Pineapple On The Ceiling

The other day as I cut a pineapple, I was reminded of an incident from the past... One day several years ago when our children were still at home, we were all talking and laughing about something at mealtime when, suddenly, one of them threw a little piece of pineapple up onto the ceiling. There it stuck and there it remained...to our delight, for it gave us something to laugh about, even now-about 20 years later! On the day that we left that house I know I must have glanced at that piece of pineapple one more time and wonder if I should try to clean it off...or let the new occupants wonder what happened. I chose the latter. Laughter and a merry heart is a wonderful medicine and those who are able to see the humorous side of things are certainly blessed. Just the memory of certain moments in our lives are capable of bringing a smile to our face and joy to our hearts and make life worth living. Take time to enjoy the memories...or to make wonderful new ones that you can look back on without regret and give praise to the Lord who gives us those moments.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (Proverbs 17:22)

My Tears in God's Bottle

Tears are important to God. He made us and our emotions in such a way that sometimes tears form as evidence of those emotions and they also act as a healing agent. Tears are not always because of pain or sadness, they can also be because of joy! In any case, we do not need to be ashamed of them. Never believe it when someone says that they are a sign of weakness. Don't forget that Jesus also cried and shed tears. Things that touch your heart and move your soul are capable of forming your tears.

A verse in Psalms has for a long time been a precious one to me for it shows that the Lord knows about and cares for whatever we're going through that is causing our tears. Psalm 58:6 says "...put Thou my tears into Thy bottle: are they not in Thy book?" I like the thought that He cares SO much for us that each tear is precious enough to store in a bottle that He has just for that purpose. Not only that, but it seems that maybe He writes about those tears in a book! How wonderful is that?!

"Thus saith the Lord...I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears."-Isaiah 38:5

Heritage

On this Father's Day I would like to remember my Dad by sharing a little bit about heritage. Having recently received an old document about my family has made me think more about my family history, roots and heritage during the past few days. Much could be said here but I am just SO amazed and grateful for this blessing from the Lord. I'm sure there are skeletons in the closet and, in fact, that sort of thing never seems to stop happening but the past several decades have given our family something about which to be proud and for which to be thankful. My parents were Baptist missionaries and they left to each of "us 7" a super-rich, Biblical, Christian heritage. Not only their making sure that we learned and understood Biblical doctrines and practices, but also their godly and inspiring examples, will forever be remembered by us. To top it off, Dad and Mom left us 6 books which they wrote! As I paged through "Our Family Missionary History" once again, I was smiling because I knew that our rich heritage would be known by generations to come of their offspring. Whether each of us choose to embrace that heritage, believe their Biblical teachings and live similar godly lives is certainly up to each one, but the knowledge of it is there and we are without excuse. Daddy, I miss you so much but am happy that you are there with your Lord and Saviour...and Mom and Bonnie and Hannah. We'll see you in the near future!

"The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him." (Proverbs 23:24)

Blue Glass

Blue glass plate in the dish drainer...shining in the sun. Blue glass bottles in the window. How does one explain how it brings joy to see these beautiful things??

 

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:11)

Prayer

As I was talking to the Lord yesterday concerning a certain problem, I was reminded for the umpteenth time in my life about the importance of prayer. As the beloved hymn says, "What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer".

I'll be the first to admit that my prayer life isn't as strong as it should be. But, oh, how precious is this privilege! It isn't something to take for granted or to "use" just when we're in trouble. Prayer is an intimate form of communion with our Saviour and Friend, the Lord Jesus Christ. How He waits and longs to have us come to Him. "Talk to Me", I often hear Him say, "I want some time alone with you".

We do not have to have an image in front of us, or something in our hands, or talk to some saint in hopes that they will relay our message. No, NO! We can boldly and confidently go into His presence and bare our hearts before Him. And Who better than the Holy Spirit to intercede for us?! We have no other, we need no other, there IS no other that can hear us and meet our needs...than the Lord. I'll have you know that that's grounds for gettin' excited!

 "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

Pruning

This morning I decided that it was a good time, with the blue sky and sunshine, to prune a couple of my plants, especially the Rose of Sharon, which had gotten a little too tall and out of shape for her own good. With pruning shears in hand, I clipped the tip, and sometimes alot more, of every big and little branch, not worried at all that perhaps I was being too drastic. Must've learned that from my pruning-happy husband...although I've been known to fuss at him for pruning (what I thought was) way too much! Anyway...I know that, come Spring in 3 or 4 months, she will begin to reward me with all of her beauty! I'll try to remember to send you a photo of that later on.

 I don't know whether pruning is painful to a plant but I do know that it leaves it quite ugly...but only for a short time. Pruning in the form of discipline from God in our lives is definitely painful and, temporarily, is an ugly thing-from our point of view. But wait awhile and we will certainly see the beauty that results from the drastic measures He has to sometimes take. He cuts off branches and buds that are dead, useless, way too big for our own good and detrimental to our health, growth and development. But He does it in love, knowing the beauty that will unfold, a beauty that will bring glory to Him and make Him smile for joy. All because He loves us!

 "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12:11)

A Little Budding Rose

                                     A Little Budding Rose                                                          by Emily Brontë

It was a little budding rose, round like a fairy globe,
And shyly did its leaves unclose hid in their mossy robe,
But sweet was the slight and spicy smell it breathed from its heart invisible...

Moonrise, Sunset



(photo: L.Robbins)

For the third month in a row I haven't had my camera with me at that hour when the full moon is rising and the sun is setting. I usually seem to find myself away from home. Tonight I looked in the direction of the sunset when I was driving down the street and noticed that it was more colorful than usual (of course!). When I got home I saw that the moon was already quite high in the sky. I know my camera doesn't take good night pictures, but...I took some anyway to at least say that I'd tried! I won't post any of them but, rather, this one that a daughter took recently, even though it's not a full one like I saw tonight. Last month I was walking home at that evening hour when I looked up the hill in front of me and saw that huge gorgeous full moon. Then I looked down the hill behind me and saw the glorious sunset. I couldn't decide which was more beautiful and I just kept looking back and forth...and wishing I had my camera, but also knowing that it wouldn't come close to capturing the beauty of those two scenes that surrounded me and captured my total attention. The cycles of the sun and moon are a frequent reminder to me of God's constant, always dependable, faithfulness and love!
  "Praise ye Him, sun and moon..." (Ps 148:2) "They shall fear Thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations." (Ps 72:5)

Suffering

So. Everything isn't always hunky-dory, a bed of roses, fine and dandy, just the way you want it to be. Sometimes it's miserable, thorny, terrible-no good-awful, nothing going the way you want it to. No, I'm not having a bad day or anything. I have little or no complaints on this fine day. There's even a little bit of sunshine outside now and then! But I read some thoughts about suffering recently in my devotional time that impressed me and I'd like to share them with you... In the darkness of suffering, beauty can bloom. "Through affliction He teaches us many precious lessons that otherwise we would never learn. By affliction he shows us our emptiness and weakness, draws us to the throne of grace, purifies our affections, weans us from the world, and makes us long for heaven." (J. C. Ryle) "To us (suffering) appears completely senseless and irrational, but to God none of it is either senseless or irrational. He has a purpose in every pain He brings or allows in our lives. We can be sure that in some way He intends it for our profit and His glory." (J. Bridges) So, can suffering be a perfect gift from God? You bet it can! And in the lives of His children, all suffering is a gift. Some suffering is the result of our own beliefs, lifestyles, actions and attitudes that are wrong (anti-Biblical). In that case, suffering becomes a warning-a wake-up call, if you please. This suffering only becomes a gift if the warnings are heeded and acted upon. In the darkness of suffering, beauty can bloom.

  "For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps. (I Peter 2:21)

New Hobby. New Gift.

As little as seven months ago I never thought that one day I would be into the world of blogging and also creating a website but...here I am! Although it has given me some frustrating moments as I learn my way around (since I am self-taught) it has also given me many hours of enjoyment and many moments of joy. I consider it as being a gift from Him for I believe that He delights in bringing us delight! I find it interesting how some of my hobbies and other things that I enjoy doing have changed during the years. I don't think this is by "chance", as some like to call it, but rather it is the Lord's plan...to give us variety in the things we do and even the ministries in which He has called us to serve. "Variety is the spice of life" would seem to hold true in these our lives that the Lord has planned and knows from beginning to end. All that...because of a simple computer. :)

Hugs

I was sitting in church last night, waiting for the service to begin, when all of a sudden I felt some arms around my neck. The warmth felt good on that cold evening but I didn't know who it was. "Who is this?" I asked, more than one suspect immediately coming to mind. She didn't answer but stretched her neck around to try and show her face. I wasn't surprised to see that it was little Raquel, a very affectionate little girl who, along with her family, is always at church. All of a sudden I felt a double warmth, not only from the physical hug but also from the emotion of knowing that someone likes me. I believe one of the purposes for which God made our arms was to give good, warm hugs to those we love. "Worth a thousand words" is true for hugs as well as pictures! Several years ago someone gave me this poem about hugs...

Hugs come in every shape and size and mean so many things,
Like the hug that says "I'm happy for the joy your friendship brings."
There are hugs for saying "I'm so proud of all the things you do,"
Hugs that say "There's no one else in all the world like you."
There are gentle hugs, and tender ones for feelings that are sad,
Hugs that say "I'm sorry" when someone's feeling bad.
There are hugs for all occasions, and reasons big and small,
Tiny hugs, and bear hugs-short to extra tall!
But the nicest hug is one that says "I'm always thinking of you,"
The special kind this brings your way-
The hug that says "I LOVE YOU!"

Well, Hel-LO!!

"Well, hel-LO!" said the Rose to the Iris, "You are welcome...We're SO glad you're here!" I was delightfully surprised this morning to see a flash of extra color in my front yard. Before I even went to look closely at it I ran back inside the house to get my camera. Move aside everyone, the photo session has begun for Miss Iris! Isn't she beautiful? I wasn't expecting her arrival til perhaps in August or September. What a treat on this foggy May Sunday morning! It looks like Mrs. Spider also considered it a delight to have an extra and most colorful place to hang her web strands. First on Miss Pink Rose, then on Miss Purple Iris. What more could a spider want? Thank You, Lord, for these simple joys with which You choose to delight us.

A Gift

It's overwhelming to think of how many people are now visiting my site here. When I began, I kept it quiet for about 3 months, just because I was...hmm, well, a bit timid about exposing my feelings and thoughts to the public. But I am impressed about the potential and power of the written word. As the Psalmist said "My tongue is the pen of a ready writer" (45:1). I'm not much for public speaking (although I do it if I need to) but I do love to express myself in written words. It's just so much easier when you don't have a million eyes looking at you! Or even just two... I don't prepare much ahead of time to write down what I do here on APR. Usually it's just the sight of something, or an experience, or a memory...and my fingers begin to itch to type it into this 9/11 computer. Why "9/11", you might ask? (smile) That's a post for another day. And what does all this have to do with pink roses? Because this site has become a most good and perfect gift from my Father. It may not be for you...but it is for me.

Just Because...

"I looked into the nightsky...just because. I listened to the morning sounds...just because. I tasted the fresh jam...just because. I smelled the new rose...just because. I touched your hand...just because. Just because...I love you!" (And I wrote this...just because.)

A Rose That Never Fades

Mother's Day conveniently falls between the birthday and deathday (if I may call it that) of my dear mother, so I can celebrate her memory in a special way today. Not that I don't celebrate that on other days. Hardly a day goes by but that something doesn't remind me of her. OH yes, me, myself, and I remind me of her! Little gestures that I make, the way I cough, some things I say...I'm happy to say that I see some of my own mother in me. It's definitely a compliment if someone says "you look and act like your mother" for I admire her for many different things. So on this day, almost 5 years since I said good-by to her, I would like to say that I am SO very thankful for my lovely mother whom I was privileged to know and have for an example. She was beautiful without and within. She was quiet but she was strong...you know, one of those people with that "quiet strength". Her love for Christ, her husband, her kids, grands and greats was so obvious. Momma...Do you remember that hymn I sang to you a day or so before you left us..."Where the roses never fade"? I remember those moments quite often, glad that I had the opportunity to do that for you. You have gone to that lovliest of places, I am so glad that you are enjoying that. But I just want to tell you that YOU are my rose that never fades. I miss you and will always love you and hold you in my heart.

God's Protection

I was in a grocery store yesterday and noticed that there were 2 armed guards, one in the doorway and the other only a couple yards away from me by the cash register. I had the passing thought that the store may have recently had some problems with robberies so they had upped the security. Then as I was leaving the store I saw the yellow armored car and understood why the guards were there. Almost immediately I had this thought that blessed my soul (to the point of getting teary-eyed), the thought that God guards me like that...and much better, of course! And, yes, I was imagining that my guardian angels were nearby with their guns cocked, ready to protect me at all costs. The incident above happened just a few hours before we experienced the Lord's protection in a very clear way. A gas leak showed up in our car and we realized that the Lord, for 4 days, had been preventing the car from blowing up ! Yes, I do believe our guardian angels had to work double-duty during those days. And all my hubby had to do was tighten a screw on a hose clamp. The Lord's protection...a gift? You bet it is!

Thank You!

...for visiting me here (you are one of my pink roses)!

The First Thing...The Last Thing

Part of a little song that I heard many years ago has been going through my mind the last several days... "The first thing I do every morning, The last thing I do every night, Is pray and give my thanks to the Lord For guiding me right..." I can't remember the rest of the words but it has a delightful little tune and so...I just keep singing it! Does anyone know this song? I've looked for it online but haven't come up with it yet.

Joy, Pure and Simple

Seeing this look on my granddaughter's face over getting a popsicle makes me smile every time I see it. It doesn't take much to make a child happy! Are we like that? Do pure and simple things give us joy? There are a million and one things that can give us joy, depending on who you are and what you like. I'm not taking about what gives you happiness, I'm talking about what gives you joy. Most people might not see the difference in those 2 emotions but those who have experienced the difference know what I'm talking about. The only difference my dictionary gives is the word "great". Well, at least they recognize that joy is something greater than happiness, congratulations to whoever wrote it! I heard a song several years ago about the joy that the Lord gives His children..."He Gives Me Joy". The music is a perfect combination with the words. I have searched but have not been able to find that music in print but perhaps someday I still will. What gives you joy? What gives me joy? I can think of a few things right away: -To love and be loved -Seeing my children walk in God's Way -Giving the Gospel -Seeing a new flower bloom -Holding a newborn baby -Thinking of the smile of a special someone -Smelling fresh bread -Hearing the music of the rain -Knowing that God guarantees my salvation for eternity And on and on I could go. Did you notice that all of our senses and every area of our life can experience joy? I didn't pay much attention to that until near the end of my list. I could post a blog on each of these things! For, after all, God's "good and perfect" gifts are the things that give us true joy. Pure and simple. "The joy of the Lord is your strength." -Nehemiah 8:10 (top photo: J. Reiner)

Time

I refuse to believe that it has already been a week since I posted my last blog! But 'tis true. These roses in different stages remind me of time. So often we hear people say things like "Time slows down for no one", "Oh, how time flies!", "Where did the week go?", or "I don't have time". Aha! That last one just is not true. We all have time and we all have the same amount of time. Learning to organize our time is the problem. And that's where priorities come in...but that's another subject! " We all have time to do what we want to do. Period. God gives us all the precious gift of time but He also says to "redeem the time because the days are evil". That's not just a witty saying, but truth from His Word (Eph. 5:16). Speaking about time reminds me of a little poem that's familiar to some people: Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. I have a little wooden plaque that belonged to my Grandma Odem with that poem on it. It impressed me as a young person and it still does. Our lives go by so quickly. That's difficult for a child or young person to comprehend. To them it perhaps doesn't go by fast enough! I want to make sure I don't waste my time, my days, my life...but make it all count for Him!

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
(Ephesians 5:15,16)

Forgiveness

(photo: J. Reiner)

I've been pondering forgiveness more these days. What a beautiful word! Whether it's from God or from humans, it is something that relieves our minds, hearts and souls. It's a "cancellation of debt", as someone recently described to me. I started to write here in more detail about that but then deleted it. I don't think I could ever adequately describe such a deep thing. If you have ever been on the receiving or giving end of forgiveness, then you know what I am talking about anyway.

To truly forgive means to, afterwards, act as though nothing ever happened to even need forgiveness in the first place! OK, so I'm still trying to express the wonderful beauty of this word. Forgive me.

"But there is forgiveness with Thee that Thou mayest be feared." -Ps. 103:4  

Simple Beauty

Please permit me to indulge in more beauty. There's too much of it around me to limit it to just one post (Feb)! Today, when we went to the house of a church member to hold a children's meeting, I walked around taking snapshots of things that struck me as having a "simple beauty". Is that the right way to describe it? I'm not sure because, to me, if something is beautiful, it is amazingly and strikingly so, not just "simple"! However you want to think of it, let me share with you three pictures that I took there and let you make your own comments since not everyone sees things with the same eyes. But, please, do take time to notice the beauties around you today. And tomorrow. And every day. "Whatsoever things are lovely..."

Peace

Recently in Florianópolis, only 2 blocks from the hospital where our new grandchild was born, I found a most lovely, relaxing and peaceful place. The calm sea, the playful seagulls, the large sturdy rocks, the soft colors of the sunset, the lack of people and traffic, the benches to sit down on and enjoy it all...ahhhh! Peaceful was certainly the word that came to mind to describe this place. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, give I unto you; let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). I love this verse! And I love the gift of His peace. I remember the first time I noticed His peace in a very real and comforting way. I was 19 and in love but the one I loved was thinking of ditching me because I wouldn't talk to him. I guess that's a harsh way to describe it but that is how I felt. Well, after talking to the Lord about it all, I was surprised but comforted by His peace that filled me-heart, soul, mind and body. From that day on, the gift of peace has been my favorite of the blessings that belong exclusively to His children. Many have been the occasions during my life since then when I have sensed that same God-given peace. It's a peace that "passes all understanding" because it comes directly from His loving hands and caring heart. HIS gifts are "unspeakable", they are beyond description. Thank You, Lord!

Music

As I sit here and type this, I am listening to music-beautiful music. What a lovely and perfect gift this is! The power of music is amazing, as those of you can attest who have let it be a part of your life. Have you ever looked at photos while listening to music? The difference in what you think and feel is incredible! That's the power that music has on us. We need to let beautiful, inspiring music be a regular part of our daily lives. I'm trying to do that more these days.

What is my music about? Beauty. The Lord. The joy of the Lord! As the Psalmist said, "He is become my song and my salvation". He is the reason we can so enjoy the lovely strains of music that come to our ears from various sources, for He is the Author of beauty and joy. May He always be the theme of my song, the melody of my heart, the joy of my soul.

Thank You, Lord, for this most lovely gift from your loving hands!

New Life!

Life is a gift from God. When our seventh grandchild was born a few days ago, I marveled at God's loving and divine hands to create this little one. Doesn't she just look like a little rosebud? She's perfect, with "ten fingers, ten toes, one mouth and one nose...". She is new and the parents have the wonderful privilege to teach her God's Word and His Way, help her form her beliefs, mold her personality and show her their examples. I love new life, new days, new things! Each one has the potential of many blessings and possibilities. Do you delight in getting something like a new notebook, to write things on that clean, never-before-used paper that are helpful to yourself or others? Help us, Lord, to take advantage of the "clean sheets of paper" you give us, to write on them beautiful and godly things...whatsoever is pure and true and lovely. God, also, delights in new things! "If any man be in Christ he is a new creation..." (II Cor. 5:17). He delights to teach me new things, to mold me into the person He wants me to be, to make my life a blessing to others.

Water!

I already wrote specifically about the rain but I'd like to mention water in general. We all know the benefits of water...or should know. We cannot live without it, it's as simple as that. Who ever dreamed that this (usually) colorless and tasteless thing could be such a maintainer of life?! I'm amazed when some people say that they never drink water. Hellooo...? NEVER drink water? How can you be so cruel to your own body? Sooner or later, you will have negative results from such a habit. OK, so I'm not a doctor. But I have proven to myself the benefits of water to my own body.

Water, in its natural form, is free. That's because it's one of those perfect gifts, as are all of God's gifts. So is water's counterpart, salvation. Jesus said He can give us living water. He can give us salvation. We don't have to buy it, we don't have to work for it, all we have to do is accept it. When we believe in Him, we are accepting His free gift of salvation-that living water that is necessary for our spiritual life. The benefits are not only here and now, they are eternal!

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him  shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)

Beauty

In watching some of the winter Olympics these days, the word "beauty" comes to my mind quite often. The breath-taking outdoor scenry, the graceful movements of the skaters, the slow-motion filming of the amazing abilities of the human body, the smiles of victory...these have come to grace our lives for a few days. They say that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", which may be true to a certain degree. But true beauty is in the eye of the Creator. We don't have to go far to see beauty, for all of His creation is full of it! He alone is the Author of it. Even beauty which is "made" by man is only possible because of the beauty of wisdom and skill which God gave to him. How can we set our own standards for knowing what is beautiful? The simple verse of Philippians 4:8 says it very clearly, that whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous and praise-worthy, these are the beautiful things. If any of these qualities are missing...you can mark it down as not being a thing of beauty. Whatever is beautiful, "think on these things". Take time to notice the details of beauty around you today and be blessed! (photo: seevancouversnow.com)

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