The Darting Sparrow

~IN HIM YE MIGHT HAVE...

2012-02-14T16:29:00.010-05:00

A Devotional by Amy Carmichael:

John 16:33a:

These things I have spoken unto you,

that in Me ye might have peace.

These words have brought peace to me this morning. Sometimes our circumstances are so peaceful that without knowing it we slip into finding our peace in them. Then something happens to disturb them and our peace is disturbed. Sometimes those about us are so dear that our hearts rest in them, and this is good, but it is not enough, for what if one in whose love we trust should disappoint us?

Our Lord did not say, "These things I have spoken unto you that in your circumstances ye might have peace"; or, "These things I have spoken unto you that in the love of others ye might have peace"; but He did say, "These things"--things of wonder, joy, sorrow, preparation--"I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace."...Is there any surprise of grief that our dear Lord has not foreseen? Is there any wound to love that His love has not suffered? "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace."

~ ~ ~
*Image reblogged

~ ♥ ~

~SIMPLY TRUSTING EVERY DAY

2012-02-11T08:03:00.006-05:00

The hymn, "Simply Trusting Every Day," first appeared as a poem in a newspaper; someone shared it with D.L. Moody, and he found it to be of sound doctrine and felt it was spiritually encouraging. He then asked
Ira D. Sankey to set it to music.

Simply trusting every day;
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting Him, whate'er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way be clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth is past,
Till His gracious advent call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

*Image reblogged

~ ~ ~

~VIRTUE

2012-02-06T01:32:00.252-05:00

"Virtue is the health of the soul."

~ ~ ~

I'm not sure where I read this; I was positively sure it was a quotation from one of my devotional books, but alas, I can't find it. When I looked it up online, I found that it was referenced by Nietzsche in one of his works, with it's origin being cited as coming from Ariston of Chios
(see #176 here).

I'm not familiar with either of these historical figures; I only know I really took to this "definition" of virtue. It makes me think about how as humans, most of us (at least at some point or another) are concerned with our physical health and that of our loved ones. Do you realize how many doctor appointments we have and how many vaccines we receive by the time we're only 5 years old? Our parents also make sure we're "healthy" intellectually, school being what fills our days from the age of 5--in fact, it's a legal requirement for parents to make sure their children attend school or are home-schooled until their teen years.

But, what about our spritual health--the health of our
souls--isn't that more important than everything else? We make sure we go to the dentist and the doctor and the dermatologist and the gym; and we keep up with our shoolwork, some of us even choosing to obtain a college degree or even one or more advanced degrees; and we read oodles of books and magazines and articles, but somehow the Bible is just too thick of a book to get all the way through (that is, if we even know about it at all).

Shouldn't we make sure to have regular check-ups with the Great Physician? There is a disease called sin, and the Vaccine we need to protect ourselves from it is Jesus. Shouldn't we endeavor to learn what's really important from the Teacher and to read the only Book which was written by the Author of life?

God is the only One who is completely virtuous (Mark 10:18), and any virtue (i.e., righteousness--at least, that's how I'll translate it at this point), we humans possess is a gift from Him through trusting in Him alone for salvation (though we are participators in the refining fire (Philippians 2:12).

The word "virtue" is a little different to me than the word "righteousness." When I hear it or read it, it evokes more of a feeling--more of a spiritual evocation than something doctrinal or "religious." I also believe that, for women in particular, the word has shadowings (either faint or well-defined) which hearken to the issue of a pure lifestyle. So, I guess you could say that when I think of the concept of virtue, I think of godliness, but with its streams flowing from the female mystery in particular, from that which is hidden.

Interestingly enough, in some Bible translations, "virtuous" is one of the words which is used in praise of The Proverbs 31 Woman. It's also used to describe a godly wife in five translations of Proverbs 12:4 and in The Message's translation of Titus 2:5. Ruth is deemed virtuous, as is Solomon's love in the HCS translation of the Song of Songs (verse 6:9).

The word is used of both men and women in the GW translation of Ecclesiastes 7:16 and in the Message's translation of Galatians 2:17.

But, surprise, surprise, it's also used of men, though only in a very small scattering of four verses (from a very small pool of two translations); it's used of David in 1 Samuel 16:18 (YLT); by Solomon to denote a worthy man in 1 Kings 1:52 (YLT); of Simeon in the book of Luke (WYC); and to delineate one of the qualities male church leaders should possess in 1 Timothy 3:2 (WYC).

As for the word "virtue," I'll note that it's also used of both men and women. Take special note of the following verses: in Psalm 21:13, Matthew 22:29, and 1 Corinthians 2:5 (all WYC) it's used of the Lord; in Matthew 5:28 (MSG) and 5:32 (BBE) it's used in Jesus' teaching on sexual sin (the former in reference to men and women and the latter to women only); in some translations it's used to denote things which are worthy of being thought on in Philippians 1:8; in 2 Peter 1:5, it's included in a list of things with which a Christian should supplement their faith (quite a few translations employ it); it's even used in five translations of Mark 5:30 to describe the "power" that goes out of Jesus when a woman touches him; oddly enough, it's used again of supernatural "power" from God (this time in reference to Sara's conception) in Hebrews 11:11 (WYC).

In The MacArthur Study Bible, the note on the word "virtuous" in Proverbs 31:10 (NKJV) simply reads, "Excellent." It also cross-references Ruth 3:11; the note there (again, specifically concerning the word "virtuous") reads,

"In all respects, Ruth personifies excellence (cf. Prov. 31:10). This same language has been used of Boaz ('a man of great wealth' or more likely 'a man of valor' in 2:1), thus making them the perfectly matched couple for an exemplary marriage."

The only other note I can find in this study Bible which concerns the subject at hand is the one for 2 Peter 1:5 (concerning the word "virtue"):

"First in Peter's list of moral excellencies is a word that, in classical Greek, meant the God-given ability to perform heroic deeds. It also came to mean that quality of life which made someone stand out as excellent. It never meant cloistered virtue, or virtue of attitude, but virtue which is demonstrated in life. Peter is here writing of moral energy, the power that performs deeds of excellence."

For some very interesting commentaries on the etymology of the word "virtue," take a look-see at these online, parallel ones (scroll down a bit past the list of translations):
Proverbs 12:4
Proverbs 31:10
Ruth 3:11
2 Peter 1:5
Mark 5:30

~ ~ ~

In any case, I think the quotation at the beginning of this post is elegant and clarifying, as are the following:

Virtue, the strength and beauty of the soul,

Is the best gift of Heaven: a happiness

That even above the smiles and frowns of fate

Exalts great Nature’s favourites: a wealth

That ne’er encumbers, nor can be transferr’d.

~ Armstrong: Art of Preserving Health. Bk. IV. L. 284. ~

*I like this depiction of virtue--as a gift, a possession (a heavenly one which cannot be bought). As for the injunction of "Nature," I'm not sure about that, as we all know human nature and divine nature run counter to each other in Christian thought.

~ ~ ~

Virtue is like a rich stone, best plain set.

~ Bacon: Essays. Of Beauty. ~

*This word picture is lovely. It depicts the stripping away of everything except that which is best and most essential--everything else is "icing on the cake," so to speak.

~ ~ ~

Well may your heart believe the truths I tell;

’Tis virtue makes the bliss, where’er we dwell.

~ Collins: Eclogue I. L. 5. Selim. ~

*Psalm 16:11

~ ~ ~

Only a sweet and virtuous soul,
Like season’d timber, never gives;
But though the whole world turn to coal,
Then chiefly lives.
~ Herbert: The Church. Vertue. ~

~ ~ ~

Vilius argentum est auro virtutibus aurum.
(Silver is less valuable than gold, gold than virtue.)
~ Horace: Epistles. I. 1. 52. ~

*Reminiscent of the book of Proverbs

~ ~ ~

Oderunt peccare boni virtutis amore.
(The good hate sin because they love virtue.)
~ Horace: Epistles. I. 16. 52. ~

*Romans 12:9

~ ~ ~

To Virtue’s humblest son let none prefer
Vice, though descended from the conqueror.
~Young: Love of Fame. Satire I. L. 141. ~

*Romans 12:2

~ ~ ~

Know then this truth (enough for man to know)
“Virtue alone is happiness below.”
~ Pope: Essay on Man. Ep. IV. L. 309. ~

*I.E., a relationship with the Lord!

John 15:10-11

~ ~ ~

Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied;
And vice sometimes by action dignified.
~ Romeo and Juliet. Act II. Sc. 3. L. 21. ~

*The oxymorons of virtue and vice, as set forth by the Bard himself ☺

~ ~ ~

Virtue that transgresses is but patched with sin; and sin that amends is but patched with virtue.
~ Twelfth Night. Act I. Sc. 5. L. 52. ~

*Another like the previous

~ ~ ~

Yet the age was not so utterly destitute of virtues but that it produced some good examples.
~ Tacitus: Annales. Bk. I. 2. ~

*Philippians 2:14-15

~ ~ ~

What, what is virtue, but repose of mind,
A pure ethereal calm, that knows no storm;
Above the reach of wild ambition’s wind,
Above those passions that this world deform
And torture man.
~ Thomson: Castle of Indolence. Canto I. St. 16. ~

*Colossians 3:1-2

~ ~ ~

The glory of riches and of beauty is frail and transitory; virtue remains bright and eternal.
~ Sallust: Catilina. I. ~

*Reminiscent of the book of Job

~ ~ ~

His virtues walked their narrow round,
Nor made a pause, nor left a void;
And sure th’ Eternal Master found
The single talent well employed.
~ Samuel Johnson: On the Death of Mr. Robert Lovett. ~

*Matthew 7:13

~ ~ ~

God sure esteems the growth and completing of one virtuous person, more than the restraint of ten vicious.
~ Milton: Areopagitica. A Speech for the Liberty of Unlicensed Printing. ~

*Philippians 1:6

~ ~ ~

Virtue may be assailed, but never hurt,
Surprised by unjust force, but not inthralled;
Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm
Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.
~ Milton: Comus. L. 589. ~

*Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28

~ ~ ~

Or, if Virtue feeble were,
Heaven itself would stoop to her.
~ Milton: Comus. L. 1,022. ~

*Roman 8:38-39

~ ~ ~

Virtue may choose the high or low degree,
’Tis just alike to virtue, and to me;
Dwell in a monk, or light upon a king,
She’s still the same belov’d, contented thing.
~ Pope: Epilogue to Satires. Dialogue I. L. 137. ~

*2 Corinthians 5:12

~ ~ ~

The soul’s calm sunshine and the heartfelt joy,
Is virtue’s prize.
~ Pope: Essay on Man. Ep. IV. L. 168. ~

*That is the prize while on earth; this is the ultimate prize.

~ ~ ~

O let us still the secret joy partake,
To follow virtue even for virtue’s sake.
~ Pope: Temple of Fame. L. 364. ~

*John 8:12

~ ~ ~

Virtue’s a stronger guard than brass.
~ Edmund Waller:
Epigram Upon the Golden Medal. L. 14. ~

*Philippians 4:7

~ ~ ~

Mea virtute me involvo.
(I wrap myself up in my virtue.)
~ Horace: Carmina. III. 29. 55. ~

*I'm reminded of putting on the full armor of God, though in this case it's more like a blanket woven of heavenly thread instead ☺

~ ~ ~

And virtue, though in rags, will keep me warm.
~ Dryden: Imitation of Horace. Bk. I. Ode XXIX. L. 87. ~

~ ~ ~

Assume a virtue, if you have it not.
~ Hamlet. Act III. Sc. 4. L. 160. ~

*Not just any virtue--assume Virtue itself--Christ!

~ ~ ~

And lastly, let this never be said of me:

Virtue she finds too painful an endeavour,
Content to dwell in decencies forever.
~ Pope: Moral Essays. Ep. II. L. 163. ~

~ ~ ~

Verses:

"For the lawgiver shall give a blessing, they shall go from virtue to virtue."
~Psalm 84:7 (Douay-Rheims)~

"In whatever day I shall inwardly call Thee, hear Thou me; Thou shalt multiply virtue in my soul."
~Psalm 138:3 (WYC)~

"We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next."
~Romans 5:3-4 (MSG)~

"To you that be troubled, rest with us in the showing of the Lord Jesus from heaven, with angels of his virtue."
~2 Thessalonians 1:7 (WYC)~

~ ~ ~

*Image reblogged

~ ~ ~

~QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

2012-01-27T01:52:00.009-05:00

"Lord, as the birds calmly seek shelter to wait out the storm, let me also be quick to seek shelter in You when

life buffets me about."

~Charles F. Stanley~

~ ~ ~

~A POEM FOR THE NEW YEAR

2012-01-01T21:15:00.013-05:00

Through the Year

~By Julian S. Cutler~

God be with you in the Springtime

When the violets unfold,

And the buttercups and cowslips

Fill the fields with yellow gold;

In the time of apple blossoms,

When the happy bluebirds sing,

Filling all the world with gladness--

God be with you in the Spring!

God be with you in the Summer,

When the sweet June roses blow,

When the bobolinks are laughing

And the brooks with music flow;

When the fields are white with daisies

And the days are glad and long--

God be with you in the Summer,

Filling all your world with song.

God be with you in the Autumn,

When the birds and flowers have fled,

And along the woodland pathways

Leaves are falling, gold and red;

When the Summer lies behind you,

In the evening of the year--

God be with you in the Autumn,

Then to fill your heart with cheer.

God be with you in the Winter,

When the snow lies deep and white,

When the sleeping fields are silent

And the stars gleam cold and bright.

When the hand and heart are tired

With life's long and weary quest--

God be with you in the Winter,

Just to guide you into rest.

~ ~ ~

"To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven."

~Ecclesiastes 3:1~

~ ~ ~

~SPEAK IT LINUS!

2011-12-23T11:00:00.005-05:00

Who ever said a little boy with a blankie can't possess the wisdom of the ages?

~ ~ ~

~LOOKING FOR A SIGN?

2011-12-18T22:16:00.005-05:00

~ ~ ~

~WE REJOICE IN IT AND IT DOES NOT DISAPPOINT US...

2011-12-12T18:59:00.004-05:00

Romans 5:1-5

~ ~ ~

~ALTOGETHER LOVELY

2011-12-07T23:01:00.001-05:00

~CLINGING

2011-12-06T13:36:00.006-05:00

For most of the day, I have felt likened to a small bird clinging to the wings of a loving Savior who loves every single beautifully created human being beyond our minds’ comprehension. My prayer on this night is that we will let His love shine in our lives and let Him mold our hearts to become more like His own--that we may become transparent so that all can see the wondrous work He is working to complete in each one of us.

Travel light. Live light. Spread the light. Be the light.

~By a girl named Staley, whose blog I've just
discovered on tumblr.com. As I'm sure you can tell,
she is a beautiful writer ☺~

Oh, and if you would like to find out what the origin of her unique and beautiful name is, it's on this page!

~ ~ ~

~EARTHWORMS: THE HEART OF THE MATTER

2011-12-03T10:20:00.022-05:00

"But God also prepared a worm!"

~Jonah 4:7a~

This morning I pinned a funny little photo onto one of my boards on pinterest.com, and in so doing, I realized I had no idea if the earthworm had a heart. I did an AOL search in order to find out; one of the links I pulled up served as a reminder of the creativity and ingenuity of the design of living things, and it also provided an example of the dichotomy between appearance and reality.

Here is a quote which I culled from the
earthworm write-up which I pulled up:

Here's something very interesting about segmented worms: If an explorer-naturalist from another galaxy came to Earth with the assignment of collecting an "average Earth-animal," after studying everything from the lowliest sponges, jellyfish, and flatworms, to us humans, there would be a fair chance that he/she/it would choose to take back an annelid....In other words, segmented worms stand about midway between the simplest and most complex of Earth's animals. That's because in terms of animal complexity about half of all animal species on Earth are less complex than segmented worms, while about half are more complex. Of course we humans are the most complex. With regard to earthworms, one point for backyard naturalists to keep in mind is that earthworms are by no means "average Earth annelids"...Among the annelids, earthworms are very special because they are super-streamlined, stripped-down, no-nonsense, fairly highly evolved critters. For instance, the front ends of "average annelids" such as those found in the oceans generally bear mouthparts, eyes, and antennae-like structures. On the other end there may be another set of antenna-like projections, and, in between, each segment may bear a pair of foot-like appendages. Earthworms bear none of these typical annelid accessories. In fact, earthworms, at first glance, appear to be no more than long, segmented cylinders tapering to both ends.

~ ~ ~

Worms don't seem to be held in very high esteem by many people; consider this ubiquitous children's ditty. As a matter of fact, I have just slithered upon an even better example of this state of affairs. Notwithstanding, according to my research, the answer to the question, "Are earthworms important?" is as follows...

Certainly what earthworms do isn't simple in ecological terms. The great naturalist Charles Darwin, after making a careful study of them, wrote this:

"...it may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world as these lowly organized creatures."

"History of the world," he said

~ ~ ~

Now, if anyone, for whatever reason, decides to call you a worm, you'll know to take it as a compliment!

~ ~ ~

Here is a great photo of an earthworm on flickr.com!

~ ~ ~

*When putting the face and spiffy hat on my earthworm in the photo at the beginning of the post, I realized I didn't know which end was the head and which was the tail. Blessedly, I was able to pull up that info. as well ☺

~ ~ ~

~A PUMPKIN PRAYER

2011-10-31T03:33:00.002-04:00

The following "Pumpkin Prayer" was written by Liz Curtis Higgs. I came across it online, and it might be included in a children's book which she wrote: The Pumpkin Patch Parable. I think this pumkin-carving-poem is perfect for those who are young--and those who are young at heart.

~ ~ ~

{cut off top of pumpkin}

Lord, open my mind so I can learn new things about you.

{remove innards}

Remove the things in my life that don’t please you.

Forgive the wrong things I do and help me to forgive others.

{cut open eyes}

Open my eyes to see the beauty you’ve made in the world around me.

{cut out nose}

I’m sorry for the times I’ve turned my nose at the good food you provide.

{cut out mouth}

Let everything I say please You.

{light the candle}

Lord, help me show your light to others through the things I do. Amen

~ ~ ~

~ANSWERS

2011-10-08T19:54:00.012-04:00

I shall know why, when time is over,

And I have ceased to wonder why;

Christ will explain each separate anguish

In the fair schoolroom of the sky.

He will tell me what Peter promised,

And I, for wonder at his woe,

I shall forget the drop of anguish

That scalds me now, that scalds me now.

~Emily Dickinson~

~ ~ ~

This poem reminds me of a song which is entitled, "Somewhere Down the Road," which I discovered when I bought a used "The Prince of Egypt" soundtrack for a few dollars years ago. This 1998 animated movie, which I have not seen, was the inspiration for three soundtracks. Faith Hill sings this beautiful song on the Nashville version, and her earthy, soulful rendition is moving. I've discovered that the song was written by Amy Grant and is on her 1997 CD, "Behind the Eyes" and her 2010 CD, "Somewhere Down the Road."

~ ~ ~

In turn, this song reminds me of the following verses:

"The eternal God is your dwelling place,

and underneath are the everlasting arms."

~Deuteronomy 33:27a (RSV)~

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood."
~1 Corinthians 13:12~

~ ~ ~

*I can't figure out to what Dickinson is referring in the first two lines of the second stanza of her poem. I have skimmed through Peter's appearances in Scripture (in the Gospels and Acts) and read through the epistles he penned, but to no avail. I'll have to do some asking around to see what I'm missing.

~ ~ ~

~ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

2011-09-23T08:02:00.021-04:00

It being the first day of fall, the start of a new season, I happened to think of one of my favorite hymns. It's one of the sweetest you'll ever hear and is entitled, "All Things Bright and Beautiful." The lyrics were written in 1848 by an Irishwoman named Cecil F. Alexander (1818-1895). She may have been inspired by a verse from the poem, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," by an Englishman named Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834). This verse can be seen in the painting above, which is by an English illustrator named Margaret Tarrant (1888-1959).

~ ~ ~

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful,

The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,

Each little bird that sings,

He made their glowing colors,

He made their tiny wings.

The rich man in his castle,

The poor man at his gate,

He made them, high or lowly,

And ordered their estate.

The purple headed mountains,

The river running by,

The sunset and the morning,

That brightens up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter,

The pleasant summer sun,

The ripe fruits in the garden,

He made them every one.

The tall trees in the greenwood,

The meadows where we play,

The rushes by the water,

To gather every day.

He gave us eyes to see them,

And lips that we might tell,

How great is God Almighty,

Who has made all things well.

~ ~ ~

In high school chorus we sang the John Rutter arrangement, which you can listen to here:

I have been looking through some of my family photos over the past couple of days, and a specific theme has emerged. My nephew, Taric, and I have always liked taking walks outdoors, during which we find all sorts of bright and beautiful curiosities. Here are some photos of him when he was 4-5 years old. He's now 9, and we still like to go for a wee romp in nature every now and again. These days, he tends to peel off down the street on his Big Wheel, leaving me in the dust; notwithstanding, he will brake for natural phenomena.

~ ~ ~

Taric and I are like peas in a pod...or berries in a leaf ☺

Who can resist the call of the dandelion?

As you'll soon be able to tell, Taric and I love mushrooms...

We came across a tree which was teeming with caterpillars--or as Taric used to say back when this photo was taken, "cate-ur-peelers."

Gardenias and goose feathers...

who could ask for anything more? ♥

Find out how the ladybug got its name here, here, and here--you might be surprised to find out the Virgin Mary had something to do with it ☺

~ ~ ~

Upon reflection, I would like to thank my sister very much for sharing her precious little boy with me.

Now that is a beautiful thing ♥

~ ~ ~

~LITTLE WORKS OF ART

2011-09-22T17:04:00.059-04:00

"We can do no great things;

only small things with great love."

~Mother Teresa~

Sometimes after I finish a blog post, I start to feel like
(or feel accused that) I spent too much time on it, particularly since it's not work for which I'm going to be paid. And it probably won't be read by very many people. And I probably shouldn't even be blogging anyway. So that happened after I had done my last post. And then I felt like the Lord said to me, "A little work of art for Papa." And then I thought about how much I delight in and appreciate the artwork my nephew, Taric, makes for me, whether in school or on his own time. I've loved receiving his little works of art since he was old enough to hold a crayon. He's now 9 years old and in the 4th Grade, and I hope he'll still be gifting me with his creations when he's 75! ☺

Here is something Taric made in preschool; it depicts the life cycle of the butterfly with a paper plate, construction paper, pipe cleaners, a cotton ball, and tissue paper.

Here he is at his preschool graduation party wearing a tshirt that was stamped "by hand." ☺

Paintin' rocks! No, I don't mean that painting is cool, I mean that he was painting rocks ☺. I took these pics in 2007.

These belong in the Smithsonian--or perhaps the

"Smith-stone-ian." ☺

Here's Taric in 2008. By the way, there's only one person who loves Play-Doh more than he does: his Auntie!

Here is a Play-Doh cupcake which Taric made for me.

As you might be able to tell, I keep it on a bookshelf with lots of other colorful things I love. The shelf is falling apart, as I semi-unsuccessfully put it together myself. Sometimes I can't help but think: I hope these shelves don't give way--my sweet little cupcake might be damaged in the fall!

These pictures were taken by Taric's mom (my older sister), Allura, outside their home in 2009. Allura attended the School of Visual Arts in NYC before Taric was born.

In fact, I love it when she creates something special for me as well! She made this card for me because when Taric was younger and I would babysit him, she would often ask me to give him his bath. My special formula: LOTS of bubbles! ☺

Here is the bday card that Taric made for me this year.

Yes, that cat is holding not only a balloon, but a cupcake too --my little nephew knows me so well ☺

And while we're at it, I suppose I should show off some of my own artistic skills--if that's what you'd call them. I painted this in kindergarten. I don't remember very many things from when I was that young, but I recall doing this. I was in art class, and I didn't know how to make puddles that would look real, so I simply painted big, blue ovals (and that's exactly how I'd do it today, mind you).

Also, I remember that I had finished painting the little girl and was about to start on the umbrella; however, I realized that I wouldn't be able to portray her holding it, as she had both hands on her hips. So, I did what any skilled, creative artiste would: I simply propped that umbrella on the back of her arm! ☺

~ ~ ~

~COUNT IT ALL JOY

2011-09-14T06:51:00.164-04:00

"God will let you laugh again;
you'll raise the roof with shouts of joy."
~Job 8:21~

"Thanksgivings will pour out of the windows; laughter will spill through the doors. Things will get better and better. Depression days are over. They'll thrive, they'll flourish."
~Jeremiah 30:19~

"Their sorrow turned to joy, mourning somersaulted into a holiday for parties and fun and laughter."
~Esther 9:22b~

"Then it was time to go home. They were sent off by their new friends with laughter and embraces all around to report back to those who had sent them."
~Acts 15:33~

~ ~ ~

Tonight, the "floaty scene" (as I like to call it) from the movie "Mary Poppins" came to mind (for some bizarre yet most likely not random reason)...

Shortly thereafter, my mind whimsically wandered to a wedding I went to last weekend. The Scripture verses the bride and groom chose to be read during the ceremony were James 1:2-4. When the pastor started reading, I realized it was the same passage from which the bride has taken a snippet and put on her facebook page; it caught my eye, as I had never seen this portion of the verses extracted and set apart by itself; it was neat, and it made an impression on me. Here is what it quite simply says:

"Count it all joy."

And next, my thoughts bobbed along and then agilely alighted upon one of my favorite quotations from one of my favorite books, Jesus Calling (in which Jesus is speaking to the reader):

"Don't take yourself so seriously. Lighten up and laugh with me. You have me on your side, so what are you worried about?"

I don't know about you,
but that sounds like a plan to me!

~ ~ ~

SMILE, God loves you!!! ☺

...I mean it!

~ ~ ~

"God has made me laugh,

and all who hear will laugh with me."

~Genesis 21:6~

"Is there anyone around to save Israel? Yes. God is around; God turns life around. Turned-around Jacob skips rope, turned-around Israel sings laughter."

~Psalm 14:7~

He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love. The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.

~Psalm 30:5~

"On your feet now - applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence."

~Psalm 100:2~

"We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations - 'God was wonderful to them!' God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people. And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives. So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, so those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing."

~Psalm 126~

"...she laughs with no fear of the future."

~Proverbs 31:25b~

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh."

~Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4a~

"Likewise I, God, will comfort Zion, comfort all her mounds of ruins. I'll transform her dead ground into Eden, her moonscape into the garden of God, a place filled with exuberance and laughter, thankful voices and melodic songs. "

~Isaiah 51:3~

"Young women will dance and be happy, young men and old men will join in. I'll convert their weeping into laughter, lavishing comfort, invading their grief with joy."

~Jeremiah 31:13~

"God blesses you who weep now, for the time will come when you will laugh with joy."

~Luke 6:21b~

"Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down."

~Romans 12:15~

"You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don't see him, yet you trust him - with laughter and singing."

~1 Peter 1:8~

~ ~ ~

~REST

2011-09-05T02:55:00.016-04:00

"This is what the Sovereign LORD,
the Holy One of Israel, says:

'In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength.'"

~Isaiah 30:15~

From many wise teachers of the Word I have learned that to rest in the Lord and even to wait on Him does not involve passivity; though it may seem paradoxical, it is an active state: an active resting, an active waiting. This does not mean one should pack as many activities into one's schedule as humanly possible, even if they are "good" ones. Each of us needs to do only those things which He has appointed for us personally (John 17:4). That being said, I'm sure it would be wise to remember that being at rest does not mean one should refrain from being spiritually alert (Matthew 24:42, 1 Peter 5:8), only that one should be at peace (2 Thessalonians 3:16). And of course we mustn't think that by invoking rest, Scripture is encouraging us to oversleep (Proverbs 6:9 and 20:13); however, if we are indeed at peace with God, then that will be the case not only when we are awake, but also when we hit the sack--or the sofa, whatever the case may be (Proverbs 3:24).

"You will live secure and full of hope;

God will protect you and give you rest."

~Job 11:18~

Barnes' Notes on the Bible, of "rest" in Isaiah 30:15:
"That is, by calmly reposing on God for assistance."

(I love that--reposing on God--as if He's a big
hammock or something) ☺

~ ~ ~

~FAR-FLUNG FRESHWATER PEARLS

2011-09-01T02:08:00.013-04:00

"Each one of them is Jesus in disguise."

~Mother Teresa~
Matthew 25:40*

While my mind is on those who travel afar in serving the Lord, I must post this photograph which was taken by an acquaintance of mine while on a missions-related trip in India. These two men are stringing/hand-knotting freshwater pearls (a favorite of Darting Sparrow Designs) which are imported from China and then sold as jewelry.

I have recently been surprised to learn that a greater percentage of India's population is Christian than Buddhist and that less than 1% of its population is Buddhist; I had thought that Buddhism was much more prevalent there. I also hadn't realized how prevalent Islam is in India, in that its Muslim population is the third largest in the world. This might have something to do with the fact that India is the second highest populated country in the world.

~ ~ ~

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.

~Mother Teresa~

~ ~ ~

*Barnes' Notes on the New Testament: Matthew 25:40

~ ~ ~

~IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

2011-08-24T16:57:00.010-04:00

A pastor friend of mine is serving in Haiti this week. Blessedly, the country didn't receive a direct hit by hurricane Irene; hopefully it will not experience too many effects of the storm. Here are several devotionals my friend wrote and sent out from the island of Hispaniola.

~ ~ ~

Hebrews 13:5

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said,
'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

The picture above is part of a Haitian home. The children were full of smiles & even though we couldn't understand one another, we had a lot of fun together. We are building block homes for families to dwell in instead of their current temporary, tarp covered tents.

As we were mixing the mortar for the cinder blocks, a couple of the Haitian young men started singing, "Yes, Jesus Loves Me...Yes, Jesus Loves Me...Yes, Jesus Loves Me...the Bible tells me so." They have an active understanding of our scripture for today. Life does not consist in one's possessions, but in one's position with Jesus. Contentment is something we choose & can learn as we live life:

Philippians 4:11

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content."

~ ~ ~

John 4:13-14

"Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."

Look really close behind and in between the two girls we met today. There is a hole in the ground literally right beside the gravel street. It is a well for drawing out water for those who live nearby. The surprising thing about the well water is that it is only about 4 feet below the surface of the street.

Water is a necessity for life, both physical & spiritual. The water used out of this well in Titanyen, Haiti, helps families with their daily living. In the same respect, the water that Jesus offered the woman at the well and us today can help us live healthy spiritual lives from now into eternity.

*Don't you just love the look on the girl's face on the left?

~ ~ ~

Psalm 42:11

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."

The above picture is a medical clinic in the mountains of a nearby town called Titanyen. The people came from all around to receive medical exams, medical care, medications, personal hygiene items, and nutritional supplements.

The physical needs here are overwhelming. The spiritual needs here are just as evident. As the doctors, nurses, construction workers, and volunteers help the Haitians, pray that we all would be able point the hearts and souls of these people to our Heavenly Father who is our Hope & Help of our countenance.

~ ~ ~

Acts 17:24

"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands."

Here you can see Mayamin and his family standing in front of their new home. This was our first completed home from start to finish. As we dedicated this home and this family to the Lord, we all gathered around in a circle, sang a song together, had prayer, and then presented a Bible and some personal items to Mayamin for everyone in his family.

This family now has a permanent dwelling place in which to live, but the Lord chooses to live in a different type of dwelling place. He has chosen the hearts, lives, and bodies of his most valued creation. The Lord dwells within us. The Bible says he chose us before the foundation of the world to be His own. Pray that Mayamin will lead his family according to God's word and will, and that their home will be established by faith in Christ.

~ ~ ~

~QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

2011-08-10T10:21:00.004-04:00

"God didn't just make the rose;

He also made the thorn."

(I'll let you read into that whatever you'd like.)

~ ~ ~

~I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL...

2011-07-27T02:16:00.009-04:00

The following is a devotional which a pastor friend of mine wrote...

~ ~ ~

"Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance."

~Psalm 89:15~

I can remember when I was 8 years old hearing music moving up and down the street. I naturally went outside to see what was going on and found a white truck with stickers all over it in the shape of ice cream cones. There is no one sound like that of an ice cream truck and from that time on when I heard those melodious chimes, I would run outside with excitement and happiness to get something cold for a hot day.

Likewise, when the voice of the Lord calls out to us, may we respond to it with the same childlike excitement and glee that young children demonstrate at the arrival of the ice cream truck. May the name of the Lord bring joy, comfort, and peace to our hearts and smiles to our faces.

~ ~ ~

~THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

2011-07-13T17:37:00.008-04:00

Genesis 2:21-23

Lately I have been thinking about how I believe these verses illustrate how soulmates "get made." After all, don't people sometimes describe that special person who they're meant to be with ("the one") as their "missing piece"?

As far as I know the concept of soulmates isn't in the Bible, and it's not something I focus on. I feel like the right thing to do is to make sure you're with the person you're meant to be with and stay on the right path in that way. This world isn't a perfect place, and maybe the Lord doesn't want us to become preoccupied with the soulmate-mystery; it might cause us to stray from the Way, to take our focus off of Him, or to become too rigid. Sometimes people pass away, for example, but that dosn't mean the person who is left behind can't find love. All of that being said, I most definitely believe God created a gal for each guy and a guy for each gal and that they'll be able to be together in heaven if not on earth. Yes, I believe in soulmates :)

~ ~ ~

~POEM FOR THE DAY

2011-07-05T21:31:00.007-04:00

Fortunate tides

Help me decide

Why I am here

On a wing

And a tear.

Insular ramparts

Drawing the line

Between the vast sea

And the wave

That is mine.

~ written by me ~

~ ~ ~

~WHY DID THE TURTLE CROSS THE ROAD?

2011-06-26T12:45:00.007-04:00

"So God made the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and creatures that crawl on the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good."
~Genesis 1:25~

Since it's the Lord's day, I've decided to share a truly miraculous event which I was privy to observe a couple of weeks ago.

I had decided to run an errand (to Target, as a metter of fact--where else?!), and it was rush hour (around 5 pm). I turned onto a 5-lane road, which was not a highway but was very busy at that time of day. All of a sudden, I saw something very small on the road in front of me, and it appeared to be moving. It looked an awful lot like a crab walking sideways into my lane (the second lane from my right). Perhaps the reason why I thought I saw a sand crab in the middle of the road in the middle of the suburbs in a land-locked city was due to the fact that the night before I had watched a show on the Food Network during which crabs were cooked.

In any case, right as I moved over/past the object, I realized it was a turtle (about 6" long), and it all happened so fast that I swerved as best I could to avoid running him (or her) over--in fact, for convenience, from here on out, I'll refer to the hero (or heroine) of my story as "Myrtle." I looked in my rearview mirror after I had passed by/over the little booger, I mean Myrtle, expecting the worst; however, what I saw was her quickly pull herself into her shell, being startled at coming so close to...well, you know.

I really wanted to stop and help poor Myrtle, and knew I would need to act fast, as the cars were moving at a rush-hour pace, and she had only made it across 1.5 out of 5 lanes. I didn't really think there was a safe place for me to pull over and try to help her without getting squashed myself, but I decided to turn around and go back to make sure. It's actually very dangerous to get out of your car roadside. In fact, I've heard that sometimes people are standing by the side of the road, not because they're trying to rescue a roving reptile, but because their car has broken down or they've gotten in an accident; tragically, sometimes they end up being hit by an oncoming car. That is why it's recommended that you stay in your car until help comes if you're ever stuck by the side of the road for any reason. So pulling over is usually not a wise thing to do, much less to venture out into the street inself.

ANYWAY, I got turned around and started back in the opposite direction. Before you know it I saw something up ahead--it was Myrtle the turtle!! She had made it the rest of the way across the 2nd lane, all the way across the 3rd lane (which was a turn lane), and was now in my lane (the 4th one from my left). Goodness, at that point I realized I had put her in more danger by turning around to try and help her, as I'm not very good at swerving to avoid things, and I was going to have to swerve to avoid her for the second time. For example, if you must know, sometimes when I swerve to avoid potholes, I end up going right across the top of them, when I might have only hit the edge if I hadn't tried to do anything at all--go figure--and don't tell the DMV.

Right before I got to her, the car in front of me quickly changed lanes (going into the last lane on our right) to avoid her, and the next car ahead of me went over her so that their wheels were on either side of her, safely clearing her. Then it was my turn...

Yes, I managed to swerve and avoid her, which is miraculous enough in itself, though I definitely didn't attept going over the top of her as the other car had done. I couldn't go into the lane on the right because the coast wasn't clear. Next, I turned right into an apartment comlex because I thought there might be a safe place for me to step out into that side of the street and rescue her. I turned around and pulled my car up to the exit of the complex and looked down the street to my left; I saw that I wasn't super-close to Myrtle and would have to park the car and then walk quite a ways down the side of the road in order to get to her.

Right at that exact moment, a tall, lanky young man came into the street from the opposite side, strode quickly across into the 5th lane (which our remarkable, redoubtable reptile had made it into), scooped her up, and set her in the grass! As I made my way towards Target once again, I looked to my right to see if I could figure out from whence Myrtle's knight in shining armor had come, and it appeared there was a walking trail which led down to the street.

I can't help but reflect upon what a blessed and fortunate little turtle is Myrtle; if she only knew how close she had come to being...well, you know.

So to answer the question I posed in this post's title, which isn't a rhetorical one after all...

Why did the turtle cross the road?

To get to the other side, of course!

~ ~ ~

~FATHER LOVE

2011-06-19T21:38:00.003-04:00

Here is a portion of a note which author Nancy Kennedy wrote to her two daughters. I think it's very appropriate for Father's Day, and it seems like such an important thing for parents to impress upon their children...

"Alison and Laura, above all, I want you to know that you are loved. Your dad and I love you imperfectly, but you have a Father in heaven who loves you perfectly. We have and will disappoint you, but God never will. I want you to know that deeply and intimately."

~ ~ ~

Even a father who is striving to "do right" by his children, who is wanting to do his best in being a godly role model, will never be perfect, and his children need to know that. However, I would think it probably isn't that hard for them to tell whether their dad has their best interest at heart and is really trying to take the high road in his roles as parent and husband.

This leads me to another quotation which I like by
Ergun Mehmet Caner...

"Without words, men and women can testify of Jesus Christ. When a man lives out his life as a demonstration of the sacrificial love of Christ toward his wife and daughters, he becomes a living sermon. This type of humility and devotion to Christ will not go unnoticed in a world dying to know what true love is."

~ ~ ~

~FRUITFULNESS

2011-06-17T09:46:00.003-04:00

"...since the day we heard about you, we have continued praying for you, asking God that you will know fully what he wants. We pray that you will also have great wisdom and understanding in spiritual things so that you will live the kind of life that honors and pleases the Lord in every way. You will produce fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God. God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient."

~Colossians 1:9-11 (NCV)~

~ ~ ~

~QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

2011-06-13T04:06:00.002-04:00

"Jesus used the carefree attitude of the birds to underscore the fact that worrying is unnatural. I am learning in my own life, day by day, to keep my mind centered on Christ."

~Billy Graham~

~ ~ ~

~THE PARABLES OF...PEANUTS?

2011-06-07T00:22:00.022-04:00

I was browsing through the Christianity section of a local used book store a couple of weeks ago, and I couldn't believe my eyes: there on the shelf sat a book entitled, The Parables of Peanuts! As I have loved Snoopy and the Peanuts gang since childhood, I was enchanted and delighted.

Below is a picture of me with my Christmas gifts one year (a wardrobe case, which I'm holding--it contained a Snoopy plush, along with outfits to dress him in; a Peanuts rug; and a Peanuts sleeping bag)...

Cartoonist Charles Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts cartoon strip, was a Christian whose faith was interwoven with his work. Robert L. Short was a pastor and seminary student, and in 1965, he turned a slide show he had created into a book: The Parables of Peanuts. In it, he used the Peanuts characters to explain Christianity. Upon its release, it rose to #1 on the New York Times' nonfiction bestseller list--10 million copies were sold in eleven languages. Here is an article on christianitytoday.com about Schulz's passing, and here is an interview with Short.

One of the chapters of the book is entitled, "Where Your Blanket Is, There Will Your Heart Be Also," which of course is a riff on Matthew 6:21. This chapter is about idols. I can definitely identify with Linus in his love for and devotion to his thumb and blanket, as yours truly sucked her thumb and had a "bah-bah" when she was little...

Here are a few excerpts from the book...

In the cartoon above, "Linus asks two very important questions, both of which the Bible does a better job of answering than Lucy. Linus's second question, 'Aren't I worth more than a bug?!!' comes up for answer in the New Testament when Christ says, 'Are not sparrows two a penny? Yet without your Father's leave not one of them can fall to the ground. So have no fear; you are worth more than any number of sparrows'--or bugs, we assume!"

~ ~ ~

"'Being loved gives one certain wings, a certain surprising courage and energy. Then one is more of a complete man than otherwise. And the more one is this, the better,' said van Gogh, a favorite of Snoopy's..."

*I think this quote goes along nicely with
2 Timothy 1:7 and James 1:4*

~ ~ ~

"It is easy enough perhaps for men to say that 'God is good' and that 'God is love' when things go well and when the skies are clear and blue, furnishing a soft background for the birds to fly and sing in. But the real test of the Christian's faith comes only in the face of the utmost darkness, the most senseless and apparently meaningless tragedies, the bitterest and most insupportable losses of our lives. Then especially is it important that the Christian be able to say, 'God is good' and 'God is love'; and thus also be able to say with Job: 'The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (1:21). 'By believing Him just when to us He seems unjust,' was the acme of faith for Luther."

~ ~ ~

"When the excitement of these days passes away, and when some of the visions begin to grow a little dim; when it becomes impossible to put into words the prayer you want to speak, then we must be able to lift our heads up, and say with all faith as Peter did, 'Lord, you know I love you.'"
(John 21:15)

~Charles Schulz~

~ ~ ~

~A FAIR SHARE

2011-05-23T14:51:00.006-04:00

~ ~ ~

"Not well traveled, not well read,
Not well-to-do or well bred;

Just want to hear instead,
"Well done, good and faithful one"

~From the song, "Legacy," by Nichole Nordeman~

~ ~ ~

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Psalm 16:5

Matthew 3:17

Matthew 25:15-23

John 17:4

Acts 4:13

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

James 4:13-15

1 John 2:15-17

~ ~ ~

~HELLO WORLD

2011-05-14T03:25:00.004-04:00

Traffic crawls, cell phone calls

Talk radio screams at me through my tinted window

I see a little girl, rust-red minivan

She's got chocolate on her face

Got little hands and she waves at me...

Yeah she smiles at me.

Hello world, how ya been?

Good to see you my old friend.

Sometimes I feel as cold as steel, broken like I'm never gonna heal.

I see a light, a little hope, in a little girl.

Hello world.

Every day I drive by a little white church

It's got these little white crosses
like angels in the yard.

Maybe I should stop on in, say a prayer

Maybe talk to God like He is there.

Oh, I know He's there, yeah I know He's there.

Well, hello world, how ya been?

Good to see you my old friend.

Sometimes I feel as cold as steel and broken like I'm never gonna heal.

I see a light, a little grace, a little faith unfurl.

Hello world.

Sometimes I forget what living's for

and I hear my life through my front door.

And I breathe it in, oh I'm home again.

I see my wife, little boy, little girl...

Hello world. Hello world.

All the empty disappears, I remember why I'm here.

Just surrender and believe, I fall down on my knees.

Well hello world, hello world, hello world.

~ ~ ~

This is such a pretty song. In addition, as I love to read CD liner notes, here's some of what two members of Lady Antebellum have to say in theirs:

Dave:

"I thank God for the opportunities we've had thus far, and pray for His continued guidance in our lives."

Hillary:

"First and foremost I have to thank my Redeemer and Savior Jesus Christ for walking with me through this journey He's called me on. To Him be the glory, forever and ever."

~ ~ ~

~THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

2011-05-10T07:05:00.004-04:00

I felt the Lord wanted to say something to me, so I fetched my paper and pen and began to write. This is what I ended up with...

When I spoke with God,

He said to me,

"Give Me your open hands"

And I obeyed unjoyously

And then I said,

"Father, teach me how

To fly, as You have

Clipped my wings"

And He replied,

"Your sky is in Me;

Let Me give you

What you need"

~ ~ ~

~THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

2011-05-10T01:43:00.065-04:00

In this stanza from a poem entitled, "Diving into the Wreck," by Adrienne Rich, there is an allusion to the written word in general; however, it made me think specifically of the Word. In addition, in this stanza, I think that the poem's analogy of exploring a shipwreck serves as a lovely metaphor of how each of us must come down to earth, plumb the depths of a fallen world, and try to resurface with our treasures--the most important one being The Pearl of Great Value.

I came to explore the wreck.

The words are purposes.

The words are maps.

I came to see the damage that was done

and the treasures that prevail.

I stroke the beam of my lamp

slowly along the flank

of something more permanent

than fish or weed

~ ~ ~

"Push out into deep water
and let your nets out for a catch."
~Luke 5:4~

~ ~ ~

Here is an analysis of the poem, and here is some commentary on it.

~ ~ ~

~APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

2011-04-28T01:54:00.002-04:00

I Saw God Wash the World

By William L. Stidger

I saw God wash the world last night

With His sweet showers on high,

And then, when morning came, I saw

Him hang it out to dry.

He washed each tiny blade of grass

And every trembling tree;

He flung his showers against the hill,

And swept the billowing sea.

The white rose is a cleaner white,

The red rose is more red,

Since God washed every fragrant face

And put them all to bed.

There's not a bird, there's not a bee

That wings along the way

But is a cleaner bird and bee

Than it was yesterday.

I saw God wash the world last night.

Ah, would He had washed me

As clean of all my dust and dirt

As that old white birch tree.

~ ~ ~

~HE IS FOR US

2011-04-26T21:52:00.009-04:00

"God loves you and wants your best."

"...we must understand that God longs to help and bless us...All of history tells the story of those who let You guide them, Lord, and those who didn't. Help me open the pages of my life to Your instruction."

"Lord, it is easy to give in to despondency in the face of adversity. Thank You that no matter how deep the hole we are in, Your arms can reach us there."

"Keep focused on His compassion and mercy, and you shall see the flowers of your faith bud into a beautiful new season."

~Quotations are from Pathways to His Presence,
by Charles F. Stanley~

~ ~ ~

~HAVE A GRACE-FILLED EASTER

2011-04-24T13:57:00.002-04:00

"The One who rolled away the stone and defeated death is more than capable of working out His purposes in our lives today."

~Kathy Troccoli and Ellie Lofaro~

~ ~ ~

~A POEM FOR GOOD FRIDAY

2011-04-22T16:14:00.021-04:00

This is an intriguing poem which compares three things with Christ's sacrificial death on the cross.

First of all, there is the aloe plant, which blooms but once and then dies. See the "Agave" entry here. It is also interesting to find that this plant is called "The Mexican Tree of Life and Abundance" because it is so useful; moreover, one of it's strengths is its possession of antiseptic qualities--I see definite Christian parallels here.

Second, there is the myth of the pelican, which began in medieval Europe and subsequently became associated with Christianity. See the "Symbolism and Popular Culture" section here. The following are a few more links about this legend: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (in the 13th paragraph).

Third, there is the myth of the singing swan from which the phrase, "swan song," originates. Here you'll find information about the swan and Christian symbolism, including many other parallels besides that of the swan song.

~ ~ ~

THE ALOE PLANT

Have you heard the tale of the aloe plant,
    Away in the sunny clime?
By humble growth of a hundred years
    It reaches its blooming time;
And then a wondrous bud at its crown
    Breaks into a thousand flowers;
This floral queen in its blooming seen
    Is the pride of the tropical bowers;
But the plant to the flower is a sacrifice,
For it blooms but once, and in blooming it dies.

Have you heard the tale of the pelican,
    The Arab's Gomel el Bahr,
That dwells in the African solitudes
    Where the birds that live lonely are?
Have you heard how it loves its tender young,
    And cares and toils for their good?
It brings them water from fountains afar
    And fishes the seas for their food.
In famine it feeds them what love can devise--
The blood of its bosom--and, feeding them, dies.

Have you heard the tale they tell of the swan,
    The snow-white bird of the lake?
It noiselessly floats on the silvery wave,
    It silently sits in the brake;
For it saves its song till the end of life,
    And then, in the soft, still even,
'Mid the golden light of the setting sun
    It sings as it soars into heaven,
And the blessed notes fall back from the skies--
'Tis its only song, for in singing it dies.

You have heard the tales. Shall I tell you one,
    A greater and better than all?
Have you heard of Him whom the Heavens adore,
    Before whom the hosts of them fall?
How He left the choirs and anthems above
    For earth in its wailings and woes,
And suffered the shame and pain of the cross
    To die for the life of His foes.
His death is our life, His loss is our gain--
The joy for the tear--the peace for the pain.

~By Dr. Henry Harbaugh~

~ ~ ~

*Here is another version of the last stanza, which I have just discovered:

Have you heard this tale--the best of them all--
    The tale of the Holy and True,
He dies, but His life, in untold souls
    Lives on in the world anew;
His seed prevails, and is filling the earth,
    As the stars fill the sky above.
He taught us to yield up the love of life,
    For the sake of the life of love.
His death is our life, His loss is our gain;
The joy for the tear, the peace for the pain.

~ ~ ~

Here is a video in which the poem is recited:

~ ~ ~

~QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

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

When all that my eyes seem to see

Is the dark and the sadness in me

Deep in my heart I still know

That in everything I feel

Your strength serves to show

That You are sufficient for me

And You are the vision that I need in my eyes

When all I have come to count on slips away

My security's gone

Just as my lips start to pray

Emotions run so deep

That my heart can only say

That You are sufficient for me

And You are the vision that I need in my eyes

~Lyrics to the song, "You Are Sufficient,"

by Jennifer Rothschild~

~ ~ ~

~SPRING HAS SPRUNG

2011-03-20T21:41:00.027-04:00

While happily thinking about how today is the first day of spring, the hymn, "For the Beauty of the Earth," came to mind. I was introduced to it in high school chorus when we sang the arrangement by John Rutter, which is my version of choice--so pretty. The Christian music trio BarlowGirl sings the Dix arrangement on one of their CD's. In addition, the Dix version is on the Little Women motion picture soundtrack.

As it turns out, Folliot Pierpoint took a walk in the English countryside one spring day, and the beauty he saw around him inspired him to pen the lyrics to this hymn.

For The Beauty Of The Earth

For the beauty of the earth,

For the beauty of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies,

Lord of all, to Thee we raise

This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the beauty of each hour

Of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale, and tree and flower,

Sun and moon and stars of light,

Lord of all, to Thee we raise

This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the joy of ear and eye,
For the heart and mind’s delight,
For the mystic harmony
Linking sense to sound and sight.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister, parent, child,

Friends on earth, and friends above,

For all gentle thoughts and mild,

Lord of all, to Thee we raise

This our grateful hymn of praise.

For Thy Church, that evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the martyrs’ crown of light,
For Thy prophets’ eagle eye,
For Thy bold confessors’ might,
For the lips of infancy.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For Thy virgins’ robes of snow,
For Thy maiden mother mild,
For Thyself, with hearts aglow,
Jesu, Victim undefiled.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For each perfect gift of Thine,
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,

Flowers of earth and buds of heaven,

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our grateful hymn of praise.

~ ~ ~

Here is a scenic video featuring the John Rutter arrangement, sung by a boys' choir:

And here is the Dix version, sung by BarlowGirl:

~ ~ ~

~THE FINAL CURTAIN

2011-03-18T23:50:00.051-04:00

The musical Les Miserables, which is based on the book by Victor Hugo, contains elements of grace, forgiveness, mercy, honor, compassion, and courage. The story it tells is beautiful, and the music is equally so. Since this play has always been a favorite in my family, I was very touched when I read an anecdote in a magazine concerning it, which was adapted from a book by Nancy Ortberg entitled, Looking for God: An Unexpected Journey Through Tattoos, Tofu, and Pronouns.

One evening, Nancy and her husband went to see Les Mis. In the play's finale, a song is sung by its protagonist, Jean Valjean, which contains the following lyric: "To love another person is to see the face of God." With tears streaming down her face, Nancy turned to her husband and said, "That's one of the truest and most beautiful phrases I've ever heard. Why didn't God make that a verse in the Bible?"

Several weeks later, Nancy's husband told her he wanted to show her something, and he opened his Bible to Genesis 33:10:

"For to see your face is like seeing the face of God."

For me, this is a lovely anecdote because it reminds me that God really has thought of everything, and that even though there are a plethora of very talented writers in this world who tell very affecting stories, they will never be able to compare to the Author of it all.

The lyrics referred to above can be found at
minute 6:50 of this video:

*Another very affecting part of the play occurs when Jean Valjean (who is an ex-convict who has broken his parole and created a new identity for himself) reaches a crux of faith: he can allow an innocent man who has been mistaken for himself to go to prison in his place, or he can do the honest thing and turn himself in...

*Javert is the police inspector who has made it his life's work to find and capture Jean Valjean. In this song, he declares that it's his duty to God to do so.

The original Broadway cast recording
is worth every penny!

~ ~ ~

~A CUSTOM-MADE CROSS

2011-03-07T19:45:00.005-05:00

The everlasting God has in His wisdom foreseen from eternity the cross that He now presents to you as a gift from His inmost Heart. This cross He now sends to you He has considered with His all-knowing eyes, understood with His Divine mind, tested with His wise justice, warmed with loving arms and weighed with His own hands to see that it be not one inch too large and not one ounce too heavy for you. He has blessed it with His holy Name, anointed it with His grace, perfumed it with His consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage, and then sent it to you from heaven, a special greeting from God to you, and alms of the allmerciful love of God.

~Saint Francis de Sales~

~ ~ ~

Jesus had faced the forces of hell and fought them to a standstill. It was not just the outcome of one day's incredible work, but the culmination of thirty-three years of life on earth; thirty as carpenter and three of public teaching, healing, and continual confrontations with the religious leaders of His day. And the cross lay just ahead.

Someone pointed out that Jesus did not feed all the hungry, heal all the sick, cure all the cripples, or raise all the dead. Yet when He came to the end of His life's work just before His crucifixion, He said, "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do" (John 17:4).

How often in my life I have said, "It's enough!"
(1 Kings 19:4)

But we each have our "Plimsoll mark" (that line around ocean tankers to indicate when the load has reached its maximum capacity). He who made us knows just how much we can take. He never overloads us. But "neither has He promised strength for uncommanded tasks."

I want Him to so order my life that when the end comes I can say, "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."

I do not want to feel compelled to say, "It is enough" before I can honestly say, with His help, "It is finished."

~Ruth Bell Graham~

~ ~ ~

~QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

2011-03-04T16:00:00.006-05:00

"The sun shines and warms and lights us, and we have no curiosity to know why this is so; but we ask the reason of all evil, of pain, and hunger, and mosquitoes and silly people."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

~ ~ ~

"Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good."

~Genesis 1:3-4a~

"The day is Yours, the night also is Yours; You have prepared the light and the sun."
~Psalm 74:16 (NKJV)~

"Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows."
~James 1:17 (NCV)~

~ ~ ~

~SPLINTERS FROM THE CROSS

2011-02-28T11:31:00.012-05:00

Little headaches, little heartaches,

Little griefs of every day,

Little trials and vexations,

How they throng around our way!

One great cross, immense and heavy,

So it seems to our weak will,

Might be borne with resignation,

But these many small ones kill.

Yet all life is formed of small things,

Little leaves make up the trees,

Many tiny drops of water

Blending, make the mighty seas.

Let us not then by impatience

Mar the beauty of the whole,

But for love of Jesus bear all

In the silence of our soul.

Asking Him for grace sufficient

To sustain us through each loss,

And to treasure each small offering

As a splinter from His Cross.

~Author Unknown~

~ ~ ~

"It is perhaps not so hard to forgive a single great injury. But to forgive the incessant provocations of daily life...how can we do it? Only, I think, by remembering where we stand..."
~C.S. Lewis~

~ ~ ~

~A HOLY ART

2011-02-18T02:19:00.050-05:00

Exodus 35:30-35

The depiction of Christ in art has varied widely throughout history. I'm sure every individual has an opinion about how they would prefer Him to be depicted; these preferences include not only attributes such as hair color, but also characterizations of Him which can be more subtle, such as His build and His overall aura.

Tonight I was looking at some vintage and antique ephemera (old paper items!) which depict Christ. For some reason I thought of a sculpture that I really admire which is in the permanent collection of The North Carolina Museum of Art, here in Raleigh, NC. This sculpture, "Deposed Christ," is attributed to Guiseppe Mazzuoli and depicts Christ after He has died and been taken down from the cross ("to depose" means "to put or lay down"). It's 22 inches long and is made of copper. It's small size helps to make it a very personal artwork and creates a sense of intimacy for the viewer, as one must lean in and over it in order to get a really good look at it. The picture on the museum's website doesn't do it justice. In person one is able to discern its subtle variations in color, which a living metal such as copper can exhibit. The sculptural details, such as those found in the musculature, veining, and facial structure, are amazing. I won't go into why I like this particular depiction of Christ (not that I necessarily could do so!), but if you happen to be in the area, stop in and take a peek at this work of art!

~ ~ ~

Here are a few links about Christian art:

"Christian Art" on wikipedia.com

historyofchristianart.com

The Index of Christian Art

The Online Collection of Christian and Liturgical Art

"The Depiction of Jesus" on wikipedia.com

"Cultural Depictions of Jesus" on wikipedia.com

"Madonna (art)" on wikipedia.com

~ ~ ~

And here are a list of books on the topic which are all linked to borders.com:

Christian Art

The Lion Companion to Christian Art

Christian Art and Imagery

Picturing the Bible: The Earliest Christian Art

Visual Arts and Christianity in America: From the Colonial Period to the Present

Faces of Christ: Jesus in Art

Christ in Art

The Life of Christ in Art

Mary: Art, Culture, and Religion Through the Ages

Mary in Western Art

Full of Grace: Encountering Mary in Faith, Art, and Life

Saints: A Year in Faith and Art

One Hundred Saints: Their Lives and Likenesses Drawn from Butler's "Lives of the Saints" and Great Works of Western Art

The Art of Faith: A Guide to Understanding Christian Art and Architecture

Picturing the Face of Jesus: Encountering Christ Through Art

Contemplative Vision: A Guide to Christian Art and Prayer

The Beauty of Faith: Using Christian Art to Spread the Good News

~ ~ ~

~#7 IN A WEEK OF POSTS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-14T15:15:00.009-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I have now reached my seventh and final post for Valentine's Day, 2011. It just so happens that in Scripture, the number seven is seen to represent completion and spiritual perfection. To find out more about that, visit these links: 1, 2, 3.

The Bible has been described as the greatest Love Story that has ever been written. In its pages we learn about the Love above all loves, which is God's love for humanity. In the Word, God reveals how He is pursuing a fallen creation and loving us back to Himself.

~ ~ ~

Below are the lyrics to a hymn entitled,

"I Love to Tell the Story,"

which was written by Arabella Katherine Hankey and composed by William Gustavus Fischer.

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat
What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God's own holy Word.

I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
'Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.

~ ~ ~

The following are verses which refer specifically to the love God has for us--enjoy!

Exodus 15:13
Exodus 34:6
1 Chronicles 16:34
Psalm 33:22
Psalm 36:7
Psalm 52:8
Psalm 59:16
Psalm 63:3
Psalm 94:18
Psalm 100:5
Psalm 103:11
Psalm 107:1
Psalm 107:8
Psalm 108:4
Psalm 119:76
Psalm 136: all
Psalm 145:8
Isaiah 54:10
Isaiah 63:7-9
Jeremiah 31:3
Lamentations 3:22
Hosea 11:3-4
Jonah 4:2
Zephanaiah 3:17
John 3:16
John 13:1
John 13:34
John 15:9-10
John 15:12
John 17:22-23
Romans 5:5
Romans 5:8
Romans 8:35-39
Galatians 2:20
Ephesians 1:5
Ephesians 2:4-7
Ephesians 3:19
Ephesians 5:2
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Titus 3:4-5
1 John 3:1
1 John 4:9-11
1 John 4:16
1 John 4:19
Revelation 1:5

*The translations I used for the verses from the Psalms are the RSV, NIV, and NLT.

~ ~ ~

#6 IN A WEEK OF POSTS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-13T22:25:00.010-05:00

"Jesus is the One for whom we were made. We were created to be loved by Him. And we were created to love Him with all of our heart, with all

of our mind, and with all of our soul."

"I often reflect on how God woos me, wins me,

and loves me to Himself."

"I am God's beloved. He desires relationship with me. That is the most important thing."

"Don't ever be afraid to ask Him to reassure you

of His love and to reveal Himself in ways you haven't known."

"His love is here to stay."

~From, Falling in Love with Jesus: Abandoning Yourself to the Greatest Love of Your Life,

by Dee Brestin and Kathy Troccoli~

*This book is great for both single and married people, as one of the authors is single and one is married. Brestin offers lovely insights into marriage by sharing anecdotes from her own, and Troccoli's contributions on the subject of being single are abundant and inspiring.

~ ~ ~

~#5 IN A WEEK OF POSTS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-12T12:00:00.002-05:00

One year, christianitytoday.com asked singles to share how God had reminded them of His love for them on Valentine's Day. The article was entitled, "Valentines from Heaven." The following is what one girl wrote....

I purchased a beautiful 2-toned burgundy/gold pickup truck back in December. When I first saw it on the lot, I never dreamed it would be mine--but God has a way of spoiling me! The day before Valentine's Day, I was driving home from work and suddenly heard a loud CRACK. I knew that I'd taken my first rock and would probably have a horrible scratch on my vehicle. When I looked for the damage I found it on the windshield, just left and well below my field of vision. When I studied the hit, I realized it was in a heart-shaped design. What others may see as a fault is now an awesome sign to me--

a reminder of my Savior's love. As I drive, I not only thank God for this wonderful truck, I thank Him for this symbol he's etched in the glass just for me!

~ ♥ ~

~#4 IN A WEEK OF POSTS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-11T18:06:00.002-05:00

"Allow your heart to be enthralled by the beauty of Christ's love for one single, solitary you...
My heart is yours Savior, and I am overwhelmed by your great love for me."

~Joni Eareckson Tada~

~ ~ ~

~#3 IN A WEEK OF POSTS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-10T12:19:00.006-05:00

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

One year, christianitytoday.com asked singles to share how God had reminded them of His love for them on Valentine's Day. The article was entitled, "Valentines from Heaven." The following is what one girl wrote....

The night before Valentine's Day, I attended my church's Wednesday night service. In his closing prayer, our pastor asked God to bless and comfort those of us who are single and who might struggle with loneliness on Valentine's Day. As we prepared to leave the church, the pastor said to the singles, "Always remember Who loved you first."

The next day was Valentine's Day, and not only did I not have any special plans to look forward to, but my entire day was extremely hectic and not particularly pleasant. After a long day at work and a long drive home, I exited my car in the parking garage and headed into my condominium lobby, desperately fighting back feelings of loneliness. I kept repeating to myself, "Remember Who loved you first. God loves me even if no one else does."

When I opened the lobby door, I noticed that leaning on a small ledge against the wall was one of those little cards that usually comes with a flower arrangement. The card was blank except for the words "I LOVE YOU" imprinted in bold black ink next to a picture of a bouquet of red roses. My eyes filled with tears of joy and the loneliness fled. While the practical side of me argued that it was just an extra card left over from someone else's Valentine's Day gift, the spiritual side of me somehow knew it was a special message sent to remind me of the One who loved me first.

~ ~ ~

"God will look to every soul like its first love
because He is its first love."
~C.S. Lewis, in The Four Loves~

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

~#2 IN A WEEK OF POSTS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-09T18:58:00.004-05:00

"God knows that once you drink of His love,

the world's appeal will fade.

Give Him your heart, and you will be blessed

by what you receive from Him."

~Charles F. Stanley~

~ ♥ ~

~#1 IN A WEEK OF POSTS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

2011-02-08T22:02:00.008-05:00

Since I'm single, I spent February 14 trying to concentrate on the fact that God is my valentine--though I did pray for something a tad tangible to confirm His love for me. We finally had a warm day here in Florida (I know, how unusual!), so I decided to go out to my condo's pool and get some sun. I read a Christian book for a while and prayed a bit too. But when I was lying down with my eyes closed, I heard someone say, "Jesu, um, guess he ran out of smoke." I was half asleep when I heard the same woman say, "Loves." I finally opened my eyes, and when I turned my head up to the sky I read the words, "Jesus Loves U!" Everybody at the pool was reading it aloud, "Jesus loves you. Jesus loves you." I knew right then that God had written that message just for me. I know it blessed many others as well, but to me it was my own personal valentine from Jesus Christ.

♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥

~BFF

2011-02-07T18:19:00.015-05:00

Hymn:

"What a Friend We Have in Jesus"

By: Joseph Scriven

What a Friend we have in Jesus,

all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,

cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge,

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do your friends despise, forsake you?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He’ll take and shield you;

you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised

Thou wilt all our burdens bear

May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to

Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright unclouded there

will be no need for prayer

Rapture, praise and endless worship

will be our sweet portion there.

~ ~ ~

You may read a biographical sketch
of Joseph Scriven here.

~ ~ ~

Performances of the hymn by...

Christian concert pianist Greg Howlett

The Purple Hulls

Patti Page

Aretha Franklin

~ ~ ~

~QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

2011-02-04T16:19:00.003-05:00

"It is religion itself--prayer and sacrament and repentance and adoration--which is here, in the long
run, our sole avenue to the real."

~C.S. Lewis~

~ ~ ~

~QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

2011-01-31T10:41:00.009-05:00

"But Mary treasured up all these things

and pondered them in her heart."

~Luke 2:19~

~ ~ ~

~CLOSE

2011-01-25T00:22:00.041-05:00

"There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

~Proverbs 18:24 (RSV)~

~ ~ ~

According to the MacArthur Study Bible, in this verse, friend "is a strong word meaning 'one who loves' and was used of Abraham, God's friend (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; cf. 1 Samuel 18:1, 2 Samuel 1:26)."

~ ~ ~

"I didn't find my friends;

the good God gave them to me."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

~ ~ ~