God's Two Sides

For several years now I've been attracted to a study of "God's 2 sides": the strong and the soft, I call it. His strong side would include His holiness, justice and power. In His soft side is seen His love, gentleness and provision. The study of Scripture shows us so much more about both of these aspects of God and they have been a great blessing to me.

We can look around us and see more than one thing that

illustrates this.

The ocean with its calm waters that softly lap on the shore...

...or with its powerful, impressive waves that crash against the rocks.

There's another illustration that may be even better-that of a father holding his newborn baby. What strength are in those arms to protect his little one but what softness to handle it with gentleness and love!

"Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him: behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:10,11)
(1st & 3rd photo: internet)

In Kings' Palaces

Proberbs 30:28 is probably referring to the spider's web but I thought of this verse when I saw the "palaces" that these two spiders chose for their abode. This spider chose my light pink, smell-like-a-baby rose. Indeed, a good choice! This other one opted for the darker pink one. Here she is on a soon-to-open bud..
And here she still is about two days later as the rose is quickly opening. Do you see her?...down towards the bottom of the rose. And yes, this is the same spider. The sun was glaring on it in the above photo.
Oh, we can hardly see her! Let's zoom in a bit more...
We can hardly blame them for choosing such lovely palaces, made by God Himself. The Proverb says that she is one of the "four little wise things on earth"!

"There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise... The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces." (Proverbs 30:24,28)

Oh, I Want To Know You More

 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthinans 13:12)

A Flower Album

Please come with me to visit my "garden"! At first glance as you walk into my two small yards you might very well ask, Helloo? where are your flowers? But come closer and you will see that there are many different types!

We'll leave the roses and irises alone since I've showed them off in recent weeks. But not to worry, more photos of them are forthcoming in the next few weeks and months when they will be at the height of their beauty! There are five buds on one pink rose bush, one on the orange rose bush and...well, I'm just sayin'. Let's start in the front yard next to the house. Check out one of my two colors of miniature roses. This one is a deep red and is getting old but I think that just adds to its beauty-makes it look rather velvety, don't you think?

Over in the corner is a purple-leafed decorative plant which produces this tiny half-inch flower. Its name is Purple Heart.

Here's an interesting bunch of flowers! They belong to the aloe

plant. That's right, I have my own supply of this good stuff.

The late afternoon sunshine was the perfect setting for this

photo.

Now on we go to the back yard...

I have several plants of this cute little flower called a

kalanchoe. It's the easiest thing to care for, does well in

total sun or total shade, survives with almost no water

or drowned in water...I mean, how easy can it get for

those of us who do not have a very green thumb?!

Here you see this flower in red, yellow and fushcia.

Some have single petals and some have multiple ones.

Here's another little flower whose name is not known by me

but she is one perfect little beauty. Her leaves are groups of

three heart-shaped leaves. Oh, the exquisite detail God puts

into His creation!

You'd love this one! It's a type of orchid with cascading strands

of miniature orchids. I bought it on a trip three years ago and

this is the best it has ever produced!

The fragrance of these little beauties was enough to almost knock

out my dear husband who had to transfer them to a more distant

location so that they wouldn't distract them while he studied

(that's his study window behind the plant). Can you imagine?

Oh, this is flower power at its best!

I'm all about close-ups, so lets get a closer look at these...

Last, but not least, I would like to show, in memorium, our poinsettia tree which was removed from the backyard a

couple weeks ago because it was getting too big, not for its

own good, but for ours! My husband was afraid that the root system might damage our nearby water pipes. But Miss

Poinsettia put out a spectacular final display which I leave

here for you to see. A good reminder that Christmas is just

around the corner!

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11)

Scene Through An Open Door

It caught my attention every time I glanced that way...the pot of sunflowers that I could see from where I sat in church. At that morning hour the sun was usually shining through the window, so it enhanced the beauty of the flowers...
Seeing them through the slightly opened door seemed to add to their beauty. It was as if the Lord was saying "Look through those open doors of opportunity, I have beautiful things waiting for you. Trust Me."

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit..." (I Corinthians 2:10,11)
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

Primavera!

That means Spring here in south Brazil. She was gracious on her first day here with us, giving us sunshine and gentle breezes...a bit unlike the preceeding days. I love Spring, whether here or in my beloved North Carolina. The bursting forth of new life or the promise of it is something that warms the heart and soul and is a delight to the eyes. The colors of varied types of flowers would put Crayola crayons to shame.

I will be posting more of my flower photos over the next month, I'm sure, but for now here are two of my roses-

The last rose of winter...

...and the first

rose(bud) of Spring.







I leave you with this beautiful Biblical description

of this most lovely of seasons:

"For, lo, the winter is past;

The rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth;

The time of the singing of birds is come,

And the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land; The fig-tree ripeneth her green figs,

And the vines are in blossom;

They give forth their fragrance.

Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."

(Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Gratitude

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving." (Psalm 69:30)

"The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.'' (Psalm 126:3)

Mighty Waters

I was going through some favorite photos this morning and came across this one...
...taken in 2008 when we visited Iguaçu Falls for the first time, on the border where Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina meet. As I looked at this again and remembered the incredible power of that sight, I was reminded of different verses which speak of the power of water, two of which I place here. Interestingly, there IS Someone and something that is more powerful still than water like this. That is so amazing and wonderful! And available to all.
"The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea." (Psalm 93:4)
"Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it..." (Song of Solomon 8:7)

Saturday Luxury

Saturday isn't necessarily my favorite day but I do like the clean-sheet-feeling on Saturday night when I go to bed. The exercise of putting clean sheets on the bed is worth the "ahhh..." I feel when I slide into bed that night. There they are, the clean smell, the smoothness, the soft feel of years-old sheets on my skin, the delicious comfiness that only a clean bed can give.
After I smooth out the final layer I like to stand back and admire the bed and the room. On this particular day I noticed the sunshine-and the breeze blowing the curtains...

Such is the good life, filled with simple luxuries. They don't cost any money, just a moment of our time to take notice.

"Obrigada, Senhor!"

Photo Cards

One of my ongoing blessings is making cards with photos that I have taken. It has gradually developed over the past two or three years, not a money-making venture but I do sell them.

The joy of noticing details of God's creation, especially in flowers, is a special delight. Certainly therapeutic! And then to form greeting and note cards from them is an extra something that brings me joy.

I'm thankful for my little 6-yr-old camera (I'm actually borrowing it from my dear hubby). Even though it lacks some desirable features of the newer cameras, it's doing the job, and that keeps me happy.

This morning I took this picture in a friend's yard, thinking of a future card. Is it ok for one? My answer is "yes"!

Orchids In The Apple Tree

Do I even need to say anything? The beauty of these little orchids is amazing! But that's what every mother says about each new baby, right? *smile* They began blooming out a few days ago, the first time since I placed the plant in the apple tree over a year ago. I've had the apple tree for about 7 years and it has never produced its own fruit so maybe this is a pretty good substitute until it can figure out how to produce! Everything in life doesn't have to have a "lesson", but if there's one here...I'm not sure what it is. But one photo is just not enough, here are some more. Look at how tightly Miss Orchid clings to Mr. Apple Tree! From the first buds...

...to the last blooms,

my orchids have been

a thing of daily delight.

"He hath made everything beautiful in His time..."

(Ecclesiastes 3:11)

A Little Rose...

God picked a little rose...
...to grace His home in heaven.

We grieve with our missionary colleagues in the loss of their daughter, Lydia. We will miss this ray of sunshine that blessed many lives and warmed many hearts.

"In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:2,3)

A Salvation Story

Sadly she lay by the side of the road, near the gutter, thrown there by its previous owner who had no use for her anymore. She had not been sold, was beginning to lose some of her beauty, was not wanted, so she was rejected... But along came someone who noticed her, noticed that she still had life, that there was potential for revived beauty. With joy she picked her up and took her home. There she set her upright again, gave her water to drink and cut off the dead leaves and wilted flowers. It wasn't long before she had totally revived and her beauty was stunning. I set her on the coffee table admiring her beauty...

I took at least a dozen photos, just couldn't get enough of her beauty! From every angle she was beautiful...

I did not know her name so I researched and found out that it is Canterbury Bells. Isn't that a lovely name befitting this beauty queen? After a few days of being enjoyed at home, she was taken to the Bible college to bring beauty and joy to others, too.

Many times during these days of watching a thing of beauty come out of my efforts to save this flower, I have been reminded of God's work in human lives. I'll let you make the comparison.

"(The Lord our God) raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; that He may set him with princes, even with the princes of His people." (Psalm 113:7,8)

Angels' Joy!

                   Forty-four years ago today I was the cause for bringing joy to the angels.

And who can describe or even imagine HIS joy

when a sinner repents?!

I believed in God's Son....therefore I have life. Eternal life!

So simple, so true, so wonderful. No wonder this gives joy to the angels!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosover believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life"
(John 3:16)

PRAISE TO HIM

May every moment of your life and mine bring only praise and joy to Him, the one Who made, loved and saved us.

"Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee." (Psalm 63:3)

Seen On A Sunny Sunday Afternoon

Not many words needed, just showing some of the sights on my walk yesterday afternoon. I was taking advantage of the glorious weather!...although, by the time you read this, it may not be that way. I love the way the sun was shining through the trees as I walked down the hill... ...and around the park.

This isn't trash on the ground, but the white fluff from the pods of a certain tree. It would be easy to imagine it as being snow on the ground, what with the cold weather we've been going through!

The sun outlining our front yard cedar. I could take a thousand photos of the effects of the sunshine and not get tired of it!

"He has made everything beautiful in His time."-Ecclesiastes 3:11

Warmth

During these days of record-breaking cold here in our area of south Brazil I have been reminded many times to be thankful for having at least a house to live in, warm clothes to wear and a small fireplace in our living-room....things which the homeless or poor do not have. Although it seemed that we got a chill in our bones that would linger for a bit too long, I tried to maintain a spirit of thankfulness to the One who cares for His own. In addtion to these physical blessings there is also the warmth of His presence...

I remember in Nov '06 when I found out that I had cancer. The next morning I took my cup of coffee and sat down on the outside steps to contemplate His plan for my life...or death. Although the temperature was hovering around freezing, I did not notice the cold. His presence with me, His promises to me from His Word and thoughts with which He filled my mind and blessed my soul...well, they warmed me inside and out! I often remember those miraculous moments and give Him thanks.

"And He said, My presence shall go with thee..."-Exodus 34:1 "For the Lord God is a sun and shield...Psalm 84:11

Others

Most of us have heard or seen the formula for having true joy:

Jesus

Others

Yourself

Is this true? Yes.

When we put Jesus Christ in first place, others before ourselves and ourselves last, we will experience a joy that we can't get any other way.

This month has been full of "others" for us! We made 3 trips which totalled at least 3700 km (Thank You, Lord, for safety!). We were privileged to get to know other people, cities, churches-even another state. And being able to help and minister to others in each of these places was a very special blessing.

"It's all about me." NOT! It's about Jesus Christ and others. They make life worth living. And if He chooses to include me in that picture...then my joy is complete.

May your life be full of joy today as you minister to others for His sake.

"For you are our glory and joy."-I Thessalonians 2:20

A Prayer For My Readers



(photo: C. Dennis)

 "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; That ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."

-Philippians 1:9-11

Sweet Baby Boy

Little baby boy, so new and sweet and cuddly, love from your family surrounds you like a fence...protecting, caring, desiring God's best for you. "Whom having not seen, you love...". I know that verse is referring to Christ but, for the occasion, I'm pulling it out of context and letting it express how I feel about you and me. We haven't seen each other and you know nothing about me, but even though I haven't seen you, I do love you...for you are my grandson.

I have a promise from God just for you, I want you to take it with you wherever you go:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

(Jeremiah 29:11)

Happy one-week birthday! God bless you, precious little grandson.
(baby photo: M. Thorp)

God Hears Our Desires

God hears our verbal prayers, our spoken-in-the-heart prayers and our thoughts. But he also knows and, yes, hears our desires-those feelings in us that sometimes can't be expressed in words and that sometimes we're even hesitant to express in our hearts and minds.

I am convinced of this because I had a "desire answered" several years ago. I did not have the courage to ask the Lord for it because I thought that maybe I would be asking too much, that maybe it was too much of a luxury. But obviously the Lord didn't think so, as I suddenly found myself flying a couple thousand miles to see the birth of our first grandchild! It was only after I returned home that I found the wonderful verse in Psalm 10:17 that says "Lord, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble: Thou wilt prepare their heart, Thou wilt cause thine ear to hear." And then I knew why I had been granted my desire. He heard it as clearly as if I had shouted it from the housetop!

Don't be afraid to express the desires of your heart to Him. He already knows and hears them anyway.