I took my eyes off of Him

Yesterday I was overwhelmed and overcome by my situation and my agony.  I forgot the LORD's character.  I believed how I felt, and I felt as if He had forgotten me in my trials.  All I wanted was to get home to my sanctuary so I could cry out to God and tell Him how I felt, so I could completely cry tears of utter hopelessness.

But He already knew how I felt as I was driving home.  He was already carrying me and keeping me from crying in my hopelessness.  As I drove, I would remind myself over and over again of His faithfulness and how He would not have forgotten me.  Even though I felt certain ways, I knew in Whom I trusted!  I knew I could not trust my feelings.

I have learned that this life is so real, but that He is working behind the scenes in amazing ways that we can't even fathom.  He is working behind the curtain on people's hearts.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made, and this includes our inner-most person.  He is working even when we see no change.

I came home to share with my Beloved my overwhelming feelings.  He assured me and I agreed, that even though I felt great fear and also abandonment of the LORD, that this was not the truth.

I turned to the scriptures, but I could not think of where to find comfort from Him.  My mind went to the Psalms, and to Psalm 31 where He met me right where I was in my fear and wrong thinking.  It was just what I needed to hear to be reminded that He has not abandoned me.  I can not trust my feelings, but I can trust in the LORD my God.  I need to keep my eyes on Him even when I am overwhelmed and overcome in my feelings.

Praise to the LORD God Almighty!

In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge;  Let me never be ashamed;  in Your righteousness deliver me.  Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly;  Be to me a rock of strength, a stronghold to save me.  For You are my rock and fortress;  For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me.  You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. Psalm 31:1-4

You can find comfort in Him in your situations also.  Run to Him and seek His face.

Spring equinox, snow in the forcast, and Snoopy

PEANUTS by Charles Shultz

Time for a Story; Inspiring Tales of Love, Hope, and Faith

This sweet story book has been excerpted from Great Stories Remembered, compiled by Joe Wheeler in 1999 for Focus on the Family.  I highly recommend this five-stories book, which is sure to encourage everyone from child to adult.  Not only are the stories charming, but the illustrations are beautiful.

The stories are:

Birthdays are Lovely, author unknown from 1928

At the Eleventh Hour, by Eunice Creager from 1916


How Patty Earned Her Salt, by W. L.Colby from 1913

The Widened Hearth, by Fannie H. Kilbourne, unknown year

Joseph’s Coat, author unknown from 1929

Although I enjoyed each story, my favorites are Birthdays are Lovely and How Patty Earned Her Salt. The first story shows the love and devotion of a child raised well, along with the innocence of a child.  The second story reminds us to be careful of what we say, especially when others can hear, and how we tend judge others by apearances; mercy triumphs over judgement.  We could all use these poignant reminders.

"For judgement will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy;  mercy triumphs over judgement."   James 2:13

The Joys of Sewing and Other Handiwork

I love to sew.  I love other handwork also, but I love to create things out of cloth most of all.  I used to make wonderful dresses for my daughter and myself; now I love to make doll clothes and be as intricate as possible.  It is a joy to be able to carve out time to be able to sew.  I love the planning, the cutting, the machine sewing and the hand sewing.  I love it all.  It is a joy, and I feel, a gift from God.  I say this not only because I find so much joy in it, but because I began handiwork when I was very young.  My mother, obviously attuned to my abilities, had handiwork for busy-me to do even before I could read.

In latest issue of Sew Beautiful, Martha Pullen has a devotion concerning worry.  Here is a portion:

…Many times in my Sunday School classes I have said, “ I do not know what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future.”  I know this to be totally true---so why do I lapse into worry?  Joshua1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I will share with you that sewing has been a soothing time for me my whole life, a time to pray and to forget my worries.  I know that many of you have the same experience.  We must remember to thank God for giving us the joy of sewing in this complicated world we live in and to always praise Him for making most of our lives good.  Do you remember the little song “count your blessings, name them one by one”?  Let’s make a pact that we will, indeed, count our blessings not our worries; okay?…   (March/April, issue no.135,2011, volume 25, number 2, page 7)

In Joshua chapter one God is speaking to Joshua and His people, the Israelites, as they now must go into the land He has given them.  That would have been very worrisome!  But God was there with them and He encouraged them in that.

We also can count on the LORD being with us in all of our worries.  We can cast our cares on Him and He will sustain you even if your worst fears come to fruition.  We can count on Him.  He is our rock that is higher.

“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22

“From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint;  Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2

In my own life I have sometimes felt like I have been too shaken, and I have felt that I have been left on a rock that is lower than I.  But the reality in which I do come to realize, is that He has carried me so much more than I have ever thought.  He has been there for me even when at the time I have felt He hasn’t been there.  He is our solid rock.  We can not count on our feelings, but we can surely count on the Word of God which explains His true character.  We can count on God.

For Keeps and Everything

“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body."  Ephesians 5:22-23

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing;  but that she would be holy and blameless.  So husbands ought to also love their own wives as their bodies.”  Ephesians 5:25-28

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”  Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31

“Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.”  Ephesians 5:33

From his book, Shepherding God’s Flock: A Handbook on Pastoral Ministry, Counseling, and Leadership, Jay E. Adams explains on pages 247-248 beginning with the “Problem Session”:

1) Future Family Relationships:

Not only should the pastor emphasize the need to make a break with the counselees’ parental homes, but he must be careful to note that one of the principal reasons for the break is that marriage brings into being a new decision-making unit that is directly responsible to God, and that in this unit the husband and wife are responsible also to put each other first before any other human beings.

Again, it will be important to show the need for this break with former parental authority to be a clean break, Christian in every way. Frequently marriages begin with clouds hanging heavily over the young couple because the break with one or both of the families was not effected properly. This must not be so. Any marriage today has enough other pressures exerted upon it that it can ill afford to have to bear up under these strong emotional strains as well. Therefore, the pastor should probe carefully and fully to be sure that all difficulties or conflicts with parents may be uncovered and resolved before the wedding.”

Must I say any more?  As Christians we should be the first to behave rightly when letting go of our adult children, especially as they marry.  It is a detriment for the young couples who must live under such bondage as parental control.  What joy for them to create a new decision-making unit before God and to put each other first!

Marriage is for keeps and everything.  Let us choose to live rightly in our own marriage and encourage our children to choose this also.

Ultimate Safety

Psalm 31:8

“You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.” NIV

“And You have not given me over into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a large place.” NAS

“And have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a wide place.” NKJV

A Spacious Place, a Large Place, a Wide Place. When fear overtakes us, we can remember that the LORD is our ultimate safety place.

You See What You Want To See

PEANUTS by Charles Shultz

Pollyanna

In my last post, in which I cited Jackie Alnor, she used the term “Pauliannas” when she was speaking of certain false teachers (who copy Paula White) tickling the ears of undiscerning women.  It was a humorous, morphed use of the term “pollyanna” as I usually see it used.

Normally this is how I hear the term “pollyanna” used:

“So and so is just a pollyanna”; in other words, she is in a dream world of the goodie-goodies and not in reality.

Perhaps I live in a dream world because I have never used it that way.  Instead I would use “pollyanna” in a good context to express a person’s good outlook on life even when the chips are down; trusting God no matter what.

Pollyanna, by Eleanor H. Porter, is one of my favorite stories from childhood and, in fact, as an adult.  Having just reread it this January, I am reminded of its sweet charm.  The story was written in 1913 and, although the past seems to have a simple charm of its own, we do know that sin was running rampant even then.

Pollyanna showcases an orphaned little girl who was named after two of her mother’s sisters, Polly and Anna.  She is the remaining child of the daughter whose family didn’t accept her choice of husband, and Pollyanna has come back to live with Aunt Polly who is doing her "duty".

Throughout the story, Pollyanna tells other people about the “Glad Game” which her father had taught her.  In the game, you are to think of something to be glad about in the events that have happened to you.  The worse the situation, the better the game of thinking of what to be glad about.

Talk about capturing your thoughts! (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

As my life has unfolded I can see how this story has helped me shape my biblical thinking as well.  Instead of looking at all the bad side, let us look on the good side in what has happened.  This certainly keeps a person from growing bitter roots.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32

I love using Pollyanna as an example of trusting God in the good times and the bad.  He can mold us, when we are willing, into His image as we are crying out to Him.  Although I would never want pain for others or myself, I surely have learned that in my agonies I have been helped to mature in the LORD.

As a caveat:  Other people I have known have not liked the 1960 Walt Disney movie, Pollyanna, because the story was changed a bit from the book.  But for me?  I love the movie as well as I love the book.  I am “glad” it is different!

Let no one take you captive

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8

I feel like an enigma.  I suppose it is because I am blessed with a husband who is biblically discerning and so I read, hear, and see more than most women in my small circle of life.  

I am sure if I didn’t have my Beloved all these years, I could have easily slipped into deception, mainly because I don’t investigate everything - and this is to my shame.  I am basically a follower, not a leader.  

“But examine everything carefully;  hold fast to that which is good;  abstain from every form of evil.” 1Thessalonians 5:21-22

“Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”  Acts 17:11

Here is a short list from my limited observations of many Christian women: 

1) They tend to follow others in what sounds good, and this is especially true if their husbands do not lead or are not discerning. 

 2) They tend to protect their little ones voraciously until a certain age (preteen or teen), and then let them go until it is difficult to tell their children from the world’s children.

 3) They tend to gravitate to what sounds good, and then fight to protect it even if lovingly counseled that it is not biblical. 

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick;  Who can understand it?”  Jeremiah 17:9

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15

Jackie Alnor writes of her own recent examples of Christian women following false teachings:

When today's churches have fashion shows instead of Bible studies for their women, or bring in cosmetic surgery consultants to speak to the ladies, you know we've entered the new era leading to the formation of the Great Harlot. I mean why not? Nothing like a whore on a horse to represent today's modern 'Christian' imitator of the likes of Paula White, Juanita Bynum and Jan Crouch. As a woman, this grieves my spirit because I know the Holy Spirit grieves over this compromised carnal church. The teaching of holiness and sanctification in these circles is met with scorn and ridicule. One who brings the Bible message of holiness is told they have a religious spirit. These Pauliannas are the ones doing the mocking and stepping on what's holy. 

Jesus wept.

As God's handmaidens, we need to recognize deception; let us heed God’s word:

“The LORD’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but  be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape form the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”  2 Timothy 2:24-26 

Oh, and by the way~~~~don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes ~~~they’re open now.   If I don’t know or understand, then I know where to look. 

Pain and becoming more like Christ

Trying to keep up with "life" in general is difficult at best.  Or is it just me?  Sometimes I actually have time to browse good blogs and find things to share.

Marie, over at Theo Geek, has posted an excellent article by Lucy Ann Moll, titled, Why God Allows Pain.  Here is an excerpt:

The No. 1 question? If God can prevent suffering yet permits it, is he truly good? In short, the answer is “yes.” The secular worldview holds that seeking pleasure is the goal of this life, so suffering is bad for it is painful. Do anything to get pleasure! In contrast, the Christian worldview sees suffering as positive for through it we become more like Christ, the goal of his disciples. Our suffering is for our ultimate good.

In 1 Peter 1:6‐7 says, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Lucy continues later with:
What I’ve concluded from the book of Job is suffering happens to everyone, the godly and the ungodly. Suffering is a fact in our fallen world. Just because one lives a holy life doesn’t mean she can avoid suffering. In fact, suffering is probably more likely. Suffering doesn’t often make sense. It is painful.

You will want to check out the whole article which is extremely encouraging to those who are suffering and to those whom we come alongside who are suffering.  Doesn't this include all of us?

You are a real somebody

"Women who prioritize raising their children have no reason to feel inadequate to anyone.  They've got our greatest natural resource on their laps.  And there is absolutely nothing to regret; there's everything to love and enjoy.  That's life in the real world." (Kathryn Lopez, "Stay-at-home Moms are the Real World", Townhall.com, 12/18/10)

I was raised in a small town with a wonderful mother who stayed home.  She was there for each of her children.  She was a loving and compassionate example for me.  Even so, the "woman's movement" snuck into our lives through TV and magazines and affected me in subtle ways for many decades to come.

I also loved being a stay-at-home mother.  I loved raising my children through every age, but still, in all those years in the very back of my mind was the idea that I should be out in a career.  This thinking seemed to always be pestering me.  Deep inside I felt I was not being fulfilled.  This "woman's movement" affected me in outward ways, also, that would only fuel my own wrong thinking.

One example is from when I was a young mother with little ones.  We had moved to a new town and eventually we stopped in at the public library to sign up for library cards.  My beloved husband signed up first with no problems and then it was my turn.  I gave my ID, which was my driver's license.  The librarian asked me for my employment ID also.  I said that I didn't have a job outside the home.  His next loud comment was, "Don't you even have a student ID?"  I was incredulous at first, and then I was fuming at how I had been treated, as if I was a complete nobody with only one source of ID because we had chosen for me to remain home to raise our children.

Well, this wrong thinking which was sometimes fueled by the culture, took me decades to stop.  I grieve that wasted time I spent lamenting even if it was only in my mind.

"Humans are not nothing.  We are the result of God's creation; what is more, we are the apex of that creation.  Trying to persuade ourselves that we are nothing carries two terrible risks.  One is that we laugh at the absurdity of thinking such fine creatures as ourselves to be nothing and we abandon the attempt to find humility.  The second risk is even worse:  We may actually come to believe that we really are nothing.  And if we are really nothing, then none of our actions could possibly mean anything either, could they? So why worry what we do?  If humans are nothing, then nothing matters.

Humility is attainable but not through considering ourselves to be utterly worthless.  Anyone who lives responsibly, and invests his time in durable values rather than in the frivolous pursuit of fun, has achieved something.  Such a person is not nothing.  The key to humility is not to denigrate what you have become, but rather to renounce any credit for it.  You are a real somebody.  To begin with, you are utterly unique.  You have thoughts that nobody else has ever had.  You have dedicated yourself to more than your own gratification.  You have supported your spouse.  You have labored faithfully at a job.  You are raising good children.  You have added to your store of knowledge about the world. No, you are nowhere near being nothing.  You are somebody!"  (Rabbi Daniel Lapin, America's Real War, page 70)

Dear gentle women, let us remove our own worldly thinking with the LORD's help.  Let us be godly women who gently counsel other women to understand who they really are in Christ.  If you were, or you are a mother who makes a home for your family as a career, then you can be thankful and humbly proud of your career choice.

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, a royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

Grieving with others

"A little girl lost a playmate in death and one day reported to her family that she had gone to comfort the sorrowing mother.  "What did you say?"  asked her father.  "Nothing," she replied.  "I just climbed up on her lap and cried with her."

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."  Romans 12:15

This life is full of troubles.  We do not have to wait long at all for pain and sadness to enter into our lives or touch us through our circle of family and friends.  As godly women we want to be able to respond in grace and mercy with great compassion as bad things happen.  It is somewhat easier to respond in practical ways like helping with children, making meals, lending a hand in any way.  But what do we do when everything practical is taken care of?  How can we "help" when there is nothing for us to do physically?

Well, first of all, we tend to forget or marginalize how powerful PRAYER is.  The Father hears our cries, counts our tears, comforts, and works in so many ways in the lives of others and in us as we pray.  Long range continual prayer is difficult when we do not see any changes.  This is when perseverance is important and, really, we can only do this with the LORD's strength.  It is easy to give up and become frustrated because ~~~it seems like~~~nothing is happening. 

Oh, what joy when in glory we will discover the outcomes of our fervent prayers!

Meanwhile, how do we weep with those who weep? Or mourn with those who mourn?

I have grieved deeply in my life.  I know the agony that never ends.  I understand the deep feelings which are those groanings that only the Holy Spirit can interpret.  I know what comfort it is when others are there to console you and later to encourage you.

I have been deeply loved and comforted by those the LORD has brought to us.  I have also experienced those dear people who try to grieve and comfort, but instead they fall so short that they unintentionally hurt you more.  And I know how it is to seemingly be forgotten in my agony as time marches on, when in actuality people really do care and pray - they just do not know how to express it to you.

Even though I know and have experienced all these things and more, I can also respond incorrectly with those who are in very much pain.  I may show great mercy and compassion when needed 99% of the time, but it is the 1% when I have said the wrong things, or have forgotten to pray, or be there for the mourner, that discourage me; for I know what that feels or sounds like when this has happened to me.

Gentle women, let us never stop trying to walk compassionately alongside those who mourn.  We may be the hands and feet of the LORD to touch their brokenness so that they can see the LORD has not forgotten them.  Each new week let us think of who we may have temporarily forgotten in their suffering, and in some way come alongside them to encourage them. 

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.   So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especailly to those who are of the household of faith."  Galatians 6:9-10

Pain humbles, softens, melts.....

"Pain humbles the proud.  It softens the stubborn.  It melts the hard.  Silently and relentlessly, it wins battles deep within the lonely soul.  The heart alone knows its own sorrow, and not another person can fully share in it.  Pain operates alone;  it needs no assistance.  It communicates its own message whether to statesman or servant, preacher or prodigal, mother or child.  By staying, it refuses to be ignored.  By hurting, it reduces its victim to profound depths of anguish.  And it is at that anguishing point that the sufferer either submits and learns, developing maturity and character;  or resists and becomes embittered, swamped by self-pity, smothered by self-will."  (Killing Giants/Pulling Thorns by Swindoll, page 56)

Gentle women....our lives are full of pain in many forms.  Let us seek the LORD's face, crying out to Him for strength so that we may choose to submit and learn thus developing godly maturity and character.  May we glorify Him as we choose to do next things for Him!

Guests

Pain knocked upon my door and said
that she had come to stay,
And though I would not welcome her
But bade her go away,
She entered in.
Like my own shade
She followed after me,
And from her stabbing, stinging sword
No moment was I free.
And then one day another knocked
Most gently at my door.
I cried, "No, Pain is living here,
There is not room for more."
And then I heard His tender voice,
"Tis I, be not afraid."
And from the day He entered in,
The difference it made!

by Martha Snell Nicholson

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

by Stuart Townend

The Power of His Light

One small speck of light can alight a room, but The Light of the World is able to do far more than we can imagine.  Praise God!

May this devotion by Diane Head encourage you:

His Light by Diane Head,  from NIV Women’s Devotional, page 988

There are some days in a mother’s life when the sun just doesn’t seem to rise.  We may have been disappointed by someone.  Or maybe we’re not feeling good about ourselves or about our relationships with others.  Maybe we’re just lonely.  Whatever the reason, a cloud settles…

Usually this cloud of gloom brings with it a refusal to be cheered up.  In fact, if anyone tries to cheer or uplift us we grudgingly summon a ghostly smile and slide back into our pit of despair.

This mood can almost be enjoyable.  After all, our very lives are dedicated to the welfare of our husbands and children.  Isn’t it fun to let them know it--along with how wronged we’ve been--regardless of whether or not it’s their fault?  Poor us.

Does this sound familiar?  I confess I am to some degree an authority on this subject.  Alas, it comes from firsthand experience.

We are all affected by different circumstances.  For some of us, something as simple as a cloudy day may touch off the blues.  Fatigue often precedes them.  Sometimes our depression is caused by someone who has spoken critically of us or a family member.  The list is endless.  The funny thing is that even when most of the reasons are legitimate, the resulting dejection isn’t.

It would be depressing enough if we were the only ones affected by our dark days.  But like it or not, we are the hubs of the emotional stability in our families.  If our outlook is sunny, it is reflected in every member of our household.  If, however, clouds of self-pity, gloom, and despair hover over us, they also rain down on all who come near.

The trouble with darkness is that is seems to be stronger…denser…and deeper than light.  We are almost fooled into believing that it is just as it seems.

But just as one small candle can dispel the darkness in an arena, so can the entrance of light into our souls dispel the bleak and dreary darkness lurking there.  And how much greater that light--the light of the Lord--than one little candle….

“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” Micah 7:8

Daine says, "The trouble with darkness is that it seems to be stronger, denser, and deeper than light."  We are adopted daughters of the King of Kings!  So we can overcome darkness because we have the One who is able!  Let us continually go boldly to Him in everything and not allow the darkness to overcome us.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen"  Ephesians 3:20-21

Creation proclaims the Creator

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.  Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4a

As we expected, we had our second “snow day” today; there are dangerous roads and strong winds with the temps near zero.  I am in the middle of making cookies.  The house has a sweet aroma.

As I rolled out the dough, I thought of what we have missed today at our worship in church.  Today was the Adult Christmas Cantata.  I have waited in great anticipation to hear the choir sing.  One reason is because we have a dear friend singing in the choir for the first time, so we have heard first hand of the excitement to come.

One other joy connected with the cantata is our friend’s little canary.  When we have been in their home, we have heard this little bird sing and sing---sing all by himself, sing as the vacuum runs or sing when the mixer was making mashed potatoes.  This little bird sang at the top of his lungs in beautiful melodies.

It seems that this little bird sang before, but after the CD of the cantata was listened to over and over again for practicing, the little bird became more melodious than ever.  I rejoice to hear this little bird proclaim the work of His hands!

Birds have touched my heart before.  I love that the Creator made them---and so many kinds of them.  I love how He says in His word that He knows about each one and so then, how much more does He care about us?!

Even with the strong winds today and the terror of the Sharp Shinned Hawk who likes to “eat” at our feeder also-----the birds have been busy eating at the feeder to keep their energy up against the cold temps.  It has been a joy to watch them all day.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer."  Psalm 19:14

Snow Day

It was a ‘snow day’ today.  You have got to love it when you don’t have to go anywhere and all of a sudden you have extra free time!

I took the opportunity to mix up many batches of cookies.  I pulled out our old Christmas “Sing Along with Mitch Miller” recordings and played them all morning while mixing up our traditional recipes.

Christmas time is full of happy memories for me.  Today was no different.

When my Beloved and I married, my dear mother offered for me to pick out a handful of my favorite Christmas records from their collection.  Thus, our Mitch Miller records.

The 1970’s classic Betty Crocker Cookbook I use is the one my mother gave us after we became engaged.  She redeemed all of her Green Stamps so I could received the cherished cookbook, an ironing board, an iron, and a set of mixing bowls. I still have the first two.

Side note: Probably everything mentioned was made in America----those were the days!

The cookbook has many pages stained and well used by our precious daughter.  She loved to cook and wasn’t afraid of trying new recipes.

I mixed up our daughter’s world famous ginger snaps (Betty Crocker’s), our son’s favorite cookie of all, Chocolate Crinkles, which is my Grandmother’s recipe.  Another favorite from Grandma Glidden is her Chocolate Frosted cookies.  Just last year my sister photo copied for me the original frosting recipe as well of the cookie recipe both in my mother’s handwriting---it is a treasure for me to now have these special recipes in her distinctive handwriting.

I can’t help but miss my dear mother at Christmas time.  She was a beautiful wife and mother role for me.  She openly loved and respected my father, disciplined when we needed it, loved each of us dearly, and enjoyed just doing things with us.  She studied us and knew us.  She could make anything fun.  After I grew up, she was such a good friend, too.

“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9

I'm secretly hoping for another snow day tomorrow!  If so, I will pick out different Christmas records as I bake all these cookies.  May you find joy in the little things which make our lives rich and full.  Praising the LORD with you--Jill

Genuine Thankfulness

We all easily forget to be genuinely thankful.  It is easy to say, “If it isn’t one thing it is another.” because life is difficult and things do not go the way we want.

We must remember that this life is not about us, but about glorifying our great God.

The next thing that happens that we do not want---let’s remember what is important.  Find something to be thankful for in the situation.  And if there is nothing you can think of to be genuinely thankful for, then be thankful that our heavenly Father is sovereign and we can rest in Him.

Praising God with you!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I 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 passes all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

You are just a vapor

“You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” James 4:14b

I spoke with an older gentleman in his 80’s today.  He is very dear to me.  He shared a bit about his one son and openly lamented for the first time that he had wasted 60 years not coming alongside his son and encouraging him from the beginning.

My heart completely broke for him---and his precious son.  I encouraged this father to call his son and come alongside him now.  It is never too late while you have breath!  I know this may mean far more to his son than the father thinks it will, and, oh, how it will bless the father!

“Yet you do not know what your life will be tomorrow.” James 4:14a

Gentle sisters…who can you come alongside of today?  Who would be so blessed by your touch?  Before our chances are gone, let us reach out and love others!  We who have the Holy Spirit indwelling us can do wonderful and marvelous things because we have the LORD‘s strength.

May you go out with joy as His handmaidens this week with His grace, mercy and love.

My Strength is Exulted in the LORD

“My heart exults in the LORD; my horn [strength] is exulted in the LORD, my mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.

There is no one holy like the LORD, indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.

Boast no more so very proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and with Him actions are weighed.

The bows of the mighty are shattered, but the feeble gird on strength.

Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry cease to hunger. Even the barren gives birth to seven, but she who has many children languishes.

The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.

The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts.

He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and He set the world on them.

He keeps the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; for not by might shall a man prevail.

Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered; against them He will thunder in the heavens, the LORD will judge the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king, and will exalt the horn [strength] of His anointed.” 1 Samuel 2

Hannah struggled greatly. She wanted to have her own children. Her desire to have children was also tied to the culture and to the constant cruelty of her husband’s other wife.

The LORD moved in a mighty way when He waited for the right time to allow Hannah to conceive.  1 Samuel 1-3

Her response to the gift of this long awaited child is one we, as fellow maidservants of the LORD, need to think on. I can’t imagine giving my treasured child to another. I admire Hannah’s faith and I struggle with my own desire to know that I would be able to emulate her actions.

In my life the LORD meets me in my own agony.  I  know He hears me and I understand waiting for Him.  When I am at my lowest, He doesn't have to prove to me that He hasn't forgotten me.  I know, in time, He will lift my head and I rejoice in that hope knowing what joy it is to rest in Him.  My strength is exulted in the LORD!

A recent time this autumn I was thinking about the difficulties we face and we discussed them together.  The subject matter was our agony, but then it turned to "why doesn't this happen or that happen to help us get through this great sadness?"  As we spoke, I did not want an answer from God because I knew that, in time, He would meet us and lift our heads in His way which is always the best no matter how we feel.  How blessed we were that within a half hour two different things happened where the Almighty specifically answered our "why doesn't He do this?" lament.  How kind and compassionate the LORD was to reach down right then and calm our hearts.  Very much like Hannah's, I began praising Him with my own song of Thanksgiving! 

The scripture above is Hannah’s faith-filled song of Thanksgiving as she leaves her long awaited, treasured son with Eli as she had promised the LORD.  I hope these words from this precious mother stay with you and bless you as you ponder truly giving your life to Him in praise.

Fear Subdued

“I heard and my inward parts trembled, at the sound my lips quivered.  Decay enters my bones, and in my place I tremble.  Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, for the people to arise who will invade us.”

Sometimes fear encompasses me.  The fears can be personal troubles or the fear of the world sliding super fast into life as we do not know it.

I am so thankful that I am His child!  That I know Him and that I have seen His hand in my life and in other’s lives!  I know He is the One and Only and that I can trust Him!  I can praise His holy name even when chaos reigns!  I know I can give Him my fears and I can do next things because I live in His strength!

Praise Him with me:

“Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.  The LORD God is my strength, and He has made my feet like the hind’s feet, and makes me walk on my high places.”

Habakkuk 3:16-19

The Pride of Life

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.  The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

My Beloved and I have had a busy summer with some travel sprinkled in and added to the mix.  From the state fair, to malls, parks, hiking, museums, and just local pedestrian traffic, we have seen it all.

I have been reminded once again of how we as women can be so easily deceived.  Christian women and girls can also be swept into the newest things (clothing fads, books, movies, etc) and become involved in things we would never have chosen if we would just remember every day, every hour, who we are in Christ.

The world is seductive with all its trappings.  Without much trying both men and women can become caught up in it like the proverbial frog slowly boiling in a pan of water.  And just as Charles Schultz’s Snoopy often has a chocolate chip cookie calling his name, we can have things and activities wooing us to reach for them everyday.

Immodest clothing for females is high on the list of the world’s trappings.  Many times this includes the few and skimpy undergarments that are worn.  In these last years, with dresses being popular, many of them are modest enough, but they become immodest when it is obvious very little is worn underneath them.

When I realize these - usually young - women have chosen not to appropriately cover themselves under their clothes, I feel shame for them.  They do not know, and perhaps may never know, how this demeans them in the eyes of men.  Sometimes the very thing women do to attract men only lowers what men think of them.

There is a word picture concerning modesty which I have heard.  Do not to wear clothes like a prostitute would wear.  Although this may sound rude or too rough of a way for speaking about some women’s clothing, it is still quite wise and true.

All women want to be respected, honored, cherished, loved, and highly esteemed.  As Christians we need to rethink some of the things we do, we say, and we wear so when people see us they will see modesty and Jesus shining through us in many other ways.  Let us rise up with wisdom, reaching out to our daughters and friends with love, and guide them out of their immodesty.  Let us pray for husbands and fathers to rise up to protect their women from seductive worldly thinking.

So what is the will of God?

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

Sharing from Cherry and On The Write Narrow Path

Please check out http://onthewritenarrowpath.blogspot.com/2010/07/praying-perfect-will-of-god.html  and http://onthewritenarrowpath.blogspot.com/2010/07/where-there-is-no-vision-people-perish.html  so well written and encouraging as Cherry shares her walk with us.

Between these posts you will find this moving poem by her----thank you, Cherry, for letting Jesus shine through you.
*******************************
My Cause For Joy     by Cherry Bieber
What bright and glorious thoughts do come
With the knowledge of the Holy One
To rest my cares upon His knee
Setting my eyes on Him and not me
To sing out with joy the music of life
Giving no power to pain or strife
With purpose embracing what lies ahead
Because with Him I've naught to dread
Sweet, the calm that covers me here
Quiet my soul, for my Father is near
Oh, that I could now impart
This message into every heart
Whose path meets mine as days go by
Whose eyes have known much need to cry
That I could say, "Rejoice in Him!"
And shine a light where there's is dim
So as my Lord says, "Regard today"
I will seek to know what He would say
To those who ask me why I sing
May my answer bring glory to my God and King

Before the Morning by Josh Wilson

Do you wonder why you have to feel the things that hurt you?
If there’s a God who loves you,
where is He now?

Or maybe there are things you can’t see
and all those things are happening
to bring a better ending.
Someday, somehow you’ll see, you’ll see.

Would you dare, would you dare to believe
that you still have a reason to sing?
‘Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
it can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.

So hold on, you gotta wait for the light.
Press on and just fight the good fight.
‘Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
it’s just the dark before the morning.

My friend, you know how this all ends,
and you know where you’re going.
You just don’t know how you’ll get there--
so say a prayer.

And hold on
‘cause there’s good for those who love God,
but life is not a snapshot.
It might take a little time, but you’ll see the bigger picture.

Would you dare, would you dare to believe
that you still have a reason to sing?
‘Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling,
it can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.
***************************************

"Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness.  O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise.  For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise."
Psalm 51:14-17

Praising God for His strength and peace during our agonies and our victories!

Overwhelming

For women, life can sometimes be over-whelming. We naturally have so much on our plates. There is always something to do next, and there is always someone else asking us to do one more thing to fill up our
busy lives.

Probably most of the things we need to do are good things, and so we can justify fitting in the “one more good thing” for everyone else, not realizing that we are actually adding too much to our already chaotic lives.

My purpose for writing this is not to give us all a pass on helping others out.  But from time to time when I am so overwhelmed by the things to do----I finally step back and look at the situations I am in.  I can quickly realize that I am doing too much outside the home--- and so my relationships and my home suffers.

The next decision for us is, what should we pull back from or pull out of?

It is relatively easy to decide to spend less time on the TV, the Internet, etc, but this can be a very difficult decision when dealing with people whom you care about (outside your family).  Sometimes people tend to overwhelm us with things to do for them, but we need to decide when to say, "no".

For me--- this is an on going struggle.  Dear readers, do you have any suggestions?

Meanwhile, let us remember the Proverbs 31 woman.  Let us use her as an example to strive for---not a legalistic measure.  Remember, it is from the LORD that we receive our strength-----and how wonderful to be able to smile at our unknown future while we are trusting Him.

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