I am pruned to bear more fruit.

 -Kinsman

*

I walked a mile with Pleasure,

    She chattered all the way;

But left me none the wiser

    For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,

    And ne'er a word said she;

   But oh, the things I learned from her

    When Sorrow walked with me.

-unknown

*

John 15:1-11

Jesus says:  “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."...

*

Joy because of the LORD!

-unknown meme

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Nehemiah 8:10

 ..."Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”...

*

Romans 12:9-13

..."Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality."...

*

Romans 15:13

..."Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."...

*

Philippians 4:4-7

..."Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."...

*

James 1:2-4

..."Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."...

*

Galatians 5:22-23

..."the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."...

*

"I am the Vine, you are the Branches"

 -internet

*

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

*

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."...

*

Run the race that is set before us!

 -Yellowstone FB

*

Hebrews 12

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud

of witnesses surrounding us, 

let us also lay aside every encumbrance and 

the sin which so easily entangles us,

and let us run with endurance the race

that is set before us,

fixing our eyes on Jesus, 

the author and perfecter of faith, 

who for the joy set before Him 

endured the cross, 

despising the shame, 

and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him who has endured 

such hostility by sinners against Himself, 

so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."...

*

Glory to the LORD!

*

God's Creation!

~Yellowstone FB

*

It hasn't been that long....since my senior term paper on Bald Eagles...well...just 50 years ago.  

Even so, Bald Eagles are still my most fascinating birds.

The term paper is long gone, but God's creation continues to evoke wonder and majesty in His world for me.

Glory to the One and Only!

*

Hear Him!

 ~Kinsman Co.

*

..."Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,

your loosen'd tongues employ;

ye blind, behold your Savior come;

and leap, ye lame, for joy."

*

Nehemiah 8:10

..."Then he said to them,

 'Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, 

and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; 

for this day is holy to our Lord.' 

Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” ...

*

Luke 15:3-7

..."So He [Jesus] told them this parable, saying,

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 

‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."...

*

2 John 1:12

..."Though I have many things to write to you, 

I do not want to do so with paper and ink; 

but I hope to come to you and speak 

face to face, so that your joy may be 

made full."...

*

1 Peter 1:3-9

..."Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord 

Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has 

caused us to be born again to a living hope through 

the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable 

and undefiled and will not fade away, 

reserved in heaven for you, who are protected 

by the power of God through faith for a 

salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now 

for a little while, if necessary, you have been 

distressed by various trials, so that the proof 

of your faith, being more precious than gold 

which is perishable, even though tested by fire, 

may be found to result in praise and glory and 

honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and 

though you have not seen Him, you love 

Him, and though you do not see Him now, 

but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with 

joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining 

as the outcome of your faith the salvation 

of your souls."...

*

GLORY to the LORD GOD!

*

What do they ever do for me?

-Schulz

*Classic cynicism from the Lucy character.*

What joy, though, to ponder the stars and Who made them!

Glory!

*

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord,


How majestic is Your name in all the earth,


Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!


From the mouth of infants and nursing babes 

You have established strength


Because of Your adversaries,


To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

When I consider Your heavens, 

the work of Your fingers,


The moon and the stars, 

which You have ordained;


What is man that You take thought of him,


And the son of man that You care for him?


Yet You have made him a little lower than God,


And You crown him with glory and majesty!


You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;


You have put all things under his feet,


All sheep and oxen,


And also the beasts of the field,


The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,


Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord,


How majestic is Your name in all the earth!

*

Christmas Joy

There is nothing like Christmas decorating, Christmas Baking, Christmas singing, Christmas presents...

Oh, yes there is! 

Knowing Jesus as your very own Savior! 

Now THAT is CHRISTMAS JOY!

Romans 6:23

..."For the wages of sin is death! 

but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!!!!"

*

~AprilCornell 

My Unexpected Joy

This world is full of woes...

Ecclesiastes 8:11

..."When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong."...

No matter who you are there are sorrows and troubles in your life or around you. 

The difference in each person is if they trust the LORD with Jesus as their Savior. Believers see life here differently; we see it in God's perspective.

The BIGGEST difference ever.

John 11:33

..."These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. 

In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Those of us who trust in Jesus with their lives have just as many, maybe more sorrows, heart aches...but we remember the LORD to whom we belong, and if we falter we eventually remember and cry out to the One and Only who can help us through our sorrows.

1 Peter: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."...

Some day we will be with the LORD.

John 1:18 

..."No one has ever seen God.
The One and Only Son—
the One who is at the Father’s side—
He has revealed Him."...

This will be our triumph because of Jesus and it will be all Joy!

Until this certain time we can certainly find His Joy even among our many and saddest sorrows. 

Among our sadnesses in this world we can find...

Unexpected Joy!

*

*

Be Blessed: Choose Happiness and Joy

Matthew 5:8

...“Blessed are the pure in heart, 

for they shall see God."...

Hebrews 12:1-2

"Therefore, since we have so great 

a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,

let us also lay aside every encumbrance 

and the sin which so easily entangles us, 

and let us run with endurance 

the race that is set before us, 

fixing our eyes on Jesus, 

the author and perfecter of faith, 

who for the joy set before Him 

endured the cross, 

despising the shame, 

and has sat down at the 

right hand of the throne of God."...

*

Happiness is...living for the LORD

 Psalm 32:11

"Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, 

you righteous ones;

And shout for joy, 

all you who are upright in heart."

*

Give thanks to the LORD!

Psalm 118:14, 29

..."The Lord is my strength and song,

And He has become my salvation...

...Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting..."

*

He is a shield about me and He lifts my head!

I have known many Christian women who have had traumas, heartaches, and agonies in their lives and yet they choose to find JOY in life because of the LORD. 

On the other hand I have known many Christian women who -with traumas or without traumas- can barely find any joys in life.

I have lived in sadnesses, known traumas, and agonies. I am nothing special. I can be sad, very sad, but I choose to rise to the reality of the LORD who loves us and glorify Him by living in JOYS - even if crying, I can live in His JOY. He lifts my head everytime!

Let Him lift your head also!

Psalm 3

O Lord, how my adversaries have increased!


Many are rising up against me.


Many are saying of my soul,


“There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah.

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me,


My glory, and the One who lifts my head.


I was crying to the Lord with my voice,


And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah.


I lay down and slept;


I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.


I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people


Who have set themselves against me round about.

Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God!


For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek;


You have shattered the teeth of the wicked.


Salvation belongs to the Lord;


Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.

*

Sweet as Honey: give your griefs to Him

Commit now all your griefs 

and ways into His hands;

to His sure truth and tender care, 

who earth and heav'n commands.

Who points the clouds and storm 

He gently clears your ways;

He shall direct your wandering feet, 

He shall prepare your ways.

Give to the winds your fears;

hope, and be undismayed;

God hears your sighs and counts your tears,

God shall lift up your head.

Through waves and clouds and storms

He gently clears your way;

soon end in joyous day.

Still heavy is your heart?

Still sink your spirits down?

Cast off the weight, let fear depart,

and every care be gone.

He everywhere has sway,

and all things serve His might;

He every act pure blessing is,

His path unsullied light.

Far, far above your thought

His counsel shall appear,

when fully He the work has wrought

that caused your needless fear.

Leave to His sovereign sway

to choose and to command;

with wonder filled, you then shall own

how wise, how strong His hand.

~Gerhardt

*

FYI: Lyrics are different wherever you look, but this link rendition is beautiful with the guitar. :o)

The Beauty of the LORD

 ~Frye,Ohio

The beauty of the LORD displayed in flower boxes!

Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore

 In color!

*

Sweet Sampler Kit with Verse

 The Little Red Hen

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His Wonderful Amazing Grace!

Another graveside service on a cold snowy day for the Piper and his wife. 

The graveyard is beautifully set on rolling hillsides, full of many trees, lovely memorial stones with an incredible view across the valley to the next ridge. 

This graveyard was organized way over a hundred years ago. For me it was full of history. The history of normal people who came here as settlers and raised up their families - who raised up their families...

The LORD knows all of this. He sees time from the beginning to the end of this world because He is outside of time. He knows which people loved Him and who didn't. 

In our reality - making a decision for Christ is paramount although many people think they have all the time in the world. Life is short if you live for a handful of years to a hundred years. It is important to discern, think on these things, and search the scriptures often! Don't wait too long!  Get busy!

I watched today's people drive up, get out of their cars, and walk to the graveside. From the way they interacted they all seemed like they were family members.

The Piper played Nearer My God to Thee and Abide with Me as the family carried the casket to the graveside. After the short memorial the casket was lowered while the Piper played Amazing Grace.

The song and the tune of Amazing Grace has been a classic for Christians. It speaks of Salvation for those who cry out to the LORD in His truth. It speaks of fears, and fears relieved, real Hope and safety, and blindness to God's Truth, but after accepting Him, true sight, and, of course, His Amazing Grace!

At any funeral it is normal when the Piper begins to play Amazing Grace for many, many people begin to cry, or tear up.  Today it was the same. How many of them truly know the LORD and His salvation in Christ? And how many only cry or have tears for the emotion tune it is. How many cry with joy mixed in their sadness for the Saint who now is now with Christ! and how many who are lost cry just in sadness?

May we who are saved be faithful 

to share our Hope in Jesus with others!

*

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound


That saved a wretch like me!


I once was lost, but now am found;


Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,


And grace my fears relieved;


How precious did that grace appear


The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,


I have already come;


’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,


And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,


His Word my hope secures;


He will my Shield and Portion be,


As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,


And mortal life shall cease,


I shall possess, within the veil,


A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,


The sun forbear to shine;


But God, who called me here below,


Will be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,


Bright shining as the sun,


We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise


Than when we’d first begun.

-John Newton, 1779

*

Jesus Paid it All!

Jesus Paid All 

I hear the Savior say,


“Thy strength indeed is small;


Child of weakness, watch and pray,

Find in Me thine all in all.”


Jesus paid it all,


All to Him I owe;


Sin had left a crimson stain,


He washed it white as snow.

For nothing good have I


Whereby Thy grace to claim;


I’ll wash my garments white


In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

Jesus paid it all,


All to Him I owe;


Sin had left a crimson stain,


He washed it white as snow.

And now complete in Him,


My robe, His righteousness,


Close sheltered ’neath His side,


I am divinely blest.

Jesus paid it all,


All to Him I owe;


Sin had left a crimson stain,


He washed it white as snow.

Lord, now indeed I find


Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,


Can change the leper’s spots

And melt the heart of stone.

Jesus paid it all,


All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain,


He washed it white as snow.

When from my dying bed


My ransomed soul shall rise,


“Jesus died my soul to save,”


Shall rend the vaulted skies.

Jesus paid it all,


All to Him I owe;


Sin had left a crimson stain,


He washed it white as snow.

And when before the throne


I stand in Him complete,


I’ll lay my trophies down,


All down at Jesus’ feet.


Jesus paid it all,


All to Him I owe;


Sin had left a crimson stain,


He washed it white as snow.

*

--Elvina M. Hall

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Safety in an "Ice Covered" World

 

Lonely and sorrowful, wounded and wanting... 

The LORD gives us His hope, His comfort, His safety, for His own children in times of grieving. 

..."You are my friend and my sister in our Lord Jesus Christ and the Lord teaches me to love and care more deeply through all of this.  

For my heart to grieve in this is a worthy a pain.  

There is far too much time for me to think on my own sorrows and your hurt takes my mind away from this to pray for you.  

This life-tapestry filled with so many people, so many stories; is something we must walk.  

For the children of our Loving Father, this is a walk to His glory and ever-tender presence.  That is where our hearts and minds must be..."

-blessings to you CB

2 Corinthians 1:1-7

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our affliction so that 

we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction 

with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, 

so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; 

or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, 

which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings 

which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, 

knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, 

so also you are sharers of our comfort."...

*