God's Strength

Pain has a way of Screaming for our undivided attention

From April 3 of Diamoinds in the Dust, a devotional
by Joni Eareckson Tada

Sow in Tears

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.  He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."
Psalm 126:5-6

What a promise!  Think of it.  When you sow in tears, what a marvelous and abundant return you will enjoy on your investment.  "But," you may be thinking, "when have I ever gone out weeping, carrying seed to sow?"

If you have ever reached through an invisible wall of pain to embrace God with willful thanks, you have sown in tears.  If you've ever been rejected by a dear one and yet turned the other cheek in love, you have sown in tears.  If you have patiently endured physical affliction, or responded in love through a difficult marriage, then Psalm 126:5-6 could be your life verse.

Think of the pain young Elisabeth Elliot must have felt as she continued to serve as a missionary to the very South American Indians who had murdered her husband!  Truly, she sow the seed of God's Word in tears, but oh, the songs of joy that ring from the millions who have been touched by her testimony.

When you hurt physically or emotionally, it's hard to muster a patient or godly response. Pain has a way of screaming for our undivided attention.  But when you either offer a sacrifice of praise to God in the midst of your hurt, or respond in faith to a heartbreak or hardship, you are sowing in tears.  Take heart, for one day God will reward you with sheaves of joy--- all because you were faithful through tears.

Lord, thank You for the hope and help You offer me through my hurt.  Help me to remain faithful even though my tears sometimes blind my way.  May I remember that for every tear, there will be a song of eternal joy!

At my house that would be the cat, but when I say, "Sweetie," everybody thinks I am speaking to them. 

Blessing

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things


Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise


We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe


Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise


When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home


Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

by Laura Story

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28 NAS

Pray, but also act

PEANUTS by Charles Schultz

As handmaidens for the LORD we must remember to open our eyes to actually see what the needs are of the people around us.  As women we are able to evaluate and then interact where we can best help others, but our lives are also full now days so it is easy to say we will pray.  Hopefully we will follow through and actually pray for them. 

But what can be done right then?  Let's begin to pay close attention so that we can meet people where they are and minister to them in solid ways along with our prayers.  How beautiful it will be to see what the harvest of our ministering will be in glory!

"If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,' and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?   Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself."

James 2:15-17

Reliable Principles for Finding the Right Mate

A friend passed this to me from an article she saved so long ago she no longer had the author.

These principles from the word of God can save so many heart aches:

Genesis 24

1) Hear and Heed the counsel of godly parents (v. 1-9)

2) Saturate the whole process with prayer (10-14)

3) Look for qualities that reveal character (15-20)

4) Study silently. Think deeply. Proceed cautiously. (21-27)

5) Notice the relationship between immediate family members. (28-33)

       A. respect for parents and harmony with siblings
       B. open communication
       C. fun and freedom in family gatherings
       D. willingness to include other people
       E. sensitivity to others

6) Determine if there is mutual interest in Spiritual things (48-60)

7) Establish a solid foundation for your marriage (61-end)
       A. wholesome anticipation (61-64)
       B. reciprocal expectations (64-65)
       C. guarded communication (66)
       D. intimate and comforting affection

In conclusion:

ALWAYS

1) Always pursue God’s will with greater intensity than your own will.


2) Always be honest throughout the courtship and throughout the marriage.

NEVER

1) Never rush into anything that will lead to permanence

2) Never rationalize around the importance of sexual purity

HEED

1) Heed any "red flags", "uh, oh" feelings, and misgivings concerning your relationship

2) Heed the counsel of godly people - even their own "red flags" concerning your relationship

"Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed."
Proverbs 15:22

If only you would trust me!

Below is a wonderful post with an analogy of trusting our LORD from a dear missionary friend of mine from Wednesday, April 20, 2011:

From Cyrstal who lives for the LORD in Mexico.

"I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."
Psalm 146:2

If Only You Would Trust Me!

Hi Everyone!

I am enjoying this little guy!  I've decided to call him "amarillo" or "rillo" for short!  It is the Spaniah word for yellow.

There are a couple of things that "Amarillo" doesn't know.  I bought him for a special purpose-the purpose of having fellowship.  Every day I tell him three things several times. They are:

1) you are beautiful
2) I love you
3) I wish you would trust me.

I bought him for so much more than just sitting pretty in his cage.  He doesn't know that growing up our family had cockatiels--and I know how much fun they can be once they trust you.  He doesn't know that there can be a whole nother level of fellowship and enjoyment.  As I gently put one finger in his cage, hoping he will eventually realize that I am not going to hurt him, I realize that I can not make him trust me--He has to be willing---infact he may never get to the point of trusting me-but I am filled with hope that maybe he will one day....I must be patient regardless.

My favorite times are when he dares to come down from his perch and eat food while I am sitting by his cage.  Why are these my favorite moments?  Because they are when we are in the closest proximity to each other.  For sure I know two things-I will always think he is beautiful--and  I will always love him.

Maybe it sounds odd talking about a bird like that---but all of this makes me think of something SO much greater.  It makes me think about how GOD created us for the sole purpose of having fellowship with us---how after Adam and Eve sinned, God later made provision to pay for mankind's sin through the sacrifice of his perfect and Holy sinless Son, Jesus Christ.  And for us to have fellowship with His to simply TRUST in what Jesus Christ did for us when He took our sin upon Himself, died in our place, and rose from the grave.  And in even a greater way, God must see those who do not yet trust Him and say, "If only you would trust Me!"  He longs to have fellowship with us.  What is HE saying to YOU today?  He is patiently waiting for you to trust Him.

Thank you, Crystal!

I would rather read a real book.

I can't help it.  I would rather read a real book with real pages and real pictures than ever read a nook.  I would rather give a real book as a gift to any child so they will learn how wonderful real books are even in this age of electronics.

Trust is Hope with Gray Hair

“A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.“
Proverbs 16:31 NAS

I began to have a random gray hair after I turned twenty-five.  What was that about?

By forty years old it was really beginning to be more than a random thing.  My Beloved called my gray hairs “silver,” as he honored and loved me. 

I suppose it has been our culture that has affected me concerning my gray hair because it still bothered me to be changing from my natural brown locks.  I needed to change my wrong thinking.

Just about 5 years ago I had stopped at a store and, as I walked in, an employee gave me a 25% off coupon when I noticed that others did not receive one.  I was excited to have been in the right place at the right time! - until I went through the check out line and I was told that I had a senior citizen 25% off coupon.

I love seniors and plan to be one someday, but I was not ready to be called one while being under fifty!  Obviously my going-silver hair put me into the senior citizen category, and so I was given a coupon; it had nothing to do with being in the right place at the right time!  It had all to do with my hair going naturally gray---or "silver"--- in a culture that doesn’t want to look old.

When the cashier told me about the senior citizen coupon, I was a bit shocked because I did have over a decade to go before that even happened. But 25% is still 25% ~~ so I humbled myself without saying a word and took it like a silver-haired woman!  It certainly began to change my way of thinking to more right thinking.  If I was willing to take a senior citizen coupon for my silver hair, then I needed to just relax about my hair naturally changing color.

Since then I am even more silver.  Just like a dear, silver-haired friend from decades ago, I can look into the mirror and sometimes wonder who that person is!  I must remember that my silver is my crown of splendor, my glory.

Recently I made 20 jars of strawberry jam with my hair up in knot with the inevitable wisps flying around my head.  By the end of the day I had these beautiful jars sparkling on the counter as well as some sticky, pink strands of silver.

Then it came to me.  Instead of a Strawberry Blonde ~~~ I had a Strawberry Silver head of hair!  Heehe~~

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.”
Proverbs 16:31 NIV

Another dear friend with beautiful silver hair recently sent me this quote from her stash of notes:

"Trust is hope with gray hair.  A little older, a little wiser, still waiting, still anticipating, still hoping ~~ but believing at the same time.  Believing in the order and the good even when it can’t always be seen.  Trust is the older sister of hope who lives with quiet confidence, standing tall in a world that she doesn’t always understand.  She teaches us to close our eyes, click our ruby slippers and whisper, “there’s no place like hope.”

“Life” in this world is tough.  Don’t let it overwhelm you.  Run to The Strong Tower!  He is your hope if you surrender your life and trust in Him.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 NAS

Just as I am: a simple hymn

From The One Year Book of Hymns devotional

Charlotte Elliott seemed to have everything going for her as a young woman.  She was gifted as a portrait artist and also as a writer of humorous verse.  Then in her early thirties she suffered a serious illness that left her weak and depressed.  During her illness a noted minister, Dr. Caesar Malan of Switzerland, came to visit her.  Noticing her depression, he asked if she had peace with God.  She resented the question and said she did not want to talk about it.

But a few days later she went to apologize to Dr. Malan.  She said that she wanted to clean up some things in her life before she became a Christian.  Malan looked at her and answered, “Come just as you are.”  That was enough for Charlotte Elliott, and she yielded herself to the Lord that day.

Fourteen years later, remembering those words spoken to her by Caesar Malan in Brighton, England, she wrote this simple hymn that has been used to touch the hearts of millions who have also responded to Christ’s invitation to come just as they are.

~~~

Jesus said to them. “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty…Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me.”
John 6:35-38 NRSV

~~~

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, tho’ tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings within, and fears without,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind,
Sight, riches, healing of mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken ev’ry barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea Thine alone,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, the height to prove,
Here for a season then above,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Charlotte Elliot (1789-1871)

Happiness

"But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.  For we have brought nothing into the world, so we canot take anything out of it either.  If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content."
1Timothy 6:6-8

Does your shoe fit?

“If the shoe fits; wear it”---but if it doesn’t fit, then check out why.

The weather can change quickly in this area, so when I leave the house to spend the day far from home, I usually pack a change of clothes which includes my hikers.  This spring was cold and rainy, but when it became warmer, it was summer heat like it is today.  Around here you just need to wait a few days for a change, and so it was back to cold again and then hot, etc.

On one of the cold days I dressed for it, and as I put on my hikers, I felt something was not quite right.  I took the shoe off and found a set small footies smashed in the one hiker toe.  They had obviously been packed at one point and found their way into that shoe’s toe where I pushed them farther in as I put the hiker on.  I could have worn that shoe all day long with just that gnawing feeling that it wasn’t quite right, but I chose to check it out first thing.  I was glad to have discovered the problem and not deal with the consequences.

This can be an analogy with our Christian walk.  If your walk is uncomfortable in some way, you need to check it out first thing.  Don’t continue to live thinking it is fine when you have this gnawing feeling that something isn’t quite right.

There is much falsehood in Christianity today.  Some of it is extremely subtle.  A good percentage of these teachings have God’s truth in them and this gives them credibility even though they have falsehoods mixed in.  As Christians we want to follow God’s truth which is in His word.

So let’s continue to search the scriptures daily to see what is true; not true for me or for you but real truth, God’s truth.  If it doesn’t “feel right,” stop and check it out so you don’t have to deal with “consequences” later.

Does your shoe fit?

God's Creation

Connect to this Link to see time lapse photography of God's Creation by TSO Photography.


"The heavens declare the glory of God;  the skies proclaim the work of His hands."  
Psalm 19:1

A Beautiful Handmaiden of the LORD God

Yesterday a beautiful woman went to be with the LORD.  She was in a former post of mine as Lady A on 10/25/09 and the first time on 2/27/09.

She was a beautiful handmaiden to the LORD.  It was an honor to love her and watch her live for Him, even as she went through such tough times.  I have been so blessed to know her before glory, and I look forward to that day that we can rejoice with Him together!

Sweet, precious Betty was 90 years young in March.

"Strength and dignity are her clothing and she smiles at the future."
Proverbs 31:25

Just as her family does~~~I rise up and bless her name and glorify God.

Waiting on the LORD

Glorifying God.  This is our job description. 

Waiting on God.  This is how we learn to trust Him.

When we wait on His timing and trust Him no matter what happens, we glorify Him.

Peanuts
by Charles Schultz

Live your life fully for the LORD

While culling old material, I came across a Focus on the Family Citizen magazine with a small article concerning Charles Schulz which is posted below.

As God's children we do not have to be famous or even the best at what we do in life, but we can live our lives fully in faith for the LORD and glorify Him.

So Long, Charlie Brown

Comic Pages in newspapers across the country will pay homage on May 27 [2000] to the late Charles A. Schulz, the creator of “Peanuts,” who died on Feb. 12 [2000] --one day before his last original strip ran in Sunday comics sections.

Since Schulz’s death from colon cancer, Americans have expressed their affection for the most unlikely of cultural icons:  a shy, Midwestern man of faith.  When Schulz fell ill, he was besieged with get-well cards and prayers; when he passed on, his fans gobbled up “Peanuts” memorabilia--lunch boxes, piggy banks, figurines--any souvenir of a boy, his dog, and a world where no one ever grew old.

Christians could learn from America’s love affair with Schulz’s work.  “Peanuts” served as a daily reminder that it was possible to take an honest look at the human condition without descending into either vulgarity or cynicism.  Schulz didn’t believe that it was necessary to offend his readers to make them think clearly.  And, even though Charlie Brown never did kick that football, he never stopped trying--Schulz’s reminder of the power of that most Christian of virtues: hope.

C. S. Lewis said the world doesn’t need “Christian writers” (or cartoonists), but good writers who are Christians.  Schulz was a great cartoonist whose work reflected his beliefs.  There’s no better model for shaping a culture.  For all these reasons and for being the most decent and gentle of men, he’ll be missed.

Written by Roberto Rivera, May 2000, Focus on the Family’s Citizen, page 31.

..."Rejoicing in Hope"....

Romans 12

The Beauty of Home Education

A beautiful home education quote from A Field Lily:

The beauty of homeschooling is that nothing has to be wasted. It reminds me of being a Christian in that Christ intends and desires to teach us through all of our experiences.

"The earth is the Lords, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it."
Psalm 24:1

What Beautiful Feet

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”  Listen!  Your watchmen lift up their voices, they shout joyfully together; for they will see with their own eyes when the LORD restores Zion.
Isaiah 52:7-8

Today we were at the dental surgeon for minor surgery.  It was stressful and so I marveled at how the LORD works in and through my Beloved in any situation.  He always has a book with him to read in case there is empty time, but not just any book; it will be theological, historical, educational, and usually without trying, culturally offensive.

Sometimes, being a softy, I am concerned about what impressions will be made by some of the titles.  Today’s new book was Darwin Day in America by John West (the subtitle being, How our politics and culture have been dehumanized in the name of science).  Like many times, it is the main title which could be read across the room and misunderstood in any way these days.  Although I did not say anything, I did wonder what commotion could begin from someone who misunderstood it.

Thankfully, the LORD showed me gently again that I need to continually let go of my fears and concerns.  He has used my Beloved more times than I could ever remember with a book in his hand.  Conversations begin and God’s truth is spoken.  Usually more than the one person will hear the exchange and we can only imagine what glory the LORD will receive because my Beloved was open and willing to talk.

Today it was the surgeon who inquired when she saw the title.  She is a Christian who has always been in a quandary over evolution.  They spoke of this subject for a while and then she shared her concern over her college aged son who is choosing to believe the lies he is being taught in school.  I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norm Geisler and Frank Turek is now waiting to give to her at next week's recheck so she will be able to understand where her son's thinking has gone and now be able to reason with him.

A bonus: on the way home we stopped for gas where an employee was painting right at our pump. Even with a numb mouth, my Beloved began a normal conversation that led right up to theology with this young man.  Even though the conversation ended because the tank was full, this man was treated respectfully and had a real conversation to think on after we left.

Praise the LORD for my Beloved’s beautiful feet!

How will they preach unless they are sent?  Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
Romans 10:15

No matter what it looks like out there---run to the LORD

Peanuts by Charles Schultz





"Life" can really be so real sometimes.  We must run to the LORD for our comfort, safety,  and strength.  We must do this no matter what it looks like out there.

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower;  The righteous runs into it and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10

Although the world can be an evil place, those of us who love the LORD God with all our hearts can find great peace in Him.

“As for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.
I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
and I will wait on Your name, for it is good,
in the presence of Your godly ones.”
Psalm 52:8-9

His Truth Shall Be Thy Shield

While checking out On the Write Narrow Path you will find an excellent story, Daddy, Will You Please Cover Me?  which will definitely chalenge each of you to think.  As godly women, we must remember that this world is not our home, but we can easily become very involved and wrapped up into its wrong thinking.  May this post encourage you.

“He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
 Psalm 91:4

More than Legalism 101

Musings from a Theo-Geek's post on March 27, 2011,   Legalism is Rooted in Insecurity is more than Legalism 101.

How to become a Legalist
1)  Make rules outside the Bible.
2)  Push yourself to try and keep your rules.
3)  Castigate yourself when you don't keep your rules.
4)  Become proud when you do keep your rules.
5)  Appoint yourself as judge over other people.
6)  Get angry with people who break your rules or have different rules.
7)  "Beat" the losers.

Sadly, I have one more rule to add to the list from my personal experience:

8) Now that You are a legalistic, manipulative leader and You can easily control the others who follow you, You no longer have to follow your own rules! plus You can make up new rules to control the others at your whim---control and manipulation being the thing.

Legalism comes in many forms.  Each form is a burden to people.  Read the Word and be set free in His truth.

" ...a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but through faith in Christ Jesus."
Galations 2:16

Romans 14 discusses disputable matters - personal issues to which you are not to hold others legally bound.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel

Peanuts by Charles Schultz

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith;  as it is written, But the righteous man shall live by faith."

Romans 1:16-17

Pollyanna Revisited

Back on March 8 this year I posted concerning the book, and the 1960 movie, Pollyanna.  Now check out Eternity Matters concerning the movie and be encouraged again.

The term “Pollyanna” is typically used to describe someone with an irrational optimism, but I thought the behavior of the character (an orphan of missionaries) was biblically grounded. She seemed to live out the meaning of turning the other cheek and of Philippians 4:12-13.

Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Truth without love is too hard; love without truth is too soft.

How we speak with others is important, especially when we are teaching God's truth.  You may not know this, but when you are defending God’s word - His truth - you are using apologetics.  Humbleness is an excellent choice when speaking with others.

"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.  Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." 
Colossians 4:5-6

You can find great encouragement from The Watchman's Bagpipes on Friday, May 6, 2011, Apologetics Decorum or how we are to speak to others.

Let’s all remember that we are supposed to be representing Christ whether we are apologists or those who are upset at the apologists. We should use proper courtesy and respect and do what we do in love.  Love for the lost, love for those burdened with false teachings, and love for the false teachers; in this way we can perhaps affect them so that they will come to salvation, leave the legalistic or otherwise burdensome false teachings, or become a teacher who leaves his false ideas behind.

Truth without love is too hard; love without truth is too soft.
A quote from James R. Spencer

All the Way My Savior Leads Me

All the way my Savior leads me;  What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, who thro’ life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me, cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial, feeds me with the living bread.
Tho’ my weary steps may falter, and my soul a-thirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me;  O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed, immortal, wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song thro’ endless ages: “Jesus led me all the way.”
This my song thro’ endless ages: “Jesus led me all the way.”

Fanny J. Crosby

Let them praise His name with dancing

Peanuts by Charles Schultz


"Let them praise His name with dancing; 
Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre. 
For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; 
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation."
Psalm 149:3-4

with loving thanks to Rebecca and Rachel.

Let me remind you: Do not be blinded or short-sighted!

“Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you."
2 Peter 1:12

Jesus has granted us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and virtue.  He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises.

And for this reason we can:

Apply all diligence in our faith--

Apply moral virtue--

And in our moral virtue apply knowledge--

And in our knowledge apply self-control--

And in our self-control apply perseverance--

And in perseverance apply godliness--

And in our godliness apply brotherly kindness--

And in our brotherly kindness apply love.

How beautiful it is to see how each quality builds on the others until we are able, through Him, to express kindness and then love.

In this world it is easy enough to be kind and loving to the lovely, but so very difficult, if not impossible, to express kindness and love to the hardened unlovely.  If we begin at the top of this 2 Peter list and follow through, then we are able to express true kindness and true love to a broken world.

Precious women, let us not be blind or short-sighted, forgetting our purification from our sins, but let us be diligent!  Let these qualities be always increasing in us so that we will be useful and fruitful in the wonderful true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From 2 Peter 1:1-12

Happy Mother's Day

Each of you are special to the LORD.  May His word bless you:

“…you are more valuable than many sparrows…”
Matthew 10:29-31

“…she smiles at the future…”
Proverbs 31:10-31

“…rejoicing in hope…”
Romans 12

If you love Him, you are His handmaiden and all you do can be for Him.  Oh, how this glorifies the LORD!  Even the angels marvel in wonder at how we love Him.

“Life” does not always turn out the way we wanted.  It can be disappointing all the way to sheer agony.  Run to Him, dear sister!  His arms are wide to cradle you and give you comfort for whatever has transpired in your life, and then you can rest in Him knowing that He has all of these things in His mighty hands.

Wherever you are in your life, no matter your circumstances, gentle handmaiden---may this day bring you joy--His joy!

Mutts by Patrick McDonnall

Bird Watching

The Confessions of a Nuthatch Avoider
by Ogden Nash

Bird watchers top my honors list.

I aimed to be one, but I missed.
Since I’m both myopic and astigmatic,
My aim turned out to be erratic.
And I, bespectacled and binocular,
Exposed myself to comment jocular.
We don’t need too much birdlore, do we,
To tell a flamingo from a towhee;
Yet I cannot, and never will,
Unless the silly birds stand still.
And there’s no enlightenment so obscure
As ornithological literature.
Is yon strange creature a common chickadee,
Or a migrant alouette from Picardy?
You rush to consult your nature guide
And inspect the gallery inside.
But a bird in the open never looks
Like its picture in the birdie books--
Or if it once did, it has changed its plumage,
And plunges you back into ignorant gloomage.
That is why I sit here growing old by inches,
Watching the clock instead of finches,
But I sometimes visualize in my gin
The Audobon I audubin.

White Crowned sparrows showed up this week at our home.

Plan "A" or Plan "B"

Sherman's Lagoon by Jim Toomey

"Comit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established."

Proverbs 16:3

"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yoursleves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Joshua 24:15

The God of the Bible is true.

God is plan "A" and there is no plan "B".

Good Work Ethics

My favorite restaurant is Colonial Café & Ice Cream in St. Charles, Illinois.  Mostly it is my favorite because of sentimental memories. We are not able to eat there very often since we live far away now, but it is great when we can go.

I just finished reading their 50th anniversary book about the history of the company from 1901 to 2001 which was begun by Simon Anderson as a dairy and eventually into the cafés they are now. (There are more cafés than just my favorite one on North Ave in St. Charles.)

It was an interesting history for me, but the one thing I wanted to share are the rules for milk delivery employees.  As Christians a good work ethic is very important.  We should be a shining light over our culture which seems to only think of themselves. This text appears on the back of a route book carried in 1917 by the Route One driver for Anderson Pure Milk company.

RULES TO BE OBSERVED

1. ACCIDENTS: Report at once to office. Get names of witnesses and if with a Street Car No. of Car, etc.

2. Drivers after accepting routes, will be held responsible for same and will have to make good on mistakes make by their own carelessness. If drivers give attention to business and have an understanding at all times with customers, they cannot dispute their accounts. Any man can deliver milk and a good man makes his collections and keeps his books and accounts straight.

3. Smoking is positively prohibited while on the wagon or in dairy and men who cannot keep away from Saloons while on duty except when delivery mild, are not wanted in the employ of this Company.

4. Men should be neat in their appearance. They should keep their lanterns clean, and the glass and the inside of wagons clean.

5. It is as important to collect empty bottles, as it is to leave milk. They cost money.

6. Be a gentleman at all times. Don’t waste time with one customer and neglect the others and be on hand when the customer promises to pay. Don’t try to make up waste (sic) time with the horse. Remember the horse can’t complain.

7. Receipt for all money received, save trouble and your own reputation and remember the old motto: “An honest man is the noblest work of God.”

8. No money to be paid a driver for the time spent in learning a route unless he remains 60 days.

9. Commissions will be held 14 days after driver quits or is discharged to allow us time to check up the route.

10. All lines and lanterns must be put in barns every night to avoid being stolen~otherwise driver will have to pay for loss. 

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the LORD rather than for men, knowing that from the LORD you will receive  the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve."      Colossians 3:23-24