Noise in the Soul

I think I'm currently reading what may well be my most significant read for 2011--God is More Than Enough: foundations for a quiet soul by Jim Berg. It's one of those books I wish I could give to everyone. Let me share an excerpt from it with you today.

Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; 

and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus gave us some clues about what noise in the soul sounds like in Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus said to them all, "Come unto me, all ye that labor." The word labor means "to grow weary, to be beaten out." The root word means to take a beating. Most of us identify with that. We have at times felt overwhelmed as if we were in a hurricane with the winds pounding unceasingly against our souls. It is to us in those times that Jesus says, "Come to Me; I can help people like that."

The words heavy laden mean burdened down like a ship loaded with cargo. We all know what it is like to feel that we cannot take the pressure any longer; we feel as though we are about to go under. Again, Jesus says, "Come to Me; I can help people like that." What a wonderful invitation He extends to us! He wants us to come to Him; He wants to help!

I want you to take an inventory of the noises in your soul--the things that rob you of rest and peace......

Are there sounds of anxiety and fear in your soul?
Anxious thoughts are thoughts of worry....
thoughts of vulnerability and uncertainty.
Are there sounds of discouragement and despair in your soul?
These are thoughts of hopelessness.
Are there sounds of anger and frustration in your soul?
Anger is generally fueled by frustration, hurt, or fear.
Are there sounds of bitterness or hatred in your soul?
These are thoughts of injustice, mistreatment, and unfairness.
Sometimes these are thoughts of contempt or revenge.
Are there sounds of lust or greed in your soul?
You create noise in your soul when you plan to get the pleasure you want and then plan its cover-up.
Are there sounds of guilt and shame in your soul?
Anytime you practice the kinds of thoughts we have been discussing above, you will generate thoughts of guilt and shame
because God never intended you to think that way.
He has marvelous provisions for us to deal with these matters.
Are there sounds of possessions and positions in your soul?
Our souls can get very busy with the daily responsibilities....
Are there sounds of obsessions and addictions in your soul?
Are there sounds of entertainment and recreation in your soul?
These are sounds of movies and TV programs, of music and news, of sports and electronic games, of travels and adventures.

As you can see, the collective noise from all these thoughts is deafening! How different these scenes are from the way the Master wants His disciples to handle life. Jesus had much to do on the earth, but His soul wasn't noisy. He wasn't irritated....

Here is what Jesus told His disciples--and us--in John 14:27 just before He left the scene and put them in charge of propagating His teachings:
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

This is instructive to us. Are you trying to get peace the same way the world tries to get it?.....But the Master says, "Not as the world giveth, give I unto you."

All this self-imposed agitation--all this noise--is a sign of spiritual dysfunction and sinful responses. God-centered souls are not noisy. God-centered souls are at rest.

Excerpted from God is More Than Enough by Jim Berg. Learn more at Dr. Berg's Quieting a Noisy Soul website.

Sunday Ponderings

The Artist's Two Youngest Sisters ~ Consantin Hansen

Pondering this afternoon on today's Sunday School discussion as we finished a series of lessons on how we got our Bible and how we know that what we have is God's Word.

In His sovereignty throughout the ages, God has used man to translate His inspired word from the original languages into the languages of the common people. I am thankful for people such as Wycliffe and Tyndale who gave and suffered much in translating the Bible into the English language.


Although there has been resistance to new translations throughout history, God's desire is that we would understand His plan of salvation and come to repentance.

If you'd like further reading, a good book is God's Word in Our Hands: The Bible Preserved for Us by James B. Williams and Randolph Shaylor.

  
 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 

Isaiah 40:8

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Today I reflect on simple thoughts and simple pleasures. My leads are somewhat similar to others in The Simple Woman's Daybook group, yet a bit different as well.



A picture to share...  
Enjoying winter throughout the house. This little guy sits by the fireplace coming into the kitchen. I'm sitting in a rocker by a window to the left.

Click here to go there

Outside my window...

My neighbors house across the street reminds me of God's mercy and care. Their son (46) had a massive stroke about a month ago, and the doctor's gave them little hope of recovery. He lives several hours away and they couldn't go to him because of their own health. They called last night to say they received a call telling them that their son had taken three steps yesterday with his walker! To God be the glory! Great things he has done! Another son (also several hours away in the other direction) flew in to drive them to see his older brother. What a grand reunion that must have been this afternoon!

Noticing the sound of ...

rustling papers from the family room. My beloved is preparing for his Sunday School class. Thank your Sunday School teacher the next time you're in class. Unless you've done it yourself or your beloved has done it, you probably have little idea of how much time and effort is put into preparation. I know my beloved gives it 10-15 hours a week. Truly a labor of love.

Thankful for...

people who counsel through books.

This coming week I hope to... 

have a hurting friend to come over for a visit. She wasn't able to come last week.

Thinking...

that I'm glad my mother is resting well in the hospital.

Looking to the ways of my household...

Mostly the routine daily tasks, but I also got my sewing room straightened up.

From the kitchen....
Today is baking day. I have a pineapple upside down cake baking in the oven. Mmm, the aroma! It's made in a 6-inch pan, so there should be no leftovers to tempt me on Monday! If you're cooking for two, or just for you and you do want leftovers, here's the recipe from Cooking for 2 Magazine. I didn't have any cherries, so I sprinkled some chopped pecans.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

1 can (8 ounces) sliced pineapple

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

3 tbsp. butter, melted, divided

4 maraschino cherries

4 pecan halves

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

1/8 sp ground allspice

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/4 cup 2% milk

Drain pineapple, reserving 1 tbsp juice. Set pineapple aside. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and 2 tbsp butter; stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour into an ungreased 6-inch round baking pan. Arrange pineapple slices in a single layer in pan; place cherries and pecans in center of pineapple slices.

In a small mixing blowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and allspice. Add the egg, milk, reserved pineapple juice and remaining butter; beat just until combined. Spoon over pineapple.

Bake at 350* for 30-35 min. or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: 1 piece equals 353 calories, 11 g fat (6 saturated fat). 77 mg cholesterol, 369 mg sodium, 59 g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 5g protein.

Currently reading.... 

Continuing to read Has Christianity Failed You by Ravi Zacharias. (Reading slowly and pondering)

A thought from my Quiet Time.... 

Our thoughts are too human. We think God is too much like we are. Isaiah 40 ends with God asking some questions:

(1) To whom then will you compare me that I should be like him?

(2) Why do you say..., "my way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God?"

(3) Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.  (from Isaiah 40:20-30)

Reflecting creativity, in His image…

Got a snowman mailbox cover put out and a banner hung on the porch. No matter how small a matter, it all reflects caring about the home and setting a welcoming atmosphere. 

I'm learning (though I often falter)....

that I may never have all I desire in all my relationships, but that I do have all I need in all my relationships.

You may also enjoy reading what other simple women are saying and doing these days. Just click here to go to The Simple Woman's Daybook site. I'll be posting my journal on Saturdays. Do stop by again.

The Treasures of the Snow

Wooded Winter Landscape ~ Carl Farbach

Have you entered the treasures of the snow..?

Job 38:22

Another beautiful, snowy day here. Our street has stayed snow covered many days this winter. I spent the morning getting the house spiffied up for the weekend, then I drove over the mountain to the fabric shop this afternoon. The drive was absolutely beautiful. It was just a 20-minute drive, but it's amazing how much more snow covered just a few more feet in elevation can be. The tree boughs were heavy-ladened with snow, and it was like driving through a winter wonderland. I love living in the changing seasons and standing in awe of God's grand creation!

Click here to order this fabric

I had been wanting to get a striped piece of fabric to cut and use as a border and had a $10 coupon for that particular fabric shop. Found this beautiful Benartex piece and, of course, spent more than the $10 to get a couple of coordinating pieces. Thought I'd better get that now so when I get around to using the stripe, I'll have something to work in with it. I love getting pieces from the same collection already matched up and then just finding another piece or two if need be.

My beloved wasn't feeling well today, so it's been a rather quiet day around the house. I spent some time this afternoon and evening working on a quilt I had laid aside for a couple of months. I think it's too large (queen) for me because I'm getting tired of working on it. I've never done anything that big, and I'm learning that I prefer smaller and quicker projects. I like to see things completed and then move on to something else, although I do enjoy the process itself.

Time to put everything aside and get some rest. Hopefully, my beloved will feel better in the morning.

I hope you have a refreshing weekend.

Another Day of Mercy

Evening Light in Winter

A full day today of giving, and when it is done I am thankful to have had a part. My dad called this evening to let me know that my mother is in the hospital again with another blood clot in her leg. Too many miles between us to go to her. Talked with her on the phone. We talked about growing old and being forgetful and laughed at ourselves. She is in good spirits and looking forward to a few days of bed rest with someone else doing the cooking. Another day of mercy.

A thought from C.H. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional

"The dove came in to him in the evening."—Genesis 8:11 

"BLESSED be the Lord for another day of mercy, even though I am now weary with its toils. Unto the preserver of men lift I my song of gratitude. The dove found no rest out of the ark, and therefore returned to it; and my soul has learned yet more fully than ever, this day, that there is no satisfaction to be found in earthly things—God alone can give rest to my spirit. As to my business, my possessions, my family, my attainments, these are all well enough in their way, but they cannot fulfill the desires of my immortal nature. "Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." It was at the still hour, when the gates of the day were closing, that with weary wing the dove came back to the master: O Lord, enable me this evening thus to return to Jesus. She could not endure to spend a night hovering over the restless waste, not can I bear to be even for another hour away from Jesus, the rest of my heart, the home of my spirit. She did not merely alight upon the roof of the ark, she "came in to him;" even so would my longing spirit look into the secret of the Lord, pierce to the interior of truth, enter into that which is within the veil, and reach to my Beloved in very deed. To Jesus must I come: short of the nearest and dearest intercourse with Him my panting spirit cannot stay. Blessed Lord Jesus, be with me, reveal Thyself, and abide with me all night, so that when I awake I may be still with thee. I note that the dove brought in her mouth an olive branch plucked off, the memorial of the past day, and a prophecy of the future. Have I no pleasing record to bring home? No pledge and earnest of lovingkindness yet to come? Yes, my Lord, I present Thee my grateful acknowledgments for tender mercies which have been new every morning and fresh every evening; and now, I pray Thee, put forth Thy hand and take Thy dove into Thy bosom.

Wait, O soul, and let patience have her perfect work. 

~ Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional

Painting ~ Evening Light in Winter by George Gardner Symons

That Wonderful Technology?

Most of this afternoon and into the evening was spent preparing for tomorrow's home schooling class at church. I know this teacher puts more time into homework than do the students! About seven hours went into prep for tomorrow's class. I'm sure thankful for my laptop that I can move about. Just finished getting the essays evaluated and grades listed. Now to turn my attention to something else.

I'm sort of drained in the brain at the moment. My thoughts linger over talking with our daughter for a few minutes today and hearing little Elijah playing in the background and saying "hi" to Nana and Grandad, although I'm not so sure he even knew who we were. Distance is no friend to families. Everyone has moved away over the years (parents, siblings, children), leaving us with long-distance relationships. I guess I'll catch on in the sweet by and by as to how this is all okay, but for now it just doesn't seem like a God-thing with jobs in distance places and friends substituting for family. I know, I know.... but there are pictures and cell phones and email and skype and facebook and blogs and all the wonderful technology..... that lulls us into thinking all is well. But they don't give hugs or stop in for a bowl of soup or leave fingerprints on the windows or make memories.

"The Enemy loves platitudes. Of a proposed course of action He wants men, so far as I can see, to ask very simple questions: Is it righteous? Is it prudent? Is it possible? Now, if we can keep men asking: 'Is it in accordance with the general movement of our time? Is it progressive or reactionary? Is this the way that History is going?' They will neglect the relevant questions. And the questions they do ask are, of course, unanswerable; for they do not know the future, and what the future will be depends very largely on just those choices which they now invoke the future to help make."                    C.S. Lewis ~ The Screwtape Letters

Painting ~ Mrs. Newton in A Conservatory Chair by J.J.J. Tissot

Stymied

I finished piecing the baby quilt top today, but am stymied now as to what quilting design to use. I've sandwiched the quilt and pinned it, and hung it on the wall in my sewing room, hoping to get some inspiration. I don't have much experience choosing a quilt design, and I'm not really very creative. I've paged through magazines and surfed the Internet trying to get ideas, but as far as I've gotten is "quilt as desired," or that I should choose a design that relates to the quilt theme or its design. The theme is safari, with baby and mommy safari animals in the inner blocks and babies on the border fabric. The coordinating fabrics lend an African flavor to it, too, and from what I've read, I suppose the geometric pieces could blend into an African design as well. But I can't seem to come up with a simple quilting design that would complement the baby safari theme (emphasis on simple!). Maybe I'll just meander all over it. Any suggestions?

Other than all the thinking I've done today on the quilt, the rest of the day has been a here-a-little-there-a-little kind of day. Got the laundry done, went out for lunch with my beloved as we ran a few errands, and stopped in at the church to pick up a box of books delivered for The Book Nook. Some good reading ahead with Will Medicine Kill the Pain by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Home-Making by J.R. Miller. Will give a book review when they're finished. I'm currently reading Has Christianity Failed You by Ravi Zacharias. A thought from last evening's reading that's cause for pause:

"Who is Jesus? He is the Son of David, the Son of Man, the Son of God, and the Savior--not to defeat Rome, not to take care of "the other guy," not to abolish the other political party--he is the Savior, the only one who can deliver us from the tigers within our own deceitful hearts. This is Jesus. Knowing who he is makes the journey to a strong faith rational, even though the way is punctuated with times of struggle. In our ethnic, human, and relational conflicts, we can see what happens when we displace the one who transcends all these issues, and in breaking our relationship with him we break it with each other and ultimately with ourselves. This rupture of serious ramifications often leaves us saying that our faith has failed us. Rather than pausing to see what we have done to the content and object of our faith, we lay blame at the doorstep of God."

The Peacemaker

Are you ever caught up in family or friend disagreements? What can you do to reconcile relationships? I recently read The Peacemaker by Ken Sande that gives some insight. This is a book for anyone who is willing to be the peacemaker in their own relationships or to help others in resolving conflict. Sande gives biblical guidance to deal with issues in a way that promotes peace and helps restore broken relationships.  Among other issues, he discusses:

            -How to use conflict as an opportunity to please and honor God

            -The importance of Christian conciliation

            -Why Christians should resolve disputes in church and not in court

            -When and how to assert your rights

            -How to confess wrongs honestly and effectively

            -How to change attitudes and habits that lead to conflict

            -When it is appropriate to confront others regarding sinful behavior

            -How to confront others in an effective manner

            -When and how to forgive others and to achieve genuine reconciliation

            -How to negotiate just and reasonable arguments

            -How to deal with people who refuse to be reasonable

See a current situation in the list? I wish I had read The Peacemaker for a particular friendship conflict fifteen years ago. I struggled. Are you? I encourage you to read The Peacemaker. If you go to Peacemaker Ministries website (here), you can download the first chapter free. I listened to part of the audio book as I walked on the treadmill.

Sunday Ponderings ~ A Broad Brushstroke

Pleasant Pages by Frederick Daniel Hardy

Reflecting throughout the afternoon on a verse from our pastor's message this morning--Romans 9:1-5, particularly verse 3, "For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh." I don't fully comprehend what Paul is saying here, but my ponderings lead me to some thoughts....

It's clear that Paul has great sorrow and concern for his fellow Israelites who are as yet unbelievers. What isn't clear to me is why he would choose to be separated from Christ for the sake of their salvation. I struggle with reconciling this with verses such as Mark 12:30, "Thou shalt love the Lord Thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment."  To exchange loving God for loving people doesn't seem to me to be loving Him above all.  The Psalmist declares, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever (Psalm 73:25-26).

Perhaps it is Paul's weight of burden that causes him to give such a broad brushstroke. I think, perhaps, that it's possible that Paul's statement may not be intended as our example, that we are sometimes unwarranted in our striving to emulate biblical characters. I am reminded that God calls us to be conformed to the image of Christ, not to the image of Paul. "For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29). Perhaps the paradox is in the phrase "I could wish."

It is clear, however, that Paul's love for his countrymen was compelled by the love of Christ. This is a passage to ponder and study for many days to come.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Today I reflect on simple thoughts and simple pleasures....

 













Outside my window....

bright sunshine this morning glistening off the melting icicles

Noticing the sound of .…

the clock ticking. Peaceful, but I'd rather be hearing little voices.

Thankful for....

my pastor and his wife who truly care about the flock they shepherd

This past week has been
filled with offering condolences and comfort to sorrowing families

Soon I hope to….

ask a hurting friend to come over for lunch

Thinking....

about my little Elijah and how I miss being a part of his everyday life

Looking to the ways of my household....

Did some deeper dusting this week--here a little, there a little really adds up. I'm often surprised at what can be accomplished in an hour's time!

From the kitchen....
Making some taco soup for supper.

Currently reading.... 

Just began Has Christianity Failed You? by Ravi Zacharias. Bottom line question--Is it God or is it the church that has failed you? Previewing it for our church Book Nook.

A thought from my Quiet Time....
Who made God? God did not need to be made. He has existed forever.
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (Psalm 90:2).

Reflecting creativity, in His image….
Continuing to work on the baby quilt for a soon-to-be bundle of joy. Will post a picture when it's all done.

I'm learning….

Not to wait until I know someone is in need. Help when I think they are in need. Most often I find that they are not, but sometimes they are. And sometimes I wait too long, and then it is too late.

You might enjoy reading some entries from some other simple women. Just click here to go to The Simple Woman's Daybook site.

New Joys to Fill Empty Hands

Fishin' with Grandpa ~ Jorgen Sorenson

This week has seen three funerals related to our church family. Loved ones are gone, and there is much sorrow. Miles separate many who came together for just a few days to comfort one another. I think especially of the young fella of about ten or eleven years of age who came halfway across the country to play his mandolin for his grandfather's funeral. With our pastor accompanying on the guitar, he played strong and clear, playing for the memory of his dear grandpa who loved to play the guitar himself. Perhaps they'd played together just like this on summer visits. Undoubtedly, they'd gone fishing because his grandpa loved fishing, too. Before the funeral was over, the young fella was weeping on his own father's lap.

Death brings sorrow that lingers. Blessings have gone away, yet God is preparing other joys. J.R. Miller offers comfort in that thought..........

"Sorrow makes deep scars; indeed, it writes its record ineffaceably on the heart which suffers. We really never get over our deep griefs; we are really never altogether the same after we have passed through them—as we were before.

"We should remember that the blessings which have gone away are not all that God has for us. This summer's flowers will all fade by and by, when winter's cold breath smites them—we shall not be able to find one of them in the fields or gardens during the long, cold, dreary months to come—yet we shall know all the while that God has other flowers preparing, just as fragrant and as lovely as those which have perished. Spring will come again, and under its warm breath the earth will be covered once more with floral beauty as rich as that which faded in the autumn. So the joys that have gone from our homes and our hearts—are not the only joys. God has others in store just as rich as those we have lost, and in due time he will give us these to fill our emptied hands."

~ J.R. Miller
Grace Gems

Thankful Today Didn't Happen Yesterday

 Today was one of those days that I'm thankful didn't happen yesterday. 

Yesterday
I spent the afternoon chasing down some more fabric --

 down the interstate about 30 miles, stopping here and there. 

Today
The transmission went out on the car 

as we were heading over to the church for my home school class. 

If today had been yesterday,
I would have been driving alone. 

If today had been yesterday,
I would have been stranded somewhere down the road. 

If today had been yesterday,
I would have had to call the wrecker...

and ride in the wrecker.

But God, in His providential care, let today happen today instead of yesterday. 

Today my beloved was driving. 

 God's mercies are new every morning.

Lamentations 3:23

Painting ~ Kids and Puppy by David Lindsley

Are You Often Sad?

Winter's grayness can sometimes bring a feeling of sadness, so this might not be the best time to ask the question: Are you often sad? But I came across a video that I want to share with you about sadness. David Powlison, known as the titan of biblical counseling, discusses why some people are sad most of the time. So if you are, take heart. If you know others who are, take note.


Dr. David Powlison - Help! I'm Always Sad from CCEF on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday, Mom

My mother celebrates a milestone birthday today. This picture was taken a little over a year ago before she began her chemotherapy. We thank God that all is well now and she's back to being herself again.

Mom grew up in a small coal camp in West Virginia, a place she recalls with much fondness. She wrote her memoirs about twenty-five years ago for all of us children and called it Grandpa, because she loved her grandfather so very dearly and spent much time with him. Those were days before folks scattered across the country and left grandfathers behind. And before the days when grandparents scattered and left grandchildren behind. Our current culture has left much. But I digress.

Mom's grandmother died when her mother was quite young, and Grandpa raised his three children alone. Mom writes, "I loved him because he was Grandpa.... I was always underfoot. Wherever he went, I was always there with "Can I go and help?" When he went to the woods to gather wood for the stove and fire places I always went with him. "Can I drag one?" "Of course." And he would cut a smaller one for me and we would drag them home. "Can I help you plant the garden?" "Yes, come on, you can pull the plow." I would pull and Grandpa would guide. My, but he was a patient man. Then it was time to plant. "Can I help?" We always had a fine garden. "We're finished." "Yep, let's go wash up."

Mom asks a little farther on, "Are we our memories?"

I think of the memories I've had of my grandparents as a child and wonder what memories will linger with my own grandchildren. Drag the firewood? Maybe at Christmas. Help plant the garden? Maybe pull the weeds that will always be growing most any time of the year. But I digress again.

My mother in her later teen years.
Happy Birthday, Mom

To Market

To Market ~ John James Hill

Today was market day. Spent the afternoon running several errands with several additional stops I hadn't intended to make--a result of trying to shop as much not-made-in-China as I can, especially if it's something that I can just as well do without. I know I'm going to have to come to some inner agreement with myself soon, though, especially about necessities because I'm finding that skirting around here and there is not really good stewardship of my time and gas money. However, my hunt for some winter-interest pods, dried flowers, etc. was productive. I found some from South Africa and Italy. Satisfaction!


If you're in Hobby Lobby and you enjoy their music, let them know. I commented to the cashier about it today, and she said that they get just as many complaints about it (too religious) as people who like it. As for me, their music is much more desirable than what is played in most other stores where I hurry to make a purchase so I can get out of there before the music drives me batty! I told her that HL's music makes me want to linger awhile--and you know that usually means more purchases! A good many of their things are made you-know-where, but not my dried centaurea! I like shopping there, too, because of their statement of purpose: Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles. How often do you find that as a company's purpose?!  You can also see their ministry projects here.

Found a super sale at Christopher and Banks. Love their clothes. Modest, yet stylish, and I always head to their sale racks whenever I go in. I have several friends who shop there, but it's rare that we've purchased the same article of clothing (maybe because my clothing purchases are infrequent). A friend and I wore the same sweater to church once, and she looked lovely, so it was fun to imagine we were twins for a few moments.

Stopped at the fabric shop to pick up a piece that I came up short on for the quilt I just started. They didn't have it, so now it's back to the cutting board. I did get a couple of fat quarters, though, that I think would look even better than my first choice.

Last stop was the grocery store. Several new recipes this month as I renew my menu rotations. Looking forward to slow-cooker Cranberry Pork Tenderloin on Thursday.

My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). And many of the not-so-necessary little lovelies as well.

How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! 

Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Psalm 36:7

Sunday Ponderings ~ God's Incomparable Love

Sympathy ~ Briton Riviere

Pondering this afternoon a passage from Romans 8, verses 31-39, where God through the Apostle Paul is assuring us of His love.  

"What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? .... I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (v.35... 39).

Have you ever wondered if God loves you? I have. Have you ever wondered that if He does love you, does He really care about what you're going through? I have. Have you ever wondered if He's even there, or here, or anywhere? I have. But then I reflect on this verse that tells me nothing is able to separate me from God's love. Nothing.

I have this framed sentiment on my kitchen wall that reminds me as well--

I believe in the sun, even if it does not shine.
I believe in love, even if I do not feel it.
I believe in God, even when he is silent.

I feel like God is often silent. But I'm learning that He's not silent as often as I feel it. Silence can come from having no source, or silence can come from not hearing the source. One characterizes the giver. The other characterizes the receiver. I believe that most of what I consider God's silence is really that I'm not hearing, not that there is no source of God's love.

One of the reasons we question God's love for us is that we evaluate His love relative to our own. If we subscribe to a popular psychological school of thought, we might interpret according to our own "love language," what other people do that makes us feel loved. I feel loved when He.....  Or, what would I do for myself in the same situation to show love, if I were God? I would do thus and thus, and because God isn't doing thus and thus, then He must not care, or is not there, or is afar off. But God's love far transcends our own idea of love. His is a perfect love.

God knows how I feel about Him. He knows my feelings are human. I believe that's one reason that He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within me as a believer and comfort me. He is the Comforter, and He is the Interceder.

"... the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (verses 26-28).

What shall separate me from the love of God? Nothing. Not even my own idea of how God should show His love toward me.

Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee.... Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day (Ps. 25:1,4,5).

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Today I reflect on simple thoughts and simple pleasures.

Sharing a picture....
Winter Welcome boxwood wreath on the front door
















 
Outside my window....
is dark, but the glow of lights along the sidewalk is welcoming.

Noticing the sound of .…

background music from the family room as my dearly beloved studies for his Sunday School class.

Thankful for....

past homeschooling friends who have been friends for ever-so-long, even though our paths don't cross much anymore. Just hung up the phone from talking with such a one...brings me joyous pleasure to hear about her precious family and her anticipated grandbaby.

Soon I hope to….

finish the cutting on a new baby quilt and start the piecing. I love to see the fabrics form a new design as they're sewn together.

Thinking....

about friends of kindred spirit.

Looking to the ways of my household....

Mostly routine tasks this week, but I did get my cooking magazines organized according to seasons. I put them in a plastic carrying case that I can pull off the shelf in the laundry room when I want new recipes to add to my rotation menus.

From the kitchen....
Pulled some homemade brownies out of the oven just a bit ago. Mmm. Smells yummy! My weekend treat!!

Currently reading.... 

Almost finished with The Peacemaker by Ken Sande

A thought from my Quiet Time....
I reap what I sow, yet it is God who supplies my store of seed. It is also he who enlarges my harvest. (re: 2 Cor. 9:6-11)

Reflecting creativity, in His image….
Added some crepe myrtle pods and a raffia bow to my boxwood wreath on the front door. I tried using holly berries from the bushes by the front porch, but they looked a bit too Christmasy for me right now. 

I'm learning….

to be sure I have the needed quantity of a particular fabric before I do the cutting. It sure looked like enough....  Now I need to get just a fourth yard more, or if they don't have it, find a different fabric and cut the pieces again.


You might enjoy reading some entries from some other simple women. Just click here to go to The Simple Woman's Daybook site.

The Pain of Grace

Winter is Upon Us ~ J. Vanderbrink

Praying for friends this afternoon and evening, parents with huge disappointments and loss and questions about how to make things better with and for their almost-out-of-the-nest child. I wonder how many of us haven't walked that path at one time or another.  We did all we knew to do, but what is unfolding is very different than what we'd planned. Dreams didn't come true. 

The harvest is not what we expected, but what we must understand is that God is the Great Gardener. He has new seeds that He wants us to plant and then allow Him to give the increase. This was a great lesson to me as I read what was probably my most significant read in 2010--Lost in the Middle/ Midlife and the Grace of God by Paul David Tripp. It's about how we begin to look back on life's experiences and disappointments with regret and discouragement. It's about letting the pain of regret instead be the pain of grace--growing pains, if you will. Anytime in life. Anytime there's regret and deep disappointment, or grieving over a lost dream. 

There's much encouragement to be found if we can turn from our mourning. Let me share a bit with you as Tripp helps us to understand.  

 "In midlife God calls you to turn from mourning over your previous harvest to planting new and better seeds. Maybe you mourn about the harvest of your parenting. Plant new seeds. Maybe that means working to restore distant or broken relationships with your adult children. Or it could mean being a wise and godly grandparent, sowing spiritual seeds in the souls of the next generation. Perhaps you mourn that your life was controlled by your career. Take advantage of the time and economic freedom that midlife affords and plant new seeds. Work less and invest in family and ministry more. Perhaps you mourn the fact that you did not study Scripture more diligently in your youth. There are many opportunities to increase your knowledge of God's word and your potential for ministry. Perhaps you mourn over a selfish life, where all you earned was spent on a more comfortable life for you. Commit to finding specific ways that you can give and serve. Ask yourself: which of my gifts, experiences, resources, and wisdom can I use to serve others?

"You're now in the autumn of your life, and you're quite aware that the leaves are off the trees. You're standing in a pile of the leaves of your marriage, your parenting, your extended family, your friendships, your work, and your ministry. These leaves of the past have grown wrinkled and dry, and you know you cannot put them back on the tree. It's tempting to sit down in the pile and examine leaf after leaf and wish you were holding a new bud from a new sapling, but you aren't. The harvest has come in, and it is what it is. Yet in all of this there is hope because our Lord is the Lord of new seasons. With the new season comes the freedom to plant new and better seeds. With the new season comes the expectation of a new harvest of new fruit.

"Stand up and walk away from your pile of yesterday's leaves. Take the seeds of a new way into your hands, press them into the soil of your life, and thank God that you will live to see a better harvest."

 

 Click to go to Paul David Tripp Ministries

Kaleidoscopes and Psalm 119

I've loved working with fabric as long as I can remember. It goes way back to when I was a little girl and got my own miniature sewing machine for Christmas. My mother usually made her little girls' clothes when we were growing up. One of my sisters is three years younger than I am, so we often got clothes made alike. I remember the lavender dotted swiss dress with a short white jacket that Mom made for us for Easter Sunday. I can still see the burgundy box-pleated skirt and matching floral blouse she made for me in junior high school. And how I twirled in my broomstick skirts! I made much of my own clothing later until fabric become so expensive. It would follow that I would find great pleasure in making pretty things for my own two little girls. Such fun!

I've had a recent revived interest in sewing that has turned toward quilting. I enjoy choosing the fabrics and wandering through the sale aisle of quilt shops. There are so many fun and beautiful designs to select from. Sometimes I just buy fabric because it calls to me; I'll work it into an upcoming project or put it in my stash.

Thought I'd show you a wallhanging I made from kaleidoscope blocks and recently gave as a gift. I discovered this technique a couple of years ago and have made several of these beauties since. The patterns that emerge are endless, all cut from the same piece of fabric. Each of the octagons you see was made from identical triangles cut from the fabric shown on the back of the quilt. Just as different designs come to light as you turn a kaleidoscope, varying designs materialize as you move a single triangle randomly across a piece of fabric and play with the colors and shapes. The fabric is the key element; repeating an image is the key technique.

It's fun to find where each kaleidoscope came from on the backing fabric. It's like playing Where's Waldo. I plan to make one for Elijah when he's ready to play. I could do a safari themed fabric for his room, or maybe monkeys (he's his mommy's little monkey!) and call it "Monkey in the Middle!" The name of the fabric I used for this wallhanging is "Miss Lucy's Violets and Lace," a nice name I think for the wallhanging as well.

Kaleidoscope blocks have a special meaning for me, as they were borne from my study of Psalm 119. When I give a kaleidoscope quilted piece, I like to include a card with the following greeting.

Psalm 119—A Kaleidoscope of God’s Word

My interest in kaleidoscope quilt blocks came during a study of Psalm 119, when I came across the following quote from Charles Spurgeon. It ties together my interest in lap quilting and my love for God’s Word. The triangle sections that form each octagon are from the backing fabric, as the repeated patterns are carefully planned and cut. Just as the mirrors in a kaleidoscope reflect an image, each triangle in the kaleidoscope quilt block reflects color and pattern to create a unique design. Such is Psalm 119. May this labor of love for you be a constant reminder of God’s gift of His Word.

This psalm is a wonderful composition. It deals all along with one subject only; but although it consists of a considerable number of verses, some of which are very similar to others, yet throughout its one hundred and seventy-six stanzas the self-same thought is not repeated: there is always a shade of difference, even when the colour of the thought appears to be the same. Some have said that in it there is an absence of variety; but that is merely the observation of those who have not studied it. Its variety is that of a kaleidoscope.

In the kaleidoscope you look once, and there is a strangely beautiful form: you shift the glass a very little, and another shape, equally delicate and beautiful, is before your eyes. So it is here. What you see is the same, and yet never the same: it is the same truth, but it is always placed in a new light, put in a new connection, or in some way or other invested with freshness.

~ Charles H. Spurgeon

The blocks to the right are from a table runner that I gave to my sister. I call it "Morning Sunflowers." 

Want to see more kaleidoscopes?

Click on a kaleidoscope for a link to more visual delights.

 

 

Sewing Image by Macrovector via freepik

Dishtowels that Organize the Week

Today was another snuggle-in day. My daughter in SC has been in 12 inches of snow, so our mere covering further north seems a bit mediocre. We didn't get the inches that were expected, but it was still nice and cozy to be snowed in. So I lingered with a cup of tea during my quiet time this morning and worked a bit on a new quilt this evening since church was canceled.

Between the bookends I did a couple of major tasks--prep for my homeschooling class tomorrow and caught up on ironing, inspired by a Christmas gift from my thoughtful sister-in-law who hand-embroidered a set of dish towels for me. I always said I could clean and re-organize my kitchen around a new dish towel. Well, she gave me one for each day--and I'm organizing my week around them!

I had been considering for some time how God did a major act each day of creation, and so I had begun to set my major home tasks in order--sort of "in his image" kind of thinking. There's a Sunday towel, Monday is grocery day ("Market Day" on the dishtowel), Tuesday is laundry day ("Wash Day"), and today the "Iron Day" towel is out. Thursday I'm using the "Gardening Day," towel, but since there's no gardening in the middle of winter, I'm designating that towel for my homeschooling class day until spring--sort of a something-extra-kind-of day. I'm using the "Cleaning Day" towel on Friday to get the house spiffy for the weekend and Sunday rest, and the "Baking Day" towel on Saturday to do just that.

Nestled among all the majors are the minors, the just-for-funners, and the R&Rs. I heard Nancy Leigh DeMoss give an illustration of putting the larger balls (major priorities) in a container (representing a day) first, then filling in with the smaller balls (less important activities, etc.). Voila! More gets accomplished, rather than the other way around--puttering away the day on the minors and funners, with little or no room left for the majors.

Thanks, Connie and Nancy, for the inspiration to get my home duties in order!

God's Ongoing Act of Creation

Went to a baby shower this evening and was reminded of the awesome privilege as a woman to participate in God's ongoing act of creation. Setting this means of creating life in motion in Genesis 1, God has chosen to create a brand new human being through the miracle of human birth!

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, " Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth." ... and God saw everything that he had made and it was very good.

All God does is very good, and the way he does it is very good. God does all things for his glory and our good. One of the ways he has chosen for us to glorify him is through his plan of creating new children, to magnify and exalt the wonder of it all. For his glory, and for our good. 

"And God blessed them." Children are God's blessings to us. They are his gift to us. Every good and perfect gift comes from him (James 1:17). I recently heard a new father remark that he had no idea being a daddy would be so awesome. And a new mother agreed that a baby opens up a completely new dimension to life. Not that it's an easy gift to have responsibility for, but one that we can glorify God through. One of God's good and perfect gifts, blessing us in ways we would not know otherwise. I'm so thankful to have participated.

A third little blessing coming soon to this young mother we honored this evening. God does all things well. 

Painting ~ The Crib, George Goodwin Kilburne 1839-1924

An Abiding Influence

There is nothing which has a more abiding influence on the happiness of a family than the preservation of equable and cheerful temper and tones in the housekeeper. A woman who is habitually gentle, sympathizing, forbearing, and cheerful, carries an atmosphere about her which imparts a soothing and sustaining influence, and renders it easier for all to do right, under her administration, than in any other situation.

--from "American Woman's Home" 
by Catharine Esther Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe 1869

Sunday Ponderings ~ Equipped

Pondering this evening a passage from church earlier today. We were encouraged by a team from the Wilds (a beautiful family camping facility in the hills of NC) who spoke in the morning service, followed by a time of visiting and fellowship at our Winter Dinner, then a worshipful quartet concert in early afternoon. A blessed way to spend a Sunday with fellow followers of Jesus Christ.

My ponderings come from 2 Timothy 3:15b-17:

... the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

It's amazing that 66 books could be written by more than 40 authors from all walks of life over a period of 1500 years, compiled, and everything in it agrees! How can that be? Written by God, not by man. God-breathed through the writers. God's ways are perfect, beyond our understanding.

What does God do through the scriptures? He brings us to salvation. He calls us to Himself. The scriptures tell us about the only way to God--through the God-man Christ Jesus.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

~ Acts 4:12

All scripture is profitable--all of the writing itself, the words themselves; not just what we think the thoughts express. Profitable for what?

doctrine--teaching us what is right
reproof--telling us how we've gone wrong
correction--showing us how to make our wrongs right; for setting us aright, that we may get up and go on
instruction in righteousness--training us how to continue in God's ways

The purpose of this profitability? That we may be perfect (not in a Jesus-is-perfect sense, but complete) and 'throughly furnished' for all good works--completely equipped.

My take-home for today--To be equipped. I need to be in the scriptures, learning what is right, where I've gone wrong, how to make my wrongs right, and how to continue in God's ways in my brief earthly course, the beginning of my endless existence.

Painting ~ In the Orangery by Charles Edward Perugini

Simple Woman's Day Book

Click to read more simple women entries.

Today I’m joining A Simple Woman's Daybook, a weekly journal page that focuses on simple thoughts and simple living.  My leads are somewhat similar to others in the group, but somewhat different as well. You may also want to read what some other simple women are saying and doing these days. I'll be posting my journal on Saturdays. Do stop by.

A picture to share...
Morning feeders

Outside my window...
Beautiful fresh fallen snow, birds flitting from the cypress to the bird feeders.

Thankful for...

Snow that brightens a gray winter day.

Noticing the sound of …

Clothes in the dryer that my dearly beloved tended to while I was photographing the birds at the feeder

Soon I hope to….

Begin a baby quilt for a new little creation who will arrive within the month

Thinking....

About our little Elijah watching the birds out the window over Christmas. Bir!
Miss you! Nana

Looking to the ways of my household....

Entered a week of dinner menus to my rotation schedule. Plan to finish up next week.

Currently reading.... 

Just began The Peacemaker by Ken Sande. Will share a review soon.

Reflecting creativity, in His image…

Added "Winter Welcome" to the boxwood wreath I used for the front door at Christmas. It's still doing well. Looking for some winter berries to add.

From the kitchen...
Making pasta salad to take to our church's Winter Dinner. Sharing the recipe:

Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad
(16-20 servings; recipe from Crowd Pleasing Sandwiches & Salads)
2 packages Betty Crocker Suddenly Salad--Ranch and Bacon
1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
8 medium green onions, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 medium stalks celery, thinly sliced (1 cup)
    [I add 1/2 frozen green peas]
6 hard-cooked eggs, coarsely chopped
1 hard-cooked egg, sliced, if desired for garnishingpaprika, if desired for garnishing

1.  Fill 4-quart Dutch oven 2/3 full of water. Heat to boiling. Stir in contents of both pasta-vegetable pouches. Gently boil uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Drain pasta. Rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well.

2.  Stir together seasoning mixes, mayonnaise, mustard, onions, green peas, and celery  in large bowl. Stir in pasta and chopped eggs until evenly coated. Garnish with hard-cooked egg slices and paprika, if desired.

I'm learning…

To glorify God in all I do. I find that it brings more contentment to my days. I too often learn at a snail's pace.