Texas Memories - The Last Lingering Heat of Summer

November 2026 Writing and Journaling Challenge

 

Write a note to someone you love. Put a copy of it in your journal, if you are keeping one.

 

It's good to remember these things sometimes.

 

 

Free November journaling card. Click the download icon on the upper left (as of this publishing).

Unedited vintage graphic from Rawpixel.com
Edited by Mary E. Stephens

Word of the Day: Ambassador

 

READ HERE

Excerpts:

Ambassadour - ...A person sent in a publick manner from one sovereign power to another, and supposed to represent the power from which he is sent... [excerpt from Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language]

Joshua 9:3-6 And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us.

An ambassador from any country is always conscious of the fact that he has a tremendous responsibility because he is the representative by whom his country is going to be judged. And to us is given the privilege and responsibility of being the representatives of the Son of God in this world. We stand for him, people judge him by what they see in us, and they are perfectly entitled to do so because we are the ones through whom and in whom he is glorified. Do we, I wonder, always realize this?

- Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Evening Song - Stepping In the Light

Psalm 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. 

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. 

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Texas Memories - The Bright Chicken Snacks

Pyracantha berries - loved by the chickens we used to have.

Worth Repeating - Is It Your Christian Duty to Vote?

 

Is It Your Christian Duty to Vote?

This was an article that I wasn't sure I wanted to write this year (2016). There has been so much said by so many that I hesitated to add my thoughts as it seemed like there was too much already. The thing that made me reconsider is all the drama I've seen and heard about how it is supposedly a duty before God for American Christians to vote. The misuse of scripture in some instances has been very bothersome. Added to this is the overwhelming pressure that various Christian people and groups are putting on others to try to force them to vote for the person they deem to be "the right one." In the hopes of helping a few people get a little peace about this, I decided to venture forth into a topic that is generally odious to me, in short, politics. So, here we go.

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American Christians have been told for years that it is their "duty to vote." The preachers, pastors, and evangelists have stomped up and down this country in and out of election years, telling people that if they don't vote for  the "right" candidate (meaning the one of that man's choice) or for a specific issue then it will be their fault when this country goes to the devil. Prohibition was passed largely based on this type of pulpit politics, and after some years and total failure, it was repealed and, strangely enough, we are not all drunkards now. (Yeah, the nation is a mess, but you can't honestly blame all of this on alcohol.)

The false "responsibility" to "influence America for God" has been shouted long and loud from the pulpits in the U.S.A., until a lot of Christians can no longer believe anything else. To them, voting is our "duty" to our nation, our pastor, and God (often in that order). Because of this, the suggestion of another option - in this case, not voting at all - is heresy or treason to some and gross irresponsibility to others.

But, if it is our duty before God to vote in government elections, why didn't He clearly say so in New Testament teaching? Where is the command? We are told to do and not do a lot of things, but the command to vote is absent, and voting certainly existed in the Roman Empire at that time.

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - Power In the Blood

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. 

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 

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Tennessee Memories - Autumn Wanes

Not Man's Opinion, But God's Word

Not Man's Opinion,

But God's Word

Not my opinions may I speak;

If so, my witness will be weak.

Not what in human books I find,

Or the conclusions of men's minds,

But what my God has deigned to give,

The teaching whereby we may live;

The Book of Heaven, the Sacred Page,

The Rock of Faith in every age!

That only must my message be

If I shall bless humanity.

I am not left to seek, forsooth,

In learning's page to find the Truth,

But here it is beneath my hand

The Word which shall forever stand.

Unalterable, enduring, sure

Flows the Divine Fount fresh and pure.

William Olney

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

A Random List In Autumn

Lately I have been…

Making: More pain related noises. Growing older should be called an "extreme sport."

Cooking: More soups and stews as the more moderate temperatures slowly arrive.

Reading: Among other things, the Fairacre books by Miss Read, which make me laugh out loud sometimes, and also give me food for thought. I'm also slowly chipping my way through Ezekiel, which feels more heavy than usual because I see so much of the problems he faced evident in the church and my country today.

Wanting: To clear out some of the boxes and stuff sitting around here, which are primarily the result of my stalled out project to downsize and sort our possessions. It was wearing me down and my husband suggested I stop till we're closer to moving into our new house (Lord willing). But, in the mean time what was sitting there needs to be finished up and moved to the shed.

Looking: Older. Well, that's a fact.

Playing: The piano a little more again after a friend encouraged me to do so.

Learning: Spanish sporadically, and allegedly. Also, very slowly.
And, what it's like to be in a church where the ladies care about, pray for, and support each other. I had forgotten how precious this is and how warm it feels.

Deciding: To stop the Facebook ministry page from the Home Maker's Corner and Cotton Apron blog. I had been thinking about it for some time and wasn't sure what the Lord would have me do, but when Facebook changed their rules for "business" accounts, it seemed like the Lord's go ahead to let that go, at least for now.

Wishing: For more strength and energy and less aches. And for progress on some health issues.

Enjoying: The temperatures being more moderate now. We are not hitting three digits any more, and sometimes not even the 90s.
Being able to have my pastor's wife visit me in our home and share a lunch with her.
Taco night with the family. :-)

Laughing: At the cats, and some of the books I've been reading or listening to.

Listening: To audio books, in particular the O'Malley series by Dee Henderson, and  "A Year of Jane Austin" series; both of which I've listened to before, but was revisiting. Music. [Recommended.]

Waiting: For our house project to get to the point of breaking ground.
For cooler weather.

Liking: That we discovered there's one restaurant now in our town where I can eat. Yay!

Wondering: What I need to help me feel better from some of the new physical struggles I'm dealing with now.

Loving: Painting little cards to put on the fronts of greeting cards.

Pondering: The book projects that I want to work on.
People problems.

Watching: Autumn slowly, slowly come.

Hoping: That some of the things going on in other countries don't come here.
That I will actually get some things done that I've been wanting to do for some while.

Marveling: At the Lord's impeccable timing, and how He arranges things to give us what we needed just when we needed it, or when someone we love needs it.

Needing: To make progress on getting the house tidier, and not fretting too much when I can't do all I'd like to do.

Smelling: Funky house smells I don't like, partly because my allergies are so bad this fall that opening windows and airing the house isn't a good idea.

Considering: Which book project I should work on first with a view to publishing it. Also, what craft projects I could set aside for now and give myself room to actually work on some things.

Buying: Supplements for my husband that will hopefully help improve his struggles with ADHD.
Anniversary gifts for my husband.

Noticing: More aches and pains, and difficulty in controlling them. More pain from activities that didn't bother me even as recently as the beginning of this year.

Realizing: That we have to accept God's peace on His terms, not our own, and that when we pray for a situation, we have to accept His solution and not insist upon our own. That accepting this will bring us the rest of mind we so need.

Thinking: About cleaning and chores. About paint colors and decor.

Feeling: Discouraged about accomplishing not certain goals.

Admiring: The beautiful flowers my husband bought me for our anniversary.
The cats, especially our elegant black Java buddy. :-)

Verse that has been in my mind:

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Song I've had going through my head lately: More than one, but in particular, "Oh, Say But I'm Glad".

Quote:

Gently I walked with grief,
And Jesus walked with me;
The sorrow pierced me sore,
But less because we're three.

Mary E. Stephens

Evening Song - Break Up My Fallow Ground

Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. 

Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 

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johnmarshalfamily.com

The Thousand Word Project - Some Other Fall Colors

October Writing and Journaling Challenge

 

Write out the words of a favorite hymn, or two.

And here is a link to save a free graphic for paper crafting - to be printed on 8.5" X 11" paper.

Free October paper craft images.

Evening Song - I Will Not Forget 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. 

Isaiah 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. 

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. 

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The Thousand Word Project - A Lovely Gift

Things that Can Lead to Bitterness

Hebrews 12:11-16 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless

afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

Holiness and bitterness are incompatible according to Hebrew 12. And, bitterness is something that troubles and defiles more than just the one carrying it. It spreads itself all over the place when it is cultivated and watered and fertilized and encouraged to grow. It is the kudzu vine that covers and chokes and kills. Curiously, the first significant sin mentioned after the defiling of bitterness is fornication. Individuals becoming profane are included next, with the example of Esau who sold his birthright as the father of the tribes of Israel and the bearer of the line of the Messiah for mere food. If you go back and read the story of Esau, bitterness is one of his prominent characteristics.

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago

Romans 8:32-34 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 

1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 

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Tennessee Memories - Mrs. A.'s Begonia

Evening Song - The Longer I Serve Him

Psalm 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 

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Tennessee Memories - The Fall of the Year

 

At Harvest Time

When the world is radiant,

Rich with summer hours,

Wood and field and garden

Gemmed with brightest flowers;

When the wheat is golden,

Gleaming in the sun,

And the scythe and sickle

Harvest have begun.

He who in the winter

Clad the ground with snow,

He who lit the springtime,

Caused the seed to grow;

He who sent the showers,

And the dew at morn,

Then the sunny hours,

Ripening fruit and corn—

May our thoughts turn often,

In our gratitude,

To the Lord of harvest—

Giver of all good.

He is Lord of harvest,

And to Him we raise

Songs of sweetest measure,

Thankful songs of praise.

George Weatherly

Psalm 104:10-14 He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Jeremiah 8:20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended...

Evening Song - I'm A Soldier

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 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 

Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 

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The Thousand Word Project - Quiet Prettiness

Worth Repeating - Hard Questions - Should We Power Through?

Photo by Mike Van Nattan

1 Peter 1:24-25 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

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

Are you weary of hearing that we should just "power through" or "push through?"

Got pain or chronic illness? Power through.
Going through hard times? Power through.
Grieving? Power through.
Financially destroyed? Power through.
Depressed? Power through.

What an utterly hopeless answer.

I wonder what people really think we are, or what they think they are themselves. God clearly says that ...all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. He also tells us our life is but ...a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (James 4:14)  

It is true that all power is given unto Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18), and we ...can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth... us (Philippians 4:13).

But, does that justify "powering through" in every situation? 

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - He Is A Faithful God

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 

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September 2026 Writing and Journaling Challenge

 

Me, my mom, my sister circa 1990.

Write about a sweet memory of a departed loved one.

I think the prompt is pretty clear, so I'll just leave you to it if you happen to be participating. If you make a blog post or Facebook post about it, please let me know, if you feel like it. :-) 

You can find the link to download the free printable for this month HERE.

Texas Memories - Good Morning, Glory

Evening Song - He Leadeth Me

Psalm 23:1-3 A Psalm of David. 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.

John 10:2-3 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 

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Sew Happy Saturday - Make A Mat with Tiny Scraps

It's been a good while since I posted a sewing videos here. This one is a fairly straightforward design to make a mat using up tiny scraps. You can turn off the sound if you don't like the music. There's no talking.

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Tennessee Memories - A Touch of Green

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 

Everlasting Glory Unto Jesus Be

 

Everlasting Glory unto Jesus Be

Everlasting glory

Unto Jesus be!

Sing aloud the story

Of His victory!

How He left the splendor

Of His home on high,

Came in love so tender,

On the cross to die.

Yes! He came from heaven,

Suffered in our stead;

Praise to Him be given,

“Firstborn from the dead!”

Jesus, meek and lowly,

Came the lost to save;

He, the Victim holy,

Triumphed o'er the grave.

Christ is Lord of glory,

Sing we now today;

Tell abroad the story;

Own His rightful sway!

Sing aloud; and never

Cease to spread His fame;

Triumph, now and ever,

In the Savior's Name.

Hannah K. Burlingham

 

Colossians 1:12-20 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Evening Song - Sweet Hour of Prayer

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

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Texas Memories - Firebush

Thoughts from the Past - Two Kinds of Trees

Roane County Park, Tennessee

Two Kinds of Trees

Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. 7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

A pastor friend of ours preached at both a funeral and a wedding on one weekend. He was highly praised by various people after both events. This is not because he's some kind of Baptist wonder boy or the next John MacArthur. His strength is only in the fact that he trusts and hopes in the LORD, so he has access to the water. He strives to be faithful in giving God's word to saints and sinners because of that.

Those flatterers - and it was nothing but flattery, for as he put it, "somewhat less than one" of them showed up Sunday at the church fellowship he pastors - but, those flatterers' problem is that they trust in man and the arm of flesh, and have departed from God. They are in a desert spiritually. They get all excited when someone passes by and spills some water on them from his full bucket, but the next day or so they've forgotten all about it.

Now if you ever tried to water plants in a desert area you know how that works. Parched ground in a desert place can absorb water with great speed and require more again tomorrow or it "forgets" it had any. And, when a large amount is dumped on it at one time, it often runs off at a fierce rate and leaves little lasting benefit.

Proverbs 30:15 …There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: 16 The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.

So it is with those who trust in man. They recognize the water when it comes near them, but no lasting benefit comes from it. Their roots are in parched places. They seem to drink it up but in a day or two they're as dry as ever. (By the way, there a lot of people like this, and they are not all in dead beat churches!) 

[As a side note:  God’s word does not return unto Him void, Isaiah 55:11.  It will accomplish something for Him.  Maybe some of these people will one day have a desperate need and will remember where the water is, or perhaps it will serve for “evidence for the prosecution” when they stand in judgment before God.]

In the Arizona desert south of Tucson there are many mesquite trees. They are usually rather runted as trees go. They are scrubby and not usually well developed. They survive in that dry, hard soil and they are better than nothing, but they aren't much either. They provide a little shade and a little food for animals.

My parents, though, once had the opportunity to see what mesquite trees could do when planted by water. They found a spot where the trees are growing right by a river where many gallons of water must be available to their roots. Never had they seen such mesquite trees as those! Big, huge trees like oaks - well developed and beautiful. Obviously they never suffer from drought.

The trees up on the desert plain have no idea what good things an abundance of water would do for them. The ones in the river bed have no concept of drought. The ones in the desert are small and emaciated both to preserve water and from the lack thereof. The ones by the waters know not heat nor drought. They flourish.

And so it is with people. Those who have walked away from the Lord, His word and His ways and are trusting in man and the flesh, live in a barren wilderness but cannot realize it. Those who trust and hope in the Lord find continual water to bear fruit and green leaves even in these days when spiritual drought has covered the globe! May God grant us the strength to follow hard after Him, to hope and trust in Him, that we may be among those who do not feel the heat or drought of these times!

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water... 13 ...Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

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Written Sept. 5, 2006; edited Sept. 2012.

Evening Song - The Great Redeemer

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 

Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 

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Texas Memories - That Cloudy Evening

Psalm 113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised. 

Oil of Joy for Mourning - by Martha Snell Nicholson

 

Oil of Joy for Mourning

When mother gave me medicine

She always used to say,

"Here is a lump of sugar, dear,

To take the taste away."

Through all my life the LORD has poured

His oil of joy for me

Until my cup was running o'er,

So bountiful was He.

When I must drink some bitter draft

Of sorrow or of pain,

How quickly to my lips He puts

His cup of joy again!

Martha Snell Nicholson

Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Evening Song - Good Old Gospel Singing

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 

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Texas Memories - Hot August Evening

Psalm 65:8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. 

August 2026 Writing and Journaling Challenge

Make a list of small ways to bless or encourage children and/or teens.

In the next few weeks a lot of children and young people will be headed back to school. This is a good time to think about some little ways to be a blessing to them. In the last decade or so, it has become more and more common for people to do big, grand gesture type things for children - trips to Disney World, cruises, excursions to expensive and exciting places, etc.

I think sometimes that social media and the deadly comparison disease have made people do things that make them feel like their "keeping up" with others, rather than thinking about the things that really matter. Occasional adventures are not necessarily bad, depending on what it is and why you're doing it, but sometimes the simple things are the ones that will have the lasting benefits and blessing in the kids' lives.

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - Victory In Jesus

1 Corinthians 15:55-58 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 

1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us. 

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The Thousand Word Project - Roses Are Red

 

Short Thought - Are We Given What We Can Handle?

 

2 Corinthians 5:7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

I'm tired of seeing and hearing people put forth the idea that "God only gives us what we can handle." That's a lie. If we only ever got what we could handle where would the "living by faith" come in? Being given more than we can handle kind of is the whole point. It drives us to cast ourselves upon the power and strength of the Lord. Life will always be more than we can handle in some ways.

God gives us more than we can handle so that we will learn to cast our burden on Him. 

Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

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

Jesus told us that we would have tribulation and conflict in this life.

John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Matthew 10:34-36  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 

Our trials and weaknesses and sorrows are opportunities for God to show us how much strength and comfort He has and wants to give to us if we will let Him.

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Apart - A poem by Hannah K. Burlingham

 

Apart

Ps. 25:12

LORD Jesus, 'tis exceeding gain

If but Thyself I know;

I thank Thee thus for hours of pain

That come to pay below:

The message Thou art pleased to send,

In mercy from above,

Appoints the silent hours I spend,

Reposing in Thy love.

I leave awhile the thronging crowd

To be apart with Thee;

I hear not now the strivings loud

That vex the distant sea:

The heavings of its restless tide

Sound faintly on mine ear,

And from Thy Haven fair and wide

I see my Home so near.

I know not what may be in store;

The charge is This to keep:

Perchance my bark need never more

Launch forth upon the deep;

But whether toward the golden strand

Be set the vessel's prow,

Or whether sailing far from land,

Doth not concern me now.

Thou art Thyself, O precious LORD,

My one eternal gain;

Thou art my solace and reward

Alike in ease and pain.

Because Thy love enfoldeth me

No ill can e'er befall;

'Tis perfect peace to rest in Thee,

My LORD, my all in all.

Hannah K. Burlingham

Psalm 25:12-13 What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease...

Mark 6:31-32 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

Ship painting by Carl Rasmussan (from rawpixel.com)

Evening Song - Praise His Name

Revelation 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 

Philippians 1:10-11 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 

1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

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The Thousand Word Project - In Hope of Squash

Worth Repeating - Sexual Abuse In the Church - Warn, Report, Resist

Acts 20:29-32 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

1 Peter 5:8-9a Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith...

Due to the recent events involving the pastor and popular IFB youth conference speaker, Kenny Baldwin, I thought this particular article was worth repeating. This article relates to an extensive expose that was done by the Star-Telegram of Fort Worth, Texas in 2018. That expose is more pertinent than ever at this point. My own thoughts are on the subject of what you can do, and what are the proper responses to these situations.

Excerpt:

We have been lectured, warned, rebuked, and admonished about gossip for so long that it is intimidating to cross that boundary and actually speak up. I know. I also believe that this has been done on purpose by some men in order to squelch any accountability and to avoid having to address unpleasant situations. The church (not just IFB) has made it hard to do the right thing in these cases with its strong and uncompromising definitions of "gossip." But, when someone is behaving in a suspicious or even obviously ungodly manner in this area, it is necessary to speak up.

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - Zion's Hill

Hebrews 12:22-24 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 

Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 

Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion...

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The Thousand Word Project - Summer Prettiness

 

Word of the Day - Deep - Part 2

Genesis 2:20-22 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.

Daniel 10:8-10 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.

Acts 20:9-11 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - It Is Well with My Soul

Jeremiah 38:20 But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live. 

Hebrews 13:12-15 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 

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Tennessee Memories - Ruffled Trumpets

Angel's Trumpet

High Road or Low Road by Martha Snell Nicholson

 

High Road or Low Road

Whatever path Thou takest me-

It matters not which road it be,

If it but lead me home to Thee.

O joy, O bliss beyond compare

If Thou shouldst call me from the air,

To rise at last and meet Thee there!

Yet in my longing heart I know

If through the valley I must go,

I would not laggard be, nor slow;

For Thou wouldst closely hold my hand

And lead me through that shadow-land

To heaven's bright and blessed strand.

It matters not. That road is best

Which leads me soonest to Thy breast

Whereon this weary soul may rest.

Martha Snell Nicholson

 

Philippians 1:20-21 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Evening Song - Heaven Came Down and Glory Filled My Soul

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 

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Tennessee Memories - Summer Sunset

June and July Journaling and Writing Challenges

We have been enjoying the fawns again this summer, as we did the year I took this photo.

Psalm 103:1-8 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 

First of all, let me apologize for not getting posts up in a timely manner, especially the writing and journaling challenges. I actually thought I had posted the June challenge here as well as at The Home Maker's Corner and on FaceBook, but I couldn't find it here when I looked for it. I think it must have been the post that the internet decided to eat as a snack one night and I was too tired to try to get it together again. I meant to come back later and do the post over, but I forgot. (The story of my life.) I really tried to be more organized this year about posting in all the places that I put up ministry things, but my plan settled into oblivion in May and I haven't managed to get back to it. Yet. 

Last year and this year life has been changing in some unexpected ways for us. Last year we started attending a new church after about 16 years at another church. It took some getting used to, and also, being a much smaller church, I feel a bit more connected there. This has been lovely, but also takes up more of my head space and time (in a good way).

We had a major family visit last year in the spring, and then in December my brother who had been in Australia for years moved back to the U.S. Since he's living on our property, that has added another pleasant layer to life this year. He's had difficulty finding employment in this area and he is studying at present to expand his potential, but he helps out a lot, in particular with just being there for my Dad and assisting him in various ways. 

This has significantly lightened my load as far as caring for our Dad is concerned. In a weird, but not surprising way, I almost feel like this has triggered a bit of a reaction in me. This isn't uncommon when someone has been keeping up with an important responsibility or necessity for a long period of time and then no longer has to think so much about that thing. I had not realized how much mental energy I (along with my husband) was putting into just checking on my dad daily and making sure he was ok. We also were the ones being there for him when he was having a health struggle. We didn't resent any of it, but it was more tiring to me than we realized at the time.

Last year we were also praying and seeking God's will about the possibility of moving, possibly even to another county where we might serve the Lord in a local church situation. None of the doors clearly opened as far as we could see, but I was working hard on downsizing our possessions with that in view and it rather took over our lives and home. (The downsizing was beneficial, but exhausting.) The outcome of that whole process, though, is that this year we have put our long-delayed plans to build a house on this property into motion. It is a slow process and it has been really tiring. We are in the end stages of completing the house plans at present, and hoping to start the ground breaking soon, if the Lord so wills. 

I say all this to give some insight into why the articles and such have diminished or been delayed so much here and at The Home Maker's Corner. It is not the whole reason, there have been health issues (including menopause) among other things as well, but it is doubtless much of the reason. And, by way of disclosure, I'm considering possibly dropping some things. I'm not yet clear on what or when at this point. 

After a long period of pondering and talking to the Lord and others, I have started a book project which is taking up more space in my mind. It also has been a real joy to me and revived my interest significantly. I have no date for when the books might be finished as these projects take a lot of slow plodding for me, but the hope is to be able to put out some books in the future that are edifying and devotional for the encouragement of Christian ladies.

So, having said all that...and it was more than I intended to say, here are the June and July journaling and writing challenges. :-)

June:  Write about a blessing God has given you that other people would not have noticed.

July:  Write about something you learned from a sermon that changed your life.