A Time to Rest

 From A Celebration of the Simple Life...

"And he said unto them, come ye apart into a desert place and rest awhile." - Mark 6:31

When my husband and I spent a week with some of our Amish friends last summer, I had to give up my computer, TV, hair dryer, and curling iron, because electricity was not readily available.  I didn't mind giving up TV, because I don't watch it much anyhow.  Thanks to a fresh perm, my hair looked okay.  Even though I missed my computer, it was kind of nice to take a break from answering e-mail messages.  So what did I do all week besides visiting with our Amish friends and helping our where I could?  I rested and reflected on the beauty of God's creation and focused on His goodness to us.

It's important to examine ourselves spiritually through rest and reflection.  We can't do our best work with nerves that are taut from being constantly under pressure.  It's not good to spend all our time working and pushing to get ahead.  Jesus invites His disciples to come with Him to a quiet place where they could be refreshed.  

Meditation and time spent with the Lord gives us more understanding and a sense of oneness with Him.  It helps us refresh and renew, both physically and mentally.  We can draw closer to God when we rest and meditate on Him.  If we think about God's Word, we'll gain strength and renewal.  Why not look for a quiet place today where you can rest and find a sense of strength on Jesus?

Heavenly Father,

Sometimes I get caught up in my work and forget that I need rest.  Remind me regularly that I need to rest in You. 

Amen

Resting on the faithfulness of Christ our Lord,

Resting on the fullness of His own sure word;

Resting on His wisdom, on His love and power,

Resting on His covenant from hour to hour.

Accept What You Must

 From A Celebration of the Simple Life...

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

If there's one thing I've learned about the Amish, it's their ability to accept things that happen to them as God's will.  An Amish couple we know are unable to have children of their own.  As much as they would like to be parents, they've accepted it as God's will.  Rather than brooding about their situation, they take pleasure in spending time with their nieces and nephews and ministering to others in need.

Another Amish man we know is confined to a wheelchair due to a childhood accident.  While some might question God and bemoan their situation, he chooses to remain positive and do whatever he can.

Life isn't always fair, but if we learn to appreciate what we have and trust God with our future, we'll feel a sense of peace and acceptance.  Remember this week to accept what you must and change what you can.  Look to the future with a sense of hope and thank God for each new day, for we really do have much to be grateful for.

Heavenly Father,

there are many things in my life

over which I have no control.

Help me learn to accept those things,

knowing that You are in control.

fill me with Your perfect peace,

and give me a heart of acceptance.

Amen.

- Wanda E Brunstetter

Pies. But not the kind you bake and eat...

 Last week Marnie and I made a trip to the Purple House Wellness Centre at Forth...

As well as some lovely gardens you can wander in...

and amazing trees

They have just opened up a new cafe which we really wanted to try...

Marnie

and me :)

No, I'm not baking pies...

But I do seem to have my finger in a few 'pies' (aka yarn projects)...

the shawl is growing

as is this baby blanket

And I have all the squares done for this blanket...

just need to sew them together (the not fun part)

I'm re-reading the Love Comes Softly series (8 books) by Janette Oke...

I first read them about 30 years ago 

I'm reading the 3rd book (Love's Long Journey) and in the prologue, Janette writes...

"I often think about those pioneer women.  What it must have cost many of them to follow their husband's dream!  To venture forth leaving behind the things that represented safety and security; to birth their babies unattended; to nurse sick children with no medicines or doctors; to be a mother, teacher, minister, physician, tailor, and grocer to a growing family; to support their men without complaint through floods, blizzards, sandstorms, and droughts; to walk tall when there was little to wear, little to work with, and even less to eat.

God bless them all - the women who courageously went forth with their men.  And bless those who stood with tear-filled eyes and aching hearts and let their loved ones go.  And grant to us a measure of the faith, strength, courage, love, and determination that prompted them to do what they did."

The above images are from this book...

Which I now want to read as well...

So many 'pies' and not enough time :))

xx

It's a good day when...

 You wake up without a headache...

And it's not too hot, so you can go for a walk...

Your new Keepers at Home magazine arrives...

And you are blessed with some bargains at the op shop...

$2 each, and I didn't have the Long Winter or Farmer Boy in my collection

Another Janette Oke book ($3) to add to the Women of the West series...

And this lovely boucle yarn ($5) - 77% wool/23% acrylic

Started knitting a shawl with it...

but I'm not sure how far it will go

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done!

I hope you are having a good day too :)

xx

Think on These Things...

 From A Celebration of the Simple Life...

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Philippians 4:8

With all of the negative things going on in the world, it's easy to become depressed and allow our minds to be filled with negative thoughts.  However, the Bible clearly states in Philippians 4:8 that we are to think on positive things.

One thing that became clear to me when we began making friends with the Amish was their positive outlook on life.  Not only do our Amish friends enjoy telling jokes and sharing stories, but they like to focus on the beauty of God's creation.  I've noticed that most Amish gardens are abundant with colorful flowers.  Birdhouses and feeders can be found in their yards.  Observing the beauty of flowers and watching the birds at the feeders is not only enjoyable, but fills our minds with positive thoughts.

To be happy and to keep from having negative thoughts, we must focus on the positive things around us.  Flowers, trees, birds, sunsets, and newborn babies are just a few of the things that bring me joy and fill my mind with positive thoughts.

If we don't think positive thoughts, we can easily become negative, cynical, and depressed.  Take a few moments to write down several things you appreciate about your surroundings.  Make a list of things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.  When you do, your heart will feel a little lighter and your outlook will be a little brighter.

Heavenly Father, when my mind becomes filled with negative thoughts, remind me that Your word tells me to think on positive things.  Amen.

15 Years!

 I visited my friend Sharm's blog today and she was commenting that it had been 15 years since she started her blog (5th February, which also happens to be my birthday!!), so I looked back on mine and apparently, I've been going for 15 years too (on 8th October).  

Here is my first post.

Maybe I'll do something special (blog wise) for my 15-year anniversary.  I'll think on it... :)

There's been lots of changes since then.  I did have a previous blog when I lived on the farm, but I deleted that.  I'm glad I've kept blogging all these years, even though sometimes it's hard to find the time to sit and write, and to think of something to write about :)

And speaking of changes, I've decided on a few...

Instead of writing Weekend Words each weekend I'm going to incorporate them into my general posts.  But in a smaller way.  Perhaps just a thought or short devotional I've read that day or week.  I'm finding the pressure of doing a post every weekend leaves me little time for my general posts, and I want to pick up on them more.  So, we'll see how it goes.  I have already typed up my weekend post for this weekend, but from then I will go to more general posts, which I'm thinking may be shorter but more frequent :) 

Last Thursday Marnie and I took a day trip to Stanley where it all started 15 years ago.  I've been back a few times, and always love it there...

We had a quick stop at Little Peggs Beach on the way...

This is the view of the Nut (and Stanley) from the beach...

And we bought fish and chips for lunch and ate it at the wharf at Stanley...

Today I made Banana Bread...

And made a start on some patchwork...

My Canadian Mennonite pen friend and I have been exchanging fabric squares with our letter for a couple of years.  We decided we had enough last year so now I need to make something with them. More on that to come.  A lesson on how not to do it :)

And this is for Lisa, as she had mentioned the lovely print she got from the Goodwill store in her post, and I was telling her about the one I got recently from our local op/thrift shop...

I'll finish with this quote I read recently, about thanking and praising God for the little things in life...

I found the sun for me this morning.  I thank you, Lord.

I found the warm water in the shower.  I praise You.

I found the bread in my kitchen this morning.  Lord, I thank you.

I found the fresh air as I stood at the door.  I praise You.

For all that I see You do for me.  I thank You.

for all that I do not see that You do for me.  I praise You.

Weekend Words

 From A Lamp Unto My Feet...

Time for God

It is a good and necessary thing to set aside time for God in each day.  The busier the day, the more indispensable is this quiet period for prayer, Bible reading and silent listening.  It often happens, however, that I find my mind so full of earthly matters that it seems I have gotten up early in vain and have wasted three-fourths of the time so dearly bought. (I do love my sleep!)  But I have come to believe that the act of will required to arrange time for God may be an offering to Him.  As such He accepts it, and what would otherwise be loss to me, I count it gain for Christ (see Philippians 3:8).  Let us not be "weary in well doing" (Galatians 6:9, KJV), or discouraged in the pursuit of holiness.  Let us, like Moses, go to the rock of Horeb, where God says to us what He said to him: "You will find me waiting for you there" (Exodus 17:6).

From Oasis of Hope...

Seeing God in the Seasons

"He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." - Daniel 2:21 ESV

Many seasons transpire in our lives.  The most noticeable are spring, summer, fall, and winter.  Then comes the more societal ones like football, baseball, and hockey.  There are seasons of celebration such as Easter and Christmas.  These periods come and go with regularity, and we are fairly adept at both preparing and participating in them all.

But other seasons may catch us by surprise.  These include periods of labor and rest or joy and sorrow.  And we mustn't leave out seasons of calm and of storms.  Our best example of how seasons come and go is often seen in watching children as they make the journey to adulthood.  They start out crawling, then walk, start school, and, often quicker than we see coming, they graduate college and go on to make their own lives.  They remain a constant reminder that nothing stays the same.

An all-wise God establishes every season with a purpose.  They provide what He has decided is needed at a particular time.  The presence of one season is often preparation for the next.  Just as our children cannot remain toddlers, we cannot stay in the summers of our lives forever, nor do we want to live in eternal winter.

Some seasons go quickly while others seem to hang on forever.  Perhaps it would be wise for us to stop questioning why our seasons exist and, instead, focus on seeing God at work in them.  Wouldn't it be better to relish whatever good we can find within a season, rather than focus on its length?  After all, a time will come when we will all enter the final, endless season with Jesus.  At that point, we will likely no longer care about life as we knew it.

Are you waiting for one thing to end so another can begin?  Ask God to help you see how He is at work in your current season.

- Melanie Stiles

Weekend Words

 From Beside the Still Waters...

Neglect - Read Proverbs 24:13-34

"I went by the field of the slothful ... and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down." - Proverbs 24:30-31

One day I passed by an old farmstead and observed its deplorable condition.  The roof of the barn was partially off.  The barn had leaning walls, broken windows, and sagging doors.  The house looked much the same, and a few old cars sat in tall weeds that mostly hid the other unsightly junk.

If we neglect our walk with God, our spiritual life will soon become as unsightly as the old farmstead.  When we become complacent, our roof begins to leak.  Structural damage may not be immediately noticeable, but with time the results of neglect are sure to show.

A partially missing roof could indicate a life not under God's approval.  Slowly but surely, it will cause our spiritual protection to diminish.  Leaning walls could indicate a poor foundation due to a spirit out of tune with God.  These walls suggest careless habits, weak convictions, and failure to give God first place.  "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).

Broken windows may symbolize casual attitudes towards winds of change that can carry undesirable influences into our life.  They may also suggest neglecting to guard the window of our heart (our eyes), which can lead to unwholesome thoughts and desires.  Sagging doors could represent failing to try the spirits, thus leaving the door of the heart open to false doctrines and whims of change.  Old cars in tall weeds could symbolize carelessness in full bloom and unconcern about results.  The solution?  "Return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy ... and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55:7)

Denver Yoder - Somerset, OH

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord." - Hosea 10:12

by Chimney Smoke Art

From In Green Pastures...

Growing Through Habits

One whose daily life is careless is always weak; but one who habitually walks in the paths of uprightness and obedience grows strong in character.  Exercise develops all the powers of his being.  Doing good continually adds to one's capacity for doing good.  Victoriousness in trial or trouble puts ever new strength into the heart.  The habit of faith in the darkness prepares for stronger faith.  Habits of obedience make one immovable in one's loyalty to duty.  We can never over-estimate the importance of life's habits; they lead our growth of character in whatever way they tend.

Artwork by Lore Pemberton

Thank You, God for Little Things

Thank you for the little things that often come our way,

The things we take for granted but don't mention when we pray,

The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful, kindly deed - 

A hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need,

Oh make us more aware, dear God of little daily graces,

That come to us with "sweet surprise" from never-dreamed-of places.

- Helen Steiner Rice

Artwork by Marija Stefanovic

Weekend Words

 From Our Daily Bread...

The Simple Truth - Read: Romans 10:9-11

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31)

When my wife and I go biking, we like to know how many miles we've pedaled.  So, I went to a bike shop to buy an odometer and came home with a minicomputer that I discovered was a bit too complicated to program.

I headed back to the bike shop, where the person who sold it to me had it working in no time.  I realized it wasn't as difficult to understand as I thought.

In life, new things and new ideas can seem complicated.  Think about salvation, for instance.  Some people might think becoming a child of God is complicated.

Yet, the Bible spells it out in simple terms: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31).

Here's the simple truth: We've all sinned (Romans 3:23).  Jesus came to earth to save us from the penalty of our sin - death and eternal separation from Him (Matthew 1:21; 1 Peter 2:24).  He arose from the dead (Romans 10:90).  And we're saved from spiritual death to eternal life by trusting in what He did for us (John 3:16).

Consider what it will mean for you to simply trust and believe in Jesus.  Let Him give you "life ... to the full" (John 10:10).

- Dave Branon

What will it mean for you to receive salvation in Jesus?  If you've been saved, what difference has faith in Him made in your life?

Loving God, I realize that I'm a sinner - I do things that are wrong in your eyes.  I also realize that You sent Jesus to earth to die on the cross for my sins.  Please forgive me for my sins and redeem me.  Thank you for the salvation You've provided!

If you would like more information from ODB, go HERE.

From Behold the Lilies...

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Spending a day with a group of friends can be comforting, heartwarming, and encouraging.  It is good and right that we should frequently assemble and fellowship with others.  But it takes time alone with a person to get to know that friend intimately.  When there is peace and quietness with few distractions, I can focus my attention solely on my friend and really listen to what she has to say.  If a close friend invites me for this type of sharing, I am thrilled and delighted beyond words, for I thoroughly enjoy such a privilege.  I would be foolish to cancel such an invitation and miss out on the blessings.  I might do that, however, if my values are mixed up.

The Lord wants to be my close friend and I want to be His.  He frequently draws me aside where there are few distractions and my mind is drawn to Him.  He invites me to spend time with Him alone.  Here I can get to know Him and listen to the things He says.  By making me aware of my weaknesses, He helps me realize how dependent I am on Him.  Through my frailties, I am drawn away from my activities and into a position that requires me to be still.  I could ignore His invitation, but that would be evidence of misplaced priorities.  I would then miss out on the blessings of the insight He wants to share with me.

His way of inviting you to set your attention on Him may differ from the way He chooses for me.  Whatever that way is, blessing awaits you if you accept His invitation.

Take time to be holy, speak oft with Thy Lord;

Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.

Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak;

 Forgetting in nothing His blessings to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;

Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone - 

By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be!

Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide;

And run not before Him, whatever betide;

In joy or in sorrow still follow thy Lord, 

And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul;

Each thought and each temper beneath His control;

Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love, 

Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above. 

- William Dunn Longstaff (1822 - 94)

All artwork by Marija Stephanovic

A trip to Sheffield...

 Last week Marnie and I took a trip to Sheffield for my birthday...

at the foot of Mount Roland

We browsed in the shops and took a walk along the main street...

Past a free book library in a fridge...

And this cute little house...

And had lunch in this cafe...

Some days it's been too hot to go for a walk, but one day I did walk down to the river...

Another day I did some baking...

because I had an over ripe banana

banana choc chip muffins

I also made up a big batch of muesli...

And ate lunch...

The garden is still producing well...

although the beans are just about finished, I did get to freeze some as well as eating them fresh

And some good reading material arrived in the last couple of weeks...

it's been quite a while since I had an Above Rubies magazine arrive, then I realized I hadn't received the previous issue :(

I enjoy reading while I eat my lunch...

I got behind with my Bible reading plan when the family were visiting in January...

but I should be caught up this weekend

I hope to rewatch this favorite DVD over the weekend too...

and get in a little crocheting time

I hope you get to enjoy some quiet time amongst the busyness of life...

xx

(Artwork by Anna Neima)