Weekend Words

 From Beside the Still Waters devotional...

Save Them All - Read Romans 1:14-32

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. - Revelation 2:4

I recently saw a lady whose jacket was imprinted with large letters proclaiming "SAVE THEM ALL.'  I later learned that the group promoting this motto is not a Christian organisation, and that "ALL" refers to animals rather than humans.  The mission of these people is to rescue, protect, rehabilitate, and find loving homes for all animals, from stray cats, to old, worn-out horses.

Proper treatment of animals is a legitimate concern of godly people.  "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast" (Proverbs 12:10).  However, the biblical principle of stewardship, and a common-sense approach to animal care is rapidly being disregarded in modern society.  Indulgent pet owners spend exorbitant sums.  Suppliers promise that their products will make a dog or cat not only healthier but also happier and more beautiful.

On a more somber note, a recent issue of a cat fancier magazine had the following item in the advertisement section: "Animal Communicator, Intuitive Medium; Contact The Other Side."  Someone was actually offering to contact the spirits of dead pets!   One close acquaintance recently paid for grief counselling sessions for himself and his wife after their pet terrier died.  Another paid six thousand dollars for surgery on his setter.

The Bible condemns those who "worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator" (Romans 1:25).  While pets are receiving such undue attention, millions of children are suffering from severe malnutrition, millions of Christians live under intense persecution, and thousands of known languages do not have complete Bible translations.  Our time and money can surely be devoted to far more worthy causes than pampering animals.

Pete Lewis - Halsey, OR

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. - Matthew 25:40

When the heart is sad and lonely and the eyes with tears o'erflow,

Gentle words and deeds of kindness fall like sunbeams on the snow.

Kind and loving to each other, gentle words to all we meet - 

Thus we follow Christ our Saviour, proving all His service sweet.

Let us help our fallen brother, lift him gently by the hand,

Speaking words of cheer and comfort, point him to a better land.

 - William and Luella Henry

I know its Spring here, but Autumn is my favourite season, and Natasha sent me these photos recently from Vermont.  So I am sharing them with you... :)

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And if you have time, you might enjoy reading some of these lovely posts from Sheryl regarding the family's return to the US after missionary work in Tanzania, Africa.

THIS is her most recent one, but there are more to read HERE.

Along with some beautiful photos!

On the home front...

 Saturday we had rain for most of the day...

So I was able to get on with more of my scrappy granny blanket...

Watched Foxfire recently, and enjoyed it.  You can watch it HERE on YouTube...

and have The Railway Children from the library to watch

I'm working my way through the Children's Classics I didn't read as a child.  Have The Railway Children book to read too, and Pollyanna on order from the library (the book and DVD).  Also want to watch/read The Secret Garden.

Have these two books on the go.  The Janette Oke one I picked up at the op shop.  I read it many years ago, but am enjoying it again...

and Freedom's Star is the fifth book in the Anabaptist Heritage series

Freya continues to find life hard work...

Have been spreading the seaweed mulch I collected recently (on a trip up to Marnie) around the raspberry canes I planted at the side of the house...

My lavender is looking pretty...

Last Tuesday Marnie and I had a walk on the beach at East Devonport when I went to visit her...

And look what the postman brought this morning: Beside Still Waters ...

The first book in the Big Sky Trilogy

I don't usually read Amish fiction, but this series is based on a true story and is written by Tricia Goyer who authored the Amish Peace devotional I am using this year. Will see how it goes...

I have family arriving tomorrow for a 2 week visit.  Hope to still be able to get here for some updates, but if not, you know why...

xx

Weekend Words

 From Amish Peace...

Satisfied

He fills my life with good things.  My youth is renewed like the eagle's! Psalm 103:5

Where do you find your satisfaction?  What feeds your soul?  I'm an introvert, so I get 'recharged' when I have time for quiet, Scripture reading, and reflection.  I have family members who get charged up by being with friends.

Like anyone else, the Amish have the same basic needs - for love, respect, information, community, safety, and fun - but compared with us they have very different ways of satisfying those needs.  Here is how Joe Wittmer, PhD, explains it:

Some non-Amish individuals have mistakenly assumed that the Amish are like them in need, or at least should want to be like them.  For example, recently after concluding a speech I had made concerning the Amish, an individual in the audience asked, "Are you telling us that they really don't want to drive a car, that they really don't want running water and that they really don't want to own a television set or a computer?  Come on, Dr Wittmer, this is the new millennium, the 21st Century!  Amish people surely must secretly want those things."  The answer is an unequivocal "no!"

The Old Order Amish really do not want to use our modern devices or appliances and they really do not want to be like us in most respects!  Matter of fact, Amish relatives will often tell me how they truly feel sorry for certain non-Amish acquaintances of theirs because of the stressful lives they see them living.

Can you relate?  The world may look at us as Christians and see all that we are "missing out" on, yet we know what satisfies our souls.  God is the only thing that can truly satisfy.  His love never fails.  His love renews, refreshes, and makes us feel as if we can soar.  And the more we have of God, the less we desire anything else.  We will actually end up feeling sorry for those who don't have what we have.  Turn to God today and be satisfied.

Dear heavenly Father, when I attempt to find satisfaction in anything other than You, I end up feeling drained.  Thank you for filling my life with good things!

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And I've been working my way through this lovely little book: A Prairie Devotional that I bought recently, by Wendi Lou Lee, who played Grace (along with her twin sister) in the Little House series.  Even if you are not a fan of Little House, you will enjoy these readings. And if you are, you get a double blessing :)

(Season 5, Episode 6, "No Place Like Home")

Take a Break

"The first thing I'm going to do is go fishing.  Alone, where it's quiet." - Nels Olsen

After living above the Winoka saloon for months, Nels is eager to return to Walnut Grove for some peace and quiet.  We all need time to be alone.  Too few of us practice solitude these days.  Surrounded by constant interaction and noise, we seldom let our minds rest.  Wouldn't we all benefit from a mental break from time to time?

My husband has a jam packed schedule - most of us do.  His commute is the only time alone he has every day.  While I'd been taking time away since the kids where born, he never had.  I knew he would benefit from some solo time, where he could think without interruptions or responsibilities.

After much convincing, he headed out on his first Man Weekend.  He spent a few days in a cabin near Yosemite, all by himself.  He could do whatever he wanted, sleep until he woke up, and enjoy the silence.  From there, he travelled up north to visit a friend from grade school.  This guy makes my husband laugh more than any one else on the planet.  And while laughter is not quiet, in a way it can be just as nourishing and often leads to deep conversations when we have time to connect.

I can't tell you how refreshed his face looked as we huddled around him for a welcome-home hug.  His eyes glistened with life and energy.  He let out a deep breath. 

"That was wonderful.  I need to do it every year."

We all need a getaway.  Solitude gives us the chance to be quiet so God can fill us back up.  It's difficult to hear God speak over the noise of everyday life, especially in our crazy house.  Even Jesus had to get away to hear from His Father.

Whether it's hiking through the mountains, walking on the beach, or fishing like Nels, find a place to be alone.  A place away from the distractions of life.  When we are alone with the Lord, we are able to collect His blessings of peace.

"After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone." - Matthew 14:23 NASB

Where do you go to be alone?  Do you give yourself and those you love permission to enjoy a retreat?

Weekend Words

 Two of my recent readings From Beside the Still Waters...

A Soft Answer - Read Matthew 5:43-46, 1 Peter 3:8-17

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." - Proverbs 15:1

"Oh, no, you're not going to do that! There's no way you're putting that water in my yard!"  Jim had hired a contractor to install gutters on his home.  But now neighbour Harold was angry because one downspout was pointed towards his yard.  Jim calmly tried to explain why it was best to point the downspout in that direction, but it was in vain.  Harold just became angrier.  So Jim did what every true Christian should do.  He had the workmen point the downspout in a direction that better suited Harold.

What is our response when we are confronted by angry people?  Our human tendency is to lash out and speak angry words in return.  However, Jesus explained that we should respond lovingly and gently to them.  "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).  According to 1 Peter 3:9, we will receive a blessing if we return words of blessing to those who speak evil or railing words to us.

It is easy to become angry and defensive, but such an attitude will never win.  In the incident above, Harold got his way but Jim was the real winner.  Can we imagine what would have happened if Jim had reacted with anger and hatred?  Instead he restored peace with his kind, loving response to Harold.  Let us also strive to respond graciously and lovingly whenever someone is angry with us.  Not only can we soothe their anger with a soft answer, but we will also be an inspiration to others who are watching.

- Joseph Wengerd - Hersey, MI

"A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife." - Proverbs 15:18

The Fiery Tongue - Read - James 3:1-12

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.  Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!" - James 3:5

On October 8, 1871, a small fire got out of control in a barn on the southwest side of the city of Chicago.  According to legion, a cow kicked over a lighted lantern, which started a fire that spread rapidly from one wooden structure to the next.  Strong winds spread the flames east and north, even causing them to jump a river.  Multitudes fled in panic.  The Great Chicago Fire destroyed 18,000 buildings, killed 300 people, and left 90,000 homeless.  Though the fire may have at first been contained to give light, one small accident led to great destruction.

We all know how quickly our tongue can give expression to thoughts and emotions.  Sometimes we make a comment with little consideration of how it will affect those who hear it, where it will spread, or what destruction it may cause.  James 3:6 says the tongue is set on fire of hell, and when it speaks from that source, it is always destructive.

The tongue stirs up rebellion against authority and expresses pride in its boastings.  It strives about words - what was said, how it was said, and what was meant but not said.  It spreads envy, evil surmising, perverse disputing, and corrupted influences.  It ignites anger, malice, hatred, and revenge.  A gossiping tongue kindles great matters of untruth and causes deep hurts and broken relationships.  No man of himself can fully tame or control his own tongue.

The Scriptures have much to say about the right use of the tongue.  Like all the members of our body, the tongue needs to be yielded in righteousness to God (Romans 6:13) and not to the destructive unrighteousness of the fire of hell.  "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (Proverbs 15:4).

May our tongue ignite fires of love, peace, and goodwill rather than hatred, strife, and envy.

"But the wisdom that is from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." - James 3:17-18

The beautiful artwork is by Susan Rios

On the home front...

 Constant rain here today, so a good opportunity to catch up with a blog post...

I went up to visit Marnie yesterday.  Denver was home too, so we went and collected 3 garbage bags of seaweed for my garden.  They are sitting on my back deck, waiting for the rain to stop, so I can spread them on my garden beds.  Makes a great mulch!  And reminds me of the sea...

Unfortunately there wasn't time for a walk along the beach too.  Maybe next time...

I made a start on another scrappy granny blanket last week (when I was laid low with headaches).  I used up half of my stash of 8 ply acrylic on the previous scrappy granny, but should have enough to make another one.  Probably for Wrap with Love, which means I need 28 x 10" squares...

Made some progress this week...

And as I have quite a bit of the brown, I will incorporate it into each square...

from memory I need to do 11 or 12 rounds to get a 10" square

This morning while drinking my coffee I was browsing an old People's Friend magazine and reading an article on Romney Marsh.  They always have an interesting travel feature each week from somewhere in Britain.  Romney Marsh was an area in which Edith Nesbit lived, and where her book The Railway Children was set...

  Did you ever read it as a child (or adult)?  I don't think I ever did, but childhood was a long time ago, so maybe I just don't remember...

so I've just reserved the book and DVD from my local library.

Freya continues to keep me busy, when she's not sleeping.  This is her favourite spot at the arm of the lounge by the front window...

so she can keep an eye on the birds

But when it all gets too much for her, she slides down...

and has a little snooze

More apple blossoms are opening on my tree...

they are so pretty

And on a clear day, the river continues to delight...

My wish for you...

"Go outside, to the fields, enjoy nature and the sunshine,

go out and try to recapture happiness in yourself and in God.

Think of all the beauty that's still left in and around you,

and be happy!"

- Anne Frank

Weekend Words

 These were my readings this weekend from Be Still and Know...

"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon." - Psalm 92:12

In my early married life we moved to California.  As we travelled across California at night,  I remember the thrill of rousing from my sleep and seeing palm trees silhouetted against the sky in the moonlight.  I had seen many pictures of them but this was my first time view of a live palm tree.  I still remember vividly my feeling of awe as I gazed at their stately beauty.

Someone has said, "The palm tree is God's portrait in nature of a Christian."

Certain characteristics of the palm tree picture the life and experience of a Christian.  The palm tree stands above other trees, and is, by its nature, upright and stately.  As Christians we are to manifest the righteousness and uprightness of God.  "He that walketh uprightly walketh surely." (Proverbs 10;9)  How tall are we spiritually?

The palm tree is a tree of special beauty; it is one of the most gracefully of trees.  As Christians, our lives should reflect the beauty of Jesus Christ wherever we go.  "And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us." (Psalm 90:17)

The psalmist said, "The righteous shall flourish." To flourish means to thrive, to prosper, to grow luxuriantly.  We usually think conditions must be ideal for a luxuriant growth.  However, the palm tree proves that this is not so.  It grows in places not conducive to growth.  They can grow in desert places where nothing else grows, providing oases for places of rest for travellers along the way.  Where not much else grows we find the palm tree flourishing.

Christians can grow and flourish in the most trying conditions.  Our present situation may not be ideal, but we can flourish there, for our Christian growth is not dependent on our environment but on the Lord.

The psalmist said, "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not whither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." (Psalm 1:3)

Does your life show that you are a "palm tree" Christian?

Yesterday we compared the Christian life to the palm tree.  We considered its outward beauty as it flourishes.  Today we will look at the inner characteristics of the tree which are an example of a Christian. 

Most trees get their life through the sap that flows up the tree just under the bark.  Not so with the palm tree.  Its sap flows up the centre of the tree, producing new life from the heart of the tree.

The life of the Christian comes from the life of Christ implanted in the heart.  "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith." (Ephesians 3:17)

We discover the palm tree not only grows but flourishes in the most unlikely places.  Why?  Because it has a hidden source of nourishment.  Although no water may be visible, the tree sends down a large tap root with other roots deep into the earth, appropriating nourishment from the soil and searching out hidden springs of water.

We have hidden springs of Living Water from which we can draw nourishment.  "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.  For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water shall flow from the innermost being of anyone who believes in me. (He was speaking of the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in Him)" (John 7:37-39 LB).

The palm tree can withstand winds and hurricanes better than any other tree, not because of greater resistance, but because they bend and yield.  When the winds and storms beat upon our lives, we, too, can withstand their fury, as we bend and yield, submissive to God, allowing Him to bring good into our lives from them.

Many lives have been saved by finding water near the Palm trees.  God wants your life and mine to be the means of bringing others to the Water of Life.

When our lives are nourished at His hidden springs, they can flourish like the palm tree, displaying His beauty and uprightness.  We will be able to live victoriously above our circumstances.

(Thomas Kinkade painting)

On the home front...

 I have been going up to visit Marnie each Tuesday (an 80km round trip), but this week she and Denver came to me, as Denver had to have 2 of his wisdom teeth extracted at the dentist here.  So I feel like I've gained an extra day (well, two days really, because I'm usually so tired the next day that I need to use it to recover), so taking the opportunity to get a blog post on...

Spring here is often quite unsettled, and windy.  We've had it all...sun, wind, rain, sleet, cold, heat, and snow on the mountains!  The garden work is ramping up.  The weeds are growing, the grass needs mowing, so I try to spend a little time each day getting things in order.  As well as taking Freya out for a walk in the garden (on her lead and harness) and me out for my walk around the river. 

Enough chatter, lets get to the photos...

The Operation Christmas Child scarves are finished...

I got 6 made...

they have now gone with Marnie to be deliver to her church for packing

I enjoyed making them, but I'm happy to be on to another project: knitting a sleeveless pullover...

using two strands of yarn together (an 8 ply and a 5 ply) and 6.5mm needles

And on to the third book in the Anabaptist Heritage series...

Recent culinary endeavors...

a vegetable curry

And a date and walnut loaf...

Freya and I are getting our routine sorted...

she likes my baskets

and it seems I have forfeited my footstool

Spring is definitely happening here...

unfortunately, with the strong winds we've been having, most of these blossoms from trees at the river have now gone

But some of the ones on my greengage plum tree continue to hang on...

Meanwhile, back at the river...

The greening continues...

I read this in The Amish Way, and thought it might make you smile...

"Hugging is healthy.  It helps the body's immune system.  It cures depression.  It reduces stress.  It's invigorating.  It's rejuvenating.  It has no unpleasant side effects.

Hugging is all natural, organic, naturally sweet, and is 100% wholesome.  It contains no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients.

There are no movable parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic check ups, no insurance requirements, no monthly payments.  It is inflation-proof, non-fattening, theft-proof, non-taxable, non-polluting, and is, of course, fully returnable."

I hope you all have someone to hug.  But if not...

There is always a tree :))

xx