Weekend Words

 From Our Daily Bread...

Quiet, Please - Read Luke 5:12-16

"Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." - Luke 5:16

Green Bank, West Virginia, is a tiny community in the rugged Appalachian Mountains.  The town resembles dozens of other small towns in the area - with one major exception.  None of the 142 residents have access to Wi-Fi.  This is to prevent interference from Wi-Fi or cellular phone towers near the Green Bank Observatory, whose telescope is constantly trained on the sky.  As a result, Green Bank is one of the most technologically quiet places in North America.

Sometimes quiet is the best environment for moving forward - especially in our relationship with God.  Jesus Himself modeled this by retreating to quiet, secluded places to talk with his Father.  In Luke 5:16 we read, "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."  Perhaps the key word there is often.  This was Christ's regular practice, and it sets the perfect example for us.  If the Creator of the universe was this aware of His dependence upon His Father, how much more do we need Him!

Retreating to a quiet place to be refreshed in God's presence equips us to go forward in His renewed strength.  Where can you find such a place today?

- Bill Crowder

What are some of the distractions that can interrupt your prayer times?  How can having a designated quiet place help you stay focused in prayer.

Father, sometimes the background noise of life in this world is deafening, pulling my attention away from You and hindering the time with You.  Help me find a place where I can come away from it all and simply enjoy Your wonderful presence.

From Be Still and Know...

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" - Galatians 6:2

One day I watched a small child piling up blocks, one on top of another.  Finally the tower of blocks became so high it toppled over.

In many of our lives today "towers of burdens" are building up.  The burdens pile one on top of another until we feel we can't bear another one without "toppling over."

God has given us the ministry of being Burden Bearers.  He said, "Bear ye one another's burdens."  Many are carrying heavy burdens, burdens of heartache, sorrow, disillusionment, frustration.  Yet often we become so wrapped up in our own little world we forget that there are people about us who need a friend, someone with whom they can share their heartaches.  The Living Bible (Galatians 6:2) says, "Share each other's troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord's command."

We need to put ourselves in their place, empathizing with them.  "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" (Romans 12:15).

Such love and concern for others is motivated in the heart indwelt by Christ and controlled by the Holy Spirit.  Paul wrote, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves" (Romans 15:1).

Our great Burden Bearer, the Lord Jesus, invites us to bring our burdens to HIM.  "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and OVER BURDENED, and I will cause you to rest - I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls" (Matthew 11:28, Amplified).

Even though we may enter into the burdens of others, we are not to carry them, but bring them along with our own burdens to the great Burden Bearer.  "Casting the whole of your care - all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all - on Him; for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully" (1 Peter 5:7 Amplified).

We should ask ourselves today, "Is there some burden I can ease, some load I can lighten for someone?

Find yourself 40 minutes, make yourself a cuppa, and sit down and watch this very interesting video...

Signs of Spring

 On my walk...

And in my garden...

A bit of baking...

The recipe...

From the latest Grass Roots magazine, but I found I had to add 1/2 cup of milk as it was too dry, so don't know if that was left out in the magazine printing.  And I only added 1/2 cup of brown sugar instead of the 1 cup.  Plus changed the flour configuration as I didn't have coconut flour so used almond meal. And added various spices :)

And a salad...

Have done 12 scarves for the shoeboxes but taking a bit of a detour.  Knitted a beanie and working on a small baby blanket.  But I'll get back to the scarves.

On to the last of the Little House books I have.  Not sure what to read next...

Need to make a trip to the library tomorrow so maybe I'll find something that takes my fancy there.

My Ladies Journal arrived in the mail this week.  Always full of inspiring reading...

I seem to be coming across a lot about 'smiles' lately.  Maybe because the world needs more of them :)

This, from the Ladies Journal...

SMILE

There is a gift that you can share, 

Most anytime and anywhere,        

Its worth is gold you can't compare,

Give a SMILE.

You need to wear it in the street, 

And give to everyone you meet,  

For all the broken hearts you meet, 

Will need a SMILE.

Someone needs your SMILE today, 

Be sure to give a SMILE away, 

For it means more than words can say,

Give a SMILE.

Someone needs your SMILE somewhere,

Someone burdened down with care,

So give a smile and breathe a prayer,

Give a SMILE!

- Elizabeth Drudge

xx

Weekend Words

 From Be Still and Know...

"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee" Psalm 143:8)

In the morning, when you waken, what is your response to the day?  Do you want to turn over and go back to sleep?  Are you grumpy?  Does everything seem to be wrong?  Or do you jump out of bed, ready for the day?

The psalmist gave a wonderful formula for beginning a new day.  He said, "Cause ME to hear thy lovingkindness in the MORNING."  We are to turn our thoughts to God first - THY lovingkindness.  Do we begin the day thinking of God and His goodness to us?  Or do we rush into His presence and out without becoming quiet enough to hear Him speak to us?

How different a day can be when we begin it with Him.  The day may be dark and dreary, we may not feel well, we may be facing great problems and needs.  But our spirits are lifted as we pause to praise and thank Him for His lovingkindness.

The psalmist reflects this as he says, "For I lift up my soul unto THEE."  We read in Lamentations 3:22 and 23, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new EVERY MORNING: Great is Thy faithfulness."

As we quietly wait before Him until we become confidently aware of His presence, we will be assured of His guidance for the day. "Cause me to know the WAY wherein I should WALK."  We can hear His voice saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand or when ye turn to the left" (Isaiah 30:21).

What an encouragement to know that the day doesn't depend on us, but on Him - hear Him.  Neither does the way depend on us - walk with Him.  "Let me see Your kindness to me in the morning, for I am trusting You.  Show me where to walk, for my prayer is sincere" (Psalm 143:8, LB).

From A Celebration of the Simple Life...

Lasting Contentment

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." - Philippians 4:8

The last time my husband and I stayed with our Amish friends in Pennsylvania, I observed their grandchildren playing together.  They weren't bored and didn't complain because there was nothing to do.  They found enjoyment in simple things like reading, playing a ball game, petting their dog, riding their scooters, swinging, and swimming in the pond.  They didn't need computer or electronic games.  They laughed and talked together and didn't send text messages in order to communicate.

In our fast-paced electronic age, many "Englishers" don't take the time to enjoy the simple things life has to offer.  We rush from place to place, hurry to complete our tasks, and find that our lives are full of stress and worry.  We've become exhausted and discontented because we don't spend enough quality time with our family and friends.  Many people strive so hard to get ahead that they don't see what's right beside them.  Material things don't bring true happiness, nor do they bring lasting contentment.  When we look around at the beauty God created and find joy in being with those we love, our discontent fades and appreciation sets in.

Heavenly Father, remind me to appreciate the things You've given me; and no matter what's going on in the world around me, help me to learn to be content in whatever state I'm in.  Amen. 

Weekend at Wynyard

 We spent last weekend in an Airbnb at Wynyard for Marnie's birthday.

When we first moved to Tasmania (from Sydney) almost 40 years ago, we lived at Wynyard for a few years, so it was a bit of a 'step back in time' to revisit places, including Boat Harbour and Sisters Beach. 

We ate out, went to the Foreshore Market, for walks along the beachfront and by the river.  Yes... there's a river there too!  The Inglis River :)

me, Marnie and Tom

Sophie and Denver

Table Cape in the distance

Boat Harbour beach

Sisters Beach boat ramp

Inglis River

Inglis River wharf

And even though it's winter, there were some lovely native flowers blooming...

Hakea laurina

Rosemary Grevillea

Callistemon/Bottlebrush

Back home now and recovering.  We had good weather for most of our time away, but it's making up for it now, with lots of rain. I'm happy to be home with my books and knitting...

on to my 12th Shoebox scarf and feeling the need for a change, but will try and do a couple more

Finished Little Town... last night and will start These Happy Golden Years, as it's the last of the Little House books I have. Then I'll have to decide what to read next.

And so that my hometown river doesn't feel left out, here's one from my walk this morning (before the rains came...)

I heard a couple of quotes recently about smiles...

"You're not dressed till you have a smile on your face."

and 

"If you see someone without a smile today, give them yours."

:))

xx

Weekend Words

 From Be Still and Know...

"But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts" (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

One day a man came to the door asking the woman of the house for some food.  She had little food on hand but told him if he would go to the store for her, she would feed him.  She gave him a five-dollar bill and sent him for some hamburger.  Would he return?  In a short time he was back with the meat and the change.

As he thanked her, he said, "It wasn't your feeding me that touched me most.  It was your confidence in trusting me with the five-dollar bill."

God has entrusted something very special to us, the Gospel.  Have we accepted it as a sacred trust from Him to us?  His trust in us is great, for He has no other plan for reaching people for Himself. 

Paul laid down some qualifications for our lives if we are to fulfill our God-given trust.  First, our desire must be to please God.  "We do not aim to please men, but to please God who knows us through and through" (1 Thessalonians 2:4 Phillips).

The Word of God needs to be our Book of instruction and inspiration.  "The word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe - exercising its (superhuman) power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it" (v.13, Amplified).

Our walk must be worthy of the one Whom we serve.  "To live lives worthy of God" (v.12, Amplified).

We need love and concern for those with whom we serve.  "But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother nursing and cherishing her own children" (v.7, Amplified).

Paul reminded them that his reward (and ours) will be the souls in heaven because we have been faithful to our trust of the Gospel. 

 "For what is our hope or our happiness or our victor's wreath of exultant triumph when we stand in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Are not you?  For you are [indeed] our glory and our joy!" (vv. 19-20, Amplified).

From The Bible Promise Book Devotional...

Help For Loving Others

"But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another." - 1 Thessalonians 4:9 NKJV

Christians don't need instructions from other people on how to love, when God Himself is the very best teacher of love.  He is love itself, after all!

Simply ask God for His help to love others.  Do you have people in your life who are difficult to deal with, yet you know God is calling you to show them kindness and compassion?  You don't have to take the time to read a pile of books on how to treat others well; simply ask God Himself day by day - sometimes moment by moment - to show you how to act and what to do for others, to give you the opportunities and the right words to say to share His love and point others to Him.  Philippians 2:13 (NLT) promises that "God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."

Of Corrie ten Boom's many famous words, one quote stands out at this point.  She prayed, "Dear Jesus ... how foolish of me to have called for human help when You are here."  A hearty "Amen!" to that.

Lord, I'm still trying to figure out how to love everyone like you do.  It's not easy!  Help me to keep trying.  Amen.

Weekend Words

Are you burdened or blooming?  These are my Saturday and Sunday readings for this weekend from Beside the Still Waters... 

Who Carries Your Burden? - Read: Galatians 6

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2

The story is told of a man walking home from a local store with a heavy bag of merchandise on his back.  Along came a man with a horse and wagon, and he offered a ride.  The weary traveler gratefully accepted and climbed aboard.  Shortly the driver noticed that the passenger was still holding his bag.  "Why don't you set your bag down rather than holding it?" he asked.  "Well," replied the passenger, "you have been so kind in giving me a ride; I don't want to make you carry my load too."

How often have we brought a load of guilt and condemnation to the Lord, but then continued to carry our burden?  Satan would have us believe that our burden of guilt is either too great or too insignificant, and that no one else is as foolish or as much of a wimp as we are.  No one else ever struggles with such a thing; if I tell somebody about my burden, what will he think of me?

Today's key verse tells us to bear one another's burdens.  Most likely the burdens we carry are much the same as other people's.  Some are simply more honest and open in sharing what's in their heart.  Confessing our faults or the burdens we carry stimulates spiritual growth.  "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:16).

Confessing our faults gives us tremendous power in overcoming our weaknesses.  By doing so, we open ourselves to fellow believers who can pray for us and offer spiritual advice.  If you are on the wagon and still hanging on to your burden, ask someone you can trust to help you.  There is real rest in Jesus.

Denver Yoder - Somerset, OH

Bring your load of doubts and fears, All the burdens of the years,

You may meet your Saviour and His blessings share.

Bring your troubles not a few, Jesus will your strength renew;

Leave your burden at the place of prayer.

-Bertha Mae Lillenas

Blooming in Our Corner - Read 2 Kings 5

"If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor" -John 12:26

As we go through our daily routine, our human tendency is to think that the next person has a better life.  We are inclined to feel that if this and that were improved, we would be satisfied.  The grass is greener on the other side of the fence, as the saying goes, and we somehow feel that we are missing out.  This is a rather shortsighted mentality.

Blooming in our corner is what God wants us to do.  Life is meant for living here and today.  Let's not wait until the new house is built or the garden yields a bumper crop or we feel perfectly healthy or we have more money.  Let's not allow any excuse to hinder us.

In today's Bible reading we find a young girl in captivity.  Now if any person ever had a right to whine, she would have been one.  But this maid had an attitude of respect and eagerness to help her master and his wife.  She could easily become bitter and spiteful, glad that her captor was smitten with leprosy.  Instead, she blossomed in her corner.  What a beautiful example of blooming in whatever situation life deals out!

How can we cultivate a positive outlook on life?  Is it not by the attitude of gratitude?  "In every thing give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  Being thankful is an excellent antidote to whining and pining.  So let's endeavor to bloom where we are and to bless every soul we meet.  Let us do good without respect of persons and serve regardless of circumstances, building on the example of Jesus the perfect Servant.

 John Ropp - Dannebrog, NE

Weekend Words

From Be Still and Know...

"And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an alter unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord." (Genesis 12:8)

When God called Abraham to Canaan, he became a "pilgrim", living in a tent the rest of his life.  He could not become too deeply attached to any place, for he had to be ready to move at God's command.  "It was faith that kept him journeying like a foreigner through the land of promise, with no more HOME than the TENTS" (Hebrews 11:9, Phillips).

Abraham was not concerned with earthly possessions, but by faith he looked to a life beyond.  "For he was waiting expectantly and confidently, looking forward to the city which has fixed and firm foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10, Amplified).

Abraham built an alter wherever he pitched his tent.  He was not only a pilgrim, but a worshipper.  Worship and communion with God had priority in his life.  He made room in his life for God.

We, too, are pilgrims on this journey of life.  "For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven" (Hebrews 13:14, LB).

As earthly pilgrims, we, too, must live 'tent lives', ready to move at God's will.  Sometimes He has to uproot us, moving us to a new place to prevent our becoming too attached to our present surroundings.  He may move our 'tent' to a new city, a new place of employment, a new neighborhood.

Not only are we pilgrims, but also worshippers.  We must build an alter wherever we pitch our tents, giving God place in our lives.  We must take time to worship Him.  One definition of worship is "being occupied with God."  It is easy to become so engrossed with earthly things we forget to take time to be occupied with Him.  Wherever we live, we must give Him place in our lives.  "That in all things he might have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18).

Does God have room in your life?  In all of it?  Or only part?

From Beside the Still Waters...

True Contentment - Read: Romans 12

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." - Romans 12:12

Contentment can be defined as the state of being satisfied, and in many ways it contributes to happiness.  Some people strongly associate wealth with happiness, and wealth does have some positive aspects, but true contentment lies in being happy with whatever we have.  Paul wrote, "Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). 

Many people look for contentment in riches and worldly pleasures,  but contentment is not found in material things.  Seeking contentment in anything other than godliness is vain.  True contentment comes when we walk with our Saviour and let Him choose the way.  He may lead us through dark valleys of sorrow and up steep hills of hardship, but we are always assured of His love as we continue to walk with Him.

What should we do when someone wrongs us or speaks evil of us?  We should be content to give it to Jesus and let Him guide us in how to respond.  True contentment is not easily offended, but responds in godly wisdom.  "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17).

Contentment means more than just being satisfied with little; it also means being content to suffer for our Lord.  When we consider all that He suffered for us, how can we do otherwise?  Jesus gave us an example to follow when He said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).  Godly contentment brings a gentle peace and a spirit of wellbeing that can never be gained by pursuit of earthly pleasures or possessions.

Fred Beachy - Crofton, KY

A man content in poverty is wonderfully rich.