboy hat, but I've heard that the more worn the hat is, the better it fits.

I've read that the traditional cowboy of the past spent time and effort creasing his hat and folding the brim just right. He took great pride in molding it to fit his head, and in time it softened and fit him perfectly. The scorching sun and pelting rain, sleet, and snow only added character to it. Because he spent hard-earned money purchasing his hat, it had to last a long time. Besides, along with with his boots and spurs, it was a prized possession. It became a part of who he was. Old and worn had nothing to do with its value!

In my life and yours, there are some things that could be described as "old and worn" yet are special to us. I thought of a few:

a favorite pair of old jeans

family pictures and old books
my old white Bible (which I dyed with black shoe dye!) that I read as a child
my falling-apart red leather Bible that I've used for years
old quilts made by family members and special friends
my daddy's old hair clippers
Mama's dishes and kerosene lamp
handmade cards and gifts from my two sons when they were small

the hands of a hard-working man or woman who has never been afraid to get
his/her hands "dirty"
the face of a loved one whose well-lived life is reflected on his/her face . . . every wrinkle and crease adding character
. . . and the list could go on and on . . .

And speaking of being worn . . . which of us hasn't felt just "worn out" at times? And as we age, we may be tempted to wonder if we're of much value anymore. But no matter our age, aren't you glad that God never sees us as worthless? God doesn't sort us out like we do old things; He doesn't have a "discard" or "throw away" pile!! The more years He gives us, the more time He has to mold us and shape us into His likeness.

And that's the ultimate treasure we have in these "earthen vessels" . . . even if they're old and worn - and some of them (us) with a few cracks!

O, how He loves you and me;
O, how He loves you and me . . .

Memories at Dusk

Driving around in the pasture of one of his favorite uncles brought back special memories to John David. The weather was cool and crisp and dusk was just settling in as we puttered around in the "mule." It was the perfect time to think about the good times spent there. But I guess any time is the perfect time to remember the people and places that have influenced one's life.

"After all these years I can still hear his voice like it was yesterday. No matter what we were doing, he'd always say, 'Come on. Let's go get a sip of coffee.' " And off to the porch they'd go, unless it was winter. In that case they'd sit around the wood heater. There was always time to slow down and visit - and discuss hounds and hunting.

I read a quote recently in the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan that made me stop and think: Memories are wonderful, he wrote, but do you live differently because of them? That's something to think about, isn't it? And carrying it a bit farther, it's sobering to think that after I'm gone, my life will continue to impact others - in one way or another. How I live now will determine that.

Favorite places

Crumble and fall with decay
But not memories.

Influence lives on
Continuing to shape us
It's a timeless thing.
~gt~

Someone's at the Door

Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock.

If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered,
took the place of honor at the side of my Father.
That's my gift to the conquerors!
~Words of Jesus - Revelations 3:20 (The Message)~


Into my heart, into my heart -
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
Come in today, come in to stay -
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
~Lyrics by Henry D. Clark - 1924~

Majestic Creatures

Which of God's creations do you think of as majestic? I wonder if He has a favorite!

Towering mountains, vast oceans, cascading waterfalls, breath-taking sunrises and sunsets come to my mind . . . and these beautiful animals that we recently saw in Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina. Listening to them bugling made it an amazing experience!

The writers of the psalms expressed their awe at the majesty of creation many times. I wonder if David's appreciation of nature began while a boy watching his father's sheep and moving them from one location to another. He had plenty of time to take in his surroundings during those long days and nights in solitude. Later, when he was king, he prayed this prayer - one that is just as fitting for us today:

Blessed are you, God of Israel, our Father from of old and forever.
To You, O God, belong the greatness and the might,
the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor;
Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth;
the kingdom all Yours! You've raised yourself high over all.
Riches and glory come from You,
You're ruler over all;
You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand
to build up and strengthen all.
And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to You,
praising your splendid Name.

We sang this praise chorus by Pauline M. Mills at church recently, and it reminds me that God enjoys the works of His hands; they give Him great pleasure. I like that idea!

Thou art worthy; Thou art worthy.
Thou art worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory, glory and honor,
glory and honor and power.
For thou hast created, hast all things created;
Thou hast created all things.
And for Thy pleasure they are created,
for Thou art worthy, O Lord.

Shoeless in Georgia

I lost my shoes - or shoe, I should say - on this unbelievably pretty spot of Jekyll Island, GA!

The stark beauty of the driftwood piled along the sandy, secluded beaches make it an ideal spot for photography-loving tourists like myself! In order to walk in the water's edge, I pulled off my shoes and put them in a safe spot - or at least that's what I thought!

A few minutes later, I went back to get them, and only one sandal was there; the other - washed out with the tides! Well, one shoe was worthless, so I threw it in, too! Since I don't carry extra shoes with me, I was shoeless and had to walk barefoot over the hot path back to the car. My tender feet suffered! We then set out to look for somewhere to buy some shoes. Of course, I wasn't going in a store barefoot, so JD would have to purchase them!

As we drove around the island, we found a fishing/park area with its own bait/tackle shop. Maybe they sold flip flops, I thought . . . and hoped. John David went in to find out and returned with the cutest pair - white with green peace signs and hearts! Cute or not, I would have worn them, but I thought he made a really good choice - and they fit perfectly!

The next day we walked along the beach on St. Simons Island . . . and this time my shoes were in a really safe place!

This little episode - and my new flip flops - remind me that "things" can slip away from us so quickly and unexpectedly.

More importantly, I've reflected on the fact that I really don't want to be too far away from my Heavenly Father, where I'm safe. It's when I move away from Him that I'm in danger of being pulled under by the tides of worry, fear, discouragement, conformity, selfishness, wrong attitudes . . . which only take me farther out to sea.

If I'm not "sheltered safe within the arms of God," it's so easy to just drift along, too, and have a form of godliness but lack power and purpose. The driftwood is appealing to the eye and is photogenic . . . but it's dead!

Well . . . who knew that losing a shoe would be a teachable moment?? The truth is that God uses the "little" things in life, both pleasant and difficult, to shape our lives and draw us to Him. That's just how much He loves us!!

Waiting

I'm waiting . . .
For temps to drop. . .
And leaves to show their oranges, reds, and yellows.

I'm waiting . . .
To get out sweaters and jackets . . .
And for fires in the fireplace.

I'm waiting (sometimes impatiently) . . .
And it WILL happen . . .
In His time . . .

He's never failed since creation to order the seasons!
We can count on His faithfulness . . . in every season.

He changes times and seasons . . .
Daniel 2:21a

Landmarks

(Click on pic to read print.)

Christ's Church is one of the prominent landmarks on beautiful St. Simons Island. Photos really don't do justice to the serenity and beauty of the well-preserved church and the surrounding church yard filled with ancient moss-covered oaks and the many graves of residents of the island. Its history is rich, and thankfully has been kept alive by those who call it home. I wonder just how many lives have been touched as parishioners and visitors worshiped on this sacred spot.

And I think of the landmarks in my life . . . people, events, choices, and decisions that have influenced and helped to mold me into the person I am today. I think of my own church, which I have attended all my life minus 2-3 years we lived elsewhere. It may not be well-known or have the extensive history of Christ's Church, but it has been a place of worship, learning, growing, and fellowship and has impacted my life in ways that matter the most. Within its walls, I've been touched countless times by God's presence and power. Not by any means the only place I meet God, but it is truly one of the landmarks along my life's journey.

Even if the physical structures of my church and yours cease to exist, the body of Christ - the Church in its truest sense - will always be preserved! Now that's a landmark that will withstand the test of time!

Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set.
Proverbs 22:28

We are standing on holy ground,
And I know that there are angels all around.
Let us praise Jesus now.
We are standing in His presence on holy ground.
~Geron Davis - Holy Ground lyrics~

Sunsets Over St. Simons Island

Only God . . .

Only God can . . .

Only God can create such splendor. . .

Only God can create such splendor over and over again . . .

Only God.

And I stand, I stand in awe of You;
I stand, I stand in awe of You.
Holy God, to whom all praise is due,
I stand in awe of You.
~Mark Altrogge - I Stand in Awe lyrics~

Let your light shine . . .

St. Simons Island Lighthouse

Carry your candle, run to the darkness.
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn.
Hold out your candle for all to see it;
Take your candle, and go light your world.
Take your candle, and go light your world.
~Chris Rice - Go Light Your World lyrics~

We're on island time . . .

"Be still and know that I am God."

You may have noticed that I haven't posted much lately nor have I commented on other blogs. That's because we are on vacation! Yesterday we visited this most peaceful place - Christ's Church on St. Simons Island, GA. Its tranquility and beauty are indescribable!

I'll post more pics later - and get caught up with your blogs!

Late for class again . . .

The Love of God

(Click to enlarge.)

The color has not been edited. It was just that beautiful!

And so is His love!
Unedited . . . pure . . . immeasurable . . . and beautiful beyond description!

Totally Tuned In

(JD and Isaac building a deer stand)

When The Teacher speaks am I totally tuned in?

Are my eyes focused?
There are so many distractions.

Are my ears open?
Our world has become so noisy . . . but The Teacher never yells.

Are my heart, mind and soul intent on learning?
Do I really want to learn . . . and grow . . . and be changed?
Or am I satisfied with the way I am?
Besides, the measuring and trimming and sanding and hammering can be awfully painful.

I know I'm not the most attentive student at times, but I'm surely glad The Teacher is patient with me. I don't want to treat His kindness recklessly, however. I can't imagine a greater privilege and honor than to learn from The Master Himself!

So, the words of this song express my desire:
Open our (my) eyes, Lord, we (I) want to see Jesus -
To reach out and touch Him and say that we (I) love Him.
Open our (my) ears, Lord, and help us (me) to listen;
Open our (my) eyes, Lord, we (I) want to see Jesus.
~Bob Cull~


I really do want to be totally tuned in . . . and I plan to be
a life-long student of His!

Two Pennies Matter

Tiny . . . but oh-so-beautiful and fascinating! Look at that sliver of a tongue!

The smallest butterfly I've ever seen . . . but look at the detailed color!

These delicate blooms on my asparagus fern were so small I almost missed their beauty!

Little things . . . but not insignificant.
God is not a creator of insignificance!

I'm glad that God's measuring system and His perspective are not at all like the ones we apply to our lives - and to those around us.
Our best - our all - seem so little to us at times.
But He says, "Little is much" if given to Him to multiply and divide.
I like His math!!

We get a good look at Jesus' perspective in Luke 21:
1-4Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, "The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all!" (The Message)

He's watching. He sees. It doesn't matter that no one else does.
His eyes never miss the smallest act of kindness done in His name
or in obedience to Him.
Our "two pennies" are important to Him and His kingdom.

One day recently my Scripture calendar had these words:
Perhaps at the Last Day all that will remain worth recording of a life full of activity and zeal, will be those little deeds that were done solely beneath the eye of God.
Lord, help me remember that the smallest job done in your name is very worthwhile.
Teach me to rejoice in whatsoever task is set before me today. Amen.

When I was growing up, we sang this little song at church:
Two little fishes, five loaves of bread -
Five thousand people by Jesus were fed.
This is what happened when one little lad
Gladly gave Jesus all that he had.

In Praise of a Safe Passage

I've been carrying you on my back
from the day you were born,
and I'll keep on carrying you
when you're old.
I'll be there,
bearing you when you're old and gray.
I've done it and will keep on doing it,
carrying you on my back, saving you.
~ from Isaiah 46:4 (The Message)~

A Shocking Lesson

For those of you not familiar with growing and harvesting peanuts, I'll give you a brief lesson! Or maybe I should say that I'll show you what I've observed John David doing!

Much preparation, time, effort, and hard work went into raising this year's crop. The extreme heat and little rain made it even more difficult. Lots of watering was necessary in order to keep the plants growing. But grow they did!

When he determined the peanuts were mature - and only a seasoned gardener can make that call - he pulled up the vines and put them in the sun to begin the drying process.


The next step involved "shocking" the peanuts. Vines were stacked on a pole - one that he cut in the woods - and left to fully dry.


This is what a fully-loaded shock looks like! For about two weeks the peanuts will be cured by the sun.


You probably notice a younger crop, still green and making peanuts, in the background. Those are the rows our grandkids planted and will be ready to pull up in the future. The grands love parched peanuts and enjoyed helping their Poppa plant them.


In a few days, John David will pick all the peanuts off the vines - a very time-consuming process. Then all the hard work and weeks of waiting will pay off, for we'll have plenty of peanuts to enjoy during the cool fall nights - if cool nights ever arrive here! Around our house, LSU games and parched peanuts just go together!

Planting and harvesting . . . sowing and reaping . . . just a natural process in the life of a gardener or farmer. And so it is with our lives as Christians. Sowing and reaping . . . planting seeds and harvesting. It doesn't happen without plans, effort, patience, more effort, watering, a mindset that sees what the seeds can become and a faith that looks to God to "give the increase."

Wouldn't it be good if we could see the fruits of all our labors - all piled up - like that shock of peanuts? Sometimes, however, the results are hidden to us - but never to God! He sees . . . He knows. Always.

One day, when our sowing days are over, we'll see and fully grasp the extent of all our planting and tending and nurturing. And I have a feeling that if we've sowed bountifully as II Corinthians 9:6 suggests, we just might be shocked!

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
~Knowel Shaw - Bringing in the Sheaves, 1874~

Beauty Behind Me

Coming home late yesterday afternoon, I looked in my passenger side mirror and saw this beautiful view. I love the reflection on the side of the car, too! Any way you look at it, a sunset is truly a MASTERpiece!

Rock-Solid Encouragement

Have you ever seen a prettier rock? It's a worry rock - according to grandson Aiden, who painted it and gave it to us. Instructions came with it: when worried, just rub the rock and cares will fade away! Now wouldn't that be easy? Easy . . . yes, but then we'd never know the joys of depending on God and seeing Him work in our lives.

So what value does it have? Well, it's pretty sitting on my kitchen window ledge . . . it has the fingerprints of Aiden on it, and he was so happy to give it to John David and me . . . it's one of those gifts a grandparent cherishes. But more than that it's a reminder of another rock - The Rock! The Rock of Ages! The Rock that can't be shaken! The Rock that I can always go to with worries, cares, and burdens! The Rock that I can hide in until the present storm and future storms pass.

I love the imagery and the truth in the old hymn "He Hideth My Soul" by Fanny Crosby. In part it says:

A wonderful Saviour is Jesus, my Lord;
He taketh my burden away.
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved;
He giveth me strength as my day.

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the Rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land.
He hideth my life in the depths of His love,
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.

I'm especially drawn to the word picture of being hidden in the bottomless depths of His love! Now that's the antidote for worry!

Thank you, Lord, for your patience in reminding me of this truth over and over again!

Willow-y Beauty

This unique, old willow tree grows in the pasture behind John David's dad's house. I think it's beautiful! I know . . . beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Or maybe not!

The eyes of some "beholders" haven't been trained to look for beauty. Other "beholders" don't take time to look for beauty. It's sad but it seems that a few just don't want to see beauty.

Life is certainly richer when we can see beauty in the commonplace . . . in the unfamiliar places . . . in the obscure places . . . in the rugged places . . . in the less-than-pleasant places.

On our recent ride through the pasture, the beautiful willow tree grabbed my attention. In spite of its gnarled appearance and its unusual shape, it's a thing of beauty. And its age does nothing to diminish that beauty. The years and storms and winds and drought have just strengthened its trunk and branches, and the roots have been driven deeper into the earth.

The world would be a much kinder place if we could just look at people with those thoughts in mind. Imperfect bodies . . . age . . . outward appearance . . . have nothing to do with real beauty. Instead, real beauty comes from within. True, lasting beauty in a person has much to do with inner strength and peace . . . and deep roots . . . and growing in Christ-likeness.

In the busyness of life, I don't want to miss the beauty around me - both in nature and in people. Looking for and finding beauty is a sure cure for a negative, critical approach to living. Furthermore, those around us can see the beauty of Christ in us . . . and He will be glorified!

And that's a beautiful thing!

He hath made everything beautiful in His time . . .
Ecclesiastes 3:11

Rain Expected

Cracked, parched earth
Dry, thirsty souls
Share a common need:

Showers . . .
Refreshing, life-giving showers

Lord, send the rain!


For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty,
and floods upon the dry ground . . .
Isaiah 44:3b

Old Times

"Old times" never come back and I suppose it's just as well.

What comes back is a new morning every day in the year, and that's better.
~George E. Woodberry~

As much as I love old things - old photos, family heirlooms, reminders of my childhood and raising my own family, antiques - I don't want to live in the past.

"A new morning every day in the year" . . .
with new beginnings . . . new opportunities . . .
new blessings . . . new challenges . . .
Today . . . that's the place to live!


It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
great is Thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

A Taste of Good Ole Summertime

Real Joy

J - O - Y!

Such a tiny little word . . .
but so vast its effects!

Who can describe its presence deep in the heart?
How does one find just the right words to capture its power
as it breaks through circumstances and clouds and darkness
and explodes with life-changing strength?

How can mere words define this priceless, infinite gift of God
that comes from within and has nothing to do with emotions or externals?

Is it like a bottomless river that flows peacefully through the soul?
Or does it bubble up from an ever-flowing spring?
Or is it a gentle whisper that echos these words: "You are not alone" . . .
"Nothing is too hard for me" . . . "I love you"?
Yes, Yes, Yes . . . and it's so much more!

It can't be bought nor earned . . .
neither can it be worked up.
Every heart yielded completely to God can experience it.

Happiness, which is based on what's going on around us,
may come and go,
but real joy can be a constant.

Maybe because its source IS a constant . . .
an abiding Presence . . .
a Friend who'll never abandon us . . .
One who knows us intimately yet loves us with an everlasting love.

And when our hearts get full of stuff
and it seems we've lost our joy,
He's kind enough to remind us that He - the Giver of Joy - is still there -
and that if we'll give the stuff to Him,
we'll find our joy remains.

I may not can adequately explain it,
but I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world!

Songwriter Gloria Gaither said it so well:

Jesus, You're the center of my joy;
All that's good and perfect comes from You.
You're the heart of my contentment,
hope for all I do.
Jesus, You're the center of my joy.

He Knows My Name

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name; you are mine.

Isaiah 43: 1

I have a Maker;
He formed my heart.
Before even time began
My life was in His hands.

I have a Father;
He calls me His own.
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go.

He knows my name;
He knows my every thought.
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call.
~He Knows My Name - Tommy Walker~

Even Then . . .

Sunset behind our home 8/1/10 (unedited)

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same
the Lord's name is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3

His name deserves praise!

Even when . . .
"darkness seems to hide His face". . .
storms unleash their fury . . .
questions and confusion threaten our peace . . .
pain of all kinds attack our physical and emotional well-being . . .
tears fall and our hearts break . . .
the world seems to be crumbling all around us.

Even THEN . . .
we can choose to praise Him!
Not for these things . . .
but in these things.

In the midst of these circumstances we can praise Him . . .
because He has good plans for us . . .
because He sees the big picture . . .
because He will never leave us . . .
because His grace is sufficient . . .
because He loves us with an everlasting love . . .
because He IS still in control!

Easy to do?
No! No! No!
It is a choice. And it can't be based on feelings.

The result:
We are encouraged!
Those "watching" us see God at work in us!
He is glorified!

Habukkuk 3:

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.


I sing praises to your name, O Lord,
Praises to your name, O Lord,
For your name is great
and greatly to be praised.
~Terry MacAlmon~

The Bridge

His outstretched arms . . . a bridge
between life and death . . .
heaven and earth.

Can't you see His great arms extended to
the hopeless
the hurting
the needy
the weary
the confused
the lost
the whosoever?

These strong arms never grow weary and never hold a "no vacancy" sign.
No one will be pushed away or brushed aside.
You can trust them.

You can trust Jesus!
You can trust His love!

He whispers, "Come."



Come to Jesus.
Come to Jesus.
Come to Jesus and live.
~Chris Rice~
(Be sure your volume is turned up to hear the entire song from my playlist.)