calm reflections

Beyond Pain and Sorrow

2012-01-28T03:58:00.001-05:00

Many of the richest possibilities of prayer, lie beyond valleys of pain and sorrow. The best things of life cannot be gotten, but at sore cost. When we pray for more holiness, we do not know what we are asking for; at least we do not know the price we must pay to get that which we ask. Our "Nearer, my God, to Thee," must be conditioned by, and often can come only through, "Even though it be a cross that raises me."

Not only are the spiritual things the best things but many times the spiritual things can be grasped only by letting go and losing out of our hands those earthly things we would love to keep. God loves us too much to grant our prayers for comfort and relief if he can do it only at spiritual loss to us. He would rather let it be hard for us to live if there is blessing in the hardness, than make it easy for us at the cost of the blessing.

There are certain singing-birds that never learn to sing until their cages are darkened. Would it be true kindness to keep these birds always in the sunshine? There are human hearts that never learn to sing the song of faith and peace and love until they enter the darkness of trial. Would it be true love for these if God would hear their prayers for the removal of their pain? We dare not plead, therefore, but with utmost self-distrust and submission, that God would remove the cross of suffering.

~J. R. Miller "Making the Most of Life"

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone.
Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God to Thee.

There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;
All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;
Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee.

Words: Verses 1-5, Sarah F. Adams, in Hymns and Anthems, by William Johnson Fox, 1841

Photograph: Herb Garden

It is no secret

2012-01-27T22:31:00.000-05:00

Unanswered? Prayer

2012-01-27T11:06:00.000-05:00

Does God answer prayers? "I have been praying for one thing for years," says one, "and it has not come yet." God has many ways of answering. Sometimes he delays that he may give a better, fuller answer. A poor woman stood at a vineyard gate, and looked over into the vineyard. "Would you like some grapes?" asked the proprietor, who was within. "I would be very thankful," replied the woman. "Then bring your basket." Quickly the basket was brought to the gate and passed in. The owner took it and was gone a long time among the vines, until the woman became discouraged, thinking he was not coming again. At last he returned with the basket heaped full. "I have made you wait a good while," he said, "but you know the longer you have to wait, the better grapes and the more."
So it sometimes is in prayer. We bring our empty vessel to God and pass it over the gate of prayer to him. He seems to be delaying a long time, and sometimes faith faints with waiting. But at last he comes, and our basket is heaped full with luscious blessings! He waited long that he might bring us a better and a fuller answer. At least we are sure that no true prayer ever really goes unanswered. We have to wait for the fruits to ripen and that takes time! Sometimes God delays until some work in us is finished.

~J. R. Miller (Making the Most of Life)

~Painting Henry John King

In the Midst of Sorrow

2012-01-26T06:49:00.000-05:00

O if the unseen presence of Jesus can make the heart to sing for joy in the midst of its sorrow and sin here, what will it be to dwell with Him forever!

We never know, or begin to know, the great Heart that loves us best, until we throw ourselves upon it in the hour of our despair. Friends say and do all they can for us, but they do not know what we suffer or what we need; but Christ who formed, has penetrated the depths of the crushed heart. He pours in the oil that no human hand possesses, and "as one whom his mother comforts, so will He comfort you."

~Elizabeth Prentiss
~Photography by B. W. Lowery: Cape May Light House

A Weekly Journal & Daybook

2012-01-25T12:54:00.007-05:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...
Yet another cloudy day, not very cold for January for which we are thankful as heating costs are reduced.

I am thinking...
How very blessed we are.

I am thankful...
We have further reduced heating costs by turning down the thermostat in the parts of the house we don't use much.

In the kitchen...
Planning to try a new recipe for a Lemon Blueberry Buckle from a book called "Rustic Fruit Desserts" by Cory Schreilber and Julie Richardson. Have a batch of probiotic yogurt started and thinking about trying a batch of kefir which I read is very healthful and the "champagne of milk". Sounds intriguing.

I am wearing...
A boot length black twill skirt, tights and Privo ballet sport flats with a purple long sleeved Pima cotton tee from JJill and a necklace which my mother-in-law gave me for my birthday handcrafted by Ageratum . . . dyed purple wooden and golden star beads.

I am creating...
A "Mosaic Tye-dye" sock wool scarf on the Schacht loom (have heard that sock yarn works very well for scarves so we'll see) and have finished the dark blue boucle scarf with very pleasing results. Thinking of making some pillows and bags with some of the handwoven fabric. Still mulling.

I am going...
Nowhere soon.

I am reading...
Bible
A Guide to Fervent Prayer by A. W. Pink
Springs in the Valley by Mrs. Chas. Cowman
Streams in the Dessert by Mrs. Chas. Cowman
Making the Most of Life by J. R. Miller
Herb Quarterly
Favorites from our Table from First Baptist Church of Crofton
Wild Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz
Preserving Food without Freezing or Canning by The Gardeners & Farmers of Terre Vivante

I am hoping...
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Ro 15:4

I am looking forward to...
My Quiet Time which I have to admit is my very favourite time of the day, eclipsing all else when I settle down with my Bible to read, meditate and pray.

I am learning
About God's will for my life.

Around the house...
Peaceful and lovely.

I am pondering...
Garden planting plans.

A favorite quote for today...
One minute of nearness to the Lord Jesus
contains more delight
than years spent in communion with any earthly friend.
~Elisabeth Prentiss

One of my favorite things...
Hearing from loved ones.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Hope to scan some more old photographs and clippings into our family history files.

A peek into my day...
When I peered out the bedroom window early one recent morning, I was elated to see a pretty little bluebird sitting on the front porch roof. Perhaps it is because of our "guard cat", Max, but they tend not to come close very often but I do see them enjoying the berries in the door baskets and on the shrubs where I gathered them.

To peruse other daybooks from around the world, do visit the host site at
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Solicitude and Affection

2012-01-24T15:34:00.003-05:00

"There is no better way -

 no more practical, valuable, and effective way -

of expressing solicitude and affection for our fellow saints

 than by bearing them up before God

 by prayer in the arms of our faith and love."

~Arthur W. Pink "A Guide to Fervent Prayer

~Photography by B. W. Lowery: House Finch
~Note~ the quote is from one of the books I am currently reading

He PERMITS

2012-01-23T14:52:00.002-05:00

"Why standest thou afar off, O Lord?" (Psalm 10:1.)

'Tis the winter of our lives. Some days are dark and cold, dank and windy. The days might seem interminable and the ache unbearable. One might wonder it the sun will ever shine again, if ever there will be a better day. I am reminded of the words of a song . . . "sunrise . . . sunset . . . sunrise . . .sunset . . . swiftly flow the years; one season following another, laden with happiness and tears."

God is "a very present help in trouble." But He permits trouble to pursue us, as though He were indifferent to its overwhelming pressure, that we may be brought to the end of ourselves, and led to discover the treasure of darkness, the unmeasurable gains of tribulation. We may be sure that He who permits the suffering is with us in it. It may be that we shall see Him only when the trial is passing; but we must dare to believe that He never leaves the crucible. Our eyes are holden; and we cannot behold Him whom our soul loveth. It is dark--the bandages blind us so that we cannot see the form of our High Priest; but He is there, deeply touched. Let us not rely on feeling, but on faith in His unswerving fidelity; and though we see Him not, let us talk to Him. Directly we begin to speak to Jesus, as being literally present, though His presence is veiled, there comes an answering voice which shows that He is in the shadow, keeping watch upon His own. Your Father is as near when you journey through the dark tunnel as when under the open heaven!
--Daily Devotional Commentary

"What though the path be all unknown?
Its shades I traverse not alone
What though the way be drear?
When steps of Thine are near."

~Mrs. Chas. Cowman
~Front Garden

Not rest or peace . . .

2012-01-22T13:56:00.002-05:00

That Thy full glory may abound, increase,
And so Thy likeness shall be formed in me,
I pray; the answer is not rest or peace,
But charges, duties, wants, anxieties,
Till there seems room for everything but Thee,
And never time for anything but these.
And I should fear, but lo! amid the press,
The whirl, and hum, and pressure of my day,
I hear Thy garment's sweep, Thy seamless dress,
And close beside my work and weariness
Discern Thy gracious form, not far away
But very near, O Lord, to help and bless. 
~Susan Coolidge

Been thinkin' Spring!

2012-01-21T21:57:00.000-05:00

Afflictions

2012-01-19T16:55:00.000-05:00

These little critters always elicit a smile. Grandma once told me, when I found a Lady Bug in her bathroom during the winter, that there was an old wives tale that would have us to believe seeing a Lady Bug means "good luck." Time went on until it occurred to me that these cute fellows gobble aphids on wintering houseplants so that IS a good thing. Just last night, I saw one in our kitchen window. I gently placed it on a plant and smiled.

"God is love!" 1 John 4:8

Believer, the author of your present affliction, is Jehovah (Amos 3:6); it comes at the command of the Lord Almighty, who is excellent in counsel and wonderful in working. But though He afflicts you, His heart is not, and cannot be turned against you--for He has revealed Himself in His Word, as LOVE. He does not merely tell you that He loves you, but that He is LOVE ITSELF--infinite, eternal, unchangeable love! Fury has no place in Him; His anger is turned away from you, by the sacrifice of Jesus.

Your present affliction flows from His love; though occasioned by your sin--or called for by the circumstances in which you are placed. For He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve His redeemed children without cause. But while He puts you to pain, while He lays His rod upon you--He loves you with an inconceivable love! There is nothing but love in His heart toward you! Every affliction is absolutely necessary, and could not be dispensed with. He will never fail you nor forsake you--and therefore He lays His rod upon you. The discipline may be sharp--but the design is truly gracious. He seeks the good of your immortal soul; and designs only your welfare--even your sanctification. He intends to . . .
remind you of your follies, bring you to reflection, and lead you back to Himself from whom you have wandered. Or else He intends to prevent your falling into some real evils, to which you were fast hastening. He intends, in a word . . . to conform you to Jesus;to answer your prayers; and to show you, your absolute need of His presence, power and love.

It was Divine love which chose the trial. It was Divine love which sent it. And the God of love is waiting to hear your confessions, your prayers, and your complaints.

Believe that He is love; believe that your sickness flows from love; and entreat Him to sanctify it--and then remove it. But seek its sanctification before its removal.

Sanctified afflictions are among our choicest blessings! They . . . wean our hearts from earth, direct our affections above, and give energy and fervor to our prayers. Many have had to say, "It is good for me, that I have been afflicted! Before I was afflicted I went astray--but now I keep Your precepts."

The Lord watches over you in love; while you are in this furnace--He is about your bed. Do not forget that the God of love is present with you--present to . . .
hear your groanings, number your pains, mark your tears, listen to your prayers,
and bless you indeed. You may not have the comfort of His presence--but you have the benefit of it. Endeavor to realize that God is with you--with you as a kind and gracious Father, watching over you to do you good.

By this affliction, He calls you . . . to self-examination; to surrender yourself afresh to Him; to seek your happiness alone in Him; to cast all your cares upon Him; to make known your request to Him! He says, "I will be very gracious unto you at the voice of your cry. When I hear you--I will answer you." His eye is fixed upon you for good! He is full of compassion, and plenteous in mercy unto all who call upon Him in truth. Call then upon the Lord, in this day of trouble; He will deliver you--and you shall glorify Him.

"The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes every one He accepts as a son." Hebrews 12:6
~James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842
~Photography: B. W. Lowery

Christian Character

2012-01-18T08:18:00.000-05:00

Harmonious Development of Christian Character

by Harvey Newcomb, 1843
The design of clothing, then, is—
1. to furnish a modest covering for the body;
2. to provide a defense against the hostile elements;
3. perhaps to remind us of our spiritual nakedness and exposure to the wrath of God, and our need to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

From these ends we ought not to pervert it to the gratification of pride and vanity. But, if you will observe the following things in regard to your apparel, you will probably not go far astray—

1. All that we have is the Lord's. We have nothing but what he has given us; and this we have solemnly promised to employ in his service. We have no right, therefore, needlessly to squander it upon extravagant clothing. The apostle Paul directs women to adorn themselves with modest apparel, and discountenances the wearing of costly ornaments and jewelry. Peter also says that, instead of these, their adorning should be the "hidden person of the heart." The love of finery, or a fondness for mirthful apparel, is contrary to the spirit of these passages; nor is it easy to see how Christians can reconcile so much needless expense as is often lavished upon their dress, with the spirit of benevolence which the gospel breathes, when so many millions of precious souls are perishing without any knowledge of the only way of salvation, or while so many around them are suffering from poverty and need.

This is certainly contrary to the spirit of Christ. He who for our sakes became poor, who led a life of self-denial, toil, and suffering, that he might relieve distress and make known the way of salvation, could never have needlessly expended upon his clothing, what would have sent the gospel to the destitute, or supplied the needs of poverty. Extravagance in dress is, therefore, obviously inconsistent with the Christian character! But no precise rule can be laid down in relation to this matter. It must be left to the sober judgment of Christians; and a sanctified conscience will readily discern the bounds of propriety. By asking yourself two or three questions, whenever you think of purchasing a new article of dress, you may very easily decide upon the path of duty—"Do I need this? Is it necessary for my comfort, or for my decent appearance in society? Can I glorify God in wearing it?"

2. Your time is the Lord's. You have no right to waste it in useless attention to dress. One of the greatest evils of extravagant modes of dress is, that so much precious time is consumed at the mirror. I have already shown the value and importance of time, and the obligations of Christians to spend it in the most profitable manner. I need not here advance any new arguments to show that it is wrong to consume your time needlessly in the adjustment of your apparel.

3. It is duty to pay some regard to personal appearance. A Christian lady, by dressing slovenly, brings reproach upon the cause of Christ, instead of glorifying God. The apostle enjoins upon women to adorn themselves with modest apparel. Modesty signifies purity of sentiment and manners. When this idea is applied to dress, it immediately suggests to the mind a neatness, taste, and simplicity, alike opposed both to extravagance and finery, and to negligence and vulgar coarseness.

The exercise of a refined taste, in the adaptation and adjustment of apparel, may also be justified by the analogy of nature. Look abroad over the landscape, and see with what exquisite taste God has clothed the flowers of the field. There is a symmetry of proportion, a skilfulness of arrangement, and a fitness and adaptation of colors, which strike the eye with unmingled pleasure. And if God has shown a scrupulous regard to the pleasure of the eye, we may do the same.

Sweet Repose

2012-01-16T19:04:00.002-05:00

Come Rest Awhile

by Lucy Maude Montgomery 1874-1942

Come rest awhile, and let us idly stray,

In glimmering valleys, cool and far away.

Come from the greedy mart, the troubled street,

And listen to the music, faint and sweet,

That echoes ever to a listening ear,

Unheard by those who will not pause to hear

The wayward chimes of memory's pensive bells,

Wind-blown o'er misty hills and curtained dells.

One step aside and dewy buds unclose

The sweetness of the violet and the rose;

Song and romance still linger in the green,

Emblossomed ways by you so seldom seen,

And near at hand, would you but see them, lie

All lovely things beloved in days gone by.

You have forgotten what it is to smile

In your too busy life--come, rest awhile.

Weekly Daybook

2012-01-16T14:25:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...
Bitingly cold, cloudy and grey as I peer through the sparkling frosty patterned windows. A couple nights ago, I again noticed the moonlight shining through the lace curtained bedroom window right onto the bed, a sight that just thrilled my heart!

I am thinking...
How much I enjoy winter, a change of pace from the busy days of summer with so much to do. How pleasant it is to sit down withn a cuppa Hot Cinnamon Tea (Harney) with the seed and plant catalogues to plan for next summer and to find more time for homemaking tasks, especially baking.

I am thankful...
We are all enjoying good health.

In the kitchen...
Need to bake bread but will likely wait until tomorrow as my beloved won't be home in time for dinner tonight. It is so cold that I am thinking a homemade soup sounds good. Perhaps I will also make a raspberry/apple pie, a combination we especially like which cuts the intensity of the raspberry.

I am wearing...
Deep blue long-sleeved pima cotton tee, a dark grey baby waffle knit boot length skirt, a deep blue patterned scarf, black and grey Privo ballet flats, hair still drying, tucked into a chignon.

I am creating...
A dark blue and maroon variegated chenille scarf on my Schacht loom using a dark blue warp.

I am going...
To think about ways to more efficiently care for my many gardens in anticipation of the day when I might not feel so energetic. Downsizing isn't really an option.

I am wondering...
What kind of winter we are going to have. Read that it might be wet with lots of snow but warmer than usual so that it would not stay. Time will tell. The shovel is ready!

I am reading...
Springs in the Valley by Mrs Charles Cowman
The Beatitudes by A. W. Pink
My Bible
The Herb Quarterly
Weaving periodicals

I am hoping...
To get started on spring cleaning this week, something good to do before gardening commences in the spring when I will be too busy

I am looking forward to...
Mini vacations this winter as my beloved is just too busy to get away for any length of time right now so he likes to go out for dinners and occasional drives instead. Love it! We usually have appetisers or salad rather than the entres which are so filling.

I will be soon learning
How to spin on a vintage double flier spinning wheel. For my birthday, my beloved is restoring the c.1800 John Sturdevant wheel I found at a little antique shop a while back.

Around the house...
Just finished vacuuming throughout, linens are nearly to make up the bed fresh and everything is in order.

I am pondering...
Plans for reconfiguring the perennial garden and also the rose garden as my beloved wants to take over some of the space adjacent to the rose garden which means I won't be able to get through with the lawnmower.

A favorite quote for today...

"The New Year lies before you

like a spotless track of snow.

Be careful How you tread upon it

for every mark will show."
Author unknown

One of my favorite things...
Spikenard

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Hope to start warping the LeClerc colonial loom but it is hard to tear myself away from the fireside on these wintery days.

A peek into my day...
This photograph with the apple picking ladder is adjacent to my rose garden where I am pondering ideas for how to reduce mowing within the garden.

Then host site:
http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Comfortable or Comforter

2012-01-15T11:52:00.000-05:00

"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God" (Isa. 40:1).

Store up comfort. This was the prophet's mission. The world is full of comfortless hearts, and ere thou art sufficient for this lofty ministry, thou must be trained. And thy training is costly in the extreme; for, to render it perfect, thou too must pass through the same afflictions as are wringing countless hearts of tears and blood. Thus thy own life becomes the hospital ward where thou art taught the Divine art of comfort. Thou art wounded, that in the binding up of thy wounds by the Great Physician, thou mayest learn how to render first aid to the wounded everywhere. Dost thou wonder why thou art passing through some special sorrow? Wait till ten years are passed, and thou wilt find many others afflicted as thou art. Thou wilt tell them how thou hast suffered and hast been comforted; then as the tale is unfolded, and the anodynes applied which once thy God wrapped around thee, in the eager look and the gleam of hope that shall chase the shadow of despair across the sou l, thou shalt know why thou wast afflicted, and bless God for the discipline that stored thy life with such a fund of experience and helpfulness. --Selected

God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters. --Dr. Jowett

"They tell me I must bruise
The rose's leaf,
Ere I can keep and use
Its fragrance brief. "They tell me I must break
The skylark's heart,
Ere her cage song will make
The silence start.
"They tell me love must bleed,
And friendship weep,
Ere in my deepest need
I touch that deep.
"Must it be always so
With precious things?
Must they be bruised and go
With beaten wings?
"Ah, yes! by crushing days,
By caging nights, by scar
Of thorn and stony ways,
These blessings are!"

~Mrs. Charles Cowman
~Photograph: Everblooming Cecile de Mille

Influence

2012-01-14T00:54:00.000-05:00

Next to the sovereign grace of God, the influence of a mother's teachings and example is the most effective in molding character and shaping destiny. It is in the direction of moral training and the development of character, that the influence of the mother is most powerfully felt. The mother, more than anyone else, helps to clothe the immortal soul in garments of holiness and loveliness--or else in garments of sin and sorrow and shame. She weaves her child's habits of thought and conduct. She does this not only by direct deliberate teachings--but by little words and acts, and by silent unconscious influence.

Occasional exceptions do not shake the solid certainty of this rule: Show me the mother--and I will show you the man!

Train up a child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

~J. R. Miller
~Engraving of Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley

Susannah Wesley was one of the the great mothers of history. One day one of her daughters wished to do something which was not altogether bad, but which was not right. When she was told not to do it, she was not convinced.

It was late and she and her mother were sitting beside a dead fire. Her mother said to her: "Pick up that bit of coal." "I don't want to," said the girl. "Go on," said her mother. "The fire is out, it won't burn you." "I know that," said the girl. "I know it won't burn me but it will blacken my hands." "Exactly," said Susannah Wesley. "That thing which you wish to do won't burn, but it will blacken. Leave it alone."

ABOUT SUSANNAH WESLEY

Susannah Wesley died July 23,1742.

Ten of Susannah Wesley's nineteen children died before they were two years old and one of her daughters was deformed. Yet Susannah wrote in her diary that all her sufferings served to "promote my spiritual and eternal good. Glory be to Thee, O Lord."

Susannah's father refused to obey an English law of 1662 forcing all clergymen to obey the Book of Common Prayer. Five thousand of these Christians, called "Nonconformists", died in English prisons for their faith.

Susannah's husband tried to remain with the Church of England. For this, his barns were burned and his own disgruntled congregation had him arrested and thrown to prison. During this time Susannah endured terrible poverty. A thief slashed the udders of the family cow so she had to find milk for her family elsewhere. Susannah declared, "Religion is nothing else than doing the will of God and not our own."

She home-schooled her children six hours a day. One day their roof was burned by irate parishioners. All the family escaped unharmed except for six-year-old John who jumped from a window as the roof fell in. He became John Wesley the preacher, the founder of the Methodists, and was later barred from most of the churches in England.

Another son, Charles Wesley, is remembered for the hundreds of hymns that have brought pleasure to churches for many years. Remember that it was the courageous, tenacious faith of this Bible-believing woman that gave Christendom two of the most important figures of the 18th century.

Let us take heart in our own trials with the fact that most major spiritual battles and victories which have affected the lives of later generations, were not won with light conversations around a bowl of punch or eggnog. They were won by the sacrifices of those hidden stones under our feet. May we follow in their steps.

Hedged In

2012-01-13T07:14:00.001-05:00

"Reckon it nothing but joy...whenever you find yourself hedged in by the various trials, be assured that the testing of your faith leads to power of endurance" (James 1:2-3) Weymouth

God hedges in His own that He may preserve them, but oftentimes they only see the wrong side of the hedge, and so misunderstand His dealings. It was so with Job (Job 3:23). Ah, but Satan knew the value of that hedge! See his testimony in chapter 1:10. Through the leaves of every trial there are chinks of light to shine through. Thorns do not prick you unless you lean against them, and not one touches without His knowledge. The words that hurt you, the letter which gave you pain, the cruel wound of your dearest friend, shortness of money--are all known to Him, who sympathizes as none else can and watches to see, if, through all, you will dare to trust Him wholly.

"The hawthorn hedge that keeps us from intruding,
Looks very fierce and bare
When stripped by winter, every branch protruding
Its thorns that would wound and tear.
"But spring-time comes; and like the rod that budded,
Each twig breaks out in green;
And cushions soft of tender leaves are studded,
Where spines alone were seen,
"The sorrows, that to us seem so perplexing,
Are mercies kindly sent
To guard our wayward souls from sadder vexing,
And greater ills prevent.
"To save us from the pit, no screen of roses
Would serve for our defense,
The hindrance that completely interposes
Stings back like thorny fence.
"At first when smarting from the shock, complaining
Of wounds that freely bleed,
God's hedges of severity us paining,
May seem severe indeed.
"But afterwards, God's blessed spring-time cometh,
And bitter murmurs cease;
The sharp severity that pierced us bloometh,
And yields the fruits of peace.
"Then let us sing, our guarded way thus wending
Life's hidden snares among,
Of mercy and of judgment sweetly blending;
Earth's sad, but lovely song.

~Mrs. Chas. Cowman
~Hedge around the courtyard outside our back door

He Keeps the Key

2012-01-12T14:43:00.000-05:00

Is there some problem in your life to solve,
Some passage seeming full of mystery?
God knows, who brings the hidden things to light.
He keeps the key.

Is there some door closed by the Father's hand
Which widely opened you had hoped to see?
Trust God and wait--for when He shuts the door
He keeps the key.

Is there some earnest prayer unanswered yet,
Or answered NOT as you had thought 'twould be?
God will make clear His purpose by-and-by.
He keeps the key.

Have patience with your God, your patient God,
All wise, all knowing, no long tarrier He,
And of the door of all thy future life
He keeps the key.

Unfailing comfort, sweet and blessed rest,
To know of EVERY door He keeps the key.
That He at last when just HE sees 'tis best,
Will give it THEE.

--Anonymous

Painting: The Door Knob by Leyla Munteneau

The Dark Path

2012-01-11T08:39:00.002-05:00

"When thou passest through the waters . . . they shall not overflow thee" (Isa. 43:2).

"God does not open paths for us in advance of our coming. He does not promise help before help is needed. He does not remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them. Yet when we are on the edge of our need, God's hand is stretched out.
Many people forget this, and are forever worrying about difficulties which they foresee in the future. They expect that God is going to make the way plain and open before them, miles and miles ahead; whereas He has promised to do it only step by step as they may need. You must get to the waters and into their floods before you can claim the promise."

~J. R. Miller

"When thou passest through the waters"
Deep the waves may be and cold,
But Jehovah is our refuge,
And His promise is our hold;
For the Lord Himself hath said it,
He, the faithful God and true:
"When thou comest to the waters
Thou shalt not go down, BUT THROUGH."
Seas of sorrow, seas of trial,
Bitterest anguish, fiercest pain,
Rolling surges of temptation
Sweeping over heart and brain
They shall never overflow us
For we know His word is true;
All His waves and all His billows
He will lead us safely through.
Threatening breakers of destruction,
Doubt's insidious undertow,
Shall not sink us, shall not drag us
Out to ocean depths of woe;
For His promise shall sustain us,
Praise the Lord, whose Word is true!
We shall not go down, or under,
For He saith, "Thou passest THROUGH."

Annie Johnson Flint

~Photograph: The path to the ridge at the bend near the Old Cemetery. This is such a pretty walk, one I like to take daily, though here it appears mysterious and shadowy. Just around the bend is the crest of the hill with a lovely pastoral view of meadows, hills and fields, sometimes grazing cattle and sheep.

Delighting

2012-01-10T05:57:00.000-05:00

"Delight yourself in the Lord--
and He shall give you the desires of your heart!"

Psalm 37:4

If the truth be known, I misunderstood this passage for a very long time. It was not until, perhaps, the last decade that it began to dawn on me that the desires of my heart were slowly but surely changing. "The things of earth were growing strangely dim in the light of His glorious face."

The following truly insightful piece by James Smith touches my heart:

Delighting in worldly things--effectually prevents our delighting in God. Therefore it is often the case, that the Lord strips us of these things, or incapacitates us to enjoy them--in order to bring us back to delight in Himself.

He delights in His people--and He desires that His people to delight in Him. In order to accomplish this, He has revealed Himself in the most amiable characters, as . . .
a Husband;
a Friend;
a Brother;
a Savior;
a Shepherd, and so forth--
all on purpose to endear Himself to us!

Surely if our hearts were right--we would delight in Him on account of . . .
His glorious perfections;
His unalterable love;
the perfect atonement made for our sins;
the promises made for our comfort and encouragement;
the gift of the Holy Spirit;
the communion we are urged to hold with Himself;
and the glorious paradise of blessedness set before us--where we shall forever . . .
view the unfolding of His glories,
enjoy the riches of His grace, and
drink of the river of His pleasures!

Sick Christian, Jesus bids you to delight in Him!
Delight in Him as your Savior, Friend, and Brother!
Delight in His person and glories!
Delight in His perfect work!
Delight in His glorious fullness!
Delight in your salvation in Him, union to Him, and claim upon Him.
Oh, delight in Jesus!
You will have no permanent peace or solid satisfaction--but as you are delight in Him, and rejoice in Him, saying, "You are my portion, O Lord!"

He who delights in God has the desires of His heart--because they are in accordance with the purpose, promise, and pleasure of God.

The mind is thrown into the mold of God's mind, and the soul cries from its inmost recesses, "Not my will--but may Your will be done!" Its pleasures are spiritual, permanent, and satisfactory. The desire for earthly things becomes very contracted--a little of the things of this poor world will satisfy a soul that is delighting in Jehovah.

Delighting in God always produces resignation and holy contentment. Whatever they have--they enjoy it as the undeserved gift of God; and they feel obligated and thankful for all. They would rather be conformed to God's will--than have their own will. They know that His appointments are best--because they are infinitely wise, holy, and gracious. They can say, "I trust in You, O Lord, for You are my God! My times are in Your hand!" They find that godliness with contentment is great gain; and say with one of old, "The little that a righteous man has--is better than the riches of many wicked!" "Better a little with the fear of the Lord--than great treasure with turmoil."

The presence, the promise, and the smile of God--are to them inestimably valuable; but other things are not so important. They seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness--and all other necessary things are added unto them. They live at the fountain--when all the streams are dried up! They delight in God--when creatures fade and wither!

O Lord! I would delight in Thee,
And on Your care depend;
To You in every trouble flee,
My best, my only Friend!

No good in creatures can be found,
But may be found in Thee;
I must have all things and abound,
While God is God to me!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842
~Painting: Lord Frederick Leighton: The Countess Brownlow (1879)

The Fruitful Life

2012-01-09T14:47:00.003-05:00

The fruitful life seeks showers as well as sunshine.

"The landscape, brown and sere beneath the sun,
Needs but the cloud to lift it into life;
The dews may damp the leaves of tree and flower,
But it requires the cloud-distilled shower
To bring rich verdure to the lifeless life.
"Ah, how like this, the landscape of a life:
Dews of trial fall like incense, rich and sweet;
But bearing little in the crystal tray
Like nymphs of night, dews lift at break of day
And transient impress leave, like lips that meet.
"But clouds of trials, bearing burdens rare,
Leave in the soul, a moisture settled deep:
Life kindles by the magic law of God;
And where before the thirsty camel trod,
There richest beauties to life's landscape leap.
"Then read thou in each cloud that comes to thee
The words of Paul, in letters large and clear:
So shall those clouds thy soul with blessing feed,
And with a constant trust as thou dost read,
All things together work for good. Fret not, nor fear!"
L. Cowman

Awestruck!

2012-01-08T08:18:00.000-05:00

but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.
I rejoice at thy word,
as one that findeth great spoil.
Psalm 119:161b-162

God's Wings

2012-01-07T18:35:00.007-05:00

After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast . . . because she had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live.

'He will cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings you will find refuge.'
(Psalm 91:4)

~Photography: Bruce W. Lowery

New Year's Prayer

2012-01-06T11:22:00.003-05:00

Thank you Lord for giving me
The brand new year ahead
Help me live the way I should
As each new day I tread.

Give me gentle wisdom
That I might help a friend
Give me strength and courage
So a shoulder I might lend.

The year ahead is empty
Help me fill it with good things
Each new day filled with joy
And the happiness it brings.

Please give the leaders of our world
A courage born of peace
That they might lead us gently
And all the fighting cease.

Please give to all upon this earth
A heart that's filled with love
A gentle happy way to live
With Your blessings from above.

~ Charlotte Anselmo ~

~Photography by B. W. Lowery

Weekly Journal

2012-01-06T10:15:00.005-05:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...
Such a pretty day - sunny and quite warm for January approaching the low forties. Days are already getting longer and spring is coming!

I am thinking...
Ah yes . . . been thinking about lots of things but on my mind right now is what to weave next. Just started warping my Schacht rigid heddle loom which I can use most anywhere and hope to put a new warp on the LeClerk Colonial soon but that one is way up stairs which seems too far away from the fire on these wintry days.

I am thankful...
For lovely visits with friends and family over the holidays which flew by so quickly.

In the kitchen...
Still have goodies left from the holidays so don't need to do much baking, although I made herb bread yesterday with sun dried tomatoes, garlic, basil and onion which is so good! It happened that my beloved stopped home just as it was ready to come out of the oven. He had not had lunch yet so was really pleased to have an English plowman's lunch.

I am wearing...
A camel boot-length corduroy skirt, dark brown 3/4 sleeve tee, brown suede flats and tights, a finely striped scarf in shades of camel, browns, copper and ivory.

I am creating...
A mental list of what I need to order for the gardens, the mulling which is one of my favourite winter tasks.

I am going...
To try to go for a walk most every day as I develop a new routine for this New Year. I discovered a lovely new route which takes me back through the gardens, the orchard, the path to the ridge and across the meadow to a nice look-out; then through the woods and on toward the road, following that back home to pick up the mail and return home which takes a good half hour.

I am wondering...
Where we will go for dinner tonight, which is date night, such a delightful evening to look forward to.

I am reading...
Arthur W. Pink's book on the beatitudes, another Letitia Cowman's devotional which name alludes me at the moment, my Bible, various news sources, Herb Companion, a weaving magazine, and more. A Kindle Fire was under the Christmas tree this year which is a delightful way to read the old out of print books that are so costly to procure. It is also a convenient way to study my Bible with the various reference books just a touch a way. Amazing. I am not a techie but appreciate having such an incredible library at my disposal, since my beloved hasn't gotten around to building more bookcases yet. Maybe he won't need to. ~smile~

I am hoping...
Yes. "Hope springs eternal!"

I am looking forward to...
Gathering fresh veggies from the garden over the winter! Still have Curly Kale, Chard, Brussel's Sprouts, Leeks, Carrots and more! The kale is the most exciting for me as I find so many ways to use it in sandwiches, pasta dishes, soups and as a garnish. It is deliciously sweet for nibbling.

I am learning
Something of the history of my "find of the year", a John Sturdevant double flier spinning wheel who had a small factory in Litchfield, Massachusetts in the late seventeen and early eighteen hundreds.

Around the house...
Lots of flowers in bloom including geraniums, a miniature rose, poinsettias, Christmas Cactus and more. Lovely!

I am pondering...
The brevity and uncertainty of our life here on earth as so many of those near and dear are no longer among us. How important it is to be ready for today could be the last day for any of us. It would behoove me to live each day as if it could be my last. Lots to think about!

A favorite quote for today...

O happy home, where Thou art loved the dearest,
Thou loving Friend and Savior of our race,
And where among the guests there never cometh
One who can hold such high and honored place!

O happy home, where two in heart united
In holy faith and blessèd hope are one,
Whom death a little while alone divideth,
And cannot end the union here begun!

O happy home, whose little ones are given
Early to Thee, in humble faith and prayer,
To Thee, their Friend, who from the heights of Heaven
Guides them, and guards with more than mother’s care!

O happy home, where each one serves Thee, lowly,
Whatever his appointed work may be,
Till every common task seems great and holy,
When it is done, O Lord, as unto Thee!

O happy home, where Thou art not forgotten,
Where joy is overflowing, full and free,
O happy home, where every wounded spirit
Is brought, Physician, Comforter, to Thee—

Until at last, when earth’s day’s work is ended,
All meet Thee in the blessèd home above,
From whence Thou camest, where Thou hast ascended,
Thy everlasting home of peace and love!

Karl J. Spitta, in Psalter und Harfe (Pirna, Germany: 1833) (O selig Haus); translated from German to English by Sarah B. Findlater, Hymns from the Land of Luther, third series, 1858.

One of my favorite things...
Much to my surprise, I like my laptop for it makes correspondence and research so efficient. I have long had this fantasy about being locked in a library. My computer is a virtual library which I only wish I had more time to peruse. Amazing.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Saturdays are usually spent with my daughter/s (depending on their schedules) for a girls' day out. We sometimes do errands, perhaps peruse a new shop and have lunch some place special. Sometimes we explore back roads or just sip tea by the fire (or in the garden) and visit. Blessed bliss!

A peek into my day...
Max, our loyal guard cat who hastens to greet each and every visitor charming even the most reticent.

The Host site:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Gentle Leading

2012-01-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

"I will lead on softly" (Gen. 33:14).

We have not passed this way heretofore, but the Lord Jesus has. It is all untrodden and unknown ground to us, but He knows it all by personal experience. The steep bits that take away our breath, the stony bits that make our feet ache so, the hot shadeless stretches that make us feel so exhausted, the rushing rivers that we have to pass through--Jesus has gone through it all before us. "He was wearied with his journey." Not some, but all the many waters went over Him, and yet did not quench His love. He was made a perfect Leader by the things which He suffered. "He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Think of that when you are tempted to question the gentleness of His leading. He is remembering all the time; and not one step will He make you take beyond what your foot is able to endure. Never mind if you think it will not be able for the step that seems to come next; either He will so strengthen it that it shall be able, or He will call a sud den halt, and you shall not have to take it at all. --Frances Ridley Havergal

In "pastures green"? Not always; sometimes He

Who knowest best, in kindness leadeth me

In weary ways, where heavy shadows be.

So, whether on the hill-tops high and fair

I dwell, or in the sunless valleys, where

The shadows lie, what matter? He is there.

--Barry

Comfort for the New Year

2012-01-04T08:23:00.006-05:00

"The Lord, He it is who goes before you" (Deut. 31:8).

Here, then, is real substantial comfort—and what shall be my response thereto?

First, my eye should be constantly fixed upon Him, "looking unto Jesus" (Heb. 12:2), looking away from all else, trusting none other.

Second, then it is my business to follow Him—for what other purpose is a Guide? "When He puts forth His own sheep, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him" (John 10:4). And as they do, so they find that He makes them to lie down in green pastures, that He leads them beside the still waters. Ah, who would not follow such a Shepherd! O that the Lord may say of us as He did of Caleb, "he has followed Me fully" (Num. 14:24).

Third, then fear should be entirely banished from my heart. And will it not be so—if faith really lays hold of this, "The Lord, HE it is who goes before you, He will be with you, He will not fail you, neither forsake you; fear not, neither be dismayed" (Deut. 31:8).

~Arthur W.Pink

How to Live a Beautiful Christian Life

2012-01-03T07:23:00.000-05:00

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. ( I John 2:6)

"We have only successfully acquired the art of living a Christian life—when we have learned to apply the principles of true religion, and enjoy its help and comfort in our daily life. It is easy to join in devotional exercises, to quote Bible promises, to extol the beauty of the Scriptures; but there are many who do these things—whose religion utterly fails them in the very places and at the very times—when it ought to prove their staff and stay!

All of us must go out from the sweet services of the Sunday—into a week of very real and very commonplace life. We must mingle with people who are not angels. We must pass through experiences that will naturally worry and vex us. Those about us, either wittingly or unwittingly, annoy and try us. We must mingle with those who do not love Christ. We all meet many troubles and worries in ordinary week-day life. There are continual irritations and annoyances. The problem is to live a beautiful Christian life—in the face of all these hindrances!

How can we get through the tangled briers which grow along our path—without having our hands and feet torn by them? How can we live sweetly—amid the vexing and irritating things and the multitude of little worries and frets which infest our way, and which we cannot evade? It is not enough merely to 'get along' in any sort of way, to drag to the close of each long, wearisome day, happy when night comes to end the strife. Life should be a joy—and not a burden. We should live victoriously, ever master of our experiences, and not tossed by them like a leaf on the dashing waves. Every earnest Christian wants to live a truly beautiful life, whatever the circumstances may be.

A little child, when asked 'what it was to be a Christian,' replied, "For me, to be a Christian is to live as Jesus would live—and behave as Jesus would behave—if he were a little girl and lived at our house." No better definition of practical religion could be given. Each one of us is to live just as Jesus would—if he were living out our little life in the midst of its actual environment, standing all day just where we stand, mingling with the same people with whom we must mingle, and exposed to the very annoyances, trials and provocations to which we are exposed.

We want to live a life that will please God, and that will bear witness on its face to the genuineness of our piety. How can we do this? We must first recognize the fact that our life must be lived just in its own circumstances. We cannot at present change our surroundings. Whatever we are to make of our lives—must be made in the midst of our actual experiences. Here we must either win our victories—or suffer our defeats. We may think our lot is especially hard—and may wish it were otherwise. We may wish that we had a life of ease and luxury, amid softer scenes, with no briers or thorns, no worries or provocations. Then we would be always gentle, patient, serene, trustful, happy. How delightful it would be—never to have a care, an irritation, a cross, a single vexing thing!

But meanwhile this fact remains—that our aspiration cannot be realized, and that whatever our life is to be made, beautiful or marred, we must make it just where we are. No restless discontent can change our lot. We cannot get into any 'paradise' merely by longing for it. Other people may have other circumstances, possibly more pleasant than ours—but here are ours. We may as well settle this point at once, and accept the battle of life on this field—or else, while we are vainly wishing for a better chance, the opportunity for victory shall have passed. The next thought is that the place in which we find ourselves is the place in which the Master desires us to live our life. There is no haphazard in this world. God leads every one of his children by the right way. He knows where and under what influences each particular life will ripen best.

One tree grows best in the sheltered valley, another by the water's edge, another on the bleak mountain-top swept by storms. There is always adaptation in nature. Every tree or plant is found in the locality where the conditions of its growth exist, and does God give more thought to trees and plants than to his own children? He places us amid the circumstances and experiences in which our life will grow and ripen the best.

The peculiar discipline to which we are each subjected—is the discipline we each need to bring out in us the beauties and graces of true spiritual character. We are in the right school. We may think that we would ripen more quickly—in a more easy and luxurious life—but God knows what is best; he makes no mistakes.

There is a little fable which says that a primrose growing by itself in a shady corner of the garden, became discontented as it saw the other flowers in their mirthful beds in the sunshine, and begged to be moved to a more conspicuous place. Its prayer was granted. The gardener transplanted it to a more showy and sunny spot. It was greatly pleased—but there came a change over it immediately. Its blossoms lost much of their beauty and became pale and sickly. The hot. sun caused them to faint and wither. So it prayed again to be taken back to its old place in the shade.

The wise gardener knows best where to plant each flower, and so God, the divine Gardener, knows where His people will best grow into what he would have them to be. Some require the fierce storms, some will only thrive spiritually in the shadow of worldly adversity, and some come to ripeness more sweetly under the soft and gentle influences of prosperity, whose beauty, rough experiences would mar. He knows what is best for each one.

The next thought, is that it is possible to live a beautiful life anywhere. There is no position in this world in the allotment of Providence, in which it is not possible to be a true Christian, exemplifying all the virtues of Christianity. The grace of Christ has in it, potency enough to enable us to live godly, wherever we are called to dwell. When God chooses a home for us—he fits us for its peculiar trials.

There is a beautiful law of adaptation that runs through all God's providence. Animals made to dwell amid Arctic snows are covered with warm furs. The camel's home is the desert, and a wondrous provision is made by which it can endure long journeys across the hot sands without drink. Birds are fitted for their flights in the air. Animals made to live among the mountain-crags, have feet prepared for climbing over the steep rocks. In all nature this law of special equipment and preparation for allotted places prevails.

And the same is true in spiritual life. God adapts his grace to the peculiarities of each one's necessity. For rough, flinty paths—he provides shoes of iron. He never sends any one to climb sharp, rugged mountain-sides, wearing silken slippers. He always gives sufficient grace. As the burdens grow heavier—the strength increases. As the difficulties thicken—the angel draws closer. As the trials become sorer—the trusting heart grows calmer. Jesus always sees his disciples, when they are toiling in the waves—and at the right moment comes to deliver them.

Thus it becomes possible to live a true and victorious life—in any circumstances. Christ can as easily enable Joseph to remain pure and true, in heathen Egypt—as Benjamin in the shelter of his father's love. The sharper the temptations, the more of divine grace is granted. There is, therefore, no environment of trial, or difficulty or hardship—in which we cannot live beautiful lives of Christian fidelity and holy conduct. Instead, then, of yielding to discouragement when trials multiply and it becomes hard to live right, or of being satisfied with a broken peace and a very faulty life—it should be the settled purpose of each one to live, through the grace of God—a patient, gentle and unspotted life—in the place and amid the circumstances He allots to us.

The true victory is not found in escaping or evading trials—but in rightly meeting and enduring them. The questions should not be, "How can I get out of these worries? How can I get into a place where there shall be no irritations, nothing to try my temper or put my patience to the test? How can I avoid the distractions that continually harass me?" There is nothing noble in such living. The soldier who flies to the rear when he smells the battle is no hero; he is a coward.

The questions should rather be, "How can I pass through these trying experiences, and not fail as a Christian? How can I endure these struggles, and not suffer defeat? How can I live amid these provocations, these reproaches and testings of my temper, and yet live sweetly, not speaking unadvisedly, bearing injuries meekly, returning gentle answers to insulting words?"

This is the true problem of Christian living. We are at school here. This life is disciplinary. Processes are not important: it is results we want. If a tree grow into majesty and strength, it matters not whether it is in the deep valley or on the cold peak, whether calm or storm nurtures it. If character develops into Christlike symmetry, what does it matter whether it be in ease and luxury—or through hardship? The important matter is not the process—but the result; not the means—but the end; and the end of all Christian nurture is spiritual loveliness.

To be made truly noble and godlike—we should be willing to submit to any discipline. Every obstacle to true living should, then, only nerve us with fresh determination to succeed. We should use each difficulty and hardship, as a leverage to gain some new advantage. We should compel our temptations to minister to us—instead of hindering us. We should regard all our provocations, annoyances and trials, of whatever sort—as practice-lessons in the application of the theories of Christian life. It will be seen in the end—that the hardships and difficulties are by no means the smallest blessings of our lives.

Someone compares them to the weights of a clock, without which there could be no steady, orderly life. The tree that grows where tempests toss its boughs and bend its trunk, often almost to breaking—is more firmly rooted than the tree which grows in the sequestered valley, where no storm ever brings stress or strain. The same is true in life. The grandest character is grown in hardship. Weakness of character, springs out of luxury. The best men the world ever reared—have been brought up in the school of adversity and hardship. Besides, it is no heroism to live patiently—where there is no provocation, bravely where there is no danger, calmly where there is nothing to perturb. Not the hermit's cave—but the heart of busy life, tests, as well as makes character. If we can live patiently, lovingly and cheerfully, amid all our frets and irritations day after day, year after year, that is grander heroism than the farthest famed military exploits, for 'he who rules his own spirit—is better than he who captures a city.'

This is our allotted task. It is no easy one. It can be accomplished only by the most resolute decision, with unwavering purpose and incessant watchfulness. Nor can it be accomplished without the continual help of Christ. Each one's battle must be a personal one. We may decline the struggle—but it will be declining also the joy of victory. No one can reach the summit—without climbing the steep mountain-path. We cannot be borne up on any strong shoulder. God does not put features of beauty into our lives—as the jeweler sets gems in clusters in a coronet. The unlovely elements are not magically removed and replaced by lovely ones. Each must win his way through struggles and efforts—to all noble attainments. The help of God is given only in cooperation with human aspiration and energy. While God works in us—we are to work out our own salvation. He who overcomes, shall be a pillar in the temple of God. We should accept the task with quiet joy. We shall fail many times. Many a night we shall retire to weep at Christ's feet—over the day's defeat. In our efforts to follow the copy set for us by our Lord—we shall write many a crooked line, and leave many a blotted page blistered with tears of regret. Yet we must keep through all, a brave heart, an unfaltering purpose, and a calm, joyful confidence in God.

Temporary defeat should only cause us to lean on Christ more fully. God is on the side of everyone who is loyally struggling to obey his divine will, and to grow into Christlikeness. And that means assured victory, to everyone whose heart fails not."

~ J. R. Miller, 1880
~ Photograph: A (thought-provoking) view from The Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway

Home Life

2012-01-01T20:52:00.003-05:00

Nowhere is Christianity more beautifully displayed, than in the home. It changes the home of wickedness, strife, and contention — into a peaceful and delightful Eden. It converts the home of the wicked — into a palace. It drives away discontentment, uneasiness, fear, and darkness — and showers contentment, peace, and sunlight into every heart.

Christianity in home life — makes all . . .
love and kindness — between brothers and sisters;
love and dutifulness — between parents and children;
love, peace, harmony, honesty, and faithfulness — between husband and wife.

Christianity makes a home — a Heaven! A Christian home where all is love and tenderness and devotion — is the sweetest and most sacred spot on earth! A home where Christianity is crowned a queen in every heart — is an Eden. The heart of God is filled with delight as He looks down upon such a home! His presence dwells there, and causes this home to be a beautiful oasis in this wilderness world of sin.

Alas, that such homes are so few! Sin destroys the happiness of man, and makes many a home — a hotbed of contention, strife, and confusion!

When the husband and wife are kind, loving, and gentle toward each other; when she in her weakness feels her dependence upon him, and lovingly, trustingly looks unto him as her defense; and he in his strength and delight enfolds her in his strong arms of protection with a feeling of responsibility to nourish and cherish her — then they can testify, that they have a Heaven in their home!

Unless we have attained unto such a life — we have not attained to Bible Christianity, nor to domestic
joy and happiness.

(Charles Orr, "Christianity in Home Life")

The Blessing of Friendship

2012-01-01T16:20:00.000-05:00

We share these loves, my friend and I:

Bubbling brooks, a pink and blue sky,

Delicate mists, soft winds that sing,

Fragile snowflakes, violets in spring.

We share these loves, my friend and I:

Ruffled curtains, a latticed pie,

Flower-filled vases, cozy nooks,

An open fire, rows of books.

We share these loves, my friend and I:

Happy thoughts, aims that are high,

The warmth of friendship,

Pleasure in giving,

Faith in God, and real joy in living.

~Adeline Roseberg

Photograph: Christmas Cactus, from my grandmother's

Ponderings

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

"Do not love the world, or anything in the world!" 1 John 2:15

True Christian living in the world, is like a ship sailing on the ocean. It is not the ship being in the water which will sink it--but the water getting into the ship! So, in like manner, the Christian is not ruined by living in the world, which he must do while he remains in the body--but by the world living in him.

The world in the heart has ruined millions of immortal souls!

How careful is the mariner to guard against leakage, lest the water entering into the vessel should, by imperceptible degrees, cause the vessel to sink; and ought not the Christian to watch and pray, lest Satan and the world should find some unguarded inlet to his heart?

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23

~Painting: The Village Seamstress by Daniel Ridgway Knight
~"Golden Thoughts" 1879

Splendid Isolation

2011-12-28T19:02:00.000-05:00

"Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me" (John 16:32).

It need not be said that to carry out conviction into action is a costly sacrifice. It may make necessary renunciations and separations which leave one to feel a strange sense both of deprivation and loneliness. But he who will fly, as an eagle does, into the higher levels where cloudless day abides, and live in the sunshine of God, must be content to live a comparatively lonely life.

No bird is so solitary as the eagle. Eagles never fly in flocks; one, or at most two, ever being seen at once. But the life that is lived unto God, however it forfeits human companionships, knows Divine fellowship.

God seeks eagle-men. No man ever comes into a realization of the best things of God, who does not, upon the Godward side of his life, learn to walk alone with God. We find Abraham alone in Horeb upon the heights, but Lot, dwelling in Sodom. Moses, skilled in all the wisdom of Egypt must go forty years into the desert alone with God. Paul, who was filled with Greek learning and had also sat at the feet of Gamaliel, must go into Arabia and learn the desert life with God. Let God isolate us. I do not mean the isolation of a monastery. In this isolating experience He develops an independence of faith and life so that the soul needs no longer the constant help, prayer, faith or attention of his neighbor. Such assistance and inspiration from the other members are necessary and have their place in the Christian's development, but there comes a time when they act as a direct hindrance to the individual's faith and welfare. God knows how to change the circumstances in order to give us an isolating experience. We yield to God and He takes us through something, and when it is over, those about us, who are no less loved than before, are no longer depended upon. We realize that He has wrought some things in us, and that the wings of our souls have learned to beat the upper air.

We must dare to be alone. Jacob must be left alone if the Angel of God is to whisper in his ear the mystic name of Shiloh; Daniel must be left alone if he is to see celestial visions; John must be banished to Patmos if he is deeply to take and firmly to keep "the print of heaven."

He trod the wine-press alone.
Are we prepared for a "splendid isolation" rather than fail Him?

~Mrs. Charles Cowman
~Photograph: B. W. Lowery

Neath the Shadow of His Wing

2011-12-27T21:24:00.004-05:00

In the secret of His presence how my soul delights to hide!
Oh, how precious are the lessons which I learn at Jesus’ side!
Earthly cares can never vex me, neither trials lay me low;
For when Satan comes to tempt me, to the secret place I go,
To the secret place I go.

When my soul is faint and thirsty, ’neath the shadow of His wing
There is cool and pleasant shelter, and a fresh and crystal spring;
And my Savior rests beside me, as we hold communion sweet:
If I tried, I could not utter what He says when thus we meet,
What He says when thus we meet.

Only this I know: I tell Him all my doubts, my griefs and fears;
Oh, how patiently He listens! and my drooping soul He cheers:
Do you think He ne’er reproves me? What a false Friend He would be,
If He never, never told me of the sins which He must see,
Of the sins which He must see.

Would you like to know the sweetness of the secret of the Lord?
Go and hide beneath His shadow: this shall then be your reward;
And whene’er you leave the silence of that happy meeting place,
You must mind and bear the image of the Master in your face,
Of the Master in your face.

“Thou shalt hide them in the secret of Thy presence.” Psalm 31:20

Words: Ellen L. Goreh, 1883.

Photography: B. W. Lowery

Thy Way, Not Mine

2011-12-27T08:13:00.000-05:00

1 Thy way, not mine, O Lord,
However dark it be:
Lead me by Thine own hand,
Choose out the path for me.
Smooth let it be or rough,
It will be still the best;
Winding or straight, it leads
Right onward to Thy Rest

2 I dare not choose my lot;
I would not if I might:
Choose Thou for me, my God;
So shall I walk aright.
Take Thou my cup, and it
With joy or sorrow fill
As best to Thee may seem;
Choose Thou my good and ill.

3 Choose Thou for me my friends,
My sickness or my health;
Choose Thou my cares for me,
My poverty or wealth.
Not mine, not mine the choice
In things or great or small;
Be Thou my guide, my strength,
My wisdom, and my all.

If thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. ⁴³And there appeared unto him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; (Luke 22)

Horatius Bonar (1857)

~Photograph: Our Road
I often think of the poem, "The Road Not Taken", as I go along life's way traversing one seldom trod. It doesn't lead to throngs, bright lights or notoriety but rather to a quieter walk of Peace and confidence knowing my infallible Guide Who knows what is best.

Singing in the Winters of Life

2011-12-27T08:10:00.001-05:00

Many of the richest possibilities of prayer, lie beyond valleys of pain and sorrow. The best things of life cannot be gotten, but at sore cost. When we pray for more holiness, we do not know what we are asking for; at least we do not know the price we must pay to get that which we ask. Our "Nearer, my God, to Thee," must be conditioned by, and often can come only through, "Even though it be a cross that raises me."

Not only are the spiritual things the best things but many times the spiritual things can be grasped only by letting go and losing out of our hands those earthly things we would love to keep. God loves us too much to grant our prayers for comfort and relief if he can do it only at spiritual loss to us. He would rather let it be hard for us to live if there is blessing in the hardness, than make it easy for us at the cost of the blessing.

There are certain singing-birds that never learn to sing until their cages are darkened. Would it be true kindness to keep these birds always in the sunshine? There are human hearts that never learn to sing the song of faith and peace and love until they enter the darkness of trial. Would it be true love for these if God would hear their prayers for the removal of their pain? We dare not plead, therefore, but with utmost self-distrust and submission, that God would remove the cross of suffering.
~J. R. Miller from "Making the Most of Life"

1 Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor,
As a shield today?

Refrain:
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.

2 When you met with great temptation,
Did you think to pray?
By His dying love and merit,
Did you claim the Holy Spirit
As your guide and stay? [Refrain]

3 When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way? [Refrain]

4 When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was bowed in sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day? [Refrain]

Mary A. Kidder (1876)

Hark!

2011-12-24T08:56:00.000-05:00

Hark, the glad sound! the Savior comes,
The Savior promised long;
Let every heart prepare a throne,
And every voice a song.
On Him the Spirit, largely poured,
Exerts His sacred fire;
Wisdom and might, and zeal and love,
His holy breast inspire.
He comes the prisoners to release,
In Satan’s bondage held;
The gates of brass before Him burst,
The iron fetters yield.
He comes, from thickest films of vice
To clear the mental ray,
And on the eyes oppressed with night
To pour celestial day.
He comes the broken heart to bind,
The bleeding soul to cure;
And with the treasures of His grace
To enrich the humble poor.
His silver trumpets publish loud
The jub’lee of the Lord
Our debts are all remitted now
Our heritage restored.
Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim;
And Heav’n’s eternal arches ring
With Thy belovèd Name

“He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives.”
Isaiah 61:1

~Phillip Doddridge (1735)

Heart of my Heart

2011-12-23T22:41:00.001-05:00

"You never will be really happy until Christ becomes your dearest and most intimate friend."
~Elisabeth Payson Prentiss

More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee

Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.

This is my earnest plea:

More love, O Christ, to Thee;

More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;

Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.

This all my prayer shall be:

More love, O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;

Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,

When they can sing with me:

More love, O Christ, to Thee;

More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;

This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;

This still its prayer shall be:

More love, O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
(Matthew 22:37)

~Elisabeth Payson Prentiss (1818-1878)
~Red Roses by B. W. Lowery (used with permission)

Love~

2011-12-20T07:43:00.000-05:00

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.

~ Christina Georgina Rossetti 1830-1894)
~Painting: Redoute "Rosa Gallica"

Of My Heart

2011-12-19T22:12:00.000-05:00

"I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book
And every year when Christmas comes, I go and take a look,
And that is when I realize that these names are a part
Not of the book they are written in, but really of my heart
For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime,
And in the meeting they've become the rhythm in each rhyme
And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,
I really feel that I'm composed of each remembered name
And while you may not be aware of any special link
Just meeting you has changed my life a lot more than you think
For once I've met somebody, the years cannot erase
The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face
So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine
Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between,
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you,
It is because you're on the list that I'm indebted to
For I am but a total of the many folks I've met,
And you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget
And whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some ways you have a part in shaping things I do
And every year when Christmas comes, I realize anew,
The best gifts life can offer is meeting folks like you.
And may the spirit of Christmas that forever endures
Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours
~Helen Steiner Rice

And may the spirit of Christmas that forever endures
Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours.
Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas and the best New Year ever!

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift.
(II Corinthians 9:15)

~Photograph: a young ivy topiary in a kitchen window

Christmas Song

2011-12-18T14:03:00.000-05:00

Calm on the listening ear of night

Come heaven's melodious strains,
Where wild Judea stretches far
Her silver-mantled plains;

Celestial choirs from courts above

Shed sacred glories there;
And angels with their sparkling lyres
Make music on the air.

The answering hills of Palestine

Send back the glad reply,
And greet from all their holy heights
The day-spring from on high:

O'er the blue depths of Galilee

There comes a holier calm,
And Sharon waves, in solemn praise,
Her silent groves of palm.

"Glory to God!" The lofty strain

The realm of ether fills:
How sweeps the song of solemn joy
O'er Judah's sacred hills!"Glory to God!"

The sounding skies

Loud with their anthems ring;
"Peace on the earth; good-will to men,
From heaven's eternal King!"

Light on thy hills, Jerusalem!
The Saviour now is born:
More bright on Bethlehem's joyous plains
Breaks the first Christmas morn;

And brighter on Moriah's brow,
Crowned with her temple-spires,
Which first proclaim the new-born light,
Clothed with its Orient fires.

This day shall Christian lips be mute,
And Christian hearts be cold?
Oh, catch the anthem that from heaven
O'er Judah's mountains rolled!

When nightly burst from seraph-harps
The high and solemn lay,—
"Glory to God! on earth be peace;
Salvation comes to-day!"

Christmas Song by Edmund Hamilton Sears

Yet Lovely Beyond Telling

2011-12-16T23:00:00.000-05:00

The Rose is gowned in petaled grace and lovely beyond telling;

She always lifts a friendly face, regardless of her dwelling.

Her golden silence can express to us, no matter where, joy shared;

Give solace in distress from those who fondly care.

The Rose has ways of saying things we much delight to hear;

without a spoken word, she brings and keeps our loved ones near.

~Laura S. Beck~

Hmmmmm . . . now isn't that thought-provoking, given the rose hips were encased in ice? I am sure that there is much to learn from this, not the least of which is the wonder of God's care for us in each and every circumstance of our lives as God works His will! We are inexplicably and unmeasureably blessed far beyond our knowing!

"Some of the evidences of God's work in the soul, are:

a lively interest in the things which concern our eternal welfare,

a trembling at God's Word

and being suitably affected thereby,

hatred of sin,

loathing of self,

and a childlike love for the Lord.

Ah, we never prize Divine grace so much -

as when we have been afflicted by indwelling sin.

It is a sense of our pollution and filth -

which moves us to turn again to the Fountain

open for sin and for impurity!"

(Arthur Pink, "Experimental Preaching" 1937)

~Photography c. 12/08 by hmmooreniver (used with permission)

The Word

2011-12-16T00:52:00.000-05:00

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.
John 1:14

The Word! We think of His many attributes, almost forgetting sometimes that He IS the Word. The Word is Law and our Counsel.

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counseller,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Conversion is the soul's surrender to God, and acceptance of God--as Guide through this world of sin."Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked." Psalm 1:1
Notice exactly how this is expressed--it is not "does not walk in the open wickedness" nor even "the manifest folly of the wicked," but "does not walk in the counsel of the wicked." How searching that is! How it narrows things down!
The ungodly are ever ready to "counsel" the believer, seeming to be very solicitous of his welfare. They will warn him against being too strict and extreme, advising him to be broad-minded and to "make the best of both worlds." But the policy of the "ungodly"--that is, of those who leave God out of their lives, who have no "fear of God"--is regulated by self-will and self-pleasing, and is dominated by what they call "common sense."
Alas, how many professing Christians regulate their lives by the advice and suggestions of ungodly friends and relatives--heeding such "counsel" in their business career, their social life, the furnishing and decorating of their homes, their dress and diet, and the choice of school or avocation for their children!
But not so with the "blessed man." He "does not walk in the counsel of the wicked." Rather is he afraid of it, no matter how plausible it sounds, or apparently good the intention of those who offer it. He shuns it, and says "Get behind me, Satan!"
Why? Because Divine grace has taught him that he has something infinitely better to direct his steps. God has given him a Divine revelation, dictated by unerring wisdom, suited to his every need and circumstance, designed as a "lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path." His desire and his determination is to walk by the wholesome counsel of God, and not by the corrupt counsel of the ungodly.
The "blessed man" does not walk according to the maxims of the world. "But his delight is in the Law of the Lord." "The carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the Law of God" (Romans 8:7). The worldling seeks his "delight" in the entertainment furnished by those who scorn spiritual and eternal things. Not so the "blessed" man--his "delight" is in something infinitely superior to what this perishing world can supply, namely, in the Divine Scriptures. The unregenerate delight in pleasing self--but the joy of the Christian lies in pleasing God. His Word is the daily bread of the "blessed" man.
"And in His Law, he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2). Thereby does he evidence his "delight" therein--for where his treasure is, there is his heart also! Here, then, is the occupation of the blessed man. The voluptuary thinks only of satisfying his senses; the giddy youth is concerned only with sports and pleasures; the man of the world directs all his energies to the securing of wealth and honors; but the "blessed" man's determination is to please God, and in order to obtain a better knowledge of His will, he meditates day and night in His holy Word. Thereby is light obtained, its sweetness extracted, and the soul nourished!
"Your Words were found, and I ate them; and Your Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart!" (Jeremiah 15:16). Meditation stands to reading--as digestion does to eating. It is as God's Word is pondered by the mind, turned over and over in the thoughts, and mixed with faith--that we assimilate it. That which most occupies the mind and most constantly engages our thoughts--is what we most "delight" in.
"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season." Fruit is an essential character of a gracious man, for there are no fruitless branches in the true Vine. "In season," for all fruits do not appear in the same month, neither are all the graces of the Spirit produced simultaneously.

Times of trial--call for faith.
Times of suffering--call for patience.
Times of disappointment--call for meekness.
Times of danger--call for courage.
Times of blessings--call for thanksgiving.
Times of prosperity--call for joy.
How far, dear reader, do you resemble this "blessed man"?

~Arthur Pink, "The Blessed Man"

~Photograph: Great Great Grandfather Hutchinson's Bible
opened to the account of Christ's Birth

Wishing you a blessed Christmas!

2011-12-15T14:21:00.006-05:00

Candlelit Heart

2011-12-15T12:17:00.002-05:00

"Somewhere across the winter world tonight
You will be hearing chimes that fill the air;
Christmas extends its all-enfolding light
Across the distance...something we can share.

You will be singing, just the same as I,
These familiar songs we know so well,
And you will see these same stars in your sky
And wish upon that brightest one that fell.

I shall remember you and trim my tree,
One shining star upon the topmost bough;
I will hang wreaths of faith that all may see --
Tonight I glimpse beyond the here and now.

And all the time that we must be apart
I keep a candle in my heart."

- Mary E. Linton, Candlelit Heart

Love is Kind

2011-12-14T07:49:00.006-05:00

"Cultivate kindness of heart;
think well of your fellow-men;
look with charity upon the shortcomings in their lives;
do a good turn for them, as opportunity offers;
and, finally, don't forget the kind word at the right time.
How much such a word of kindness, encouragement, of appreciation
means to others sometimes,
and how little it costs us to give it!"

author unknown

And be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Eph 4:32

Words of Cheer

2011-12-13T11:52:00.000-05:00

How often I find myself humming "this world is not my home - I'm just apassin' through for my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue . . ." the thought which really inspires change in one's perspective on life, on laying up treasures, on priorities and especially on preparation and duty. Each of us is blessed with a finite number of days here on earth which we are to invest wisely, making the most of each moment, carrying out whatever responsibilities God has given us and leaving in our wake some pleasing, fragrant memories.

"This world is not our rest. It is only--our temporary lodging-place, our battle-ground to fight sin and Satan, our vineyard in which to labor for our Master until sundown, our training-school for the development of character and growth in grace.
In a little while, perhaps within a few days for some of us--the veil which hides the eternal world may drop--and the gates of the Father's house may open before our astonished vision! If heaven is ready for Christ's redeemed people--then surely they should be making ready for heaven. We ought to think more about our everlasting home. If our treasures are there, then our hearts should be there also--in frequent and joyful anticipations.
A Christian, to whom Jesus Christ is real, and the glories of the world to come are real, and who has set his affections set on things above--must inevitably have some deep meditations about his eternal home, and his magnificent inheritance. He loves to read about it, and gathers up eagerly the few grand, striking things which his Bible tells him about that glorious City of God.
Sometimes, when cares press heavily, or bodily pains wax sharp, or bereavements darken his house--he gets homesick, and he says, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest!" Psalm 55:6
Such devout meditations do not prove any Christian to be a dreamy mystic. They are not the pious sentimentalizings of mourners to whom this world has lost all its charm; nor of enthusiasts whose religion evaporates in mere emotion. The hundred-handed Paul constantly reminds his fellow-workers that "Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ!" Philippians 3:20
It is no wonder that some professors do not catch more distinct glimpses of the celestial world--as their vision is obscured. A very small object when held close to the eye--will hide the noonday sun. Just so, a professor may hold a dollar so close to the eye of his soul--as to shut out both Christ and heaven!
Fish shut up in a dark cavern for a long time--become blind. In the same way, we will lose the faculty of spiritual sight--if we shut ourselves up in a cavern of carking worldliness!
Those whose hearts are in heaven, and who keep it constantly before their view, have abundant sources of spiritual joy. They renew their strength as they push upward and heavenward. What is it to them--
hat the road is long;
that the hills of difficulty are steep;
that there are often lions in the way;
that there are crosses to be carried;
and that not far ahead--is that river of death over which there is no bridge! None of these things disturb them! Heaven lies at the end of the way--clothed in its glorious light! From the hilltops they can, with the spy-glass of faith, bring heaven so near--that they can see its gates, and its streets of shining gold, and the Lamb on His throne!
These views of our imperishable inheritance of glory, ought to quicken our zeal greatly. The time is short--and shortening every day! It is certain, that he who doesn't love Christ--doesn't love heaven; and he who doesn't love heaven--will never see heaven.
A godly life is just a tarrying and a toiling in this earthly tent for Christ--until we go into the heavenly mansions with Christ! Brethren! the miles to heaven are few and short; let us be found busy in heart and hand when the summons sounds, "Come up here!" And they rose to heaven! Revelation 11:12"

~Theodore Cuyler, "Words of Cheer for Christian Pilgrims"
~Photograph: Blue Jay by B. W. Lowery

A Blessed Place

2011-12-12T07:41:00.000-05:00

I’ve found a blessèd hiding place,
A happy refuge know,
When dark and heavy clouds replace
The morning’s golden glow.

In the blessèd, blessèd hiding place,
My soul for gladness sings;
I’m covered by my Savior’s love,
Beneath the sheltering wings.

As little birds within the nest
Are gathered safe and warm;
So, close against my Savior’s breast,
I’m hiding from the storm.

More tender than a mother’s love,
The love that shields me here;
His eyes still keeping watch above,
His voice dispelling fear.

Not for a moment would I leave
This blessèd hiding place;
Thy promise, Savior, I believe,
O keep me, by Thy grace.

He shall cover thee with his feathers,

and under his wings shalt thou trust:

his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psalm 91:4

(Late) Autumn in the Garden

2011-12-09T19:21:00.005-05:00

When the frosty kiss of Autumn in the dark
Makes its mark
On the flowers, and the misty morning grieves
Over fallen leaves;
Then my olden garden, where the golden soil
Through the toil
Of a hundred years is mellow, rich, and deep,
Whispers in its sleep.

'Mid the crumpled beds of marigold and phlox,
Where the box
Borders with its glossy green the ancient walks,
There's a voice that talks
Of the human hopes that bloomed and withered here
Year by year,--
Dreams of joy, that brightened all the labouring hours,
Fading as the flowers.

Yet the whispered story does not deepen grief;
But relief
For the loneliness of sorrow seems to flow
From the Long-Ago,
When I think of other lives that learned, like mine,
To resign,
And remember that the sadness of the fall
Comes alike to all.

What regrets, what longings for the lost were theirs!
And what prayers
For the silent strength that nerves us to endure
Things we cannot cure!
Pacing up and down the garden where they paced,
I have traced
All their well-worn paths of patience, till I find
Comfort in my mind.

Faint and far away their ancient griefs appear:
Yet how near
Is the tender voice, the careworn, kindly face,
Of the human race!
Let us walk together in the garden, dearest heart,
Not apart!
They who know the sorrows other lives have known
Never walk alone.

Henry Van Dyke

'Tis Winter Now

2011-12-09T06:45:00.007-05:00

’Tis winter now; the fallen snow
Has left the heav’ns all coldly clear;
Through leafless boughs the sharp winds blow,
And all the earth lies dead and drear.

And yet God’s love is not withdrawn;
His life within the keen air breathes;
His beauty paints the crimson dawn,
And clothes the boughs with glittering wreaths.

And though abroad the sharp winds blow,
And skies are chill, and frosts are keen,
Home closer draws her circle now,
And warmer glows her light within.

O God! Who giv’st the winter’s cold
As well as summer’s joyous rays,
Us warmly in Thy love enfold,
And keep us through life’s wintry days.

~Samuel Longfellow

He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. Psalm 147:16

~Photograph: by HMMooreNiver This Victorian basket finds its home on the iron table on the balcony where I enjoy it's filigreed design all through the year, but never more beautiful than when sparkling with frost.

As the Bird Flies Home

2011-12-08T12:49:00.005-05:00

As the bird flies home to its parent nest,
When the hunter seeks his prey,
O child of God, to thy Father haste,
From the tempter’s snare away.

Under His wings thy defense shall be,
He with His feathers shall cover thee,
Cover thee, cover thee,
He with His feathers will cover thee.

When the winds are cold, and the days are long,
And thy soul from care would hide,
Fly back, fly back, to thy Father then,
And beneath His wings abide.

Oh, the tranquil joy of that dear retreat,
Where the Savior bids thee rest,
With steadfast hope, and a trusting faith,
In His love secure and blest.

’Tis the Lord thy God that to thee has said,
He will guide thee with His eye;
In all thy need, like the weary dove,
To Thy only refuge fly.

Frances Jane Crosby

He shall cover thee with His feathers,
and under His wings shalt thou trust.
Psalm 91:4

Weekly Journal

2011-12-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...
It is raining lightly, night has fallen, but inside a fire is crackling and candles flickering. Max is dozing on the rug under the table in front of the fire.

I am thinking...
It is only a little while until Christmas. Funny how it comes so quickly now while as a little girl, the time moved interminably slow!

I am thankful for...
The gift and blessings of Christmas. It isn't the gifts, the lights, the tree, the music, the parties, concerts or any of those things but The Gift of all gifts whose birth we celebrate.

From the garden...
Still doing a little cutting back but the gardens are pretty much ready to be blanketed with snow, which Grandpa called "poor man's fertilizer." Now I am gathering greens for decorating (I prefer naturals) and should think about starting some bulbs for winter blooms. In the Potager, there is still chard, kale, carrots, parsley, leeks, Brussel Sprouts and some herbs.

From the kitchen...
I froze some turkey broth and turkey for making a soup which I put together last night. The power was off for a few hours this afternoon, so since I did not know when it would be back, I put the soup on the woodstove (and started a fire). Also put the tea kettle on the stove and lit some candles. Delightful. The power has come back, but it was nice to reflect on how one might manage for a long outage, of which we have had many. Life seems quieter, more peaceful somehow without the hum of the frig, the computer, etc.

I am wearing...
JJill boot length denim skirt, a navy pima cotton boat neck tee, a long navy floral scarf, Privos and tights. Hair is in the usual upswept style and I have some tiny diamonds in my ears. (I don't like to wear much jewelry.)

I am creating...
Have been busy wrapping gifts but have a scarf in the works using a mitten loom. The yarn is called "Suri Dream" and is in shades of mauve and blue. Gorgeous yarn, a gift from my knitting daughter.

I am going...
To be baking some Christmasy goodies, likely molasses cookies and sugar cookies which are old family favourites. I like to make other kinds but then we have to work off the calories. Not fun. I usually make Baklava and Candied Fruit Peel, as well as a Christmas bread.

I am reading...
My Bible and devotionals.

I am hoping...
My beloved doesn't get over-tired. His work schedule of late has been very hectic; but he hopes it will slow down around Christmastime.

I am hearing...
Max breathing.

Around the house...
Serene.

One of my favorite things...
Simmering potpourri which I vary by adding orange peel, lotsa cloves, cinnamon sticks, allspice, etc. to the pot of water on the stove.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Wrapping gifts.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
This favourite old chair was my husband's great grandmother's. My sister-in-law made the pillow. The photo was taken in the corner of our master bedroom. The wall paper is an early handprint which I dearly love.

You can visit the host site at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

The Christmas Rose

2011-12-06T08:40:00.003-05:00

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.
John 1:14

Set Apart

2011-12-05T06:37:00.000-05:00

"He went up into a mountain apart" (Matt. 14:23).

Strength is not in bluster and noise. Strength is in quietness. The lake must be calm if the heavens are to be reflected on its surface. Our Lord loved the people, but how often we read of His going away from them for a brief season. He tried every little while to withdraw from the crowd. He was always stealing away at evening to the hills. Most of His ministry was carried on in the towns and cities by the seashore, but He loved the hills the best, and oftentimes when night fell He would plunge into their peaceful depths.

The one thing needed above all others today is that we shall go apart with our Lord, and sit at His feet in the sacred privacy of His blessed presence. Oh, for the lost art of meditation! Oh, for the culture of the secret place! Oh, for the tonic of waiting upon God! --Selected

"It is well to live in the valley sweet,
Where the work of the world is done,
Where the reapers sing in the fields of wheat,
As they toil till the set of sun.
But beyond the meadows, the hills I see
Where the noises of traffic cease,
And I follow a Voice that calleth to me
From the hilltop regions of peace.

"Aye, to live is sweet in the valley fair,
And to toil till the set of sun;
But my spirit yearns for the hilltop's air
When the day and its work are done.
For a Presence breathes o'er the silent hills,
And its sweetness is living yet;
The same deep calm all the hillside fills,
As breathed over Olivet."

"Every life that would be strong must have its Holy of Holies into which only God enters."

~Mrs. Charles Cowman
~Painting: Daniel Ridgeway Knight

Dew

2011-12-04T08:25:00.000-05:00

"By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew." Proverbs 3:20

When the Lord said, "Let there be light," instantly there was light. So when the Lord says, "Let the earth open," the heart immediately opens, the conscience is made tender, and the soul hears and receives what God speaks. And what follows this opening? The heart receives the dews and showers of God's grace that fall into it; and these dews and showers of God's grace communicate to it softness, fertility, and productiveness.

O how we have to learn this by painful experience! Is not our heart as hard sometimes as the nether millstone; and to our feelings, utterly destitute of light, life and power, without one grain of brokenness, contrition, godly sorrow, spiritual desire, or fervent breathing after the Lord? This painful experience the Lord's people have to pass through perpetually, that they may know that "in them, that is, in their flesh dwelleth no good thing," and that" power belongeth unto God."

Could I make my own heart soft, should I want the Lord to do it for me? Could I communicate fertility to my own soul, should I ever pant after the dews and showers of the Holy Ghost? Could I bring pardon and peace into my own conscience, should I need the Lord himself to speak with power? Could I believe, hope, rejoice, and have at my own command every gracious and blessed feeling that I desire to experience, there would be no pleading the Lord's own promises, no wrestling in importunate prayer, no taking the kingdom of God by violence, no longing and panting for the Lord to appear in our souls.

The Lord therefore sees fit that we should walk in these paths, that we may know, "it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy."

J. C. Philpot - Daily Portions

Rejoice!

2011-12-02T09:12:00.000-05:00

"Thou makest the outgoing of the morning and evening to rejoice" (Ps. 65:8).

Get up early and go to the mountain and watch God make a morning. The dull gray will give way as God pushes the sun towards the horizon, and there will be tints and hues of every shade, that will blend into one perfect light as the full-orbed sun bursts into view. As the King of day moves forth majestically, flooding the earth and every lowly vale, listen to the music of heaven's choir as it sings of the majesty of God and the glory of the morning."

In the holy hush of the early dawn
I hear a Voice
"I am with you all the day,
Rejoice! Rejoice!"

The clear, pure light of the morning made me long for the truth in my heart, which alone could make me pure and clear as the morning, tune me up to the concert-pitch of the nature around me. And the wind that blew from the sunrise made me hope in the God who had first breathed into my nostrils the breath of life; that He would at length so fill me with His breath, His mind, His Spirit, that I should think only His thoughts, and live His life, finding therein my own life, only glorified infinitely. What should we poor humans do without our God's nights and mornings? --George MacDonald

"In the early morning hours,
'Twixt the night and day,
While from earth the darkness passes
Silently away;
"Then 'tis sweet to talk with Jesus
In thy chamber still
For the coming day and duties
Ask to know His will.
"Then He'll lead the way before you,
Mountains laying low;
Making desert places blossom,
Sweet'ning Marah's flow.
"Would you know this life of triumph,
Victory all the way?
Then put God in the beginning
Of each coming day."

~Mrs. Chas. Cowman
~Photograph: B. W. Lowery

That Special Time

2011-12-02T06:17:00.002-05:00

"My God, is any hour so sweet,
From blush of morn to evening star,
As that which calls me to your feet -
The hour of prayer?

Blessed is the tranquil hour of morn
And blessed that hour of solemn eve
When on the wings of prayer upborne,
The world I leave.

Then is my strength, by you renewed,
Buoyancy to my hopes is given;
Then do you cheer my solitude
With light from Heaven.

No words can tell what sweet relief
There for my every need I find,
What strength for warfare, balm for grief,
What peace of mind.

Hushed is each doubt, gone every fear;
My spirit seems in Heaven to stay.
It is the hour when every tear
Is wiped away.

Lord, until I reach that blissful shore,
No privilege so dear shall be
As thus my inmost soul to pour
In prayer to thee!"

Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:
and He shall hear my voice. (Ps 55:17)

~Mrs. Chas. Cowman

~Photograph: The Cape May Lighthouse by B. W. Lowery

Grumbling

2011-12-01T07:48:00.000-05:00

The LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD. Exodus 16:8b

"Does God really hear every discontented word which I ever speak?
Does He hear when I grumble about the weather . . .
about the hard winter,
about the late spring,
about the dry summer,
about the wet harvest?

Does He hear when I grumble . . .
about the frosts,
about the drought,
about the high winds,
about the storms?

Does He hear when I grumble . . .
about my circumstances,
about the hardness of my lot,
about my losses and disappointments?

If we could get into our heart, and keep there continually, the consciousness that God hears every word we speak--would we murmur and complain so much as we now do?

We are careful never to speak words which would give pain to the hearts of those we love. Are we as careful not to say anything that will grieve our heavenly Father?"

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36

"He who complains of the weather--complains of the God who ordains the weather!"

~William Law

~J. R.. Miller "Miller's Year Book - a Year's Daily Readings"
~Photograph: a view from last year's trip

Friendship is Precious!

2011-11-30T06:17:00.000-05:00

Now and then a friend is found

who proves right from the start

to be a special kind of friend

who truly warms the heart . . .

Now and then a friendship's made

that's really lasting too -

the kind of special friendship

I have know since I met you.

Having attended memorial services for several special people, I am reminded how important it is to realize the brevity of life and to make certain that those special people in our life know how special we believe they are, how very much they mean to us . . . for we never know if tomorrow will come!

True friendship is like sound health;

the value of it is seldom known until it is lost.

Charles Caleb Colton

Do not save your loving speeches for your friends till they are dead.

Do not write them on their tombstones,

speak them rather now instead.

Anna Cummins

```

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love.” Hosea 11:4

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend!

He loved me ere I knew Him;

He drew me with the cords of love,

and thus He bound me to Him;

And round my heart still closely twine those ties which naught can sever,

For I am His, and He is mine, forever and forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! He bled, He died to save me;

And not alone the gift of life, but His own Self He gave me!

Naught that I have mine own I call, I’ll hold it for the Giver,

My heart, my strength, my life, my all are His, and His forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! All pow’r to Him is given,

To guard me on my onward course, and bring me safe to heaven.

The eternal glories gleam afar, to nerve my faint endeavor;

So now to watch, to work, to war, and then to rest forever.

I’ve found a Friend, O such a friend! So kind and true and tender,

So wise a Counselor and Guide, so mighty a Defender!

From Him who loves me now so well what power my soul can sever?

Shall life or death, shall earth or hell? No! I am His forever.

James G. Small (1863)

The Duties in Friendship

2011-11-29T23:11:00.000-05:00

"It is very sure that merely worldly ease and comfort are not the best things we can seek for our friends. It is natural that we should want to shield them from hardship, burden-bearing, and sorrow. But in the very tenderness of our love, we may rob them of the best possibilities of their lives.

When God would bless us most largely in a spiritual way—he does not give us all ease and luxury. He knows that the room must be darkened sometimes, if we are to learn to sing the new, sweet song; and that before we will accept heavenly good things, it may be necessary that our hands shall be emptied of absorbing earthly things.

One of the first duties of friendship is prayer. Perhaps most of us do pray for those we love when they are sick or in great trouble. But what do we ask for them then? Probably we pray that they may recover from their sickness, or be comforted in their trouble. But are these love's best intercessions?

When our friends are sick, it is right for us to pray that they may get well—but that should not be our only request for them. The sickness has a mission from God—something it was sent to do in them and for them. It would be a great misfortune, therefore, if they should recover from their illness, and get out into the busy world again, and miss receiving the blessing which the illness was commissioned to bear to them. While then we pray for the curing of our friends, that they may return to their duties—we should also ask that the will of God in their sickness may be done in them!

Then if we pray for our friends who are in sorrow, what should we ask for them? The sorrow also comes as God's messenger, bringing gifts of love. The best blessings of life lie beyond experiences of pain—and we cannot get the blessings, without passing through the experiences. We should plead that our friends may not miss receiving the gifts which the messenger, sorrow, holds in his hands for them. It would be very sad if pain or grief should come into a life and pass—leaving no blessing, no enriching.

But not only when they are sick or in sorrow should we pray for our friends—they probably need our prayers far more—when they are in health and joy and prosperity! "When you see me growing rich," wrote a good man to a friend, "pray for my soul!" We may all say to those who love us and watch over our lives, "When I am very happy and very prosperous, and when all things are bringing me joy—pray for me!"

So we should never fail to pray for our friends, to beseech of God the best things for their lives. Their greatest danger is not sickness, nor bereavement, nor loss of money, nor pain—but, lest they forget God. Thus should we exalt the aims and goals of our friendships. It is not enough to seek to give pleasure to those we love, to make them happier; we should endeavor also to impart to them enduring good.

And not only to our personal friends should we seek thus to do good—but to all whose lives we touch. Everyone who meets us should be the better for it, taking from us some inspiration and uplifting. We are debtors to all men—we owe love and love's service to everyone. God sends us to carry blessing to each person we meet. It may be a lowly one who stands before us tomorrow, one who is unworthy, one who has sinned; it may be an enemy, one who yesterday wronged us, spoke bitter things of us, tried to injure us. This does not matter. We are sent from God with something for this very person, whoever or whatever he may be.

The love of Christ in us says to this man, "I long to impart unto you some spiritual gift!" We dare not refuse this ministry of love to any being under heaven. Then we do not know how sorely he needs us, how hungry he is for love, in how great peril he is this very moment—sent to us perhaps as a refuge, that we may be the bosom of Christ to him, that he may be saved by a word, a look, a kindness, a prayer, of ours."

~J. R. Miller
~Family Treasures by Barbara Mock.

ALL Your Anxiety

2011-11-28T09:53:00.003-05:00

Is there a heart o'er-bound by sorrow?
Is there a life weighed down by care?
Come to the cross–each burden bearing,
All your anxiety–leave it there.

All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat–leave it there;
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus.

No other friend so keen to help you,
No other friend so quick to hear;
No other place to leave your burden,
No other one to hear your prayer.

All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat–leave it there;
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus.

Come then at once–delay no longer!
Heed His entreaty kind and sweet;
You need not fear a disappointment
You shall find peace at the mercy seat.

All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat–leave it there;
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus.

"All Your Anxieties, All Your Care" is by Edward Henry Joy.

Guarding the Homefront

2011-11-27T15:29:00.000-05:00

“I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him,

and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.”

Genesis 18:19

Father of all, Thy care we bless,

Which crowns our families with peace;

From Thee they spring, and by Thy hand

They are, and shall be still sustained.

To God, most worthy to be praised,

Be our domestic altars raised;

Who, Lord of Heaven, yet deigns to come

And sanctify our humblest home.

To Thee may each united house

Morning and night present its vows;

Our servants there, and rising race

Be taught Thy precepts and Thy grace.

So may each future age proclaim

The honors of Thy glorious Name,

And each succeeding race remove

To join the family above.

Philip Doddridge(1702-1751);

Painting: Peter Poskas

Set Apart

2011-11-25T06:40:00.003-05:00

"He went up into a mountain apart" (Matt. 14:23).

One of the blessings of the old-time Sabbath was its calm, its restfulness, its holy peace. There is a strange strength conceived in solitude. Crows go in flocks and wolves in packs, but the lion and the eagle are solitaires.
Strength is not in bluster and noise. Strength is in quietness. The lake must be calm if the heavens are to be reflected on its surface. Our Lord loved the people, but how often we read of His going away from them for a brief season. He tried every little while to withdraw from the crowd. He was always stealing away at evening to the hills. Most of His ministry was carried on in the towns and cities by the seashore, but He loved the hills the best, and oftentimes when night fell He would plunge into their peaceful depths.

The one thing needed above all others today is that we shall go apart with our Lord, and sit at His feet in the sacred privacy of His blessed presence. Oh, for the lost art of meditation! Oh, for the culture of the secret place! Oh, for the tonic of waiting upon God! --Selected

"It is well to live in the valley sweet,

Where the work of the world is done,

Where the reapers sing in the fields of wheat,

As they toil till the set of sun.

But beyond the meadows, the hills I see

Where the noises of traffic cease,

And I follow a Voice that calleth to me

From the hilltop regions of peace.

"Aye, to live is sweet in the valley fair,

And to toil till the set of sun;

But my spirit yearns for the hilltop's air

When the day and its work are done.

For a Presence breathes o'er the silent hills,

And its sweetness is living yet;

The same deep calm all the hillside fills,

As breathed over Olivet."

"Every life that would be strong must have its Holy of Holies into which only God enters."

~Mrs.Charles Cowman

~Painting by Daniel Ridgway Knight

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

This is the day the Lord hath made;
Be glad, give thanks, rejoice,
Stand in his presence, unafraid,
in praise lift up your voice.
All perfect gifts are from above
And all our blessings show
The amplitude of God's dear Love
Which every heart may know. .

The lord will here before we call,
And every need supply;
Good things are freely given to all
Who on His Word rely.
We come today to bring Him praise
Not for such gifts alone,
But for the higher, deeper ways
In which His love is shown.

For sin destroyed, for sorrow healed,
For health and peace restored;
For life and love by Truth revealed,
We thank and bless the lord.
This is the day the Lord hath made,
In praise lift up your voice,
In shining robes of joy arrayed,
Be glad, give thanks, rejoice.

~Laura Lee Randall

The Thanksgiving Habit

2011-11-23T08:06:00.001-05:00

The annual Thanksgiving Day in America, has grown to be a national festival. It is a day of rejoicing. It summons all the people to gratitude. It is fitting that a people who have received untold blessings, should set apart one day on which all should recall their mercies, think of God as the Giver of all and express their grateful feelings in words of praise.

But it is not intended that the other three hundred and sixty four days shall be empty of thanksgiving, because one is named as an especial day of rejoicing. We cannot crowd into any one day-all the thanks of a year. Indeed, on no one day can we be grateful for another day. No one person can give thanks for a whole company of people. So no one day can give thanks for any but itself. All the days should be thanksgiving days. Any that is not, lacks something, and stands as imperfect days in the calendar.

We are told that we may count that day lost in which we do no kindness to anyone. In like manner may be set down as a lost day that one in which no songs of gratitude rises from our hearts and lips to God. Anybody can be thankful on one day of the year. At least it ought to be possible for even the most gloomy and pessimistic person to rouse up to grateful feeling, on the high tide of an annual Thanksgiving day.

No doubt it is something to pipe even one little song in a whole year of discontent and complaining-the kind of living with which some people fill their years. God must be pleased to have some people grateful even for a few moments in a long period of time, and to hear them sing even once in a year. But that is not the way He would have us live.

The ideal life is one that is always thankful, not only for a little moment on a particularly fine day. "Praise is lovely," that is, beautiful-beautiful to God. The life which pleases Him is the one which always rejoices. Nowhere in the Bible can we find either ingratitude or joylessness commanded or commended. All ungrateful feelings and dispositions are condemned. A great deal is said in disapproval of murmuring, discontent, worrying, and all forms of ingratitude. Again and again we are taught that joy is the keynote of a true life.

It is not enough to rejoice when the sun shines, when all things are going well with us, when we are in the midst of prosperity; we are to rejoice as well when clouds hide the blue sky, when our circumstances seem to be adverse, or when we are passing through sufferings. In one of the Psalms, the writer says: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." He had learned to sing in the hours of pain-as well as in the times of gladness.

That is the way the Christian should live-nothing should hush his song or choke the voice of thanksgiving and praise. The only way to get thanksgiving into its true place in our lives-is to have it grow into a habit.

A habit is a well worn path. There was a first step over the course, breaking the way. Then a second person, finding the prints of feet, walked in them. A third followed, then a fourth, until at length there was a beaten path, and now thousands go upon it. Likewise, one who has been full of miserable discontents, utterly lacking in gratitude, gets a new Divine impulse, and one day is really grateful for a few moments. The impulse comes again, and again he let his life flow toward gratitude. Persisting in the disposition, his heart returns again and again to its gladness, until by and by it has been lured altogether away from the old beaten paths of discontent, discouragement, and unhappiness, and runs always in the ways of thanksgiving.

If we find that we have been leaving thanksgiving out of our lives, if we have been allowing ourselves to grumble instead of praise, if we have indulged in unhappiness instead of in gladness-we should instantly set about the breaking of a new path, a thanksgiving path. It will not be easy at first, for gloomy dispositions when long indulged persist in staying in our lives. But they can be conquered, and we should not pause in our effort until we have trained ourselves entirely away from everything that is cheerless and ungrateful, into the ways of joy and song.

There are many encouragements to a life of thanksgiving. For one thing, it makes life much happier. The person who indulges in fretting and complaining-is missing much that is loveliest, both in character and in experience. The tendency of such a life is toward gloom and depression, and these qualities in the heart soon show themselves on the face and in the manner. Light is the emblem of a beautiful life-but ingratitude is darkness rather than light. If we would be happy-we must train ourselves to be grateful. Ingratitude makes life dreary for us.

Another reason for cultivating the thanksgiving spirit, is because of its influence on others. Nobody loves a sullen person. We are exhorted to think of "whatever things are lovely," and cheerlessness is not lovely. If we would have people like us, if we would attract them to us and have good influence over them-we must cultivate happiness in all our expressions.

There are many people who have formed the habit of unhappiness. They may be good and honest-but they have not learned the lesson of gladness. And they are not helpful people. They are not diffusers of joy. We are as responsible for our faces-as we are for our dispositions. If we go about with gloom on our countenances, we will cast shadows over others and make life harder for them. No one can be a real blessing to others, until he has mastered his gloom and has attained the thanksgiving face. No one can be of very much help to others, if he carries discontent and anxiety on his countenance. We owe it to our friends, therefore, as well as to ourselves, to form the habit of thanksgiving.

There are those who have learned this lesson so well, that wherever they go they make happiness. Their lives are blessings. It ought not to be hard to train one's self to be grateful. There would seem to be reason enough in every life, for continual thanksgiving. True, there are days when things may seem to go wrong-but it is only in the seeming. There is not doubt that all our circumstances bring blessings, which we may have if we will.

The hardest experience of any day, enfolds in it, a gift from God-if only we receive it in faith and love. We think of the sunny days as being good days, and we call unpleasant weather bad. But if we understood it, we would know that God sends to the earth just as rich blessings in His clouds-as He does in His sunshine. The clouds bring rain, and after the rain all nature appears clothed in fresh beauty.

A simple, childlike faith sees God in everything, and is ready always to give cheerful thanks, even when the reason for the thanksgiving may not be apparent. Indeed, we shall some day see that many of the richest and best blessings of our lives, have come to us through experiences and circumstances which to us seemed adverse, and from which we shrank.

There is an old promise which says that to those who love God-all things work together for their good. All we have to make sure of-is that we keep ourselves in the love of God. If we do this, everything which comes to us will bring its enriching in some way, and out of the painful things-our lives we will gather the best blessings and the deepest joys.

We shall not have many miles at the most-of the rough, steep road. In a few years we shall have gone over it all, and shall have come out into a place where there shall be nothing to vex or disturb us. And such gladness waits for us, such blessing, that one hour there-will make us forget all the sorrow and pain and toil of the way

~J. R. Miller, 1904
~Photograph: Steinway Square Crand Piano c1867

Thankfulness

2011-11-22T13:30:00.005-05:00

GRATITUDE consists in a watchful, minute attention to the particulars of our state,
and to the multitude of God's gifts, taken one by one. It fills us with a conscious
ness that God loves and cares for us, even to the least event and the smallest need
of life.   It  is a blessed thought, that from our childhood God has been laying His
fatherly hands upon us, and always in benediction; that even the strokes of His hands
are blessings, and among the chiefest we have ever received.

When this feeling is awakened, the heart beats with a pulse of thankfulness.  Every
gift has its return of praise. It awakens an unceasing daily converse with our  Father
-He speaking to us by the descent of blessings, we to Him by the ascent of
thanksgiving.  And all our whole life is thereby drawn under the light of His
countenance, and is filled with a gladness, serenity, and peace which only thankful
hearts can know.

~ H. E. Manning

~Photograph:  B. W. Lowery

A Thanksgiving Chorus

2011-11-21T07:21:00.006-05:00

We walk on starry fields of white
And do not see the daisies,
For blessings common in our sight
We rarely offer praises.
We sigh for some supreme delight
To crown our lives with splendour,
And quite ignore our daily store
Of pleasures sweet and tender.

Our cares are bold and push their way
Upon our thought and feeling;
They hang about us all the day,
Our time from pleasure stealing.
So unobtrusive many a joy
We pass by and forget it,
But worry strives to own our lives,
And conquers if we let it.

There's not a day in all the year
But holds some hidden pleasure,
And, looking back, joys oft appear
To brim the past's wide measure.
But blessings are like friends, I hold,
Who love and labour near us.
We ought to raise our notes of praise
While living hearts can hear us.

Full many a blessing wears the guise
Of worry or of trouble;
Far-seeing is the soul, and wise,
Who knows the mask is double.
But he who has the faith and strength
To thank his God for sorrow
Has found a joy without alloy
To gladden every morrow.

We ought to make the moments notes
Of happy, glad Thanksgiving;
The hours and days a silent phrase
Of music we are living.
And so the theme should swell and grow
As weeks and months pass o'er us,
And rise sublime at this good time,
A grand Thanksgiving chorus.
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Photograph: c. hmmooreniver (used with kind permisison)

A Weekly Journal

2011-11-20T15:49:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...
'Tis a balmy day, almost shirt-sleeve weather. Most of the leaves have fallen, gardens are put to bed for the most part, fishies have moved to their winter home in our daughter's large acquarium where they positively glow with good health. A few babies moved along with them.

I am thinking...
About Thanksgiving and how blessed we are.

I am thankful for...
Dear friends and family who fill life with inexpressibly sweet joy.

From the garden shed...
Vintage watering cans are stowed away for the winter, along with hoses, netting, markers and tools. Will likely do a little more cutting back, do the push mowing and some trimming this week. Mowed the lawns for probably the last time a couple days ago and got chilled to the bone!

From the kitchen...
The teakettle is simmering, reminding me that a cuppa Harney's Hot Cinnamon tea would be a delicious treat about now. It is made with three kinds of sweet cinnamon, plus a little orange and clove. It was an exciting find on Amazon to procure a plain box for quite a bit less than I had been paying in the store for the fancy tin, which is quite unnecessary.

Pesto rolls...baked in a cast iron skillet...and served hot from the oven. What could be better? And if there are any rolls left when dinner is done...they make the best sandwich buns!

2 1/2 - 3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 Tablespoon instant yeast
1 cup warm water
1 Tablespoon oil
4 Tablespoons pesto

Mix 2 1/2 cups of flour with salt, sugar and yeast in a mixing bowl.
Add oil and warm water to dry ingredients and mix.
Stir in pesto. (Use store bought pesto...or make your own.)
Continue to add flour as necessary to make a soft dough.
Knead until smooth and elastic.
Allow to rise until doubled in bulk...about an hour.
Divide dough into eight portions.
Form eight rolls and position in a well-oiled cast iron pan. (Or make12 smaller rolls.)
Cover with a clean towel and allow them to rise in a warm place for at least an hour...until doubled in size.
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Note ~ Normally one would let the dough rise before forming buns to put on the pan...as in step 6. One day I was rushed for time...and put them on the pan right after mixing the dough. They turned out great.

Twice this week I have made this recipe from the blog Mennonite Girls Can Cook. They are going to be a staple from now on! I am thinking I could vary the herbs, using dill and onion sometimes, for example, or just plain or perhaps dried fruit for a sweet roll that would be good with tea.

I am wearing...
Boot length denim skirt, black JJill sweater, tights and Privos, triple strand of blue glass beads and gold earrings, hair up as usual.

I am creating...
A very pretty scarf using Suri Dream yarn in shades of mauve on a knitting loom, which is relaxing to work on while visiting.

I am going...
To try to take a walk out back or on the treadmill most every day.

I am reading...
Old newsclippings, news, devotionals, Scripture, herb magazines, poetry.

I am hoping...
Yes!

I am hearing...
Hymns such as "O Thank We All Our God"

Around the house...
Having moved a good number of plants inside for the winter, I enjoy watering and tending them. This year, I have Chocolate Mint rooting, along with a Peppermint Scented Geranium and several ivies, regular geraniums, a number of amaryllis, Rosemary, Lavender, Bay Laurel, and more.

One of my favorite things...
Scents. So often they bring back special memories.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Looking forward to our Thanksgiving gathering. Expecting a full table.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
One of my favourite projects is filling the door baskets. The front door is filled with Bittersweet Vines which grow rampantly along the perimeter of our property. Greens, holly, pine cones and ribbon will make them festive for the holidays.

The host site, where every day is a blank slate:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

"Sunshine Always Makes me Happy!"

2011-11-19T22:05:00.002-05:00

But grey days are special too! We need them!

"Though the rain may fall and the wind be blowing,
And old and chill is the wintry blast;
Though the cloudy sky is still cloudier growing,
And the dead leaves tell that the summer has passed;
My face I hold to the stormy heaven,
My heart is as calm as the summer sea,
Glad to receive what my God has given,
Whate'er it be.
When I feel the cold, I can say, 'He sends it,'
And His winds blow blessing, I surely know;
For I've never a want but that He attends it;
And my heart beats warm, though the winds may blow.."

~Lettie Cowman

~Photograph: the sunshinig on the bed created lacy patterns through the curtained window. Max, our cat, thought it a fine place for a nap.

A Mother's Rocking Chair

2011-11-19T18:43:00.000-05:00

As in our custom now, I spent this Saturday with our two dear daughters. We sometimes do errands together, peruse estate sales and little shops usually stopping for lunch someplace special. Today we went to a little Mediterranean place where we got carry-out (falafel wraps and Greek salad) to enjoy back at our oldest daughter's where we watched her two kittens frolic and then nestle for naps as babies do. It thrills my heart to see these special young woman happy, the best of friends, and more wonderful than ever I dared dream. This poem comes to mind:

A journey through life with memories,
and first time moments with reflections from a mother's rocking chair:

She carried her child with care;
Rocking, waiting, feeling her inside,
In her maple-wood rocking chair,
Mesmerized, anticipating her angel.
She nurtured her angel as one,
Until she held her little miracle.
Her baby suckled her breast;
She quietly rocked her angel to sleep.
Through the first, unsteady day,
To the restless, last day of school,
She watched each child grow too fast.
She prayed, in her maple-wood rocking chair.
Each child stepped out into the world.
She has been there through marriages,
Careers, grandchildren, laughter, tears,
Finding solace in her maple-wood rocking chair.
Now, she looks through her family album
Lost in memories, pictures of first moments,
Living by heart, wrapped up in the shawl
Of their love, in her maple-wood rocking chair.

James Clayton Taylor

Photograph: an old rocking chair in my garden shed

Walking Alone

2011-11-18T16:43:00.000-05:00

"They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in." Psalm 107:4

"They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way;"--a way not tracked; a path in which each has to walk alone; a road where no company cheers him, and without landmarks to direct his course.
This is a mark peculiar to the child of God--that the path by which he travels is, in his own feelings, a solitary way. This much increases his exercises, that they appear peculiar to himself. His perplexities are such as he cannot believe any living soul is exercised with; the fiery darts which are cast into his mind by the wicked one are such as he thinks no child of God has ever experienced; the darkness of his soul, the unbelief and infidelity of his heart, and the workings of his powerful corruptions, are such as he supposes none ever knew but himself.
To be without any comfort except what God gives, without any guidance but what the Lord affords, without any support but what springs from the everlasting arms laid underneath; in a word, to be in that state where the Lord alone must appear, and where he alone can deliver, is very painful. But it is the very painful nature of the path that makes it so profitable.
We need to be cut off from resting upon an arm of flesh; to be completely divorced from all props to support our souls, except that Almighty prop which cannot fail. And the Lord will take care that his people shall deal only with himself; that they shall have no real comfort but that which springs from his presence, and no solid testimonies but those which are breathed into their conscience from his own lips.
His object is to draw us away from the creature; to take us off from leaning on human pity and compassion; and to bring us to trust implicitly on himself, "whose compassions fail not,"--to lean wholly and solely upon him, who is "very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

J. C. Philpot - Daily Portions

The Best Days

2011-11-17T16:06:00.000-05:00

Shall we say that this man’s life is a failure because of his physical condition, which has put a stop to all effort and compels him to sit with folded hands in the shadow, watching busy men at their tasks as they continue to win honor and success? No, his life is not a failure. He has loved nobly all his years. There is not a stain upon his name. He has been building up in himself a character in which the beatitudes shine, — loveliness, meekness, hunger for righteousness, mercifulness, purity of heart, the peacemaking spirit. He has won no name in the world’s ranks, but he has followed Christ faithfully, and has pleased him. He has loved a life of love, too — love which has expressed itself not merely in word, but in countless ministries of grace to those who have turned to him in faith and expectation for sympathy and help. He has had God and heaven in all his life, and has lived near the heart of Christ.

No doubt there is a mystery about the strange ways of Providence with him, but we may be sure that this good man’s life is in God’s sight no less successful not, when all activity has ceased, than it was in the days when he we busiest, full of energy and toil. Who will say, indeed, that these are not his best days? While the outer man has been perishing, decaying, may not the inner man have been growing in all worthy qualities, in all spiritual graces, in the things which shall endure forever? Ofttimes it is in what the world regards as failure that a man really achieves his noblest and best success. Many a man has found his soul only when he had lost his fortune or his health or his place.

“God lets us go our way alone,
Till we are homesick and distressed,
And humbly, then, come back to own
His way is best.

“He lets us thirst by Horeb’s rock,
And hunger in the wilderness;
Yet, at our feeblest, faintest knock,
He waits to bless.

“He lets us faint in far-off lands.
And feed on husks, and feel the smart,
Till we come home with empty hands,
And swelling heart.

“But then for us the robe and ring,
The Father’s welcome and the feast,
While over us the angels sing,—
Though last and least.”

J. R. Miller

The Expression of the Heart

2011-11-16T19:15:00.002-05:00

Prayer is a devotional expression of the heart, and, like the rising of incense - ascends to the throne of grace, imploring mercy, seeking help, or giving vent to the soul in praise and thanksgiving. It may be spoken in audible tones, or it may be a whisper - a gentle breathing of the desire of the heart, or a fervent thought sending a petition to Him who is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." -E. E. Byrum

True Success

2011-11-15T06:59:00.000-05:00

"The most successful life is the one which falls in the most cheerfully and the most completely with the will of God. It will not be an indolent life, nor will it be aimless and purposeless. It is the will of God that every power of our being shall be brought out, trained, and disciplined to its highest possibility, and devoted to the noblest and worthiest service. But the dominant influence in our life should always be the will of God and not any ambition of our own. Then shall we fulfil the purpose God had in his thought for us, when he made us and sent us into the world. And this will be the noblest career possible for us."

~J. R. Miller from "The Golden Gate of Prayer" regarding God's will

No Will But Thine

2011-11-14T18:07:00.007-05:00

Jesus, 'tis my aim divine,
Hence to have no will but thine,
Let me covenant with thee,
Thine for evermore to be:
This my prayer, and this alone,
Saviour, let thy will be done!

Thee to love, to live to thee,
This my daily portion be,
Nothing to my Lord I give,
But from him I first receive:
Lord, for me thy blood was spilt,
Lead me, guide me, as thou wilt.

All that is opposed to thee,
Howsoever dear it be,
From my heart the idol tear,
Thou shalt have no rival there,
Only thou shalt fill the throne:
Saviour, let thy will be done.

Wilt thou, Lord, in me fulfil
All the pleasure of thy will;
Thine in life, and thine in death,
Thine in every fleeting breath,
Thou my hope and joy alone:
Saviour, let thy will be done.

Octavius Winslow

~Photograph: A view of the Front Garden when the Foxgloves were in bloom.

Weekly Journal

2011-11-13T20:49:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...
'Twas such a pretty day. Night has fallen as I write, but it is still in the low fifties.

I am thinking...
Of our drive this afternoon through the hills and how there was so much colour in the trees even though most of the leaves have fallen. The russets and browns were gorgeous with occasional splashes of yellow and olive.

I am thankful for...
The joy of beholding such beauty and for the picturesque area in which we live.

From the gardens...
Have pretty much finished cutting back all I have to although I will do more if time permits. Removed the net covering the goldfish pond which I had tried this year to keep the maple leaves out of the water (as well as that hungry heron!) and then scooped out all the spent water hyacinths from the pond yesterday. We had planned to "go fishin'" for the goldfish but disturbing the frosted hyacinths clouded the water so we couldn't see to net them. Our daughter likes to winter them in her huge aquarium. Looks like there are some wee ones this year. They look like guppies, tiny inch long brown fishies that thrive when able to hide amongst the roots of the floating hyacinths.

From the kitchen...
We just had a supper of maple buckwheat pancakes with warm maple syrup, sliced Sugar Crisp apples and nice cold milk . . . perfect fall fare! Now enjoying a cuppa Harney's Hot Cinnamon Tea which is made with three kinds of cinnamon, a hint of orange and clove. Mmm. Smells so good!

I am wearing...
Dark brown suede cloth skirt, tights, brown boots, dark brown 3/4 sleeve vee neck sweater with an Ageratum bead necklace, gold earrings, a tan tweed jacket with (when we went out) an amber, gold and brown silk scarf and tan leather bag.

I am creating...
Mental lists of what I want to plant and/or move in the gardens next spring.

I am going...
To stock up on things like cranberries, brown sugar, molasses and nuts for holiday baking.

I am reading...
James Orr's book on prayer, several books of poetry and quotes, Streams in the Desert, Morning and Evening, Newsmax, Herb Companion, Herb Quarterly, Spin-Off, Grit and of course my Bible.

I am hoping...
To get the lawns all mowed one last time this week which should take care of most of the leaves.

I am hearing...
My beloved is listening to the Mills Brothers on Pandora.

Around the house...
Cozy and cheery.

One of my favorite things...
Yankee Candle's discontinued scented candle "Greenhouse"

A few plans for the rest of the week:
We are planning to have dinner with neighbors one evening this week; Friday night is always date night; and I have lots to get done outside before the snow flies.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
This is the present view out my kitchen window over the sink with the Burning Bush aglow. It is gorgeous! After the leaves fall, red berries will remain which the bluebirds and cardinals will be foraging and the sun will warm and brighten the kitchen. Come spring, the leaves will cut the late afternoon sun and help keep the kitchen cool but I can still see through the bush to the courtyard beyond.

The host site: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Among Plants and Hedges

2011-11-12T23:08:00.005-05:00

"These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work" (1 Chron. 4:23).

Anywhere and everywhere we may dwell "with the king for his work." We may be in a very unlikely and unfavorable place for this; it may be in a literal country life, with little enough to be seen of the "goings" of the King around us; it may be among the hedges of all sorts, hindrances in all directions; it may be furthermore, with our hands full of all manner of pottery for our daily task.

No matter! The King who placed us "there" will come and dwell there with us; the hedges are right, or He would soon do away with them. And it does not follow that what seems to hinder our way may not be for its very protection; and as for the pottery, why, that is just exactly what He has seen fit to put into our hands, and therefore it is, for the present, "His work."

--Frances Ridley Havergal

"Go back to thy garden-plot, sweetheart!
Go back till the evening falls,
And bind thy lilies and train thy vines,
Till for thee the Master calls.

"Go make thy garden fair as thou canst,
Thou workest never alone;
Perhaps he whose plot is next to thine
Will see it and mend his own."

The colored sunsets and starry heavens, the beautiful mountains and the shining seas, the fragrant woods and painted flowers, are not half so beautiful as a soul that is serving Jesus out of love, in the wear and tear of common, unpoetic life. --Faber

The most saintly spirits are often existing in those who have never distinguished themselves as authors, or left any memorial of themselves to be the theme of the world's talk; but who have led an interior angelic life, having borne their sweet blossoms unseen like the young lily in a sequestered vale on the bank of a limpid stream. --Kenelm Digby

Secret of a Happy Day

2011-11-11T07:38:00.003-05:00

‘The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.’ Psalm 25:14.

JUST to let thy Father do
What He will;
Just to know that He is true,
And be still.
Just to follow hour by hour
As He leadeth;
Just to draw the moment’s power
As it needeth.
Just to trust Him, this is all!
Then the day will surely be
Peaceful, whatsoe’er befall,
Bright and blessed, calm and free.

II.
Just to let Him speak to thee
Through His Word,
Watching, that His voice may be
Clearly heard.
Just to tell Him everything
As it rises,
And at once to Him to bring
All surprises.
Just to listen, and to stay
Where you cannot miss His voice.
This is all! and thus to–day,
Communing, you shall rejoice.

III.
Just to ask Him what to do
All the day,
And to make you quick and true
To obey.
Just to know the needed grace
He bestoweth,
Every bar of time and place
Overfloweth.
Just to take thy orders straight
From the Master’s own command.
Blessed day! when thus we wait
Always at our Sovereign’s hand.

IV.
Just to recollect His love,
Always true;
Always shining from above,
Always new.
Just to recognize its light,
All-enfolding;
Just to claim its present might,
All-upholding.
Just to know it as thine own,
That no power can take away.
Is not this enough alone
For the gladness of the day?

V.
Just to trust, and yet to ask
Guidance still;
Take the training or the task,
As He will.
Just to take the loss or gain,
As He sends it;
Just to take the joy or pain,
As He lends it.
He who formed thee for His praise
Will not miss the gracious aim;
So to–day and all thy days
Shall be moulded for the same.
VI.

Just to leave in His dear hand
Little things,
All we cannot understand,
All that stings.
Just to let Him take the care
Sorely pressing,
Finding all we let Him bear
Changed to blessing.
This is all! and yet the way
Marked by Him who loves thee best;
Secret of a happy day,
Secret of His promised rest.

~Frances Ridley Havergal

To Autumn

2011-11-10T08:03:00.000-05:00

"Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells."

- John Keats

Yesterday's Grief

2011-11-09T08:18:00.004-05:00

YESTERDAY'S GRIEF
The rain that fell a-yesterday is ruby on the roses,
Silver on the poplar leaf, and gold on willow stem;
The grief that chanced a-yesterday is silence that incloses
Holy loves when time and change shall never trouble them.
The rain that fell a-yesterday makes all the hillsides glisten,
Coral on the laurel and beryl on the grass;
The grief that chanced a-yesterday has taught the soul to listen
For whispers of eternity in all the winds that pass.
O faint-of-heart, storm-beaten, this rain will gleam tomorrow,
Flame within the columbine and jewels on the thorn,
Heaven in the forget-me-not; though sorrow now be sorrow,
Yet sorrow shall be, beauty in the magic of the morn.
--Katherine Lee Bates
"They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn and grow as the vine" (Hosea 14:7).

Autumn's Gold

2011-11-08T06:35:00.007-05:00

The Crimson King Maple is among the last to lose its leaves which turn a rich chocolate colour. This week has warmed enough to enjoy our afternoon tea on the terrace again. Bliss!

There was a good crop of Pie Pumpkins this year despite the critter that gobbled so many of the baby fruit. Looking forward to pumpkin bread, soups and pies with these. I read somewhere that pumpkin ought to be on the list of the most valuable vegetables to enjoy for optimum health.

This Burning Bush was flattened in the recent snowstorm. Thought I would have to cut it back but look at this! My kitchen window looks out through this gorgeous bush which blocks the heat of the summer sun, brightens the autumn days and provides pretty red berries for ravenous blue birds and cardinals during the winter.

This wildflower meadow is just beyond our orchard.

Must be gathering these luscious little winter-hardy kiwi this week for preserves. The process is so simple . . . just add an equal amount of sugar and a little water to get them started and cook until thick and ready for spreading on those homemade toasted English muffins! I put the preserves in a crock in the frig as they are just that . . . preserved!

Bittersweet . . . gathered some yesterday to put in the door basket on the front door along with some greens, Burning Bush leaves and Sage. As Christmastime approaches, I will add more greens and a festive gold ribbon.

~~~

And also that every man should eat and drink,
and enjoy the good of all His labour,
it is the gift of God.
Ecclesiastes 3:13

Leaves

2011-11-07T22:32:00.004-05:00

The title of this mesmerizing painting is "Gathering Wheat." (That's a lot of work.) My husband's grandparents grew buckwheat which they harvested by hand. I assume Grandma threshed it and ground the wheat into flour to use for those pancakes Dad so loves. Life was difficult then but they were a close, happy family who read to each other for entertainment and companionship. The children came of age during the depression without even realizing there was one! These grandparents never owned a car. Grandma churned butter to sell to neighbors and gathered basketfuls of eggs to sell for what she needed at the store. A peddlar came around with sundries.She made all of her linens, feather beds, luxiouriously soft pillows, her own clothes as well as many of those for her children. Grandpa taught school, was a subsistence farmer and avid writer. Life was good.

I thought about this as I worked at cutting back the front garden today in the balmy sunshine. It was a glorious fall day, the trees nearly bare now against the clear blue of the sky. Geese were winging their way south. Chickadees have returned. The few tenacious leaves remaining fluttered in the whisper-soft breeze.

"How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow."

- Elsie N. Brady, Leaves

~~~

Psalms 1:3
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.

Weekly Journal

2011-11-06T10:33:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...
A welcome sunshiny day, with temperatures predicted to be in the fifties, trees mostly bare but with a few tenacious leaves reluctantly releasing their hold on life to rest in the soft lush green of the lawns.

I am thinking...
This week looks very pleasant with days such as today (of course, every day is pleasant in some way or another!).

I am thankful...
For the warmth of the crackling fire. What is it about the ambience it creates? Delightful.

From the gardens ...
Most of what i HAVE to do in the gardens is done but I do hope to mow again, do more cutting back, weeding and clean-up to make next spring's tasks more delightful, gather kiwis to make preserves, cut some Bittersweet to add to the door baskets, possibly make another hydrangea wreath, and the list goes on!

In the kitchen...
Looking forward to baking bread this week and need to restock the cookie jar. May still gather some herbs to dry as I never did get the chive salt made and might like to make some vinegars. Probably should pick some morechocolate mint for winter tea. I like to keep a large mug on my nightstand to quench my thirst during the night. Mint is so refreshing.

I am wearing...
Tan corderoy boot length skirt with a creme ivory lace-trimmed tee and a pale yellow cotton sweater, tan ballet flats, gold knot earrings, polished stone necklace and hair up as usual.

I am creating...
A mental list of ideas for gifts as the Christmas season approaches.

I am going...
To try to find time to ride my old bicycle this week as the weather should be so beautiful. I should take along my camera.

I am wondering...
What the future holds, but I know Who holds the future. Such wondrous Peace.

I am reading...
Streams in the Dessert, Grace Gems, News Max, Herb Quarterly, SpinOff, Weaving magazines, poetry and more.

I am hoping...
Indeed . . . for hope springs eternal.

I am looking forward to...
Thanksgiving!

I am hearing...
The faint crackle of the fire.

Around the house...
While I was at my mother's for a few days recently, my beloved refinished the Breaskfast room floor. It gleams in the glow of the fire.

I am pondering...
The long list of things I need to do and prioritizing.

One of my favorite things...
A sense of accomplishment.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Routine, I guess (and hope.)

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
Yes, this is Max, our beloved guard cat who adopted us, sitting in the grape arbor looking out towards the back lawns.

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
The host site where you can read about the daily musings of daybookers around the world.

Captive

2011-11-06T10:05:00.002-05:00

"As I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God . . . and the hand of the Lord was there upon me" (Ezek. 1:1,3).

There is no commentator of the Scriptures half so valuable as a captivity. The old Psalms have quavered for us with a new pathos as we sat by our "Babel's stream," and have sounded for us with new joy as we found our captivity turned as the streams in the South.The man who has seen much affliction will not readily part with his copy of the Word of God. Another book may seem to others to be identical with his own; but it is not the same to him, for over his old and tear-stained Bible he has written, in characters which are visible to no eyes but his own, the record of his experiences, and ever and anon he comes on Bethel pillars or Elim palms, which are to him the memorials of some critical chapter in his history.

If we are to receive benefit from our captivity we must accept the situation and turn it to the best possible account. Fretting over that from which we have been removed or which has been taken away from us, will not make things better, but it will prevent us from improving those which remain. The bond is only tightened by our stretching it to the uttermost.The impatient horse which will not quietly endure his halter only strangles himself in his stall. The high-mettled animal that is restive in the yoke only galls his shoulders; and every one will understand the difference between the restless starling of which Sterne has written, breaking its wings against the bars of the cage, and crying, "I can't get out, I can't get out," and the docile canary that sits upon its perch and sings as if it would outrival the lark soaring to heaven's gate.

No calamity can be to us an unmixed evil if we carry it in direct and fervent prayer to God, for even as one in taking shelter from the rain beneath a tree may find on its branches fruit which he looked not for, so we in fleeing for refuge beneath the shadow of God's wing, will always find more in God than we had seen or known before.It is thus through our trials and afflictions that God gives us fresh revelations of Himself; and the Jabbok ford leads to Peniel, where, as the result of our wrestling, we "see God face to face," and our lives are preserved. Take this to thyself, O captive, and He will give thee "songs in the night," and turn for thee "the shadow of death into the morning." --William Taylor"

Submission to the divine will is the softest pillow on which to recline."

"It filled the room, and it filled my life,
With a glory of source unseen;
It made me calm in the midst of strife,
And in winter my heart was green.
And the birds of promise sang on the tree
When the storm was breaking on land and sea.

~Mrs. Chas. Cowman
~Photograph: Bruce W. Lowery

It Must Be Bought

2011-11-04T08:10:00.002-04:00

"On all bare heights shall be their pasture" (Isa. 49:9, RV).

Toys and trinkets are easily won, but the greatest things are greatly bought. The top-most place of power is always bought with blood. You may have the pinnacles if you have enough blood to pay. That is the conquest condition of the holy heights everywhere. The story of real heroisms is the story of sacrificial blood. The chiefest values in life and character are not blown across our way by vagrant winds. Great souls have great sorrows.

"Great truths are dearly bought, the common truths,
Such as men give and take front day to day,
Come in the common walk of easy life,
Blown by the careless wind across our way.

"Great truths are greatly won, not found by chance,
Nor wafted on the breath of summer dream;
But grasped in the great struggle of the soul,
Hard buffeting with adverse wind and stream.

"But in the day of conflict, fear and grief,
When the strong hand of God, put forth in might,
Plows up the subsoil of the stagnant heart,
And brings the imprisoned truth seed to the light.

"Wrung from the troubled spirit, in hard hours
Of weakness, solitude, perchance of pain,
Truth springs like harvest from the well-plowed field,
And the soul feels it has not wept in vain."

The capacity for knowing God enlarges as we are brought by Him into circumstances which oblige us to exercise faith; so, when difficulties beset our path let us thank God that He is taking trouble with us, and lean hard upon Him

~Mrs. Chas. Cowman
~Amaryllis by the Summer Kitchen Window

Standing

2011-11-02T22:56:00.002-04:00

"Stand up in the place where the dear Lord has put you, and there do your best. God gives us trial tests. He puts life before us as an antagonist face to face. Out of the buffeting of a serious conflict we are expected to grow strong.

The tree that grows where tempests toss its boughs and bend its trunk often almost to breaking, is often more firmly rooted than the tree which grows in the sequestered valley where no storm ever brings stress or strain. The same is true of life. The grandest character is grown in hardship."

~Selected
~Photograph: on the banks of the Mississippi taken from the car as we drove along northward last year

A beauteous grace!

2011-11-01T22:59:00.004-04:00

"The fruit of the Spirit is . . . gentleness" Galatians 5:22-23

GENTLENESS is one of the fruits of the Spirit. If we have the Spirit of Christ--we bear this fruit. "Well," says one, "in my very make-up--I am rough, harsh, and severe." If so, you need to be made anew. When God finds a man who is rough, harsh, and severe in his make-up--He will, as the man yields to the operation of the Holy Spirit--make him mild, gentle, and peaceful.

People go to a hospital and by an operation, have abscesses and tumors removed from the internal parts. Just so, God, by a blessed, wonderful, and successful operation of the Holy Spirit--will take that roughness, harshness, and severity out of your nature--and instill mildness, tenderness, softness, and gentleness instead. Harshness and roughness are a corruption that God, in His gracious plan of salvation--is pleased to remove. As the Holy Spirit works in you that which is pleasing in God's sight--He will make you gentle.

What is gentleness? It is humility, softness, mildness and meekness. It is the opposite of harshness, roughness, severeness etc. It is sweetness of disposition, mildness of temper, softness of manner, kindness, tenderness, etc. Those who are of a gentle disposition--act and speak without harshness. They are not morose, sour, crabbed, and wavering--but are smooth, mild, and steadfast. Good manners are intimately connected with gentleness, and good manners are no dishonor to Christianity. The apostle Paul by way of testimony said to the Thessalonian saints, "We were gentle among you--like a mother caring for her little children." 1 Thessalonians 2:7. Such was his manner. As a kind mother is to a delicate child--so was he to those whom he loved.

Vastly different was he then--from what he was when he was persecuting and destroying the church of God! He had been changed by grace. He exhorts pastors to "be gentle unto all men" (2 Timothy 2:24) and to be "gentle, showing all meekness unto all men" (Titus 3:2). David, in his sublime tribute of praise to God in 2 Samuel 22:36 says, "Your gentleness has made me great."

Would you, my reader, like to be more gentle in your manner? Are you too harsh and rough? Are you, if a parent--as gentle to your children as you should be, at all times? Husband, are you as kind and gentle toward your wife as you should be? Do you believe that you come up to the Bible measure in this particular? Or do you have impatient feelings and act in a hasty, abrupt manner towards them? If you meet with something quite provoking from your wife or the children--do you keep as mild and sweet as you know you should?

Now, I hope you will examine closely. I do not mean to condemn you; I want to help you. There are many professing saints today, who are not nearly as gentle as they should be. Why not be in earnest, and seek God for help, and make improvement? Why go along with crossness, and coldness and snappishness in your life? Be gentle toward all.

Gentleness is a beauteous grace. Her excellence is great. By culture, this grace is capable of much improvement. Too few saints experience it to the extent that they should. I beseech you by the gentleness of Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:1)--to be in earnest and improve upon your gentleness. Never allow a frown or a scowl to settle for a moment upon your brow! It will leave its mark, if you do so. Learn to be gentle--especially in your home.

"Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29

"Be completely humble and gentle." Ephesians 4:2

"Let your gentleness be evident to all." Philippians 4:5

"But you, man of God . . . pursue . . . gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:11

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved--clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

~ (Charles Orr)