Summer Days

 So much for a post every week (sigh!) 

I should be mowing the grass, but it's hot and I've used my energy quota for the day vacuuming, washing floors and de-spidering the house, which probably sounds worse than it is, and if you are an arachnid lover, maybe you'd better not read the next bit.

I'm not overrun by spiders, and they are only daddy long-legs, which I can live with, but every so often I go through the house and suck them (and their webs) up in the vacuum cleaner.  Probably shouldn't have told you this. I do feel guilty about it. I suppose I should re-house them...

Enough on spiders, don't want you having nightmares!

So here's something to brighten your day...

Marnie has a new Etsy store.  Making and selling earrings.  Here are a few of her designs...

You can check them out on her Instagram account HERE

Or her Etsy account HERE

I've been doing some Knit4Charities knitting. One of the charities to support for January was for premature babies...

three tiny baby blankets for tiny babies

And I have enough of each colour yarn left to crochet a small blanket for this month's February charity...

Reading is going slowly...

I'm almost finished these two

This DVD and book are next on the list...

I've watched/read both previously, and really enjoyed them

Recently a lady I follow on Instagram, Jo Watson, had a free print offer of some of her tree artwork...

I chose this one...  

now to find the perfect spot to display it

Produce in the garden is ripening...

apples

blueberries

blackberries

And I found these hiding in the bean patch...

Still getting out for my walks.  These were taken early morning last week...

And here's one of Freya...

where she is NOT supposed to be!

"On the other hand, I think cats have Asperger's.  Like me, they're very smart.  And like me, sometimes they simply need to be left alone." - Jodi Picoult

Weekend Words

From Be Still and Know...

"And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgement: blessed are all they that wait for him" (Isaiah 30:18)

Today people are impatient.  Before the traffic light is completely changed, the car behind has honked to hurry us up. When we enter a store or office we want immediate service.

This same impatience often carries over into our relationship with God.  We bring a request to Him and expect an immediate answer.  We become impatient when it is not forthcoming.

However, God knows the importance of our learning the lesson of waiting, not only our waiting on God, but His waiting on us.  He may allow us to wait that we may be better prepared for the answer to our request.  He may let us wait that our capacity to receive His answer may be enlarged.  He may have things to accomplish in the lives of others before He can give us what we are asking.  He may know that we are still too self-sufficient.  But our waiting is never in vain.

There may be lessons of patience to learn which come only through waiting.  "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:4).  Sometimes we want our own way and are not willing to wait for His plan to be revealed to us.  In our impatience we choose our way instead of God's.  We miss God's best because of our unwillingness to wait.

To have a harvest of fruit, there must be a waiting period for fruit to form and ripen on the trees.  God often has to give us a waiting period for spiritual fruit to be produced in our lives.  We may think He has forgotten us, but He knows when we are ready.  He is never ahead of schedule, never late, but always on time.  Remember, if He waits longer than you wish, it is only to make the blessing more abundant when it comes.

"God's delays are not always denials!"

From Amish Peace...

God's Job Description for You

"Jesus told [the crowd], "this is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent." - John 6:29

Sometimes I dream about buying a farm, baking my own bread, and sewing my own clothes.  The world is noisy at times with television, radio, bloggers, newspaper columnists - just to start the list.  Endless information is at our fingertips, and it fills my mind with static ... Oh, to drown out the noise!

Yet it wouldn't take six months on the farm for me to start buying my bread again, look for a different house without all the extra chores, and dream of living closer to the grocery store.  Does that mean I'm lazy?  No, it just means I know myself.  I also know that the level of my devotion to a particular idea can be seen in the day in, day out of my life.

We may like the idea of quieter lives, but our true devotion is to be serving God in the daily tasks we already have.  There is no end to the various ways we can labor.  And no matter where we live, each of us has the ability to "turn down the noise."  The important thing is to remember that the work God wants from us it to "believe in the one he has sent."  What an amazingly simple - and very demanding - job description!

Much of the noise around us consists of messages that tell us to do more, be more, and devote ourselves to more of what we can see.  Believing means allowing God to still our souls and to tune out the voices that don't matter.  We don't have to run away and buy a farm so this can happen.  In fact, sometimes our belief is strongest when we discover Jesus in the midst of the noise.

And I came across this lovely song recently from Sounds Like Reign.

Enjoy!

Weekend Words

 From Our Daily Bread...

But I'm Telling You - Read Matthew 5:43-48

"But I tell you, love your enemies." (Matthew 5:44)

"I know what they're saying.  But I'm telling you..."  As a boy, I heard my mother give that speech a thousand times.  The context was always peer pressure.  She was trying to teach me not to follow the herd.  I'm not a boy any longer, but herd mentality's still alive and kicking.  A current example is the phrase: "Only surround yourself with positive people."  Now while that phrase may be commonly heard, the question we must ask is: "Is this Christlike?"

"But I'm telling you..." Jesus uses to lead-in a number of times in Matthew 5.  He knows full well what the world is constantly telling us.  But His desire is that we live differently.  In this case, He says, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (v.44).  Later in the New Testament, the apostle Paul uses that very word to describe guess who?  That's right: us - "while we were God's enemies" (Romans 5:10).  Far from some "do as I say, not as I do," Jesus backed His words with actions.  He loved us, and gave His life for us.

What if Christ had only made room in His life for "positive people"?  Where would that leave us?  Thanks be to God that His love is no respecter of persons.  For God so love the world, and in His strength we are called to do likewise. 

- John Blase

When's the last time someone extended love to you when you weren't "positive"?  What's a tangible way today that you can show love to an enemy?

Father, it's tempting to surround myself with only those who love me.  But that's not living, or at least not the kind of living You desire for me.  Help me to love even my enemies.

From Be Still and Know...

"Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing in prayer" (Romans 12:12)

We are not guaranteed a life of ease and happiness when we become Christians.  Problems still come; adversity and affliction still strike.  Paul has given a formula in today's Scripture verse to help maintain our spiritual radiance.

First there is the "Radiance of Rejoicing."  We are to rejoice in hope.  Without hope, life can become unbearable.  We hope things will be better tomorrow.  We hope to be taken out of our present circumstances.  The Christian can rejoice in this hope in his Christian life, for it becomes real through Jesus Christ.  "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

Our hope reaches beyond today, even beyond our present life.  It reaches into eternity.  This is the hope of His return.  "Looking for that blessed hope" (Titus 2:13).  We can rejoice in the midst of our trials today because our "Rejoicing Hope" is assured.

Next, there is the "Radiance of Patience."  We are to be patient in tribulation.  Tribulation literally means "pressing together," or "pressure".  We need to learn patience.  God uses tribulation to teach us patience - being patient under pressure.

To develop patience we must be placed in situations where we are given opportunities to grow.  The trial that requires patience to endure it, develops the patience to endure.  In James 1:3 and 4 (LB) we read, "For when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems.  For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete."

Then there is the "Radiance of Prayer."  We are to continue steadfast in prayer.  Prayer will keep our hope alive, and give endurance for our present needs.  An effective prayer life lifts us above our circumstances.  God has told us to pray; not "if you pray" but "when you pray."

In prayer we have fellowship and communion with God.  But prayer is for more than fellowship.  It is being in partnership with Him in accomplishing His great eternal purpose and plan. Are we maintaining our spiritual radiance?  Are we rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, and steadfast in prayer?

From Amish Peace...

In this life, focusing on what we lack is easy, but the Bible reminds us that little is much in the sight of the Lord.  With God, a little oil can provide more than enough for a poor widow and her sons.  With Jesus, a few loaves of bread and some fish can feed a multitude.  Luke 16:10 reminds us, "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones."

Sometimes we believe we know what we want in life, but God has different plans.  True joy comes not from looking at what we're lacking but from having a singleness of heart to worship God and to rejoice in His goodness in whatever state we find ourselves.

Dear heavenly Father, forgive me for the discontent that stirs within me in the areas of my life that don't live up to my own expectations.  Help me to rejoice in the people and relationships You've brought into my life, and give me a singleness of heart that pursues my relationship with you above all else.

Weekend Words

 From Be Still and Know...

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

As food is necessary for growth and development in our physical life, so God's Word is necessary for growth and maintenance of spiritual health.  "Your words are what sustain me; they are food to my HUNGRY SOUL" (Jeremiah 15:16, LB).

Because the Bible is God-breathed, it is different from any other book.  The secret of its power is that it is the direct revelation of the living God.  It is His word of authority for our lives.  Throughout its pages we read, "Thus saith the Lord."

The Bible is more than a book to impart knowledge.  It reveals our need of a Saviour, Jesus Christ.  It is given for instruction, training, direction, and guidance in daily living.  It gives us nourishment, maturing us into well-balanced Christians.

Paul reminded Timothy of the importance of knowing the word of God and appropriating it as a guideline for life.  He outlined for Timothy a four-fold way in which the Bible brings PROFIT to a life.

It is profitable, first, for doctrine - that is, for teaching.  The Bible "is useful to teach us what is true" (2 Timothy 3:16, LB).  Secondly, it is profitable for reproof - showing us where we are wrong, where we have deviated from God's plan.  We need to be tested in the light of it to show us where we fall short, "to make us realize what is wrong in our lives" (v.16, LB).  Next, it is profitable for correction - setting and re-setting the direction of our lives in the right way.  "It straightens us out" (v.16, LB).  It is also profitable for instruction in righteousness - how to keep us right.  "And helps us do what is right" (v.17, LB).

There is PURPOSE IN the Scripture.  "It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone" (v.17, LB)

The principles for everyday living and the answers to life's needs are in the Bible.

What has the Bible done for your life?  For mine?  Is it your Guide Book?

Are You Blessed?

If you own just one Bible, you are abundantly blessed.  One third of all the world does not have access to one.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If your parents are still married, you are very rare, even in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are more blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them, or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.

If you prayed yesterday and today, you are in the minority because you believe God does hear and answer prayers.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world, that cannot read at all.

- Selected

Almost...

I almost got back here last week with a post, but I guess 'almost' doesn't really count.  I do have excuses. 

 Headaches, and two trips to Latrobe, and Marnie staying for 2 nights last week.  No headaches this week (so far), and only one trip to Latrobe!

Here are the annual Christmas/New Year family photos (a little late)...

Natasha, Patrick, and the boys (Dylan, Oli and Zak) in New York City

Jefferson and Jaya on their first overnight camping trip

Sophie, Denver and Marnie enjoying their Covid Christmas

Ben, Hazel and Hayley in the great outdoors

While in Latrobe last week, Marnie and I did a walk on Dooley's Hill...

When I'm not out and about, I'm knitting for Knit4Charities...

small blankets for tiny babies

Reading: as mentioned in my previous 'home' post, I was going to go with the Minack Chronicles as my bedtime read, but changed my mind and am reading the Mitford Novels (or some of them) instead...

and watching episodes of Kingdom from the library while I knit

From the opening chapter of At Home in Mitford...

"He left the coffee-scented warmth of the Main Street Grill and stood for a moment under the green awning.

The honest cold of an early mountain spring stung him sharply.

He often noted the minor miracle of passing through a door into a completely different world, with different smells and attractions.  It helped to be aware of the little things in life, he told himself, and he often exhorted his congregation to do the same.

As he headed towards the church office two blocks away, he was delighted to discover he wasn't walking at all.  He was ambling.

It was a pleasure he seldom allowed himself.  After all, it might appear that he had nothing else to do, when in truth he always had something to do.

He decided to surrender himself to the stolen joy of it, as some might eat half a box of chocolates at one sitting, without remorse.

He arrived at the office, uttering the prayer he had offered at its door every morning for twelve years: "Father, make me a blessing to someone today, through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Mitford Main Street

And as Father Tim says: "be aware of the little things in life"

xx

Weekend Words

 From Seeds of the Kingdom...

Abound in Hope

The apostle Paul wrote to the Christian believers in Rome and said he was praying that they would abound in hope and bring this hope to others: 

'Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit' (Romans 15:13).

When we know Jesus in our life we discover the mystery of the gospel, which is 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' (Colossians 1:27).  We begin to see His glory and all that He is and receive the joy and hope in believing.  One of the saddest things in the world is to have no hope.  I hear people described as 'no hopers', but I believe there's hope for everyone, whatever place they're in.  It's those very 'ones' that Jesus wants to redeem and restore, although many would pass them by.

Sometimes a kind word, a few moments of time to listen, a caring touch, a small gift or a prayer for them as we go by may be part of a chain of events that lead that person to Jesus.  When they know that someone really cares, it gives them a reason to hope.

When Jesus touches someone with His love you can see the light of hope that comes into their eyes, as their spirit responds to his love.  There's great comfort in God's hope, whatever troubles we face.  In Hosea we read that the Lord turns the Valley of Trouble into 'a door of hope' (Hosea 2:15).

We can only 'abound in hope' by the power of the Holy Spirit.  His power within us causes us to know things for certain, we have a hope that is eternal, for, as Christians, we don't only have a hope in this life.

'This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil' (Hebrews 6:19). 

- Pam Smith

When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.

All other ground is sinking sand. (Edward Mote, 1836)

Prayer: Lord, we pray that we may spread Your light and love to give a glimmer of hope to those You long to touch.  May we not pass them by, in Jesus' name, Amen.

In the Stillness - by Georges Gawinowski

Moses, Elijah, and John the Baptist all spent extended periods of time in the desert where they communed with God.  In the lonely, still place of the whale's belly, Jonah surrendered his will to the call of God.

Jesus too, sought stillness numerous times away from the throngs where He could pray to His Father.

 Jesus:

- went away to a lonely place to be by Himself. - Matthew 14:13

- spent all night in prayer on a mountain. - Luke 6:12

- many times spent time alone in prayer. Luke 5:16

- withdrew a stone's throw and prayed. - Luke 22:41

If these men of God and Jesus himself needed time away from people in order to meditate and pray, I also should take time to pray and commune with God "in the stillness."

In my busy daily life, I sometimes happen to find myself drifting away from the presence of the Lord, even though in my daily routine I am still connected with my Creator.  I still need a connection without interferences which come from this temporary world I live in.  I want to be still, and wait every day to feel His presence.  The Holy Spirit's presence is in us, with us, and always present; I do not want to drift away from Him.

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).

Our goal as Christ's followers is to honor Him and give glory to the Lord by showing Him that we are His children.  We all know that children may sometimes move away from their father's presence based on what we call circumstances.  In order to avoid drifting away from a close relationship with our heavenly Father, we can use times of stillness to remain in His presence.

The full article can be read (in pdf form) at Anabaptist Voice publication.  You will need to scroll down to page13)

Weekend Words (New Year)

From Amish Peace...

Looking Forward

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.  The old life is gone; a new life has begun! - 2 Corinthians 5:17

An Amish family gathers around the kitchen table to celebrate God's goodness in bringing a new year.  Grandparents, parents, and children join together with the glow of the lantern casting rings of light upon their heads.

After dinner the Amish family joins in a traditional New Year song: " 'Tis time now to welcome the happy New Year.  God grant you to live and enjoy the new year."

Amish families sing of fortune and blessings, but even as they look forward to the coming year, their gazes also lift to unseen eternity.  The song continues, "In heaven before the great heavenly throne, God grant you reward in that heavenly home."

What are you looking forward to?  Perhaps you smile as you anticipate family togetherness, a graduation, or a new life to come.  Or perhaps, as one year rolls into the next, you're in the midst of a season of sadness or loss.  Whether you look ahead with hope or anxiety, remember Who sits on the great heavenly throne.  Because we belong to Jesus, we can say, "The old life has gone; a new life has begun!"  He is our reason to celebrate the new year, the days and seasons of our lives, and an endless eternity of rejoicing.

Heavenly Father, the newness of the year pales in comparison with the new life You give through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Help me to look ahead to eternity with a grateful; heart, no matter what this year brings.  Amen.

 Another Year is Dawning

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be,

In working or in waiting. another year for Thee.

Another year of progress, another year of praise,

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,

Another year of gladness the glory of Thy face.

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast,

Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,

Another year of training for holier work above.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be,

On earth, or else in heaven, another year for Thee.

- Frances R. Havergal

"... and when you seek God, He will help with faith, family, and community.  He is the One who brings peace.  He can keep us from the distractions of the world and guide us in focusing on simplicity of the heart.  Seek Him faithfully in the year to come, and in Him you will find help.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the year that has finished, and for the year to come.  I can face the future knowing You are already there." - (from Amish Peace)