Careful and troubled?

I found this poem a long time back... It has been such a help to me that I thought I should share it here, to hopefully help and encourage others as well. 

"CAREFUL AND TROUBLED?"

By: Unknown Author

"Careful and troubled," Is that true of thee?

"Careful and troubled," Why should'st thou be!

Faith in His wisdom, thy Savior desires;

Trust in His guidance, He always requires.

"Careful and troubled," but that is not "trust";

"Trust" means to leave it all, happen what must

"Trust" means to live free from worrying care,

Casting on Jesus thy burden to bear.

"Careful and troubled" dishonors His love;

Do not His past dealings all faithful prove?

"Careful and troubled," dishonors His power;

Will not His strength hold out, hour after hour?

"Careful and troubled" just means "unbelief";

Thou wilt not trust Him, and that gives Him grief.

"Careful and troubled" just means "disobey";

"Bring here thy burden!" "I will not," you say.

And yet "He careth, He careth for you";

Have you not tried it, and found it is true?

Have you known one of His promises fail?

Have you not proved that His Strength does Prevail?

Alter thy motto: then, "trouble" no more;

Go to the Old Book of heavenly stores.

"Careful for nothing," there written I see,

Savior, I thank Thee; make that true of me.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. -Philippians 4:6

Rest and Hope

 

And we know that all things work together for good to them 

that love God,  to them that are the called 

according to His purpose. 

Romans 8:28

The LORD is good unto them that wait for Him, 

to the soul that seeketh Him.  It is good that a man 

should both hope and quietly wait for the 

salvation of the LORD.

-Lamentations 3:25

Sure Stepping Stones for Life (Part Two)

 I was not intending to make a part two of my last post "Sure Stepping Stones for Life", but it turns out that I was searching for this quote that I wanted while making my last post...but was unable to locate it. I found it a few days later by accident, and decided perhaps since it didn't make it into the post I intended it to...I should use it to make a second part! 

“One word of God can do more than ten thousand words of men to relieve a distressed soul.” John Flavel, England 1627-1691

"Blessed the man who is not staggered by God's delay or silence or apparent refusal, but 

is strong in faith giving glory to God. Such faith perseveres, importunately, if need be, and cannot 

fail to inherit the blessing. " -Andrew Murray

Hebrews 6:11   And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

  Hebrews 6:12   That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

"Trials make the promise sweet; Trials give new life to prayer; Trials bring me to His feet, Lay me low, and keep me there." 

"Trials make the promise sweet."

One there is above all others, 

O how He loves! 

His is love beyond a brother's, 

O how He loves! 

Earthly friends may fail or leave us, 

One day kind, the next deceive us;

But this Friend will never leave us, 

O how He loves! 

Tis eternal life to know Him,

O how He loves! 

With His precious blood He bought us, 

In the wilderness He sought us, 

To His fold He safely brought us, 

O how He loves!

We have found a friend in Jesus, 

O how He loves!

How our hearts delight to hear Him,

Bid us dwell in safety near Him;

Why should we distrust or fear Him? 

O how He loves!

Blessed Jesus, wouldst thou know Him? 

O how He loves!

Give thyself this moment to Him, 

O how He loves!

Best of blessings He'll provide thee, 

Naught but good shall e'er betide thee, 

Safe to Glory He will guide thee, 

O how He loves!

Sure Stepping Stones For Life

  "What is a better tonic against discouragement than the 

promises of God, His faithfulness, and a glimpse at what we truly have in Christ forevermore?"

Be still, my heart, for faithful is your Lord, 
And pure and true and tried is His Holy Word; 
Through stormy flood that rages as the sea,
His promises your stepping-stones shall be. 

I will not seek to know the future years,
Nor cloud today with dark tomorrow's fears;
I will but ask a light from heaven to show
How, step by step, my pilgrimage should go. 

-Author Unknown

"Regarding all the numberless promises which God has been pleased to make...we

have to exercise faith concerning them; and the comfort, support, and blessing intended 

by them to our hearts, will be enjoyed by us." -George Mueller

"Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort." -C.H. 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

"The reason why the children of God are so frequently overpowered by difficulties

and trials is, because they attempt to carry their burden themselves, instead of casting it upon God, as He not only graciously allows them to do, but commands them to do; and therefore they lose the promise which is coupled with the command; they find themselves not sustained."

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." This does not mean simply to pray to God in our trials and afflictions, but that we should exercise faith in the power and willingness of God to help us under our trials; and by this we know whether we have only used words in prayer, or whether we have in believing prayer, exercising faith in God, spoken to Him about our trials. If the latter was the case, then, though the trial lasts, the burden thereof is gone, because we have laid it upon God...but if we have not exercised faith in God, we are still carrying the burden ourselves. 

All these matters are so deeply important, because if we do not walk by faith we cannot be happy in God, and therefore cannot bear such a testimony for God as we should bear were we indeed happy. Our very countenances should testify of our peace and joy in God, in order that the unconverted may be stirred up to seek for themselves after that which makes the children of God so happy." - George Mueller

"Let me cheerfully submit to affliction, and carefully endeavor to be profited thereby."

"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

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." -Romans 5:3-5

"Beloved, "It is well!" 

God's ways are always right, 

And perfect love is o'er them all

Tho' far above our sight." 

-G. Doane, 1833

                                                        

These are all quotes that I saved or wrote down because they were what I have needed to remind myself of during hard times I've been going through. They have been such an encouragement to me to continually take my burdens to the Lord, and find comfort from His promises and rest in the Lord, that I wanted to share them here with the hope and prayer they bless someone else as much as they have me. 

Doubt not the Lord when tempted and tried;

Worlds pass away, His Word shall abide!

He is almighty, in Him you may hide, 

Keep on believing in the promises of God. 

Tho' you should walk in darkness awhile,

Over the thorns for many a mile, 

Watch for the dawning, and sing with a smile, 

Keep on believing in the promises of God. 

"His promises your stepping stones shall be."

Some of my favorite promises

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

"And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us:" -1 John 5:14

"He that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him." 

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." 1 Peter 3:12

"O fear the LORD, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him." -Psalm 37:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28

"But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." -1 Peter 5:10

At all times

At All Times Praise the Lord

By Johann S. Howson

 

At all times praise the Lord;

His promises are sure;

What if thou doubt? His steadfast Word

Unchanging shall endure.

Praise Him when skies are bright,

And gladness fills thy days;

Heav’n shames thee with its glorious light,

And calls thee to His praise.

Praise Him when clouds are dark;

True faith waits not to prove;

Tho’ hope no bright’ning gleam may mark,

His meaning still is love.

Praise Him when drear and lone

The shadows ’round thee fall,

No eye upon thy sins but One—

Fear not, He pardons all.

Praise Him when home is sweet,

As tho’ we ne’er should part;

But pray—while kindred spirits meet—

Pray for a thoughtful heart.

Praise Him when far away

On mountain or on sea;

Each place is home to them who pray;

The Father guardeth thee.

Praise Him when joyful songs

The saints on earth unite,

In sacred chorus, with the throngs

Of angels in the height.

At all times praise the Lord;

His promises are sure;

Fear not, doubt not; His steadfast Word

Unchanging shall endure.

"I will bless the Lord at all times: 

His praise shall continually be in my mouth."

Psalm 134:1

All These Things...

 

  "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."  -Matthew 6:33

A friend of mine was reminding me of this promise recently...and it was such an encouragement to me to be reminded of. I hope it might be a blessing to someone else today as well. 

God Meant it Unto Good Poem

 GEN. 1. 20

“God meant it unto good,”—O blest assurance

Falling like sunshine all across life’s way,

Touching with heaven’s gold earth’s darkest storm clouds,

Bringing fresh peace and comfort day by day.

‘Twas not by chance the hands of faithless brethren

Sold Joseph captive to a foreign land;

Nor was it chance which, after years of suffering,

Brought him before the monarch’s throne to stand.

One Eye all-seeing saw the need of thousands,

And planned to meet it through that one lone soul;

And, through the weary days of prison bondage,

Was working towards the great and glorious goal.

As yet the end was hidden from the captive,

The iron entered even to his soul:

His eye could scan the present path of sorrow,

Not yet his gaze might rest upon the whole.

Faith failed not through those long dark hours of waiting

His trust in God was recompensed at last;

The moment came when God led forth His servant

To succor many, all his sufferings past.

“It was not you, but God that sent me hither,”

Witnessed triumphant faith in after days;

“God meant it unto good” no second causes

Mingled their discord with his song of praise.

“God means it unto good” for thee, beloved;

The God of Joseph is the same today,

His love permits afflictions strange and bitter:

His hand is guiding through the unknown way.

The Lord, who sees the end from the beginning,

Hath purposes for thee of love untold;

Then place thy hand in His and follow fearless,

Till thou the riches of His grace behold.

Then when thou standest in the Home of glory,

And all life’s path lies open to thy gaze,

Thine eyes shall see the hand which now thou trustest,

And magnify His love through endless days.

F. H. A.

Nothing Between

 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.

I've posted this short poem before...but it is on my mind so I will share it again (I am unsure who the author is):

Lord, search my soul, try ev'ry thought,

Though my own heart accuse me not

Of walking in disguise--

I beg the trial of Thine eyes. 

Doth secret mischief lurk within?

Do I indulge some unknown sin?

O turn my feet whene'er I stray, 

And lead me in that Heavenly way. 

It's been awhile...

 It's been awhile since I've posted on here, so I figured it was about time I try to put together a post again! It's been a fairly busy summer for me - one of the most recent things that was keeping me busy is watching our neighbor's dog while they were away. She is a lively dog that gave me a good workout each day whenever I took her out for a walk. : ) 

Here she is...sitting still for once only because I was luring her to sit and stay with some treats. lol 

Last week I was excited to see that some monarch butterflies were passing through again on their migration south. Some of you may remember my post about this last year, where hundreds of monarch butterflies were flying through our yard, and clustering in our trees. I wasn't sure if I would see any again this year, but am happy to see that some are coming through again! 

I planted quite a variety of flowers this year, and have really enjoyed seeing their bright colors around the yard. I grew most of the common ones like Marigolds, Zinnias, Pansies, Cosmos, Sunflowers, Black-eyed Susans, Celosia and Petunias, and a few less common ones including Lisianthus, Freesia, and Ranunculus. 

One of my Lisianthus flowers. (The picture does not do it justice). 

 I have to say that even though Lisianthus are a bit of a challenge to get growing at the start...they are such a gorgeous flower that lasts such a long time as a cut flower that I definitely want to try growing them again! I almost didn't try them because so many people online were saying how hard they are to grow...but after my first time growing them this year, I would say it's mostly just a trial of patience to grow them than anything, lol. They are extremely slow growing when they first start out. When they first sprout and come up, their first two leaves are so tiny it is almost difficult to see them. Mine stayed really tiny for probably a couple months or more! 

Oh yes, and I grew one of my favorites - Snapdragons. I loved the "Berry Blend" colors I purchased from Johnny's Seeds. There were so many pretty shades of pinks and reds. 

These Morning Glories came up on their own and climbed a pole that was in our flower garden. Even though they kind of took over the area, I thought they looked pretty so I decided to let them stay. Blue flowers are another favorite of mine! I am not often an early morning person, but I found myself wanting to go outside earlier than usual just so I could see them before they closed every once in awhile. :) 

We have this path mowed around one section of our yard that I've been enjoying taking walks on often. Sometimes when I'm just feeling overwhelmed with various things it's been relaxing to just take time to walk out here to have some time alone to think and pray. I discovered a dove's nest along the edge of the woods here one day while on one of my walks - I'm always so thankful to see the birds and other wildlife God has made for us to enjoy! 

A fellow-blogger posted the hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour", recently, and it was a blessing to me so I thought I'd share part of it in my post. This verse in particular stood out to me: 

I need Thee every hour, teach me Thy will; 

And Thy rich promises in me fulfill. 
I need thee, oh, I need thee; Every hour I need thee;

Oh, bless me now, my Savior! I come to thee.

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. 

-Psalms 143:10

 

This is a instrumental hymn that I've enjoyed listening to lately. I hope it's a blessing to you all too.
I hope all of you have been doing well. :) 

Some Thoughts For Today

 

The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

-Psalm 34:22

How I Use Grass Clippings on My Garden

 I was asked in a comment by someone recently to share more about how I use grass clippings in my garden. I thought I'd share a quick post about it. What I do is really very simple, but it has made a huge difference for me in cutting back weeds! I can't imagine gardening without it again like I used to...and spending hours and hours weeding as consequence! These are all quick snapshots, so I'm sorry for the low quality on some of them. 

You can see here how well the grass clippings have kept down the weeds between the rows here...but are still popping up around the base of the stalks where I missed putting grass down. 

I use grass as a mulch on my flower garden as well. 

You can see somewhat in this picture how tightly the grass mats together as it begins decaying, 

making it almost come up in one piece when I pulled it up for the picture. 

My favorite way of doing this is to put a layer of newspaper down first as an extra barrier against some of those tougher weeds (You can see the newspaper in the picture above where I've pulled up the grass). We don't subscribe to a newspaper, so I asked my Grandpa to save me some of his, which he is glad to do. You can also ask a local newspaper office for their leftover outdated papers, which sometimes they are willing to give for free. 

So here are the three simple steps I do for this:

Step One: (This step is optional.)

Put down a layer of newspaper. (If it's windy out, it helps to wet the papers first to keep them from blowing away before you can get the grass down.) 

Step Two:

 Spread a thick layer of grass clippings, preferably at least two inches thick, or more if you have enough grass to spare. The fresher cut the grass is, the better, as it mats together more tightly as it dries. This is best to do first thing in the spring, immediately after the soil has been tilled up, but it can be done any time as long as you have cleared the area of weeds first. I often put a thick layer of grass down even before I get everything planted, just to keep the weeds from getting a chance to start. It's easy enough to pull the grass aside when it's time to plant. 

Tip: If you don't have access to very much grass clippings, just a thick layer of newspaper with straw over it would work also. I don't recommend straw all by itself, as it just doesn't pack together like grass does, leaving too many gaps and holes for sunlight to reach the weeds...and they come growing right through it. You could run a lawn mower over the straw to break it up into small pieces, which would help, however. I used to do that with leaves and it worked great. 

Step Three: 

Use your garden hose to wet the grass you just spread out thoroughly. This step is very important! It helps mat the clippings together to prevent sunlight from reaching any weeds sprouting below. If you don't wet the grass, it often will remain too fluffy and weeds will pop right up through it. 

One thing I love about using grass like this, is that it can simply be tilled under in the spring of the following year. 

*******

That's it! It's very simple, and I hope this helps someone else like it has me. : ) If any of you have any gardening tips that have helped you a lot, I'd love to hear them! 

Flowers, Cherries, and Herbs

 Here in the States where I live, we have just officially entered summer. It was a busy and productive spring for me this year, which I'm thankful for.  This past week was one of those times when I walked out into the garden one day, and could hardly believe how much it had seemed to have grown just overnight! Thankfully I did get a good mulch of grass put down earlier this spring that has kept down the majority of the weeds...but there's always those random spots where they seem to pop up in in places I missed.  

I've been harvesting flowers almost weekly that I grew for the Farmer's Market. (I might post more about my small backyard flower farm venture this year another time, Lord willing...we'll see how that goes). It has been a unique learning experience. Some parts of that in the early spring have been somewhat of a disappointment, but I am starting to have more flowers blooming now that I hope will begin to do better. We started out with a pretty dry spring, but I'm really thankful for the rain God blessed us with just recently. 

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." -Matthew 5:44-45

My sister-in-law recently shared a poem with me about "Free Water" - the rain the God sends. It's had me thinking more about rain lately and being thankful for it when it comes. : ) 

It's the time of year for cherries again. It is slow going to get them all pitted and ready to go in the freezer, but I have finally managed to get most of them done, and they are nearing the end of production.  I've also been gathering Lavender bouquets to dry for the Farmer's Market. 

I have many bouquets of lavender and other flowers hanging inside to dry in random places!

Here and there I've been finding time to do some knitting, which isn't very common for me (I normally prefer crocheting).  I recently finished this small baby blanket...not sure yet who it will be for, but it's on hand now if I need a gift for someone. : ) 

Our roses were blooming recently, and looked so pretty that I couldn't pass up getting my camera and taking some photos. These ones smelled wonderful! 

Our sweet cat Teddy came to join me as I was taking pictures. He is a stray that showed up at our home a couple years ago, and wouldn't let us get near or touch him for a long time. Now he loves attention...almost too much so! : ) 

It has just literally felt as if days are just flying by lately...I guess that's what happens when you're staying busy. It often gets me thinking, though, how brief our lives really are, and what really matters most! 

I was just thinking about this verse in the hymn:

Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last, 

Till safe in glory my anchor is cast;

Through endless ages ever to be, 

Nearer my Saviour, still nearer to Thee;

Nearer my Saviour, still nearer to Thee. 

That one is actually the last verse in the song, but here are the first three as well: 

Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart, 

Draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art. 

Fold me, O fold me close to Thy breast;

Shelter me safe in that haven of rest, 

Shelter me safe in that haven of rest. 

Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring, 

Naught as an off'ring to Jesus my King--

Only my sinful, now contrite hear; 

Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart, 

Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart. 

Nearer still nearer, Lord to be Thine, 

Sine with its follies I gladly resign, 

All of its pleasures, pomp, and its pride; 

Give me but Jesus my Lord crucified, 

Give me but Jesus my Lord crucified. 

I hope all of you have been doing well, and having a good summer so far (or whatever season you are currently in where you live)! : )