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Sunday, December 31, 2017

Song - I'm In the Savior's Hand; Poem - The Double Clasp





The John Marshall Family

The Double Clasp

The Saviour's hand - how close its hold,
That none can loosen, none can break.
No powers of heaven or earth or hell
That loving clasp can ever shake.

And over Jesus' wounded hand
The Father's hand of strength is laid,
Omnipotent to save and keep;
Thus is our surety surer made.

So, one beneath and one above,
Father and Son their hands unite.
How safe, how safe the ransomed are
Within that clasp of tender might!

Annie Johnson Flint

John 10:28-30  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.

Friday, December 29, 2017

Sew Happy Friday - Tutorial for Cute Felt-Backed Coasters


Image property of sew4hom.com

These coaster would be a fun way to add some color to a room, or they would make great gifts. One might even fit into a card to be mailed. (Check to see if it needs extra postage.)

They also look pretty easy to make. If you have scraps of felt and some stray quilting patches, these would come together quite quickly. This is also a good way to practice top-stitching if it's something you struggle with. These coasters are not a big project and can be used for awhile and then discarded. This is much better place to learn a new skill than on a garment or a big project. :-) The tutorial is at sew4home.com

Link: Felt and Fabric Coasters

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Creatures Great and Small - Winter Friends


Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 

Sparrow

White tail deer

Chickadee

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Fade, Fade, Each Earthly Joy - A Poem and A Challenge


(graphic crated at AZQuotes.com)


My husband and I have had influenza this past week, so my post today will be somewhat brief.

Fade, Fade, Each Earthly Joy

Fade, fade, each earthly joy;
Jesus is mine.
Break ev'ry tender tie;
Jesus is mine.
Dark is the wilderness,
Earth has no resting place,
Jesus alone can bless;
Jesus is mine.

Tempt not my soul away;
Jesus is mine.
Here would I ever stay;
Jesus is mine.
Perishing things of clay,
Born but for one brief day,
Pass from my heart away;
Jesus is mine.

Farewell, ye dreams of night;
Jesus is mine.
Lost in this dawning bright,
Jesus is mine.
All that my soul has tried
Left but a dismal void;
Jesus has satisfied;
Jesus is mine.

Farewell, mortality;
Jesus is mine.
Welcome, eternity;
Jesus is mine.
Welcome, O loved and blest,
Welcome, sweet scenes of rest,
Welcome, my Savior’s breast;
Jesus is mine.

-- Mrs. Catherine J. Bonar

I am reminded of my own Gramma, who did celebrate Christmas, but she got to where she did very little in her own house because she realized how much extra trouble it was and that what was done would need undoing later, and she didn't want to commit that much time and effort to it. She didn't need things to prove she loved the Lord, or that He was her joy.

Isaiah 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

What level of vanity have you spent on "the season"? How much time, money, and effort have you spent on things that have little or nothing to do with the actual birth of Jesus Christ and things of eternal value?

May I ask you a personal question? Could you enjoy celebrating Jesus' birth without all the trimmings and decorations, without all the traditions and rituals?

Earthly joys are all going to fade away and not be remembered someday anyway. Only those things of true eternal value will last, and we don't need earthly things to prove our relationship to Jesus.

What will be of lasting value?

Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 

3 John 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

1 Peter 3:3-4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 

We can choose to live with less of earthly joys and more of eternal joys now - today - by what we choose to spend our time and efforts upon, but it will take conscious effort and sacrifice. How will you minister Christ in this world today, tomorrow, any day?

Only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

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Here is a lovely presentation of this hymn by my friend, Stephanie, at The Enchanting Rose.

Fade, Fade Each Earthly Joy

Friday, December 22, 2017

FREE Scripture Graphic for Card Making and Crafts - Snow On the Earth


Here is another remake of a vintage graphic that I did. I'm not sure where I got the original, but I did some work on it before I added the verse, and I'm including both versions for you. You can save the images from here, or you can go over and download the one with the verse or the one without. (Use the download button in the lower right corner.) I am not sure if they will be a good size for printing if you save them from here since these are of a restricted size, from what I can tell.

Please do not link to these graphics from here if you are using them online, but save them to your own computer and then upload them to the place where you store graphics online for you own use. Thank you. [Note: It's ok to link from here only if you are sharing the link to this specific post on my blog on your blog or in social media. :-) ]

Enjoy!






Thursday, December 21, 2017

Tennessee Memories - Jeweled Windows






Photos taken at The Chapel of the Good Shepherd at Whitestone Inn, Kingston, Tennessee. My husband proposed to me at this place.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

The Judgment Seat of Christ - A Poem by Martha Snell Nicholson




2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 

The Judgment Seat of Christ


Swiftly and surely comes the day
When I shall keep a tryst.
The focal point of all my life --
The judgment seat of Christ.

Shall I approach that throne with dread,
With fear and stark dismay?
What will confront me, what be read
About me on that day?

I shall not stand a prisoner
Who waits with bated breath
To bear the sentence of the Judge,
If it be life or death --

All this was settled long ago.
But rather I shall stand
A servant, waiting judgment on
The work of heart and hand;

Those works in which my soul took pride
May there be judged as hay
And burned as chaff and stubble on
That all-revealing day.

Oh may there be some little deed,
Some word for Him I said;
Some work the SPIRIT energized,
Some earnest prayer I prayed;

Something entirely free from self,
Or hope of gain, or pride.
Works done for love of Him alone --
These only shall abide.

How would I feel if I should have
No crown of gold to give,
To lay before the feet of Him
Who died that I might live?

May I live my remaining days
Remembering that tryst
Which I must keep with Him before
The judgment seat of Christ!

- by Martha Snell Nicholson



1 Corinthians 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Evening Song - The Way, the Truth, and the Life


John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Friday, December 15, 2017

God, Give Us Men! - A Poem by Josiah Gilbert Holland



God, Give Us Men!


God, give us men! A time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands;
   Men who the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;
   Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor; men who will not lie;
Men who can stand before a demagogue
   And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking!
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog
   In public duty and in private thinking;
For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds,
Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps,
Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps.

- by Josiah Gilbert Holland
from The Best Loved Poems of the American People
compiled by Hazel Felleman

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Michigan Memories - Winter Roads


These photos were taken by my grandparents in the '60s and '70s. I have memories of roads like these! While they are very beautiful to look at, it is not always great to travel on roads in these conditions. :-) All of these photos were taken around Gull Lake, Michigan.






Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening



Whose woods these are I think I know. 
His house is in the village though; 
He will not see me stopping here 
To watch his woods fill up with snow. 

My little horse must think it queer 
To stop without a farmhouse near 
Between the woods and frozen lake 
The darkest evening of the year. 

He gives his harness bells a shake 
To ask if there is some mistake. 
The only other sound’s the sweep 
Of easy wind and downy flake. 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, 
But I have promises to keep, 
And miles to go before I sleep, 
And miles to go before I sleep.

- by Robert Frost

Sunday, December 10, 2017

My Neighbor's Roses - A Poem and A Lesson



My Neighbor's Roses


The roses red upon my neighbor’s vine
Are owned by him, but they are also mine.
His was the cost, and his the labor, too,
But mine as well as his the joy, their loveliness to view.

They bloom for me and are for me as fair
As for the man who gives them all his care.
Thus I am rich, because a good man grew
A rose-clad vine for all his neighbor’s view.

I know from this that others plant for me,
And what they own, my joy may also be.
So why be selfish, when so much that’s fine
Is grown for you, upon your neighbor’s vine?

by Abraham L. Gruber

When my family lived in Arizona we had a fenced yard enclosed by a chain link fence. In quite a bit of the fence there were wooden slats woven through the openings to give more privacy inside the yard. I loved growing flowers and shrubs at that time and I planted a lot of things in our yard. Among many other things, I planted hollyhocks and climbing roses along the fence.

Continue Reading.


Painting: "The Crimson Rambler" by Philip Hale

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Evening Song - Crimson River


1 John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.


The John Marshall Family

Friday, December 8, 2017

Berry Fun Friday - Tutorial to Crochet A Cute Strawberry Stitch


This strawberry stitch is just the popcorn stitch done in two different colors. It does look cute, though. Enjoy! :-)


Thursday, December 7, 2017

The Thousand Word Project - The Passing Grass


Isaiah 40:6-8  The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.



Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Writing Challenge # 11


"Mrs. Duffee Seated On A Striped Sofa Reading" by Mary Casset


This month the writing challenge will be easy. I've seen quotes to the effect that if you wish to write well, you need to read good books. So...

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The challenge is to read a good book this month. If you're up for it, read several. :-)

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You can read something that is written well and is in a style of writing that you would like to influence your own writing, whether it's for adults, children, teens, or a specific group. Sometimes the blogging world can get a little too free and easy with writing styles - by this I mean the decay of English. Reading books that lift our minds and thoughts and that will have an improving effect on our writing is a good investment of time.

Or, if you need a rest for your mind and something pleasant for a distraction this month, read something that is light recreation reading for you. These are things that RE-create - things that refresh your mind or your spirit or both, and that don't make you feel pressured to perform or achieve.

Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 

Image created at AZQuotes.com

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Thoughts from the Past: Crippling Fear




[Originally published, 7/2012; Edited, Dec. 2017.]

Proverbs 24:10  If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

Deuteronomy 33:27  The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…

Last Sunday evening a thunder shower started during the church meeting and kept on for a long time.  It was still going when we were leaving the building to head home. My friend Michelle and her littlest girl, Lucy, were going out the door at the same time I was. Another lady – a guest – was trying to help some with Lucy as she was starting to cry. Lucy started howling even more, and, assuming that it was partly because this lady was a stranger to her, I stepped in and picked Lucy up to carry her out. Well, she continued to cry and then began to writhe as toddlers will sometimes when they want to be put down. So, I put her down. To my consternation, she almost promptly fell over onto the cement. She was acting like she couldn’t function. I tried to lift her onto her feet, but she wouldn’t use her legs, she just kept them bent. 

All this time her mom, whose arms were full was saying encouraging things, but Lucy paid no attention to her. Eventually, when I was trying to hold her up and she was refusing to stand, her dad saw what was happening came out to assist, saying he would get her. I didn’t dare let go of her till he had her in his hands because she would have fallen backwards and hit her head on the cement.

She continued to cry as her dad paused to talk a minute, explaining to me that she was scared of the thunder. Still, she would put her head down on her dad’s shoulder and let him comfort her a bit, but when the thunder crashed again (and it wasn’t really loud thunder), she would howl and writhe and maybe even throw herself around a bit as if she wanted to be put down. She was perfectly safe in his arms. He wasn’t going to put her down – that would have only meant another fall for her as her fear was so overwhelming that she apparently forgot how to walk when it happened. But, she wouldn’t be comforted, she wouldn’t be assured, she would not rest in the safety of her father’s arms and be at peace. As the lady who had tried to help earlier said, Lucy probably was frightened because she did not understand the storm.

Speaking to my husband later about this little by-play, it crossed my mind how we are like that at times with our heavenly Father. Something happens that we don’t understand, or perhaps we are made frightened by events going on around us in the world or are fearful about the future; but rather than standing on our own two legs of faith, as it were, we begin to thrash around and stumble and become so overcome with our fear that we even fall and may injure ourselves, figuratively speaking. Fear can have very real physical effects. It can be debilitating. 

Perhaps our brothers or sisters in Christ see it is necessary to come along side of us and try to help to keep us on our feet, though that is a blessing, there is only so much they can do, especially when we refuse to be helped.

Ultimately, we need to rest in the everlasting arms of our heavenly Father. Yet, how often do we thrash and howl and writhe even while the Lord is trying to bring peace and comfort to our troubled minds and hearts! How apt we are to resist the very One who is …the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  2 Corinthians 1:3! We are so overwhelmed by our own terror that we can’t realize that we are safe in the arms of God, and even more we fail to hear His word and believe it. We can’t even comprehend it because we are allowing ourselves to be governed by the spirit of fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

Fear is a natural response in some situations, and it is a useful reaction to keep us from injuring ourselves, attempting foolish things, going into dangerous situations and such like. When people say that “fear is sin” in a blanket statement they are misrepresenting the thing, which is unhelpful. But, fear is also something that can be totally unfounded, irrational, or exaggerated far beyond what a situation may call for. This is why our adversary uses it to his advantage.

1 Peter 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 

The roaring of the lion causes fear and panic in those who are candidates to be his victims. But, as Christians we are told to be sober and vigilant – not so panic stricken that we can’t function properly. I know this can be very hard. As a person who deals with anxiety struggles, I know that it can be very easy to allow ourselves to be overwhelmed to the point of uncontrollable fear.

I find it interesting to note the verses just before and just after 1 Peter 5:8. First regarding the Lord, it tells us: 1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. And, then regarding the roaring adversary it continues in 1 Peter 5:9, Whom resist stedfast in the faith…

Getting back to little Lucy, though, and her refusal to accept her father’s comfort and care, another verse comes to mind. Colossians 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

The key there is in the letting. God gives us a choice in this matter. Lucy’s father could not make her be comforted or at peace. She had to choose that. As a toddler, this was something hard for her to do. We understand that, and I’m sure our heavenly Father understands our struggle as well since …he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. Psalms 103:14 That is a blessing. But, I know Lucy’s dad would have liked to see her accept her safety in his arms and be at rest. How much more do you think our heavenly Father would be blessed to see us rest in His infinite, all powerful, sustaining arms? How much more does He know that it is for our good to accept His admonition to let His peace rule in our hearts?

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.


Vintage graphic: source unknown

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Evening Song - I Am His and He is Mine


Jeremiah 31:3  The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

The Thousand Word Project - Autumn Memories In Texas




Goldenrod


Coleus - red plants above, and below.


These photos were taken at the Shangri La Botanical Gardens in Orange, Texas when we visited in the Fall of 2011.

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Hard Questions: Can You, Should You Give Thanks for That?



Can You, Should You Be Thankful for That?

Excerpt:

Christians sometimes quote 1 Thessalonians 5:18, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. They may emphasize “In every thing…” and say that we don’t have to give thanks for everything. Yet the Spirit of God clearly tells us through Paul in another place that we should be thankful for all things.

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

A friend of mine was posting a “31 days of gratitude challenge” in October on Facebook. One of her questions was “What pain are you grateful for?” I had to honestly answer that I couldn’t say that I was thankful for my anxiety disorder, but that it has taught me some important lessons for which I’m thankful. I also haven’t learned to be thankful for migraines, although I am thankful for the sympathy I’ve learned for others through them. But, this shows my limitations, not that it is impossible to give always thanks for all things. I should be thankful for that pain, despite its hardship. Anything that pushes us closer to Jesus Christ and causes us to cast ourselves more wholly upon Him is something to be thankful for, unpleasant as that seems. Like contentment, it is something that we generally have to learn.

Read the whole article here.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Evening Song - No Other Name/Precious Name





The John Marshall Family

Philippians 2:7-11  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Friday, November 24, 2017

FREE - Scripture Coloring Page - Leaves




Earlier this year my husband bought me an iPad as a birthday gift. Because he bought me a keyboard to go with it, it has turned out to be a very useful tool for writing. This is primarily because I can sit anywhere to type now, for which I'm very thankful.

He also got me the "Pencil" (stylus) for coloring and drawing. The coloring has been very relaxing and has been helpful in reducing stress. The drawing (mostly tracing really) has been enjoyable as well, although it is more intense physically.

I had thought it would be a good tool for drawing coloring pictures to share here, however, after printing off this copy, I find that the lines are more pixelated than I care for. This is probably either the program or my lack of ability in using it, so I will have to see if I can correct this. However, I decided to share this one with you anyway and you can take it or leave it as you wish.

To download the largest size of this page click here and then click the download icon/button in the lower right corner. This is intended to be printed on 8.5" x 11" printer paper. If you try to save the image here on the blog (above) you will probably be disappointed because it will be much lower quality and probably will turn out very poorly when printed, so please go on over to my smugmug page to download it. :-)

Here is an example that I colored myself with colored pencils.


Thursday, November 23, 2017

Thanksgiving Greetings 2017



Thank and Praise Jehovah's Name


Thank and Praise Jehovah’s Name;
For His mercies, firm and sure,
From eternity the same
To eternity endure.

Let the ransomed thus rejoice,
Gathered out of every land,
As the people of His choice,
Plucked from the destroyer’s hand.

Let the elders praise the Lord,
Him let all the people praise,
When they meet with one accord,
In His courts on holy days.

Praise Him, ye who know His love;
Praise Him from the depths beneath;
Praise Him in the heights above;
Praise your Maker all that breathe.

For His truth and mercy stand,
Past, and present, and to be,
Like the years of His right hand—
Like His own eternity.

- James Mountain

Revelation 7:11-12  And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Thanks to God for Our Redeemer



Thanks to God for Our Redeemer


Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!

Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!

Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!

- August L. Storm
member of the Salvation Army in Sweden

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Evening Song - Come, Christian, Join to Sing


Ephesians 5:18-20  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Friday, November 17, 2017

Feel Good Friday - Mi Tierra - An Immigrant Story Worth Hearing


This is the true story of the results of the efforts of a Mexican immigrant couple who started a restaurant in San Antonio, Texas. The place has become a landmark through generations of hard work, attention to detail, and quality food and service.


Thursday, November 16, 2017

The Thousand Word Project - The Rustling Grass



This is my Father's world:
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

- Maltbie D. Babcock

(Excerpt from "This Is My Father's World.")

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Was Jesus Homeless?




Something that has come across my path from time to time in various ways is the idea that Jesus was a homeless person. This is used to make Him "relate-able" to homeless people, but I think it is primarily intended to make Christians feel guilty about how they treat the homeless.

Ministering to the poor is an important duty. It is mentioned in the New Testament a number of times. We also see God having pity upon the poor and encouraging us to do so over and over in scripture.

Galatians 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 

Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. 

Psalm 9:17-18 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.

But, in our zeal to acknowledge the suffering of the homeless it is not appropriate to misrepresent the Lord Jesus Christ.

The thing is that Jesus wasn't homeless. I think that people get the idea He was from this verse:

Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 

He had nowhere to lay His head on this earth, but heaven was still His home. He left His home to come and save us.

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

It was still his father's house, and it was His home. He voluntarily gave up the comforts of His home to be a servant, to walk in the dirt and grime of this world, and to minister; ultimately to bring us eternal salvation. He endured many privations, the suffering of life on this earth, and the horrible death of the cross so that He could make heaven our home too!

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

1 Peter 2:21-25 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Because Jesus Christ did all that for us, we are called to follow His example.

We are also told to be content with food and raiment.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

If you don't have a house, or a car, or a bank account, or property, but only the clothes on your back and some "daily bread," you still have a home if your are a child of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Your home is heaven.

Oh, that is so easy to say and so terribly hard to live out in real life. I have heard and read of believers who were actually homeless and living on the street. This may happen for a number of reasons, and war and persecutions have been two that have caused this throughout the history of the church. In ancient Rome during the severe persecutions a lot of Christians even lived in the tombs under the city - the catacombs, as they are called (which takes some of the awfulness off of the face of it because that word isn't commonly used).

Hebrews 11:37-38 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

My own family was once "homeless" for a few months when a man told my dad to move to California because he had a job and a house for him there. My dad loaded us up (we were four total at the time) and we drove out west from Michigan, only to discover that there was no job and no house. We were just about 7 months home from the missionfield at the time and my dad had thought this was God's leading, so it must have hit him pretty hard. Well, it was the Lord's will, but we had to wait for three months. Thankfully, the man who got us into the mess opened his home for us to live in, but those were difficult days. [Eventually the Lord opened up a place for my dad to serve as a pastor. It was his first pastorate and possibly his best, but we had to go through that trial of not having an earthly home of our own to get there. And, by the way, pastors who live in parsonages do not own "homes" anyway. We lived in that situation for many years.]

I have also known missionaries who lived in very limited situations - in tiny cinder block houses, in a small space within a church building or Bible Institute building, in tiny apartments, in mud houses, in jungle huts, etc. None of them were places they could really call their own. This is part of following the example of Jesus Christ to do His will.

These are the sort of things that happen sometimes to pilgrims who are on a journey to their eternal home. Because we are not called to have nice houses and comfortable lives all the time, or even most of the time in some cases, we often learn to look more hopefully and joyfully to the future home in heaven. Probably this is what the Lord intends by allowing these situations. But no matter the circumstances, we are never really "homeless" and even the best that this world has to offer should be nothing but a temporary dwelling place for us while we "...look for a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Hebrews 11:10

1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 

Hebrews 11:13-16 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 

We are strangers and pilgrims on this earth, but we have a home in heaven and someday we are going to go there.

Jesus was not "homeless" and neither are we.

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The Lights of Home

O the friends that now are waiting,
In the cloudless realms of day,
Who are calling me to follow
Where their steps have led the way;
They have laid aside their armor,
And their earthly course is run;
They have kept the faith with patience
And their crown of life is won.

Refrain:
They are calling, gently calling,
Sweetly calling me to come,
And I’m looking through the shadows
For the blessèd lights of home.

They have laid aside their armor
For the robe of spotless white;
And with Jesus they are walking
Where the river sparkles bright.
We have labored here together,
We have labored side by side,
Just a little while before me
They have crossed the rolling tide.

On those dear familiar faces
There will be no trace of care;
Every sigh was hushed forever
At the palace gate so fair.
I shall see them, I shall know them,
I shall hear their song of love,
And we’ll all sing hallelujah
In our Father’s house above.

- Fanny J. Crosby

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Since Yesterday 

Along the golden streets
A stranger walks tonight
With wonder in his heart --
Faith blossomed into sight.

He walks and stops and stares,
And walks and stares again.
Vistas of loveliness
Beyond the dreams of men.

He who once was weak,
And often shackled to a bed,
Now climbs eternal hills
With light and easy tread.

He has escaped at last
The cruel clutch of pain;
His lips shall never taste
Her bitter cup again.

O never call him dead,
This buoyant one and free,
Whose daily portion is
Delight and ecstasy!

Now bows in speechless joy
Before the feet of Him
Whom, seeing not, he loved
While yet his sight was dim.

Along the golden streets
No stranger walks today,
But one who, long homesick,
Is home at last, to stay!


- Martha Snell Nicholson

Also see: The Road that Leads Home

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Evening Song - So Send I You


John 15:18-21  If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Just to Let You Know...Internet Problems




I wanted to let you know that we have been having some trouble with our Internet connection. It has been going completely off, or becoming so slow that it is impossible to post things here. This was the cause for my delay in getting last Sunday's post up. It was ready Saturday night, but connection was too lousy to get the whole job done. It posted fine to the Home Maker's Corner in the late afternoon, but by evening when I was setting up the post here it was too slow.

So, if I fail to get a post up at a usual time, it may be that my internet is just too slow or completely off. I did miss one post in October due to health, but for the most part it is a problem of connectivity.

I do have some posts pre-scheduled through the beginning of January, so, Lord willing those at least will go up without interference, although there’s still no guarantee. :-) 

We do have another option that might be somewhat more reliable, but it is a significant increase in price, so we haven’t made the decision to switch yet. We have called our present provider more than once and they "pretend" to make repairs, but we've come to the conclusion that they need to replace a major piece of line and they don't want to do it, so... We live on a country road with low population compared to the larger housing developments being built in our general area, so we are very low priority out here!

Thanks for you patience in this.

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P.S. I realized I should add a thought. One thing I need to do is to make sure to do my internet chores when it's actually working. We tend to get used to things being a certain way and grow to depend upon it always being that way. I know people in other countries and situations sometimes don't have power or water all of the time, so they learn to do the chores and stuff that require those things when they do have it. I just need to make sure I do my blogging and web page work when I can. :-)

Thursday, November 9, 2017

The Thousand Word Project - Fallen Gems







“Her pleasure in the walk must arise from the exercise and the day, from the view of the last smiles of the year upon the tawny leaves and withered hedges, and from repeating to herself some few of the thousand poetical descriptions extant of autumn--that season of peculiar and inexhaustible influence on the mind of taste and tenderness--that season which has drawn from every poet worthy of being read some attempt at description, or some lines of feeling.”

- Jane Austen, Persuasion

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Words Mean Things - An "Attitude of Gratitude"?





Here's a new item I wrote earlier this year and thought I'd post in November since it fits the time of year here in the U.S. (and belatedly in Canada, perhaps). This is from the "Words Mean Things" section at The Home Maker's Corner.

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An "Attitude of Gratitude"?

Revelation 7:11-12 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Every once in awhile a Christian cliché comes along that ends up getting way overused in a general sense. There have been others over the years, particularly Christmas related ones. However, one that I remember from the 1980s was "What would Jesus do?"  It was conveniently shortened to WWJD and then plastered all over all kinds of merchandise that had nothing whatsoever to do with the question or with Jesus Christ. Thankfully, at some point it mostly died down of natural causes - mainly too much exposure.

A recent cliché or platitude that has been overused in some situations is the little phrase "attitude of gratitude." It is worked into different comments, devotionals, sermons and so forth. I suspect the reason for its overuse is that it is "catchy," it is a hook that tends to grab attention. I believe this is primarily because of the way it rhymes, rather than its depth of thought. At any rate, I have grown weary of hearing it.

I think there are several reasons why I find it bothersome:

The first is obvious. It is has been overused. Anything that is used too much can become tiresome. Even some scripture phrases and verses have had this happen, sad to say.

Continue Reading.

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Evening Song - Wonderful Words of Life


Jeremiah 15:16  Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Writing Challenge #10



Psalms 45:1  My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

November is NaNoWrMo - National Novel Writing Month. This is the challenge to write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. You can read more about it at the link, but suffice to say that it has grown into a rather large yearly writing event.

Now, I do not plan to participate in that, although I have been toying with writing a novel. I don't think I'd do well trying to meet a specific deadline of 50,000 words in one month on one specific project, and also I don't want to submit my writings to a web site which may or may not keep a copy of my work for their own purposes. (Yes, I'm a suspicious person when it comes to certain areas of human nature. Not without cause, as thousands of years of human history have shown.)

But, as I was thinking about that challenge, it occurred to me that a more possible challenge for November, from my perspective, would be to strive to write every day. I know. Someone may be surprised to learn that I don't do that anyway. I do write a lot, but I tend to write in "spurts." Although I've wanted to make the effort to write at least something daily, I have not done so yet to date. I made some progress this year for sure, but definitely didn't get there and I would like to be a more "ready writer." So...

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This month's challenge is write something at least 100 words long every day.

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It doesn't have to be a lot or well planned, in fact it can be a very rough draft. It can be in your journal, on you blog, a letter or email to someone, a poem, a love note to your spouse or family member, or a larger project on which you want to make progress. It doesn't have to be a complete post, letter, chapter, etc. as long as it's progress toward a goal. It can be a short outline of something you want to write more completely at a later date. I am possibly being too easy on us, except that I know how hard it is to form a daily habit of writing and I want to address that myself. :-)

We also won't count the first day since I'm posting this so late. :-) It's already November 2nd in a lot of places!

Updates on other challenges and a question:

I did write a new nature themed poem for the September challenge, but I didn't get it done until early October. It was an autumn themed poem, but I am not happy with the results, so it needs more work and won't be published until later.

I don't know if anyone else is participating in any of these challenges, but I have quite enjoyed them so far and so I'm continuing on with it for now. If you are interested and/or participating I would really like to know either in the comments or in email. As we approach the end of the year I would like to know if it is worth while to continue to share these challenges, or if I should do them for my own private enjoyment only. Would you, the reader, rather see something more like the old challenges that I did before? Or would you like to see both types - the writing challenges, and something for a wider audience to do as well? Please let me know your thoughts. :-)

See the other writing challenges here.



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Photo in title: unknown source
Bottom graphic created at AZQuotes.com

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Thoughts from Hymns - Fight the Good Fight of Faith




1 Timothy 6:12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Fight the Good Fight

Fight the good fight with all thy might;
Christ is thy strength, and Christ thy right;
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
Thy joy and crown eternally.

Run the straight race through God’s good grace,
Lift up thine eyes, and seek His face;
Life with its way before us lies,
Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.

Cast care aside, lean on thy Guide,
His boundless mercy will provide;
Trust, and thy trusting soul shall prove
Christ is its life and Christ its love.

Faint not nor fear, for He is near,
He changeth not, and thou art dear;
Only believe, and thou shalt see
That Christ is all in all to thee.

John S. B. Monsell

There is much sorrow, and foolishness, and fear and trembling in the world these days. It seems more and more like the end of all things is at hand, 1 Peter 4:7. But, there is one thing we need to focus on in the midst of all this – we have a battle to fight which supersedes these things.  It is not a war against flesh and blood, but it is the spiritual battle of the Christian life. 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

There are so many Christians in the United States who are focused on the “right to bear arms” – to own guns. This is not the good fight of faith. Dear ones for Christ’s sake, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal because our battle is not carnal – that is to say, it is not with flesh and blood.

Ephesians 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [Emphasis added]

We should not be fighting for the right to keep and use carnal weapons. Though they may serve a useful purpose (which I agree with), they are not the weapons of our warfare. They are a useful method of defending ourselves against general villainy (see Luke 22:36-28 where Jesus said that two swords were enough among 11 men!), and for hunting food. But, the weapons of our warfare must be spiritual weapons because it is a spiritual battle. The armor of God is spiritual armor.

Ephesians 6:13-17  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

We are not defending nor establishing a physical kingdom. Jesus Christ Himself said, …My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. John 18:36 His Kingdom will not be of this world until He comes back Himself with the armies of heaven to establish it (see Rev. 19).

Our warfare is to fight the good fight – the spiritual warfare. Christ is our right. He has promised Himself to us. Hebrews 13:5-6  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Our goal is to run the straight race through God's grace, Heb. 12:1; to lay hold on eternal life, 1 Tim. 6:12 &19; to …press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, Philippians. 3:14.  We can cast the cares of this present life on the Lord, 1 Pt. 5:7; and trust in the boundless mercy of God, finding His love and life enough and totally sustaining!

“Faint not nor fear, for He is near,
He changeth not, and thou are dear...”

Perhaps these are the most beautiful words in this whole song. In a time when many are fainting (giving up the battle and giving way to worldliness and false teachings) and fearing, it is so important to …earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude vs. 3In a time when we are being regularly bombarded with “facts” that should cause us terror about every aspect of life, with claims that we are being spied upon, poisoned, and messed with by higher powers we have no control over, it is so important that we remember that our God is near. Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

And, He changes not! This is a wonderful blessing, and when connected with His love for us it is a great comfort! Malachi 3:6  For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. If the unchanging Lord so loves the sons of Jacob, we can be assured that His love for believers now will not change! In the battle of the Christian life this should be a constant point of encouragement and blessing - we, in all our unworthiness, are dear to the Almighty, Holy God who created all things!

Only believe, and thou shalt see
That Christ is all in all to thee.

1 Timothy 1:18-19  This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

We must “hold faith” lest we also make shipwreck. It is only through the power of the Lord Jesus that we can fight the good fight of faith. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Ephesians 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

If we do believe, we will find the great truth that Jesus Christ is all in all to us, that He is all we need, and that all the spiritual blessings God has available are available through Him. Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Like the Apostle Paul, let us strive to be able to say with him, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”  2 Timothy 4:7-8

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My blogging friend Stephanie at the Enchanting Rose made a lovely and thoughtful presentation of this hymn which you can see at here: Fight the Good Fight with All Thy Might.



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First published here Oct. 2012.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Three Fun Watercolor Texture Techniques


Here is a tutorial from Teela Cunningham for three interesting watercolor techniques. These would be fun to do on greeting cards, or just fun experiments for the kids to do with their watercolor paints.

NOTE: Parent supervision is advised for younger kids using the bleach method.
Also please Do Not leave your paintbrushes sitting in the saltwater or bleach water solutions! I recommend not leaving them in any water, but these solutions could cause damage to brushes. Also, I'd suggest using a cheaper or older brush for the bleach solution as it might cause some damage to the brush even if you rinse it soon afterwards.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

The Thousand Word Project - An Autumn Glow


Isaiah 60:1  Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.


Chrysanthemums


Saturday, October 21, 2017

Evening Song - How Big Is God?


Romans 11:33-36  O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Sew Happy Friday - A Quick and Easy Potholder Tutorial


This is a quick, neat, and easy way to make a potholder (hot mat) for you kitchen or dining table. These would make nice housewarming gifts, among other things. For the batting you can use 100% cotton batting (wadding), heatproof batting, or a 100% cotton washcloth (without rounded corners). Do not use synthetic batting as it may melt with heat. This would be a great way to use up scraps or leftover 10" squares.

Enjoy! :-)