Vistors in the Garden, and Some Random Summer Photos

This spring I had a family of rabbits take up residence right in my garden. 😄 

They look so innocent and adorable, don't they? : )

 The mother rabbit made her nest in the corner of my garden, in a pile of grass I had left for using as a mulch.  I was grabbing an armload of the grass to use in the garden one day, when some slight movement caught my eye. It was then that I noticed the fur lining the nest, and discovered the baby rabbits. It gave me a laugh, as we had just been attempting to fence in our garden to keep the rabbits out - but the rabbits were one step ahead, and had made a nest right inside the garden! 😄

You can see a bit of the nest here.  And no, I didn't have the heart to move the baby bunnies out of my garden. :) In spite of their being a bit of a pest in the garden, I enjoy watching all of God's creatures, and it was fun to be able to see the bunnies up so close and eventually leave the nest. :) We did eventually fence in the rest of the plants to protect them from further damage.  

Here the mother rabbit was watching from a distance as I came close to her nest. 

The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. 

- Psalms 111:2

It's been awhile since I posted on here once again...sorry to everyone who reads my blog on occasion. I may try to challenge myself to make a post once a week for awhile, but I can't make any promises since I've been having a busy summer.  

Sometime last year, after many years of having an interest in photography, but never having a quality camera to take photos with, I was able to invest in upgrading to my first DSLR camera. I've been enjoying being able to take close-up photos of God's amazing creation, and capturing memories with family and friends. I'm very thankful the Lord provided a camera at a reasonable price that I can now enjoy learning more about photography. So, for now, I'll just share a couple more photos I've been able to capture recently, and I hope you enjoy. : ) 

It was special to enjoy watching these beautiful goldfinches come to our feeder this spring. 

Such intricate detail in even the tiny flowers. Always amazes me to see what our Lord has created.  

 Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

-Psalms 113:1

First Flower of the Year

 What could be more appropriate than to discover the very first flower I've seen this year in our yard, today on the first day of spring?!  :) I was so happy to spot this pretty little crocus as I was out taking a walk earlier today.  

There are other signs of spring around as well... 

Irises coming up...

Lots of birds singing in the trees, and some building nests here and there...

And flower seedlings getting ready for going into the ground as soon as the danger of frost is past.  

Spring is my favorite time of year. Happy first day of Spring, everyone! 

This verse has been on my mind lately. My sister-in-law shared it with me recently,

and I thought I'd share it here also.  

"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."

-John 14:27

That verse made me think also of these two verses: 

 "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;" 

-Ephesians 2:13-14

Beautiful Snowflakes

I am sorry, everyone, for dropping off with no explanation here on my blog. I just felt the need for a break, and still am not sure of coming back very often yet...but I'm thinking about possibly keeping up a post every once in awhile. We'll see!   

Before winter slips by completely (it's been feeling very much like spring where I live lately)... I thought I'd like to share these pictures with everyone of some snowflakes I was photographing earlier this year.  I'm so amazed at the beauty and variety God has created.  I'm by no means an expert photographer--especially when it comes to tiny things like snowflakes, and some of my photos turned out a little blurry.  I'm sorry about that, but you can still see a lot of the detail which I find amazing. 

He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.

-Psalms 147:16

O LORD, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches.

-Psalms 104:24

For scale... just look at how tiny each snowflake is. Then think how many there are each time it snows, and yet each one is unique and different.  Isn't that amazing? 

An amazing double-layered snowflake. 

Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honour and majesty. 

-Psalms 104:1

An old hymn

I hadn't heard this hymn in a long time, but it was an encouragement to me as I was listening to a sermon that it was quoted in. A reminder that storms are no accident in our lives...the Lord is in control, and what a comfort that is. 

For He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, 

which lifteth up the waves thereof.

 -Psalms 107:25

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me, 

Over life's tempestuous seas. 

Unknown waves before me roll,

Hiding rock and treach'rous shoal;

Chart and compass come from Thee:

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me!

As a mother stills her child, 

Thou canst hush the ocean wild;

Boist'rous waves obey Thy will

When Thou say'st to them, "Be still!"

Wondrous Sov'reign of the sea,

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me!

When at last I near the shore, 

And the fearful breakers roar

'Twixt me and the peaceful rest, 

Then, while leaning on Thy breast,

May I hear Thee say to me, 

"Fear not, I will pilot thee!" 

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses.

  He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 

-Psalms 107:28-31

A Quick Post

 

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." -Matthew 6:21

A friend of mine had shared this quote awhile back, and it really made me stop and think. I thought I'd share it here also.  

I'm sorry, everyone, for my lack of posts lately! My main problem was that my phone would not upload images, except on very rare occasions after trying over and over. I had such trouble with editing posts, that I gave up for awhile. I finally have a laptop again to use, so I hope to be sharing more posts in the near future, Lord willing. For now, I thought I'd make this quick post while I have a few spare moments. :)

 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

 -Colossians 4:5

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

 nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

-Psalms 1:1-2

 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God."

 -1 Corinthians 10:31

His Sure Promises

"God turns all of His promises into performances." -Anonymous

 Quote of the Day, from SermonAudio.com

   "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, 

             unto the glory of God by us."  -2 Corinthians 1:20

PROMISES FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM:

  Psalms 25:14   The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

  Psalms 33:18   Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;


  Psalms 34:7   The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

  Psalms 34:9   O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.

 Psalms 145:19   He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

  Psalms 147:11   The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. 

  Luke 1:50   And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.


And a final word...

And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
-Revelation 19:5

What is true joy?

Spiritual joy is not the same as emotional excitement. It is not a passing emotion. It is the "joy of the LORD". The Son of God calls it MY joy. It is the fruit of the Spirit. It is an intelligent joy. It is not a carnal joy, like people experience at [some earthly, temporary thing that excites them]. 

The Lord's joy is a joy of the mind, but is rational. It has spiritual things as it's object. The kingdom of God is ... joy. It is a lasting joy.  -L. Justice

"Joy is a cheerfulness - a conviction, that whatever God does is right. It is a sweet agreement with the providence of God, and an intense delight with the Son Himself." - Spurgeon

"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." -John 15:11

"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." 1 John 1:4

 "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24

Reasons to Rejoice

 

Praying these thoughts will be a blessing to others as they have been to me. I often need these reminders!  Most of this post, like my last one, is a compilation of notes taken from sermons by several different faithful ministers of the Lord - I'm sorry that I didn't always take note of their names, but I think each one of them would agree that their name isn't what is important. And what I learned most from each of them, is to be much in God's Word, and trusting in the Lord - Who never fails - rather than man...who will only fail and disappoint. I've added some extra thoughts here and there as needed. I made the notes from the sermons as brief as I could, while hopefully still making them clear. 

As I listened to each preacher...and read the works of other faithful children of God from the past, who were victorious even in the midst of great sufferings and trials in their lives, I noticed a central theme of what they each spoke of on the subject of growth in grace and having strong faith and joy in the Lord even during severe troubles - and that is, reading and meditating much on God's Word, and praying about it as we read. 

These thoughts below that I took notes of made me think of many things that often are easy to lose sight of when difficult times come, and troubles seem overwhelming - but the Lord is worthy to be praised and to rejoice in Him at all times!  The Lord is merciful to me so many times, bringing me to once again remember His precious promises and find my strength and hope in Him when I fail in this. This post is a very good reminder for me. :) 

"Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright." 

- Psalms 33:1

"Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." 

- Psalms 97:12

"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord." 

- Philippians 3:1

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."

- Philippians 4:4

REASONS TO REJOICE IN THE LORD:

His holiness. - "Give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness."

We should be glad that the LORD reigns. "The LORD reigneth, let the earth rejoice."

His love. Especially His electing love toward sinners. "Yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee..."

God's eternal existence. "Before the mountains were brought forth.....even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God."

God's Word.  "I rejoice at Thy word, as one that findeth great spoil." -Psalms 119:162

We should rejoice in the Lord as our Creator - in Whom we "live, move and have our being." "Let Israel rejoice in him that made him."

Because your names are written in Heaven. "...rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." -Luke 10:20

God's Works....  Psalms 111:2   "The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein."

His Person [and attributes]....  Psalms 145:8   "The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy."

Rejoice in Christ.  Philippians 3:3   "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."  "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:" - 1 Peter 1:8

Our adoption, and acceptance in the Beloved.   "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." -Romans 8:15

The Holy Spirit, the Teacher and Comforter of God's children.  "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." -John 14:26

The shed blood of Christ, and His sinless life and sacrifice.  "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;" -Ephesians 1:7

His resurrection... "They departed from the sepulchre with fear and great joy."

Salvation. "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall be joyful in my God, for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation..." God's Words says that the salvation of a lost sinner brings great joy in Heaven.

And a few last quotes that I hope encourages others also (I do not remember the name of each author)...even if you're not experiencing any difficulties right now, God's children all go through their own trials at one time or another, and I hope this encourages you to be hiding God's Word in your heart more and more  - as it has been for me.

"We need the truth of God's Word ingrained in us - 'Let the words of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom'. God's Word stabilizes you and enables you to rejoice in the midst of the fire. Satan wants to distract you from God's Word. We let the words of Christ dwell in us richly, by meditating on, and going over and over it." - Unknown

Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is

comely for the upright. 

-Psalms 33:1

"If you're full of the joy of the Lord, you're full of the strength of the Lord. The joy of the Lord, that strengthens us from day to day, is only going to be found by abiding close to Christ, living near to Him, walking and talking with Him." - J. Wagner

How do we have such joy, even in the midst of troubles and trials...yes, even in the midst of the fire? 

"Yes, a true love for the great Book will bring us great peace from the great God and be a great protection to us. Let us live constantly in the society of the law of the LORD, and it will breed in our hearts a restfulness such as nothing else can. The Holy Spirit acts as a Comforter through the Word and sheds abroad those benign influences which calm the tempests of the soul. Nothing is a stumbling block to the man who has the Word of God dwelling in him richly. He takes up his daily cross, and it becomes a delight. For the fiery trial he is prepared and counts it not strange, so as to be utterly cast down by it. " -Unknown (possibly Spurgeon?)

*********

This is a long post already, but finally... some of God's beautiful works of creation. Recently, the Lord brought a beautiful double rain bow during a storm here. We were able to get some pictures - this one below is a close-up of a pretty little violet down in the grass, with the bow faintly in the sky behind. 

Shortly after, these unique clouds showed up - thought they looked almost like balls of cotton up in the sky. :)  

And a beautiful sunset. 

The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

-Psalms 111:2

 Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up. - Psalms 28:5

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

-Luke 12:27

Help of the helpless

Sorry for the lack of posts for awhile lately...I have had a post I've been working on, but haven't been able to get it completed as of yet. 

In the meanwhile, I found this old draft that I never had posted. It is a mixture of notes I had taken down from various sources, whether from reading or listening to sermons, as well as a mixture of my own thoughts here and there...The quotes and Scripture verses have been a blessing to me, so I hope and pray it might be for others as well, whatever your especial need might be. 

"For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper." 

-Psalms 72:12

"God helps those who help themselves?" Oh, no. God helps the helpless. The poor, and "him that hath no helper"." I'm so thankful that God helps the helpless, aren't you? I have His sure promise, for I am one so in need of help at all times.  

Do you need help? God's Word says that He is "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1). 

It's a good place to be to feel your helplessness. The dangerous place is when we don't see our need of help. 

 "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" 

-Revelation 3:16-17

 "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."-James 4:6

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." -2 Corinthians 12:9

PROMISE:  "For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever." -Psalms 9:18

PRAYER:  "But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying."

-Psalms 70:5

"When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me."

May the Lord by His grace show us more and more our great need of Him, and cause us to find rest and peace in Him, Who promises to help all those needy ones who cry unto Him and trust in Him. He has promised to supply all the needs of His children...He is faithful, as He always has been.  I need these reminders so often, to take my eyes off of what might be happening around me, and back on His sure Word. The Lord is so merciful!

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 4:19

  "Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD." -Psalms 105:3

 "Ye that fear the LORD, praise Him;..." -Psalms 22:23a

He is Able

Our Lord God is... Able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

Able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

Able to succor them that are tempted.

Able … to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.

Able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Believe ye that I am able to do this? … Yea, Lord. … According to your faith be it unto you.

May the Lord graciously cause us to always be looking to Him...Who alone is able to provide for, sustain, and keep each one His children. 

Praying these verses and this hymn will be a blessing to you all as they have been to me. 

***********

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:"

-Isaiah 26:3-4

Creation Close-Ups: The Ladybug

My sister-in-law reminded me recently about this post I had made years ago, and suggested that I should re-post it again....so here it is. :) 

Friday, August 15, 2014

I'm always happy to find pretty little ladybugs like this one around 

our yard, or better yet, out in the garden, as this one was. :) 

"O LORD, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all: 

the earth is full of Thy riches." ~Psalm 124:24 

 Some interesting facts:

Ladybugs are the official state insect of Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio and Tennessee.

They can live up to three years.

A ladybug beats its wings 85 times per second when it flies.

Over 300 types of Ladybugs live in North America.

Over 300 types of Ladybugs live in North America.

Ladybugs hibernate in large groups in cold weather. 

What are the life cycle stages of the ladybug?

 Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Adult. The first three stages vary from 7-21 days each depending on the weather, and food supplies. The adult stage lasts between 3-9 months depending on weather, length of hibernation, food supplies and, of course, predators.

Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Adult. The first three stages vary from 7-21 days each depending on the weather, and food supplies. The adult stage lasts between 3-9 months depending on weather, length of hibernation, food supplies and, of course, predators. - See more at:  

A. Ladybugs feed on aphids and other soft bodied insects that feed on plants. The ladybug feeds on these pests as the adult ladybug and as the larva. One ladybug can eat as many as 50 aphids a day. - See more at: http://www.ladybuglady.com/LadybugsFAQ.htm#sthash.oZwHgGhY.dpuf

A. Ladybugs feed on aphids and other soft bodied insects that feed on plants. The ladybug feeds on these pests as the adult ladybug and as the larva. One ladybug can eat as many as 50 aphids a day. - See more at: http://www.ladybuglady.com/LadybugsFAQ.htm#sthash.oZwHgGhY.dpuf

Why are ladybugs considered a "beneficial" insect?

 Ladybugs feed on aphids and other soft bodied insects that feed on plants. The ladybug feeds on these pests as the adult ladybug and as the larva. One ladybug can eat as many as 50 aphids a day.

Wait for Him

I cannot remember how I came across this hymn (and perhaps others of you already are familiar with it?)- but it has been such 

a blessing to me in times of discouragement when even though I had confidence from God's Word what I was asking is His will, a long time had still passed without receiving the answer. I thought it would be good to share it here with others. I wrote it down on a paper in my Bible, to read often. Though some prayers I still have not seen answered that I am confident are His will, still I must often be reminded to "wait for Him, wait for Him", and plead His sure promises...for it's easy for me to become discouraged when I am not remembering daily His promises, and claiming them by His grace. I pray this hymn is as much of a blessing to you as it is to me! 

If you are interested in hearing the melody, it can be downloaded on this page HERE.

WAIT FOR HIM, WAIT FOR HIM 

Do thy prayers to God seem unavailing?

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

Are thine eyes from looking upward, failing?

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

If you plead his promise sure,

And your faith in Him endure,

You the answer shall secure;

Wait for Him, wait for Him.

 "Has the Lord forgotten?" art thou saying?

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

Tho' He tarry long, still keep on praying,

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

Patience gains by waiting long;

Faith, by waiting, groweth strong;

In the night Hope learns her song--

Wait for Him, wait for Him.

His delaying does not mean denying--

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

He doth mark thy bitter tears, thy sighing--

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

There's a reason all unguessed

Why thy heart is yet unblessed;

Oh, believe He knoweth best--

Wait for Him, wait for Him.

 God is true and faithful! doubt it never!

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

He will keep His covenant forever--

Wait for Him, wait for Him;

Heav'n and earth shall pass away,

But His word abides for aye;

God will answer thee some day--

Wait for Him, wait for Him.

I would love to hear of any Scripture verses, hymns, and/or quotes that have been an encouragement to you if you have the time to leave a comment - it would be a blessing to me. :) Each comment from my readers that I recieve always is! I would like to thank you all for the encouraging comments you leave.