A Treasure Garden of Thoughts, Quotes & Words

God's Grace is Priceless

2011-09-05T19:38:00.003-04:00

"Christ the only saving,

the only satisfaction,

the sovereign God plucking the sinner

straight out of a sea of hopelessness."

Taken from

Because the Work's Done

Ann Voskamp

Peace - finally

2011-06-02T16:43:00.003-04:00

Dying is scary, even as a believer in Jesus and the resurrection and life eternal, dying is scary because we do not know how we are going to die. How much pain we might have to suffer.

As a believer, my hope is in Him to be with me not only in this life, but in the moment of death as well. It will be a transition. It says in the Bible, To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and the day of ones death is better than the day of ones birth.

I am reading a book called The Chin Kiss King by Ana Veciama~Suarez. I just came to this passage that follows and felt like sharing it here.

This part in the book is about a man who died and his thoughts after he died. I know it is fiction, but there is some truth wonderful truth to take in.

Here is the excerpt:

"A little about myself: I was never old. I died thinking myself young. Died? Ah, such a useless word. An earth-word. A life-word. A word that must serve its purpose: to frame a concept, to make tangible what is intangible. I can explain it better. I passed to another world, another life, still thinking I was young. I crossed the boundary in my sleep, from one state to another, that easily. A massive heart attack. I faintly remember a sharp pain in my chest and then a sudden easing, floating away, a rush to light, music, angels, light light light so much light only light light light. And Peace. That peace is indescribable.

The peace. After the blinding, glorious light, that is what you notice. You are still seeing, but your sight is all-encompassing. You are still feeling, but your touch is not reluctant. You notice the peace before anything else. I believe, because it is so different. There is a starkness to it that mesmerizes, but a soft simplicity, too. You want it. It calls to you and more than anything else you desire it. The yearning drives you to move toward it, but of course you have no control. You cannot move as you once learned to move, with your legs, willing your muscles to do you bidding. No, you do not move, because it carries you like an ocean current. That peace, and you say, ah, ah, ah, that is what I have always been seeking, tranquilidad, this is what I have wanted, something that feels like silk but is warm like wool, and comforting, and serene, and all-knowing. Finally. Finally."

Jesus is that Light and He is that Peace.

******

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!
how great is the sum of them!
Psa 139:17

Be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen your heart,
all ye that hope in the LORD.
Psa_31:24

Happy Easter/Resurrection Day

2011-04-24T06:48:00.002-04:00

Good Easter/Resurrection morning Friends, Hope your day is a lovely one filled with love and joy.

You can read my Easter posting in my other blog here.

I found a fantastic rendition of Hallelujah, Christ Arose this morning on you tube. Enjoy.

Zone 10 ~ s.e. FL

Thoughts on my mind and heart

2011-01-28T08:38:00.004-05:00

Lately I've been thinking a lot about Jesus coming return for those who believe in Him. There are so many signs pointing to this event, we just don't know when but we are to be watching and waiting, expectantly.

It's probably not politically correct now to even bring these things up, and I may lose some followers, but I have to speak this that is on my heart and mind.

The world is changing all around us. Those who believe in Jesus are being persecuted more and more, and it is even happening in our country which was founded on the belief of 'in God we trust.' Our religious freedoms are being stripped away, one by one.

These days it's more of 'in money we trust.' Yes, we do need money to get along in this world, but how much do we give our lives to it. Do we trust in it more that we do our loving God? Money is not even worth what it was just a short while ago, and when the NWO (New World Order) comes into power, there will be one money, and you will be handed an amount. Big Brother will have taken over. Our country has gone so far into debt that it is unimaginable. We normal citizens cannot even comprehend all that is going on in the government, not just in our country but all around the world.

The world has become a scary place. I am a happy, positive person for the most part, just trying to live my simple life, but I cannot, not think about what is going on. Yet, there is a hope that is in me, that strengthens me when I am weak, is the Light in my life.

My faith and hope are in Jesus,
who is the author and finisher of my faith.
He is God in the flesh.

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him;
and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

He is called Wonderful,
Counsellor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.

***

As I was washing dishes I was pondering these things and came in here to my little space and got into my ESword program and the morning reading for today by Charles Spurgeon, was something meant for me to read today.

I am a sinner saved by God's grace. I see my need of God's grace each and every day.

We cannot make anyone else believe, God speaks to hearts. As I await His return, may I look daily to Him for guidance and be thankful for all that He has done for me. I can hardly wait to see Him face to face.

May all who read this feel the Love, Peace and Light of Jesus/God flowing through and surrounding you. No matter who we are, what we have done, He Loves us.

******

“Perfect in Christ Jesus.”
- Col_1:28

Do you not feel in your own soul that perfection is not in you?
Does not every day teach you that?
Every tear which trickles from your eye,
weeps “imperfection”;
every harsh word which proceeds from your lip, mutters “imperfection.”
You have too frequently had a view of your own heart
to dream for a moment of any perfection in yourself.

But amidst this sad consciousness of imperfection,
here is comfort for you
you are “perfect in Christ Jesus.”
In God’s sight, you are “complete in him;”
even now you are “accepted in the Beloved.”
But there is a second perfection, yet to be realized.
Is it not delightful to look forward to the time
when every stain of sin shall be removed from the believer,
and he shall be presented faultless before the throne,
without spot,
or wrinkle,
or any such thing?
The Church of Christ then will be so pure,
that not even the eye of Omniscience will see a spot or blemish in her.

Then shall we know, and taste, and feel
the happiness of this vast but short sentence,
“Complete in Christ.”
Not till then shall we fully comprehend
the heights and depths of the salvation of Jesus.
Doth not thy heart leap for joy at the thought of it?
Black as thou art, thou shalt be white one day;
filthy as thou art, thou shalt be clean.
Oh, it is a marvellous salvation this!
Christ takes a black and deformed thing
and makes it clean and matchless in his glory,
peerless in his beauty,
and fit to be the companion of seraphs.
O my soul, stand and admire this blessed truth
of perfection in Christ.

Charles Spurgeon 1834-1892
******

We will understand

2011-01-15T09:41:00.004-05:00

Afterwards you will understand

by James Smith

"You do not understand now what I am doing
but afterwards you will understand."
John 13:7

***

We are to walk by faith
not by sight.

We are to trust His heart
when we cannot see His hand!

We are to believe Him
when we cannot understand His mysterious workings!

The Lord is now working in nature, providence, and grace
and He does many things which we do not understand at present.
But when His work is complete,
and it lies stretched out before us in the light of eternity
we shall then . . .
comprehend His design,
admire His wisdom, and
adore His divine workings!

Beloved, is God cleansing you by fiery trials,
or causing you to pass through deep waters?
Are you at a loss to know what His design is,
or where the present affliction will end?

Be still. Wait His time.

There is a divine working time
which is the present;
and there is a divine revealing time
which is to come.

The wisest Christians are often in the dark now
but the simplest Christians
will see all things clearly by and by.

A little more patience, a little more faith--and all will end well.

"We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God, and who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:2

This was from Grace Gems.

My Savior, My God

2010-10-02T09:17:00.002-04:00

My Savior My God

I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior

I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be

Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

My Savior loves, My Savior lives

A Fighter for God and Life

2010-10-01T09:25:00.002-04:00

I found this on the blog Shepherd's Walk this morning, and wanted to share it here as it really touched my heart and soul.

ALL-SUFFICIENT GRACE

2010-09-12T07:15:00.003-04:00

This was a good read this Sunday morning. It came in my mail box from Grace Gems.

******
by John MacDuff, "The Faithful Promiser"

"God is able to make all grace abound toward you;
that you, always having all sufficiency in all things
may abound to every good work."
2 Corinthians 9:8

All-sufficiency in all things!
Believer!
Surely you are "thoroughly equipped for every good work!"

Grace is no scanty thing, doled out in pittances!
It is a glorious treasury,
which the key of prayer can always unlock--but can never empty!
It is a fountain--full, flowing, ever flowing, over flowing!

Mark these three ALL'S in this precious promise.
It is a three-fold link in a golden chain,
let down from the throne of grace, by the God of grace.
"All grace!" "all-sufficiency!" in "all things!" and these to "abound."

Oh! precious thought!
My need cannot impoverish that inexhaustible treasury of grace!
Myriads are hourly hanging on it,
drawing from it--and yet there is no diminution.
Out of that fullness we, too, may all receive, "grace upon grace!"

My soul, do you not love to dwell on that all-abounding grace!
Your own insufficiency in everything,
met with a divine "all-sufficiency in all things!"

***

Grace in all circumstances and situations!

Grace in all vicissitudes and changes!

Grace in all the varied phases of the Christian's being!

Grace in sunshine--and in storm!

Grace in health--and in sickness!

Grace in life--and in death!

Grace for the old believer--and the young believer.

Grace for the tried believer,
and the weak believer,
and the tempted believer.

Grace for duty--and grace in duty.

Grace to carry the joyous cup with a steady hand --
and grace to drink the bitter cup with an unmurmuring spirit!

Grace to have prosperity sanctified--and grace to say through tears,
"May Your will be done!"

***

"God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things--may abound to every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

******

God's grace is priceless. May I rest in His grace more each day.

Like Sugar in our Tea!

2010-07-31T09:00:00.004-04:00

Got this little devotional in my email. Thought I would share it here.

Like Sugar in our Tea!

by James Smith, "Comfort for the Christian"

"Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things!"
Matthew 6:32

God will display His wisdom--in promoting the eternal welfare of all His children.
God's ways are not our ways.
They are always profoundly wise;
and His wisdom will in the end
stand conspicuous and glorious
n His paternal dealings with all of His children.

"For what son is not chastened by his father?" Hebrews 12:7
Beloved, if God is our Father--He will chastise us!
We need it!
We deserve it!
We shall have it!

But He will mix mercy with every affliction.
Like sugar in our tea--it sometimes lies at the bottom,
and needs stirring up!

But there is always mercy there!
A cup of unmixed wrath was put into the hands of Jesus
that such a cup might never be put into our hands!

There is sweetness, in the bitterest cup which our Father gives us!

Let us therefore look for the sugar--as we sip the bitter potion!

******

May we all sip our tea with gratitude especially in the most difficult of times.
It isn't easy to be thankful when things are rough.
We don't all go through the same things either,
but our God is with each of us
and knows our hearts, our hurts, our desires.
He knows our failings, and our successes.
He knows us and loves us as we are.

I can be up one day and down the next,
but God is forever the same,
holding and enfolding us in His tender loving care,
telling us all will be well.

May I keep my heart fixed on Him
as I walk my journey in this life.

Fearfully and wonderfully made

2010-07-18T20:12:00.003-04:00

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising,
thou understandest my thought afar off.

Thou compassest my path and my lying down,
and art acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word in my tongue,
but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

Thou hast beset me behind and before,
and laid thine hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

Whither shall I go from thy spirit?
or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee;
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works;
and that my soul knoweth right well.

My substance was not hid from thee,
when I was made in secret,
and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Thine eyes did see my substance,
yet being unperfect;
and in thy book all my members were written,
which in continuance were fashioned,
when as yet there was none of them.

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me,
O God! how great is the sum of them!

Taken from the KJV Bible Psalm 139.

******

Hazelyn McComas said: "This is what I believe: We were with God in the beginning. I do not understand that exactly - what we looked like, what we did all day, how we got along, any of it. Then we were sent here. And I am not sure that I understand that very well, either. And I believe that we are going home to God someday, and what that will be like is as much a mystery to me as any of the rest of it.

"But I believe those things are true and that what we have here on earth in between is a longing - for the God that we have known and for the God that we are going home to."

Our being known by God does not begin when we first recognize it or when we acknowledge it or even when we make our first struggling attempts to come to grips with what it might mean for the creator of the universe to know us and choose us. It begins at the beginning, when we are first imagined into being.

The journey between the dreaming and the coming true is a journey. A journey made through silence and longing where, if we will listen, we can hear the whisper of the Dreamer (God) echoing deep within us, calling us to become what the Dreamer sees when our names were first whispered.

Excerpt from the book "Between the Dreaming and the Coming True - The Road Home to God by Robert Benson.

***

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

John 1:1-4

May we all stop to listen to that still small voice,
that whispers to each of us,
in love, in faithfulness, in forgiveness.
May we learn each day,
and may we look forward to,
with great joy and longing,
seeing Jesus our Creator and God,
face to face.

The Eternal God ...

2010-07-18T19:45:00.004-04:00

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

***

The eternal God is thy refuge,.... God is eternal,
from everlasting to everlasting;
the Ancient of days,
before all things, and all time;
which is, and was, and is to come:

the same is true of Christ, who is the everlasting Father,
or Father of eternity, the true God, and eternal life;
as appears from his nature, having the whole fullness,
all the perfections of deity in him;
from his office, as Mediator, in which he was set up from everlasting;
from his concern in eternal election,
in the everlasting covenant,
and in the creation of all things out of nothing.

***

and underneath are the everlasting arms;
that is, of God, which are the support of his people,
and their protection, safety, and security;
such as the arms of his everlasting love,
which encircle them, and compass them about as a shield

Scripture from the KJV Bible

Commentary by Dr. John Gill (1690-1771)

***

Grace Gem for today

2010-06-27T06:33:00.003-04:00

"Look unto Me!" Isaiah 45:22

A new morning opens upon us--and we are still exposed . . .
to sorrow,
to Satan, and
to disappointment!
Sin lives in us--and a thousand things are ready to distress us!

But our God says, "Look unto Me!"

Look unto Me . . .
as the source of happiness,
as the giver of grace,
as your Friend!

Look unto Me . . .
in every trial,
for all you need, and
in every circumstance.

Look unto Me TODAY, I have blessings to bestow! I am waiting to be gracious to you!

Believe that I am deeply interested in your present and eternal welfare!

Believe that I will perform--all I have promised!

Believe that I am with you--on purpose to bless you!

I cannot be unconcerned about anything that affects you!

I pledge Myself to make all things work together for your eternal good.

You have looked to SELF, and to others, in times past--

and you have only met with trouble and disappointment!

Now look unto Me ALONE!

Look unto Me FOR ALL!

by James Smith

***

Look unto me,
and be ye saved,
all the ends of the earth:
for I am God,
and there is none else.
Isaiah 45:22

God will do us good

2010-06-20T11:39:00.005-04:00

We know not what this day may bring forth

"I will surely do you GOOD!" Genesis 32:12

Though this promise was given to Jacob, it was not confined to him--but is intended for all his spiritual seed. It is thus that God speaks to US this morning. How gracious!

We know not what this day may bring forth--but we do know that our God, who superintends every event, will do us good.

We may mistake as to what will be for our good--but He is infinite in wisdom and goodness, and therefore cannot mistake. We may look at afflictions, losses, and crosses, and cry out, "All these things are against me!" But read the history of David. What a train of troubles attended him! Hear his acknowledgment: "It is GOOD for me that I have been afflicted!"

Your God will do you good--therefore He will try you, sift you, humble you, and prove you. He will give you needed bitter medicine--as well as food. He will consider nothing too expensive, or too painful--if necessary for your soul's welfare.

Look at your trials, and say, "This also shall turn to my good!"

Look on the past, and acknowledge, "Surely goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life."

Look to the future, and rejoice, "The Lord will surely give me that which is GOOD."

Look in every direction, and say, "Surely the Lord will do me good--I will trust, and not be afraid."

(James Smith, "The Pastor's Morning Visit")

This inspirational piece came in my mailbox this morning
from

Grace Gems.

*************

Chosen with an everlasting love

2010-06-18T09:06:00.004-04:00

Long before any human being saw us,
we are seen by God's loving eyes.

Long before anyone heard us cry or laugh,
we are heard by our God who is all ears for us.

Long before any person spoke to us in this world,
we are spoken to by the voice of eternal love.

Our preciousness, uniqueness and individuality
are not given to us by those who meet us in clock-time
-- our brief chronological existence --
but
by the One
who has chosen us with an everlasting love,
a love that existed from all eternity
and will last through all eternity.

Henri J.M. Nouwen

I am with you alway

2010-05-11T07:37:00.006-04:00

Dear Friends,

I am basically a positive person, but sometimes have my moments of doubt and feeling down.

Yesterday morning started out well, but by the time we headed out the door to do our errands, I had a big lump in my throat, and felt like crying and in fact did shed a few tears. DH held and comforted me, and I told him "I don't know what's the matter with me this morning."

We headed out the door, and that's when I saw the basket plant (Callisia fragrans) flowers in bloom all down the driveway and said to DH, "Look at all these flowers".

After we got into the car and were waiting in the driveway to pull out into the road, DH patted my arm and said " Who but FlowerLady could be down one minute then walk out and see flowers and have her whole day change." He said when I had walked out into the driveway and turned to him with a big smile on my face telling him to look at all the flowers, his spirit was lifted too.

Things can get us down, and something as simple as walking outside and seeing flowers in bloom, or hearing birdsong, or taking in some delightful scent, will give us a change of heart, in attitude and boost us on our way.

I do believe in Jesus and my hope is in Him, that He will work all things out. He takes care of us every single day even when we feel like He isn't. The evil one does his best to discourage us and to think on all the 'what ifs' when we should be thinking of the Love and Mercy of God for us.

Things are rough around the whole world these days. We no longer live in a 'Norman Rockwell' world, instead it is a world full of greed, animosity, fear, over-consumption. As a believer in Jesus, I am looking forward to His return, and we believe it could be soon. There are signs all around us if we look. This world is not our home the way it is now. Man cannot bring order to the chaos that is here now, only Jesus as God can do that.

When life gets us down we can look to the 'author and finisher' of our faith. He has promised to never leave or forsake us. We all will go through things in life, that we hopefully learn from. We were not promised a good, perfect life. We will have hardships, dissappointments.

**********

I stopped with the last paragraph to look up some scripture in my E-Sword program and the following is what came up for the scripture reading and commentary for this morning and tonight as well. They were just right for this post. The commentary is by C.H. Spurgeon, (1834-1892).

I will let those writings be the ending to this post.

May you all feel the Light, Love, Peace and Strength of God flowing through and surrounding you in your lives each and every day.

************

May 11

Morning

“I am with you alway.”
- Mat_28:20

It is well there is One who is ever the same, and who is ever with us. It is well there is one stable rock amidst the billows of the sea of life.

O my soul, set not thine affections upon rusting, moth-eaten, decaying treasures, but set thine heart upon him who abides for ever faithful to thee. Build not thine house upon the moving quicksands of a deceitful world, but found thy hopes upon this rock, which, amid descending rain and roaring floods, shall stand immovably secure.

My soul, I charge thee, lay up thy treasure in the only secure cabinet; store thy jewels where thou canst never lose them. Put thine all in Christ; set all thine affections on his person, all thy hope in his merit, all thy trust in his efficacious blood, all thy joy in his presence, and so thou mayest laugh at loss, and defy destruction.

Remember that all the flowers in the world’s garden fade by turns, and the day cometh when nothing will be left but the black, cold earth. Death’s black extinguisher must soon put out thy candle. Oh! how sweet to have sunlight when the candle is gone!

The dark flood must soon roll between thee and all thou hast; then wed thine heart to him who will never leave thee; trust thyself with him who will go with thee through the black and surging current of death’s stream, and who will land thee safely on the celestial shore, and make thee sit with him in heavenly places for ever.

Go, sorrowing son of affliction, tell thy secrets to the Friend who sticketh closer than a brother. Trust all thy concerns with him who never can be taken from thee, who will never leave thee, and who will never let thee leave him, even “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.” “Lo, I am with you alway,” is enough for my soul to live upon, let who will forsake me.

**********

Evening

“Only be thou strong and very courageous.”
- Jos_1:7

Our God’s tender love for his servants makes him concerned for the state of their inward feelings. He desires them to be of good courage.

Some esteem it a small thing for a believer to be vexed with doubts and fears, but God thinks not so. From this text it is plain that our Master would not have us entangled with fears. He would have us without carefulness, without doubt, without cowardice.

Our Master does not think so lightly of our unbelief as we do. When we are desponding we are subject to a grievous malady, not to be trifled with, but to be carried at once to the beloved Physician.

Our Lord loveth not to see our countenance sad. It was a law of Ahasuerus that no one should come into the king’s court dressed in mourning: this is not the law of the King of kings, for we may come mourning as we are; but still he would have us put off the spirit of heaviness, and put on the garment of praise, for there is much reason to rejoice.

The Christian man ought to be of a courageous spirit, in order that he may glorify the Lord by enduring trials in an heroic manner. If he be fearful and fainthearted, it will dishonour his God. Besides, what a bad example it is.

This disease of doubtfulness and discouragement is an epidemic which soon spreads amongst the Lord’s flock. One downcast believer makes twenty souls sad. Moreover, unless your courage is kept up Satan will be too much for you.

Let your spirit be joyful in God your Saviour, the joy of the Lord shall be your strength, and no fiend of hell shall make headway against you: but cowardice throws down the banner.

Moreover, labour is light to a man of cheerful spirit; and success waits upon cheerfulness. The man who toils, rejoicing in his God, believing with all his heart, has success guaranteed. He who sows in hope shall reap in joy; therefore, dear reader, “be thou strong, and very courageous.”

Think on these things

2010-05-07T06:41:00.004-04:00

**************

whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise,
think on these things.
Philippians 4:8

Zone 10 ~ s.e. FL

Continual prayer

2010-03-27T19:17:00.003-04:00

Below is an excerpt taken from the book "The Name of Jesus" by Irenee Hausherr

"Continual prayer means keeping the soul attentive to God with great reverence and love, constantly hoping in him. It means entrusting ourselves to him in everything that happens, whether in things we do or in events that occur."

******

I wait for the LORD,
my soul doth wait,
and in his word do I hope.
Psa 130:5

Psalms for today

2010-03-23T07:33:00.004-04:00

Blessed be the LORD,
because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;
and with my song will I praise him.

Psa 28:6-7

Always remember ...

2010-03-12T19:15:00.006-05:00

Always remember to forget

The troubles that passed away,

But never forget to remember

The blessings that come each day.

Anonymous

You are of more value ...

2010-02-09T07:06:00.003-05:00

I read a wonderful blog this morning which inspired me to post one of my own.

Here is a link to The SPARROW at STARBUCKS

The old hymn His Eye is on The Sparrow is an old favorite of mine.

It was written in 1905 by

Civilla D. Martin.

It is based on 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.

***

Why should I feel discouraged,
why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely,
and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
and I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing,
when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
and I know He watches me.

What is your song?

2010-01-26T09:06:00.004-05:00

Below is an excerpt from the book 'Seeking a Simpler Spirit'

by Deborah DeFord.

***

In the natural world, every created thing has its own music:

The whisper of tall grasses.

The creak of tree branches.

The clapping of leaves and the clacking of stones.

The lap of soft waves and the thunder of breakers.

The chuckles and chatter, trills and caws, of beasts and birds.

The patter of rain and the soughing of wind.

All these are the songs God's creation lifts up to its Creator.

What is your song? Let yourself make a joyful noise before God today.

***

The Silversmith

2010-01-24T06:13:00.006-05:00

Good morning Friends ~ I heard this for the first time yesterday, some of you may have already heard or read it. May all of our hearts be blessed as we read and contemplate these words.

Have a lovely Sunday whatever you do, being thankful for the many blessings big and small we receive in this life each and every day. Thankful for the refining that goes on in our hearts and lives.

*****************

Silversmith

There was a group of women in a Bible Study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three, which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver. "This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work.

She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse, that "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

Live this moment deeply

2010-01-20T08:36:00.005-05:00

The following is taken from thoughts by Thich Nhat Hanh, found in The Moment is Perfect.

Many of us don’t allow ourselves to be relaxed. Why do we always try to run and run, even while having our breakfast, while having our lunch, while walking, while sitting? There’s something pushing and pulling us all the time. We make ourselves busy in the hopes of having happiness in the future.

In the sutra we find the following: "Don’t get caught in the past, because the past is gone. Don’t get upset about the future, because the future is not yet here. There is only one moment for you to be alive, and that is the present moment. Go back to the present moment and live this moment deeply, and you’ll be free."

A new day

2010-01-12T07:28:00.004-05:00

Here it is another day.

I woke up early this morning around 5, couldn't get back to sleep for all the projects running around in my mind. I've made up a list for the goal aspect, not that I 'HAVE TO' do these things. Why burden myself, I want to go with the flow of the day.

Yesterday we did our grocery shopping, going to SAM's to stock up on things, now my pantry feels better. I started a spreadsheet page so that I can see when we bought items, quantity, oz. or lbs, when the item is depleted and will add more to the sheet as I figure out what I want it to tell me.

It's still cold here, but is warming up. I hope to get out into my laundry/garden shed today to do some work in there. It needs an overhaul. We found another cupboard that we're going to mount to the wall.

I want to bake some bread today in the bread machine. I'm going to get chicken legs going in the crockpot for broth, and for meat for chicken pot pie and sandwiches. I'd like to make us some kind of dessert too.

I did a little embroidery earlier while things were very quiet. Hopefully I can get a few more stitches and beads added later on in the day.

Hope your day is a good one. Enjoy it. Look for the beauty and joy in every thing that you do. It will lift you up.

From my little space to your home ~ FlowerLady

This is the day which the LORD hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalms 118:24

Starting your simple life by Rhonda at Down to Earth

2010-01-11T08:18:00.004-05:00

DH and I have been living a simple life for many year. It's our life style. We did not want to get caught up in the hurry/scurry world as much as possible. We don't have cell phones or cable TV, I cook and bake from scratch, I line dry our laundry, no dishwasher, and we are not in debt. We have shopped thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales. We buy bulk. We 'curbside' shop, or as some call it we go 'junking'. It's not the norm, and we've been looked down on for living the way we do. But, the peace of mind is worth it. We're not struggling to keep up with everyone else. We're just living our life one day at a time and thankful for it.

I came across Rhonda's blog Down-to-Earth last year and her writings have truly been an inspiration to me. It's nice to read about other people who are living the same way.

Below is an excerpt from one of her posts. May others be inspired to live a simpler, more peaceful life by her writings. The whole post can be found here.

*********************

I worked out that I had to make my own happiness. I realized I had to shape life so that both Hanno and I would be happy, without the constant spending that we once did. It suddenly dawned on me that instead of looking outward to other people, the stores, buying more crap and the outside world in general, that we could build what we wanted at home. We could fill our lives with meaningful work that would sustain not only our physical beings but our spirits as well. When I knew that our happiness was not reliant on anything "outside" I started to slow down and concentrate on doing my work well. This lead to several things. I was more relaxed as I wasn't rushing to complete tasks, I changed some of the things I was doing because I felt that I could do them better another way, I discovered that housework never ends, so I didn't try to finish it every day. I've accepted housework now as an ongoing stream of chores with no end. Knowing this took a lot of pressure off to complete everything within a certain amount of time. I hope you understand the general idea of what I've written here. I guess the message is to slow down, be mindful of what you're doing, stop multi-tasking and try to enjoy even the most simple tasks. If you look for it, there is beauty in the mundane and familiar.

****************

Have a lovely day today,

living in and enjoying each moment that you are given.

FlowerLady

Something we have believed for many years

2010-01-10T08:50:00.004-05:00

Here's a web page DH found recently that I thought I would share here. This is something we have believed for many years now.

************

Who is Jesus Christ ~ what about the trinity?

by Douglas Tong

If you have ever asked this or a similar question, you are not alone. You need not be concerned that you do not understand the concept of trinity as no one else in the world understands it either.

First of all let me say that neither the word 'trinity' nor its concept is ever taught in the Bible. Trinity is a 3rd century invention by so called 'church fathers' who were converted Greek philosophers steeped in Greek (pagan) philosophy and worldview prior to their conversion. Any trinitarian scholar attempting to explain the trinity will always resort to quoting from these men instead of from the Bible as the concept is unknown in the Bible. The best answer they can manage when hard pressed is 'We can never understand the trinity because it is a mystery' or some variation.

John 1:1 says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." and John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." God and His Word are one just as a man and his word are one. We cannot separate a man from his word and say that they are separate persons. God's Word is God expressing Himself. In the Old Testament God spoke through the mouth of His prophets but when the fullness of time came God expressed Himself in flesh in order to make Himself known like never before. If we want to know how God is like we need only to look at Jesus through the things that He said and did. Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15). Jesus was fully God and fully man. As man He hungered, thirsted, slept, prayed, bled and died. As God He healed, raised the dead, had control over the elements, forgave sin.

Trinity is not a mystery as some may have us believe. The only great mystery mentioned in the Bible is found in 1Ti 3:16 ~ And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

To end his piece Dr. Tong wrote these thoughts:

The Creator became the creature but never stopped being the Creator ! - The God of eternity became a man of time but never stopped being the God of eternity ! - The High Priest became the Lamb but never ceased being the High Priest ! - He was all powerful who had no power but yet always had all power ! - The virgin Mary's God who became her son yet was still her only God ! - The Good Shepherd became the sheep but never stopped being the Good Shepherd ! - The bright and morning star became the lily of the valley but never ceased being the bright and morning star ! - He was the root of David who became David's offspring but never stopped being the root of David ! - He is the Father of all creation who became the Son in redemption who never ceased being the Father of all creation ! - Our God became a Man and never stopped being our God !

For any of you interested, the whole article can be found here. It is really good reading.

FlowerLady

If you can find a better deal, take it!

2010-01-10T08:27:00.004-05:00

Below is an excerpt from an outspoken writer. She's hard to take and hated by some, but others enjoy her wit and her writings. She speaks out on many topics speaking the truth as she believes it.

*****

If you can find a better deal, take it!

by Ann Coulter 6 Jan 2010

*****

Christianity is simultaneously the easiest religion in the world and the hardest religion in the world.

In the no-frills, economy-class version, you don't need a church, a teacher, candles, incense, special food or clothing; you don't need to pass a test or prove yourself in any way. All you'll need is a Bible (in order to grasp the amazing deal you're getting) and probably a water baptism, though even that's disputed.

You can be washing the dishes or walking your dog or just sitting there minding your business hating Susan Sarandon and accept that God sent his only son to die for your sins and rise from the dead ... and you're in!

"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9.

If you do that, every rotten, sinful thing you've ever done is gone from you. You're every bit as much a Christian as the pope or Billy Graham.

No fine print, no "your mileage may vary," no blackout dates. God ought to do a TV spot: "I'm God Almighty, and if you can find a better deal than the one I'm offering, take it."

The Gospel makes this point approximately 1,000 times. (below is just one example)

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8.

Christianity is also the hardest religion in the world because, if you believe Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead, you have no choice but to give your life entirely over to Him. No more sexual promiscuity, no lying, no cheating, no stealing, no killing inconvenient old people or unborn babies -- no doing what all the other kids do.

And no more caring what the world thinks of you -- because, as Jesus warned in a prophecy constantly fulfilled by liberals: The world will hate you.

"With Christianity, your sins are forgiven, the slate is wiped clean and your eternal life is guaranteed through nothing you did yourself, even though you don't deserve it. It's the best deal in the universe."

If you wish to read more, go here

Simple prayer for each day of 2010

2010-01-01T09:34:00.004-05:00

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning;

for in thee do I trust:

cause me to know the way wherein I should walk;

for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Psa 143:8

Come unto me ...

2009-12-04T08:51:00.004-05:00

"Come unto me,

all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)

A Girl Scout Was Here

2009-11-12T09:46:00.002-05:00

To read this wonderful, little heart-warming story click on this link

The story is by Billy Coffey.

Something to ponder for all of us,

to be loving in deed, not just words.

Annie Got Her Gun

2009-11-05T08:55:00.004-05:00

This is a wonderful story which I hope all of you will gain inspiration from.

To read the full article go to the link below.

Annie Got Her Gun

"Aim high at a high mark and you will hit it.

No, not the first time, nor the second, and maybe not the third.

But keep on aiming and keep on shooting.

For only practice will make you perfect.

Finally you'll hit the bull's-eye of success."
From the article

He Is With You

2009-10-24T08:13:00.001-04:00

I found this through Chronicles of Yaya Orchid's blog this morning and thought I would share it here.

The Secret ...

2009-10-18T11:21:00.003-04:00

The secret of beginning a life of deep awareness and sensitivity
lies in our willingness to pay attention.

Our growth as conscious, awake human beings is marked not so much by grand gestures and visible renunciations as by extending loving attention to the minutest particulars of our lives.

Every relationship, every thought, every gesture is blessed with meaning through the wholehearted attention we bring to it.

In the complexities of our minds and lives we easily forget the power of attention, yet without attention we live only on the surface of existence.

It is just simple attention that allows us truly to listen to the song of a bird, to see deeply the glory of an autumn leaf, to touch the heart of another and be touched.

We need to be fully present in order to love a single thing wholeheartedly.

We need to be fully awake in this moment if we are to receive and respond to the learning inherent in it.

Christina Feldman and Jack Kornfield, Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart

As you simplify ...

2009-10-10T07:49:00.001-04:00

As you simplify your life,

the laws of the universe will be simpler;

solitude will not be solitude,

poverty will not be poverty,

nor weakness weakness.
Henry David Thoreau

Knowledge, wisdom

2009-09-27T13:30:00.003-04:00

Knowledge is learning something every day.

Wisdom is letting go of something every day.
A Zen proverb

Reduce

2009-09-17T07:37:00.003-04:00

Reduce the complexity of life

by eliminating the needless wants of life,

and the labors of life reduce themselves.
Edwin Teale

******

Have a lovely day today whatever you do.

Life

2009-09-06T20:01:00.004-04:00

Life is not lost by dying;

life is lost minute by minute,

day by dragging day,

in all the thousand small uncaring ways.

Stephen Vincent Benet

Lord make us mindful of the little things

that grow and blossom in these days

to make the world beautiful for us.

W. E. DuBois

Noble art

2009-08-24T06:53:00.004-04:00

Besides the noble art of getting things done,

there is the noble art of leaving things undone.

The wisdom of life consists

in the elimination of non-essentials.

Lin Yu Tang

Creative Life

2009-08-21T08:04:00.001-04:00

Have a great weekend.

Just As We Are

2009-08-20T06:38:00.004-04:00

Good morning.
Here is a little something from the book,
"The Spiritual Maxims of Brother Lawrence".

***

In the way of God, thoughts count for little,
love is everything.

Nor is it needful that we should have great things to do.
We can do little things for God;
I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for love of Him.

We search for stated ways and methods of learning
how to love God,
and to come at that love
we disquiet our minds
by I know not how many devices;
we give ourselves a world of trouble
and pursue a multitude of practices to attain to a sense
of the Presence of God.
And yet it is so simple.

How very much shorter it is and easier to do
our common business purely
for the love of God,
to set His consecrating mark on all we lay hands to,
and thereby to foster the sense of
His abiding Presence
by communion of our heart with His!

There is no need either of art or science;
just as we are,
we can go to Him,
simply and with single heart."

2009-08-14T07:18:00.003-04:00

The little troubles and worries of life,
so many of which we meet,
may be as stumbling blocks in our way,
or we may make them steppingstones to a noble character and to Heaven.

Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.

Henry Ward Beecher

The rainbow

2009-08-12T19:30:00.004-04:00

“The bow shall be seen in the cloud.”

- Gen_9:14

The rainbow, the symbol of the covenant with Noah,
is typical of our Lord Jesus, who is the Lord’s witness to the people.

God’s rainbow is hung over the cloud of our sins,
our sorrows, and our woes,
to prophesy deliverance.

It is said that when we see the rainbow the shower is over.

Certain it is, that when Christ comes, our troubles remove;
when we behold Jesus, our sins vanish,
and our doubts and fears subside.
When Jesus walks the waters of the sea,
how profound the calm!

C.H. Spurgeon

Utopian Society

2009-08-09T19:22:00.001-04:00

There is a joke operating behind the scene-flats of history. It has as its running gag the ambition to perfect mankind and create a utopian society. In 4,000 years of such hucksterage it has not dawned on the particular activists that every attempt to perfect humanity brings only calamity.

Michael A. Hoffman II ~ Secret Societies and Psychological Warfare
Preface to the 1995 Edition

What is Grace?

2009-08-06T07:05:00.003-04:00

Wikipedia defines grace as ~ "unmerited favour"

God's grace is a wonderful gift to humankind. Grace is God's love freely offered to us. We do not do anything to "earn" it.

The grace or love of God, whence cometh our salvation, is FREE IN ALL, and FREE FOR ALL.... It is free in all to whom it is given.

It does not depend on any power or merit in man; no, not in any degree, neither in whole, nor in part.

It does not in anywise depend either on the good works or righteousness of the receiver; not on anything he has done, or anything he is.

It does not depend on his endeavors.

It does not depend on his good tempers, or good desires, or good purposes and intentions;
for all these flow from the free grace of God;
they are the streams only, not the fountain.
They are the fruits of free grace, and not the root.
They are not the cause, but the effects of it.

The above was taken from: John Wesley

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
John 1:14 & 17 ~ KJV Bible

May we all be blessed by God's grace as go about our daily lives.

The Story of the Song Amazing Grace

Life can be ...

2009-08-01T08:40:00.003-04:00

... overwhelming at times.

The news these days is nothing but negative. There are things that we need to think about to survive each day.

Sometimes it is hard to put one foot in front of the other, or to stay in a positive mindset.

But, there is help and hope.

Walking out into my gardens, I see things that make me gasp in delight, or say ooohhh, aaahhh. I am reminded of God and thank Him for His wonderful creation, for the Love and Light He sheds on us each and every day. We don't know what each day will bring us, good or bad, or in between, but we can know that He is with us every step of the way. He is our strength when we are weak, He lifts us up when we fall, and with Him we can fly like the eagles.

May we all feel God's loving presence surrounding us as we go about our daily lives.

Have a great weekend

Musings from FL zone 10

The Good Life

2009-07-31T06:51:00.004-04:00

"The Good Life" is not defined by possessions, but by pure and utter enjoyment of simplicity.

John Burroughs (18371921) put it like this: "To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter...to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring these are some of the rewards of the simple life."

Those who take time to find pleasure in the ordinary DO live differently. The simple difference is this: because they have learned to live simply, they have learned to live.

Steve Goodier

Every sunrise

2009-07-23T10:23:00.000-04:00

Every sunrise is a present, a gift from God above,
Gift-wrapped with scarlet ribbons and tied with bows of love.

Each day's a new beginning, a time to start anew,
While all the stars are sleeping, and the rose is fresh with dew.

Every day's a new creation, too lovely to ignore,
And we may find a blessing, just outside our door.

We cannot keep the past, like fireflies in a jar;
Nor journey to the future by wishing on a star.

Every sunrise is a blessing, a gift for just today.
Rejoice, my friend, embrace it before it fades away!

~ Author Unknown ~

May we enjoy our gift of today.

A house

2009-07-21T15:59:00.000-04:00

A house is made of walls and beams;

a home is built with love and dreams."

Author Unknown

Musings from FL zone 10

Roses and orchids

2009-07-15T16:46:00.000-04:00

Good afternoon. Hope you all have had a lovely day today. I went out early to weedwack and do some weeding and trimming. Boy, once that sun reaches a certain point in the sky it starts being miserable. It was a hot, humid time in the gardens. I checked the weather and it was 89 but felt like it was 102, no wonder I was feeling dragged out. I just left some trimmings to be raked up tomorrow morning as I had had enough.

I did get out and took some pictures. I will have a couple of posts of them. This one is of Prosperity roses and Vanda orchids with hamelia patens or firebush in everyday humble garden language. :-)

Have a nice evening and a great day tomorrow.

Click on pictures for larger views.

Musings from FL zone 10

Trust

2009-07-10T08:15:00.000-04:00

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

Blessed be

2009-07-07T16:46:00.000-04:00

Blessed be the Lord,

who daily loadeth us with benefits,

even the God of our salvation.

Psalms 68:19

Noble Art

2009-07-05T07:31:00.000-04:00

Besides the noble art of getting things done,
there is the noble art of leaving things undone.
The wisdom of life consists in the
elimination of non-essentials.
Lin Yutang

Precious Privilege

2009-07-04T07:56:00.000-04:00

"When you arise in the morning,
think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive -
to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."

Marcus Aurelius

******

Experiencing Peace and Joy

2009-07-03T07:10:00.000-04:00

"Experiencing the beauty and peace of God in nature is not a substitute for direct interaction with the regenerative powers of the Creator, but . . . the mending and binding so necessary to heal our stress-filled lives may flow through creation. For the spiritually oppressed or the socially injured, a pleasing or quiet natural environment can help provide spiritual release. Resting by a clear, free-running river or sitting on a sunny slope in blooming desert grassland can bring peace and joy into very clouded souls."

Susan Power Bratton ~ From the book ~ Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas

Colour

2009-07-01T18:38:00.000-04:00

Colour is a lovely thing.
Given to soothe our sight,
Blue for sky, green for grass,
And brown for roads where wee folks pass;
Golden sun that shine o'er head,
Silver for moon, for sunset red,
Soft cool black for night!

Author Unknown Taken from the Book of 1000 Poems

God will take care of it

2009-06-29T19:00:00.000-04:00

Although the future is not known to us,
it is known to God and only to God.
He holds it in his hands.
You don't need to worry about it; it will come.
God will take care of it.
All we can see and feel is the present.
All we can remember and honor is the past.
It is enough, my children. Amen.

Village Chief in Nielle, Ivory Coast, Africa

******

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!

how great is the sum of them!

If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand:

Psa 139:17 & 18

Still Waters

2009-06-29T07:59:00.000-04:00

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.

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.

Psalms 23

Music of the spheres

2009-06-28T10:32:00.000-04:00

We all seek happiness so eagerly,
That in the pursuit we often lose that joyous sense of existence,
and those quiet daily pleasures,
the values of which our pride alone prevents us from acknowledging.

It has been said with some meaning,
that if men would but rest in silence,
they might always hear
the music of the spheres.

Arthur Helps

May we all seek ways to rest in silence

so that we may hear the music of the spheres.