Short Thought - Don't Mistake God's Kindness for Weakness

A lot of bad behavior and wickedness gets overlooked in the name of the false "kindness" practiced by our present world. Because of this, there are people who have trouble understanding that God can be both kind and a righteous judge who will take vengeance on evil. They have mistaken kindness for weakness.

Jonah knew better. He knew that God would judge the sin of the unrepentant harshly, which is what he wanted for Nineveh. Because he also knew that God was kind, gracious and forgiving, he decided to try force God to judge the people he personally hated by refusing to give them the opportunity to repent. 

Jonah 4:2  And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.

God is long suffering. He is patient. He is kind. But, He is not weak. When the day of reckoning comes, He will judge with the absolute righteous standard that only He possesses. Romans 12:19b ...for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 

That is a solid promise. He will repay.

Are you banking on God's kindness to you as weakness and thinking that He will ignore your sin and never hold you accountable? Is someone you love living this way? There is no "right time" to play fast and loose with the vengeance and justice of God. You may think He is weak because He is kind, but you couldn't be more mistaken. 

2 Corinthians 6:2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Don't imagine that because God has been kind to you this long that you can continue living in sin or rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today is the day of salvation. God is not weak. He does not ignore sin. The day or reckoning is coming. This would be a very good day to confess and forsake your sin, or to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ if you are not already born again. Don't mistake His kindness for weakness.

Evening Song - My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Psalm 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 

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The Thousand Word Project - Strawberry Parfait

 

Dianthus

Worth Repeating - The Red Seas of Life

Some years back we heard a sermon on the subject of the crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus 14. I couldn’t help thinking of these two poems, which I love, and which have been a comfort and encouragement to me. May God bless them to you as well.
[First published here in 2012. Edited 2025.]

----------------------------

The Red Sea
by Martha Snell Nicholson

When the Children of Israel crossed the sea,
It comforts my heart to know
That there must have been timorous ones
Who faltered and feared to go;

Feared the ribbon of road which stretched
Ahead like a narrow track,
With the waves piled high on either side,
And nothing to hold them back­

Nothing to hold them back but a Hand
They could neither see nor feel;
Their God seemed distant and far away,
And only the peril real.

Yet the fearful ones were as safe as the brave,
For the mercy of God is wide.
Craven, and fearless, He led them all
Dry shod to the other side.

And I think of the needless terror and pain
We bring, to our own Red Sea.
Strengthen Thy timorous ones, dear Lord,
And help us to trust in Thee!

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.

----------------------------

One thought that crossed my mind was how we sometimes make mud puddles into Red Seas. Life surely brings us the apparently impassible seas that require a miracle from our Lord to get us through. But, to be honest there are times when it isn’t a Red Sea at all, but we imagine it is.  I have a natural tendency toward this myself, and I know at least some of you do as well. Regardless of how big the “sea” really is, what a mercy it is from God that He is not limited by our timidity or lack of imagination! 

Ephesians 3:20-21  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

----------------------------

A Red Sea Place
by Annie Johnson Flint

Have you come to the Red Sea place in your life,
Where in spite of all you can do,
There is no way out, there is no way back,
There is no other way but through?
Then wait on the Lord with a trust serene
Till the night of your fear is gone;
He will send the wind, He will heap the floods,
When He says to your soul "Go on."

And His hand will lead you through - clear through -
Ere the watery walls roll down,
No foe can reach you, no wave can touch,
No mightiest sea can drown;
The tossing billows may rear their crests,
Their foam at your feet may break,
But over their bed you shall walk dryshod
In the path that your Lord will make.

In the morning watch, ‘neath the lifted cloud,
You shall see but the Lord alone,
When He leads you on from the place of the sea,
To a land that you have not known;
And your fears shall pass as your foes have passed,
You shall no more be afraid;
You shall sing His praise in a better place,
A place that His hand has made.

Psalm 106:9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

----------------------------

Oh, how frightening it is to the flesh to be in a place where “There is no way out, there is no way back, There is no other way but through..” How we tend to chafe and struggle and doubt, even after we’ve seen the mighty power of God over and over, as the Israelites had in Egypt. Would to God our response could always be the response of Moses. Exodus 14:13-14  And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.  The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

It is so hard to stand still and hold our peace when we think we are about to be destroyed and we imagine God isn’t paying attention. Remember the disciples in the boat when Jesus was sleeping and the storm of wind came up? Luke 8:23-24  But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. These men had also witnessed the power of God to perform miracles, and yet they thought that their ship was going to sink and they were going to perish when the Son of God was with them! How silly! Yet, how like us. How like me!

What can we do? 

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Philippians 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

1 Peter 1:13  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

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. 

Evening Song - He That Dwells In the Secret Place

Psalm 91:1-16 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. 

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Tennessee Memories - Hollyhocks

 

Hollyhocks

A Random List from My Life - June 2025

 

I haven't done one of these lists for a long, long time. I ran across one from years back and decided it might be good to do one again. :-) Some things don't change much, but others do. It's interesting to see the differences from my point of view.

Recently I have been…

Making: color palette cards for art, crafting, and graphic design using some of my own photographs.

Cooking: New recipes that are higher in protein and low in sugar.

Reading: Various books. For research purposes I'm reading "Becoming Free Indeed" by Jinger Duggar Vuolo. Making lots of notes. :-) Also, Jeremiah - a saddish, challenging book.

Wanting: courage to get rid of more things, and answers to some life questions. Also to get back to our game nights with my dad.

Seeing: more of the good things in the people I love.

Playing: with color and different food options.

Deciding: what to put in the donate pile, what to put in "possibly keep" boxes, and what to actually keep.

Wishing: for more strength and stamina.

Enjoying: God's creation.

Working: on catching up. (Does this ever change?) Also, on thinning out our stuff.

Liking: seeing things so green here this year after having some dry summers for awhile. Thank you, Lord!

Wondering: what the next step is for us, and also for a family member. Also wondering how the Lord will work out all the details in some situations.

Loving: having my husband work from home a few days several weeks in a row. A rare treat these days.

Pondering: which direction my ministries should take. Also how two people can make so much mess and also dirty laundry and dishes. Hohum.

Remembering: my grandparents and mom.

Watching: the baby foxes play and sleep outside our dining room window. It has been a delightful blessing from the Lord.

Marveling: at the trust the mama fox has had in us to locate her babies so close to our house. Admittedly, we don't use the door on that side a lot, and so we don't wander around that section of the yard much. However, she appears to have removed them now. It was delightful while it lasted. :-) 

Hoping: I can get some more things done that will make a significant difference around here. Also, that the rain won't stop completely and leave us with a high fire risk. (Praying about that!)

Needing: to clean up this house! Also, to be more diligent in my Bible reading.

Smelling: yummy food smells.

Wearing: cooler things.

Noticing: the beauty of the trees, and how good a breeze feels when I'm out walking. Thank you, Lord!

Knowing: that things are fixing to change, but not yet sure how that is going to look. And that the Lord has a plan, and we are going to just have to wait to see how He arranges things.

Thinking: out loud. (Is this a new menopausal phase?)

Feeling: overwhelmed by all the things that need doing. Also, gradually feeling more at home in our "new" church.

Admiring: our cats. They are such pretty animals.

Buying: clothes and supplements and some blank books.

Getting: tired too easily. Also getting new glasses, which have turned out so much better than the last two attempts! I just praise the Lord for His kindness in helping me finally get some I can actually use!

Writing: in my journal that I'm trying to keep this year of my life. I admit that it isn't a daily habit, but I try to keep up with the things that seem worth noting down. It has been a good thing.

Giggling: at the cute antics of the fox pups. Also at the furry funniness of our cats.

Feeling: a bit uncertain about the future and what is coming for us. Also feeling frustrated at my slow progress on things that need doing.

Having: trouble sleeping some nights. It's mostly due to finding it difficult to get comfortable.

Looking forward to: our new bed arriving, and hopefully improving the quality of my sleep.

Learning: Spanish. Sort of. I'm trying. This past week or two I've not kept up with the lessons well, but I intend to keep working on it. My husband is doing really well at it.

Listening: among other things, to some YouTube chats by a Christian author. Listening to her talk has inspired me a bit to work more on my writing. Also to think again about doing my own videos or pod casts. 

Psalm 90:12-17 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. 

Summer - A Poem

Summer

The long, long days of summer,

The sunny days are here;

The ripening grain is bending,

The air is soft and clear.

O God, Thy tender mercies

Like evening dews descend;

Thou givest rain and sunshine,

On Thee our hopes depend.

The glowing heat at noontide,

The hush of evening’s calm,

Remind us of Thy presence,

To Thee we raise our psalm.

In life’s fair summer weather,

Oh, may we look to Thee;

And when the storms o’ertake us,

Our refuge Thou shalt be.

Julia H. Johnston

Psalm 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Psalm 74:16-18 The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun. Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter. Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

Evening Song - My Hope Is In the Lord

 Psalm 39:7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.

 Lamentations 3:24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

This video is done poorly as the person who made it seemed to like the old TV effect of the flipping screen which may be very distracting to some people. For this reason I have made it small. If it bothers you, please scroll down so that it is out of sight while you listen, because this really is worth listening to. This grand hymn written by Norman Clayton is sung here by Alfred B. Smith, the musician and the editor of one of me favorite hymnals - Living Hymns. The words are below.

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My Hope Is In the Lord

My hope is in the Lord
Who gave Himself for me
And paid the price
Of all my sin at Calvary.

Chorus:

For me He died;
For me He lives,
And everlasting life
And light He freely gives.

No merit of my own
His anger to suppress
My only hope is found
In Jesus' righteousness

Chorus

And now for me He stands
Before the Father's throne
He shows His wounded hands
And names me as His own

Chorus

His grace has planned it all
'Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love
And Christ receive.

Norman J. Clayton

Tennessee Memories - Summer Day Part 2

Maiden hair fern

Queen Anne's Lace

Guest Post - A Work In Progress

Today I'm sharing a post from my dad.

A Work In Progress

By Stephen Van Nattan
Edited by Mary E. Stephens

That is what we are. When a person hears the Gospel, understands it, and confesses faith in Jesus Christ, a process starts. No one ever was made perfect the instant they were born again.

1 John 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

"Perfected" in this text means COMPLETE. The cup is empty, and it is filled in time. The yarn is woven by grandma's hands, maybe for many days, and eventually the sweater is completed.

So, how do we keep the process going forward and not stop and live an unfinished life?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 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, throughly furnished unto all good works.

There is NO WAY you can arrive at Christian perfection in a moment of time. It takes a lifetime for most of us. We must stop this clever trick of using this fact to explain our slowness and sin as we move through the process. If you know you are not making progress toward perfection, you are backslidden. You need to repent and get back in the race with the rest of the saints on their way to perfection.

But, there is a caution here. I will illustrate.

Ed had been born again for years. He loved the Lord and participated in leadership in his local church., Ed also smoked. He was one of the few people who smoke in moderation and not in addiction, and smoking was a pleasure to him, not a burden.

Ed was walking downtown, and a lady from his church came along with her young son. Ed always removed his cigarette and held it to the side instead of smoking while talking to people. The lady and Ed chatted for a while, and as they parted, the young son told his mother, "Mommy, it must be OK to smoke, Uncle Ed smokes."

The boy considered Ed a godly man. When Ed heard the boy's words, he was smitten deeply. He decided on the spot to stop smoking if his choice would cause a boy to violate the teachings of his mother. Ed quit cold turkey never to smoke again.

That is how we are perfected. The key is that Ed was ready to be taught by the Holy Spirit. When the scene played out, which was clearly planned by God the Holy Spirit, Ed did the right thing and moved on to perfection.

Are you teachable? Can the Holy Spirit arrange for you to have a life experience, or read some text from the Bible, and you will at once see God talking to you and move on to perfection?

That is exactly what the Apostle Paul is talking about here:

Philippians 3:12-14 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Get this straight please...

1. The great Apostle clearly did not consider himself a completed (perfected) work. Stop parking in front of your failures.

2. Follow after. Grab ahold (Apprehend) of the life God offers you just up ahead.

3. Keep PRESSING toward the mark. This is Paul using the public games of Rome again. The prize is perfection, and it is a race to be run to win it.

Again, are you teachable? Are you still running the race? If you do this, you WILL reach the prize one day. We are not talking about sinless perfection, a doctrine of devils taught by some. We are talking about arriving where God wants you to be.

One last question we have to answer: How do I know when I am perfect the way the Bible teaches?

Jesus answers:

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

As long as you have something you need to deal with in your life in order to be like God, you are still a work in progress.

So, you will never be as perfect as God in this life. What does this mean? It means you will never stop running in this race until you are in the presence of God.

Don't stop now, please.

Don't worry. Anything you do not get right now will be taken care of by Jesus:

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Evening Song - God Is Still Holy

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

Psalm 99:5 Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. 

Psalm 145:17-19 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. 

Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 

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Tennessee Memories - Summer Day Part 1

All things bright and beau­ti­ful,
All crea­tures great and small,
All things wise and won­der­ful:
The Lord God made them all.

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Al­migh­ty,
Who has made all things well.

Cecil F. Alexander

Evening Song - Keep On the Firing Line

1 Timothy 1:18 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; 

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. 

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; 

Ephesians 6:12-18 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. 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: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 

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The Thousand Word Project - The Noise and Delicate Beauty

Cicada wing

Summer Suns Are Glowing

 

Summer suns are glowing

Over land and sea;

Happy light is flowing,

Bountiful and free;

Everything rejoices

In the mellow rays;

Earth’s ten thousand voices

Swell the psalm of praise.

God’s free mercy streameth

Over all the world,

And His banner gleameth,

By His church unfurled;

Broad and deep and glorious,

As the heaven above,

Shines in might victorious

His eternal love.

Lord, upon our blindness

Thy pure radiance pour;

For Thy lovingkindness

We would love Thee more;

And when clouds are drifting

Dark across the sky,

Then, the veil uplifting,

Father, be Thou nigh.

We will never doubt Thee,

Though Thou veil Thy light;

Life is dark without Thee,

Death with Thee is bright;

Light of light, shine o’er us

On our pilgrim way;

Go Thou still before us

To the endless day.

William W. How

Philippians 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Psalm 4:6  There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

Isaiah 60:1-2  Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

Evening Song - God Leads His Dear Children Along

Psalm 23:1-6  The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 

Isaiah 48:17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. 

Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 

Job 35:10 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; 

Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 

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Tennessee Memories - Spectacular Evening

From every stormy wind that blows,

From every swelling tide of woes,

There is a calm, a sure retreat:

'Tis found beneath the mercy seat.

Hugh Stowell

Evening Song - I Will Never Leave Thee

Hebrews 13:5 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. 

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

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Tennessee Memories - Mauve Ruffles

 

Worth Repeating - A Few Words to "The Mother Club" on Behalf of the Hurting Ones Outside

 

Here is a new article I wrote on the Home Maker’s Corner. I hope that you will make the time to read this if you are a Christian woman. It is something that has been heavy on my heart and the Lord brought about a situation that forced me to get this said. (First published in 2014.)

A Few Words to "The Mother Club"
on Behalf of the Hurting Ones Outside

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own...

Recently I read a blog post by a well-meaning lady who was addressing an important subject.  She was debunking the "perfect family" ideal that has developed, thanks largely to Quiverfull, Hyper "Biblical Patriarchy" and Family Inclusive Churches.  This is the ideology that large families are more special, more blessed, have better "quivers" and are generally more to be admired by Christians than small families.  (And, let me say here that I have no problem with large families if that's what the parents want.)  The attitudes of some become almost idolatrous, if not fully so.  I was very glad to see her dealing with this subject as it is a serious issue.  No mother should be made to feel like a failure or inferior because she "only" has one or two or three kids!

However - my heart was also very deeply hurt by this lady's article (which is one reason I'm not sharing the link or quotes).  As I read her article I was so glad she was saying many of the things she said and yet so torn because of all the things she missed and even the things she was making worse and more hurtful for others.  You see, for all her good intentions she totally missed the fact that mothers of small families are not the only ones that are hurt by the "motherhood IS our identity" ideal.  She pointed out that women who are mothers to one or two or even adopted children are still "in the club" of motherhood.  I sat there and grieved in my heart for all of us who are mother to none.

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - The Lily of the Valley

Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 

Song of Solomon 2:1 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. 

Hosea 14:4-7 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. 

Isaiah 53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

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Texas Memories - Glowing Mammatus

 

Matthew 16:2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. 

Worth Repeating - Bless the Hands and Hearts

Proverbs 31:25-28 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 

Bless the Hands and Hearts

"Lord, bless the hands that made this meal;

these young, unseasoned hands of the new wife.

Bless the hands that reach for her mother's recipe book,

and that wipe tears of homesickness from her cheeks.

Bless her hands, Lord.

"Bless the efficient, work-worn hands of the mother of eight;

the hands that wipe runny noses, hang out laundry

and knead big batches of bread.

"Bless these hands, Lord, these wrinkled, shaky hands of Grandma;

the hands that cook for only one but could tell stories of meals for twelve...

these tender hands that have guided other hands in learning to cook.

"And Lord, especially bless their hearts.

"Bless the heart of the young wife, Lord--

The one who tries so hard to cook attractive and

nourishing meals for her new husband;

the one who pours so much love and care into each dish.

"Bless the heart of the busy mother,

she who so often is weary but still rejoices in her family.

The heart of she who always prays for those for whom she is cooking,

the heart that weeps with the struggling teen,

that encourages the budding cook,

that worries over the little one whose appetite is poor.

"Bless the heart of the aged cook,

the heart who has spent and been spent in the service of others,

the heart that beats strong with love for God,

yet grows weaker each passing day.

"Thank You, Lord, for each meal prepared by these dear hands,

tempered by these loving hearts. Amen."

- Faith Sommers

     copied

source of photos unknown

Evening Song - What Manner of Man Is This?

Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! 

Mark 15:25-28 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. 

Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 

Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 

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The Thousand Word Project - Gray Frosting

 

Behold the Lovely Springtime - by Fanny J. Crosby

Behold the Lovely Springtime

Behold the lovely springtime!
We hail its rosy hours,
We welcome back the sunshine
And cool, refreshing showers;
There’s beauty all around us,
And music everywhere;
O praise our great Creator
Who makes the earth so fair.

Come, children, join the chorus,
Ring out in joyful strain
A song of love to God above;
The spring has come again.

Our youth is like the springtime,
Our hearts are like the flowers;
Our smiles like playful sunbeams
That cheer its passing hours;
And may our deeds of kindness,
As one by one they fall,
Be like the gentle raindrops
Our Father sends to all.

Each tender bud and blossom,
From out its dewy leaves,
Gives back to God who made it
The sweet perfume it breathes;
Then let us give to Jesus
Our youthful hearts today,
And in life’s happy springtime,
Begin the heavenly way.

Fanny J. Crosby

Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Song of Solomon 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

Evening Song - I Gave My Life for Thee

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. 

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. 

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Tennessee Memories - Wild White Rose

 

Evening Song - Sweet Hour of Prayer/Amazing Grace/Great Is Thy Faithfulness

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. 

Romans 5:20-21 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 

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Texas Memories - Climbing Trumpets

Proverbs 24:30-32 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. 

Trumpet Vine
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

May Joy Be Thine - A Poem by Annie Johnson Flint

 

May Joy Be Thine

The Springtime joy be thine:---
Joy of the wind across vast spaces sweeping
And like a giant on the forest leaping;
Joy of the trees from slumber rudely shaken,
From dreams of living unto life to waken;
Joy of the little bird that flies and sings
For very rapture of it song and wings;
Joy of the stream, whose penthouse roof of snow
Muffles no more its glad, impetuous flow;
Joy of the silver showers that gleam and pass
And leave a trail of green o'er tree and grass;
Joy of the mounting sap, the bursting seed,
The joy of life from death's dominion freed;---
This joy be thine.

The Resurrection joy be thine:---
The joy of those who, weeping
Because their dead, in straitened chambers sleeping,
Have left them for a while,
Yet know, that loosed from all earth's tribulations
They have passed on to heavenly habitations,
To Life eternal and the Father's smile;
The joy of those who hear
Beyond all doubt and fear,
Through jarring echoes of discordant strife,
That one Voice sounding clear:---
"I am the resurrection and the life;
They who believe on me
From death's dark thrall I free;
I drank that bitter cup, I passed that gloomy door,
Through that lone valley I have gone before,
Because I live, they live for evermore."
This joy be thine.

Annie Johnson Flint
altered

John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Evening Song - He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions

Isaiah 53:1-12 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. 

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Texas Memories - Purple Ruffles

Texas Mountain Laurel
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Worth Repeating - On Calvary We've Adoring Stood

On Calvary We've Adoring Stood

On Calvary we've adoring stood,

And gazed on that wondrous cross

Where the holy, spotless, Lamb of God

Was slain in His love for us;

How our hearts have stirred at that solemn cry,

While the sun was enwrapt in night,

"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?"

Most blessed, most awful sight.

Our sins were laid on His sacred head,

The curse by our Lord was borne;

For us a victim our Saviour bled,

And endured that death of scorn;

Himself He gave our poor hearts to win--

(Was ever love, Lord, like Thine!)

From the paths of folly, and shame, and sin,

And fill them with joys divine.

We've watched by the tomb where our Saviour lay

When he entered the gloomy grave;

And by death the power of death might slay

And His lambs from the lion save.

Oh! glorious time when the Victor rose!

He liveth, no more to die;

He hath bruised the head of our mighty foes,

For us was His victory!

The gates of heaven are opened wide,

At His name all the angels bow;

The Son of man who was crucified

Is the King of glory now:

We love to look up and behold Him there,

The Lamb for His chosen slain;

And soon shall His saints all His glories share,

With their Head and their Lord to reign.

And now we draw near to the throne of grace,

For His blood and the Priest are there;

And we joyfully seek God's holy face,

With our censer of praise and prayer.

The burning mount and the mystic veil,

With our terrors and guilt, are gone;

Our conscience has peace that can never fail,

'Tis the Lamb on high on the throne.

By James G. Deck, 1807- 1884

From Hymns For the Little Flock, No. 212

Hebrews 9:11-14 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?