Blue Bells of Scotland

--Scotland FB 

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I have been waiting patiently as our own Bluebells begin to bloom...

...but this morning I found my one happy "clump" of healthy Bluebells...all nibbled down to the ground! 

One stalk with a slowly opening blossom remains! And one departed leaf half way down a hole...

We are blaming the little creatures who live below.

I put a small cage around the very last one. Of course, little creatures come from below!

Such is life...we enjoyed it all while the plants were thriving :o)

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National Tartan Day, April 6!

-internet

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The joy through the years of meeting and knowing people who are from Scotland, or their people came from this area. There is much joy in sharing, talking, playing, dancing...lots of good memories and sweet people.

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Frustrations and the Temporary Solutions

-ROSE is ROSE

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The LORD's Promises will not Disappoint

 -Kinsman

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Our Spring has sprung with early bulbs in bloom, budding of trees, and the promise of more perennials beginning to show their "baby" leaves.

Dangerous weather missing us so far, but other friends and family receiving much of it.

This all reminds me of how the LORD watches over us. He loves us, cares for us, mourns with us as we struggle in our sin-filled world.

Even when what seems to be the worst things happen, like death...He made a way so we and our loved ones will enter Glory and be with Jesus.  We miss them! but we will see them when it is our turn to be with Jesus!

*If you do not know how this ever could happen:

-We live in a sin-filled world and even we are sinners! We need a Savior and the God of the Bible made a way with His own Son, Jesus, whose death and resurrection was our atonement for our sins. 

The next step is for you to choose to turn away from your sinning and confess that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. 

Salvation is a free gift from God. No one can do any works to get there.

When a person trusts in Jesus alone we can look forward to eternal life in Heaven with Jesus.

Praises to our God and King!

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Mama Bears Must Firmly Hold Their Confidence in God's Faithfulness

Job 13:13-15

...“Be silent before me so that I may speak;

Then let come on me what may.

“Why should I take my flesh in my teeth

And put my life in my hands?

“Though He slay me,

I will hope in Him."...

2 Timothy 1:12

..."For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day."... 

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I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea

       Come drifting home with broken masts and sails;

       I will believe the Hand that never fails,

From seeming evil works to good for me.

       And though I weep because those sails are 

         tattered,

       Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered:

             “I trust in Thee.”

I will not doubt, though all my prayers return

        Unanswered from the still, white realm above;

        I will believe it is an all-wise love

That has refused these things for which I yearn;

        And though at times I cannot keep from 

           grieving,

        Yet the pure passion of my fixed believing

              Undimmed will burn.

I will not doubt, though sorrows fall like rain,

         And troubles swarm like bees about a hive.

         I will believe the heights for which I strive

Are only reached by anguish and by pain;

         And though I groan and writhe beneath my 

           crosses,

         Yet I will see through my severest losses

               The greater gain.

I will not doubt. Well anchored in this faith,

          Like some staunch ship, my soul braves every 

            gale;

          So strong its courage that it will not fail

To face the mighty unknown sea of death.

           Oh, may I cry, though body leaves the spirit,

           “I do not doubt,” so listening worlds may 

               hear it,

                   With my last breath.

                                  *

An old seaman once said, “In fierce storms we must do one thing, for there is only one way to survive; we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there.”  And this, dear Christian, is what you must do.

Sometimes, like Paul, you cannot see the sun or the stars to help you navigate when the storm is bearing down on you. This is when you can do only one thing, for there’s only one way. 

Reason cannot help you, past experiences will shed no light, and even prayer will bring no consolation. Only one course remains: you must put your soul in one position and keep it there.

You must anchor yourself steadfastly upon the Lord. And then, come what may—-whether wind, waves, rough seas, thunder, lightning, jagged rocks, or roaring breakers—- you must lash yourself to the helm, firmly holding your confidence in God’s faithfulness, His covenant promises, and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus.

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—Richard Fuller,4/1, Streams in the Desert

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Fiery Ordeals, Rejoicing in Exaltations in Faithfulness

-Scotland FB 

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1Peter 4:12-13

..."Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation"...

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Waiting on God and abiding in His will is to know Him in "the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings" 

Philippians 3:10

..."that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death"...

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and "to be conformed to the likeness of his Son"

Romans 8:29

..."For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren"...

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Therefore if God's desire is to enlarge your capacity for spiritual understanding, do not be frightened by the greater realm of suffering that awaits you.

The Lord's capacity for sympathy is greater still, for the breath of the Holy Spirit into His new creation never makes a heart hard and insensitive, but affectionate, tender, and true."

1Timothy 1:12

 ..."I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service"...

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-3/19 Streams in the Desert

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Life Slips By...Run to the LORD...

-Kinsman

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Turn Around

Where are you going my little one? Little one

Where are you going, my baby, my own?

Turn around and you're two, 

turn around and you're four

Turn around and you're a young girl 

going out of the door

Turn around

Turn around

Turn around and you're a young girl

Goin' out of the door

Where are you going my little one? Little one

Little Dirndls and petticoats, 

where have you gone?

Turn around and you're tiny, 

turn around and you're grown

Turn around and you're a young wife 

with babes of your own

Turn around

Turn around

Turn around and you're a young wife 

with babes of your own

Where are you going my little one? Little one

Where are you going, my baby, my own?

-Songwriters: Alan Greene / Malvina Reynolds / Harry Belafonte

-Turn Around lyrics © Alan Greene Songs

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Psalm 90:12, 14, 16-17

"...So teach us to number our days,


That we may present to You a heart of wisdom...

...O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness,


That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days...

 

...Let Your work appear to Your servants


And Your majesty to their children.

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us;


And confirm for us the work of our hands;


Yes, confirm the work of our hands."

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Planning for the Fourth of July in the Winter

-PLUGGERS 

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What a treasure this PLUGGERS was for us!

So many, many years ago with little ones at home we made big snowmen, but also towards the end of the winter we would make a small one: 3 snowball size. 

The children would watch as I would wrap the small snowman in aluminum foil. It was difficult for them to understand in February that in July we would bring our  Summer Snowman out and enjoy him as he melted.

A few years go by with it being July 4th and our now elementary school young ones at our second home with the excitement running high-- my son asked if he could throw the almost melted snowman pieces over the roof (a Cape Cod: higher roof line so he loved that challenge :o)

Of course, he could do this! And a new tradition begins! The small snowman pieces went up to the roof and did not last very long so I thought of ice cubes. Went inside bringing out a plastic bowl full of ice cubes.

The excitement filled their faces and the throwing of melting ice cubes over the house began with this extended tradition... continuing even to a new state, new home, and by that time, teenagers. 

Blessed!

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Calmness Among Chaos

-Isle of Skye, Scotland FB 

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Calmness. 

Where does calmness come when your world turns upside down?

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Come Away from 

Rush and Hurry

Come away from rush and hurry

To the stillness of God's peace

From our vain ambition's worry

Come to Christ to find release

Come away from noise and clamor

Life's demands and frenzied pace

Come to join the people gathered

Here to seek and find God's face.

In the pastures of God's goodness

We lie down to rest our soul.

From the waters of God's mercy

We drink deeply, are made whole.

At the table of God's presence

All the saints are richly fed.

With the oil of God's anointing

Into service we are led.

Come, then, children, with your burdens—

Life's confusions, fears and pain.

Leave them at the cross of Jesus;

Take instead his kingdom's reign.

Bring your thirsts, for he will quench them—

He alone will satisfy.

All our longings find attainment

When to self we gladly die.

Come away from rush and hurry

To the stillness of God's peace

From our vain ambition's worry

Come to Christ to find release

Come away from noise and clamor

Life's demands and frenzied pace

Come to join the people gathered

Here to seek and find God's face.

-Marva Dawn

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GLORIFY the LORD Even in Your Sorrows, Heartaches, and Pains!

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Honoring God/Honoring Your Father and Your Mother

-Meme

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In our greater area there is so much new building going on-- constantly.

Seems each week we see another lovely old homestead and all their beautiful trees and rolling land bulldozed into piles with the beautiful home in rubble.

Society is so bent on being in a hurry to destroy and remove the past only to build venues, warehouses, and ugly high-rise apartment living.

This generation, generally, doesn't seem to desire a home and land with trees and gardens, nor a spouse or children- only pets.

Seems that almost nothing is appreciated, treasured, or loved.

Even a righteous life well lived for the LORD is disrespected and destroyed by family members for their own selfish reasons.

Truth for Life     

Honoring Parents, Honoring God/Honor your father and your mother./Exodus 20:12

The fifth commandment is simultaneously a simple instruction and an indispensable element of the well-being of entire societies. When the Lord gives the command “Honor your father and mother,” He is laying down the blueprint for maintaining the stability of families, communities, and nations.

What does it mean to honor your parents? The word for “honor” carries the notion of weight and heaviness; children ought to feel the weight of respect for their parents. Parents are owed such regard because God has placed them in their roles, and the stewardship of such a role is worth its weight in honor. While children are in view here, the Bible also has much to say about parenting that honors God (see Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21).

How does a child display this honor? In several ways. For one, a child ought to show practical respect to his or her parents. This can be as simple as speaking well of our parents, showing them courtesy, looking them in the eye, and addressing them with a due sense of deference. 

Second, it involves genuine love; there should be heartfelt expressions of affection between parents and their children. 

Third, unless it would involve disobeying God, a child ought to obey what his or her mom and dad say. This expectation is found all over Proverbs: for example, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 1:8). 

Fourth, a child should submit to their parents’ discipline. All good parents discipline their children (though it must not be done in anger nor vindictively or disproportionately), and children ought to trust that such discipline is for their good (Hebrews 12:5-11).

In ancient Israel, respect for parents was valued so highly that those who disregarded it flagrantly or persistently faced the death penalty (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Why such a significant consequence? Because the home provides a vital training ground, the success of which affects how the child will relate to authorities of all kinds. 

We never outrun authority in our lives. There are political authorities we are called to obey (Romans 13:1-7), spiritual authorities we are to respect (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12), and those of advanced years we are commanded to honor (Leviticus 19:32). 

Most significantly, when children learn to honor their parents, even despite their parents’ many imperfections, they learn what it means to honor our perfect heavenly Father. Reverence for parents is an integral part of reverence for God. Because their authority is God-given, to honor them is to honor God Himself.

So if you are a parent with children at home, it is not loving (though it may be easier) to fail to insist that your children honor you. 

And if you are an adult with parents still living, it is a matter of obedience to God that you show them the honor they are due, not according to how well (or otherwise) you feel they raised you but according to the position the Lord gave them. As you honor them, you will be pleasing Him and showing those around you that God-given authority, when exercised in a godly way, is a blessing to all.

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"Blue Bold" is my "highlight, scripture italicized, with my own paragraph separations

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A gracious Thank You to Alistair Begg and his people.

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Be a Special Memory

-meme
 

A Real "Hissy Fit"

-Pickles

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A Fine Quote and Don't Forget it!

-Loch Katrine, Scotland FB

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"When people say, 

'I believe in Jesus', 

look them straight in the eye and ask,

 'Which one?' "

~ Walter Martin

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FIND BIBLICAL TRUTHS

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God's Awesome Creation up Close!

It's True

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often 

that this great nation was founded, 

not by religionists, 

but by Christians; 

not on religions, 

but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!"

Patrick Henry.

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Spring is on the run today!

-Kinsman

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Big Winds, 

Big Rains turning to 

Big Snows...

but most people are staying home--safe!

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If you belong to the LORD God Almighty, through Jesus who gave His life to save us from all our sins--you are safe in life and into your eventual death, safe in Jesus!

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Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High


Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.


I will say to the Lord, 

“My refuge and my fortress,


My God, in whom I trust!”


For it is He who delivers you 

from the snare of the trapper


And from the deadly pestilence.


He will cover you with His pinions,


And under His wings you may seek refuge;


His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

You will not be afraid of the terror by night,


Or of the arrow that flies by day;


Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,


Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.


A thousand may fall at your side


And ten thousand at your right hand,


But it shall not approach you.


You will only look on with your eyes


And see the recompense of the wicked.


For you have made the Lord, my refuge,


Even the Most High, your dwelling place.


For He will give His angels charge concerning you,


To guard you in all your ways.


They will bear you up in their hands,


That you do not strike your foot against a stone.


You will tread upon the lion and cobra,


The young lion and the serpent 

you will trample down.

“Because he has loved Me, 

therefore I will deliver him;


I will set him securely on high, 

because he has known My name.


“He will call upon Me, 

and I will answer him;


I will be with him in trouble;


I will rescue him and honor him.


“With a long life I will satisfy him


And let him see My salvation.”

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Winter Turns to Spring

-Chick-a-Dee: Stays all Winter

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Our COLD last week now turns into a new week something like Spring!

Too early for us!

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Matthew 6:26

..."Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?"...

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Always on the Look-out for a Perfect Stick :o)

-PLUGGERS

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A Great PLUGGERS!

My sticks are for indoor decoration, plant sticks in the garden, birdhouse sticks, bird feeder sticks, pot sticks, mobiles to hang... and walking sticks.

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Ahhh...Springtime is just around the corner

Pansies

 -Kinsman

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We have had "warm" weather these last weeks. Today I saw tulips coming up in our south garden and I have seen Robins for a few weeks already.  Robins sometimes stay for the winter, but I saw none until last week.

Pansies are wonderful flowers in the cool of the Spring and the cool of the Autumn. Try them sometime; they are some of my favorites.  :o)

Enjoy the changing of the season!

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Happy Today! 50th Anniversary!

My Beloved was discharged from the Army (Enlisted Time Served) 50 years ago today! 

Celebrating with Thankfulness! :o) 

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Parents who Protect their Children

-PLUGGERS

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Out Piping Today, with, of course, the Piper's Wife

-American Piper

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"I am the Vine, you are the Branches"

 -internet

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It is the branch that bears the fruit,

     That feels the knife,

To prune it for a larger growth, 

      A fuller life.

Though every building twig be trimmed,

      And every grace

Of swaying tendril, springing leaf,

      May lose its place.

O you whose life of joy seems left,

      With beauty shorn;

Whose aspirations lie in dust,

       All bruised and torn,

Rejoice, though each desire, each dream,

       Each hope of thine

Will fall and fade; it is the hand

       Of Love Divine

That holds the knife, that cuts and breaks

        With tenderest touch,

That you, whose life have borne some fruit,

        Might now bear much.

-Annie Johnson Flint

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John 15:1-11

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.

You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."...

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Life in the Winter/"Winter"

-Yellowstone FB

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Winter in the north is something we must learn to accept and deal with in discerning, wise ways- if we do not plan ahead our lives could be in danger out in the elements. Chilly bodies to frozen fingers, noses and toes, etc could be the outcome.

Life in this sinful world can "feel" like winter in our souls. People are not kind, friendly, or caring. There is much animosity against people in general, but definitely for people who trust in Jesus as their Savior and Jewish people who trust in YHWH, God, the same One who is our God.

Our God desires that we live in the world, but not of it. We are to love and trust and live for God among the world's people. We are different because of our salvation, but we are to be open to others so that if they wonder about us- they can ask why we live the way we do. What joy to be able to share with others! It is not us who are so wonderful, but our Savior who is!

Titus 2:1-15

"But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 

Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

Urge bondslaves [those who choose to stay] to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,  instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you."

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See Titus 1 and Titus 3

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"His grace is strength and life, His love is bloom and flower"

-Yellowstone FB*

"Do not fret because of evil men 

or be envious of those who do wrong."  

 Psalm 37:1

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Never become extremely upset over your circumstances. If worry were justified, it would have been during the circumstances surrounding the writing of this Psalm...

..."Do not fret." Never get unduly upset! Stay cool! Even for a good reason, worrying will not help you. It only heats up the bearings but does not generate any steam. It does not help the locomotive for its axles to become hot; their heat is only a hinderance. The axles become heated because of unnecessary friction. Dry surfaces are grinding against each other instead of working in smooth cooperation, aided by a thin cushion of oil.

Isn't it interesting how similar the words "fret" and "friction" are? 

Friction caused by fretting is an indication of the absence of the anointing oil of the grace of God. 

When we worry, a little bit of sand gets into the bearings. It may be some slight disappointment, ungratefulness, or discourtesy we have experienced---suddenly our life is no longer running smoothly. 

Friction leads to heat, and heat can lead to very dangerous conditions.

Do not allow your bearings to be heated. 

Let the oil of the Lord keep you cool so that an unholy heat will not cause you to be regarded as one of the "evil men".

-from  The Silver Lining

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Dear restless heart, be still; don't fret and worry so;

God has a thousand ways His love and help to show;

Just trust, and trust, and trust, until His will you know.

Dear restless heart, be still, for peace is God's own smile,

His love can every wrong and sorrow reconcile;

Just love, and love, and love, and calmly wait awhile.

Dear restless heart, be brave; don't moan and sorrow so,

He has a meaning kind in chilly winds that blow;

Just hope, and hope, and hope, until you braver grow.

Dear restless heart, recline upon His breast this hour,

His grace is strength and life, His love is bloom and flower;

Just rest, and rest, and rest, within His tender power.

Dear restless heart, be still! Don't struggle to be free;

God's life is in your life, from Him you may not flee;

Just pray, and pray, and pray, till you have faith to see.

-Edith Linn

2/15 Streams in the desert

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-Yellowstone FB: Winter Survival of Bison

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