His Freshest of Air

Beautiful afternoon, Sunday. We indulged ourselvesin a rambling drive along Deerfield Road.After a few miles,we passed a stretch of greening slopes.I glanced over just in timeto see several clusters of WILD CROCUSES!!Yaaay!I nearly jumped out of the car (wanting to take pictures)but Sam was driving too fastand couldn't stop right away.I was sure we would see more up the road,so I urged him on.
Alas, miles and miles of no crocuses. :-(Beautiful scenery, but no crocuses.
Later, as we were returning(driving a loop known to locals),Sam expressed an interest intaking our walk-of-the-dayalong a forest road popular with both of us.He was about to pull in to park,but we saw someone else already driving the road.I used that as an excuse to not walk there...
- true confession - my real reason was...I was SURE there were no crocuses on this road(having walked it other springswith no satisfaction in the search).
Sensing, however, that Sam really wantedto walk on this particular road(his hopes being to possibly spot an elk herdthe like of which we had sitedseveral times, previously),I became ok with this walk, this place.
He turned in and pulled up to park...and right there, directly in my line of vision— a beautiful clump of crocuses!The late afternoon sun was shining on themand this gave me some very pretty pictures.
At the height of our serene walk,Sam pointed out another pasque flowerwhich led me to yet anotherclump of the fuzzy little beauties.As you can perhaps imagine,the happiest part of it all was...
GOD had provided where I least expected.
Although we didn't see any actual elk this time,we did see plenty of sign of them,including a nice rubwhich Sam wanted to be photographed by,so he could email the fun to a Florida friend.Sam also found a shed (antler),and was thrilled for it.I halfway tripped,in my vain effort to see the shed (building).
We did, too, see a shed of sorts,an old abandoned miner's cabincrumpled up on the ground (second pic).
The Lord blessed both of uswhile filling our lungs with His freshest of air.

Below is how the cabin may have appearedin its glory days.This cute thing is along a secondary road.It has a name-sign which reads...
Dear LodgeAs a fitting followup to our adventure,here is an expression by an unknown authorof the generosity of God...
We are profoundly impressed with the unlimited resources of the God of the Bible. He never does anything small, When He makes an ocean He makes it so deep that no man can fathom it. When He makes a mountain he makes it so large that no one can measure or weigh it. When He makes flowers, He scatters multiplied millions of them where there is no one to admire them but Himself. When He makes grace, He makes it without sides or bottom and leaves the top off. Instead of giving salvation with a medicine dropper, He pours it forth like a river.
When God sets out to do a thing for us, He does it with a prodigality of love-prompted abundance that fairly staggers one who reckons things by the coldly calculating standards of earth.
Whatever blessing is in our cup it is sure to run over. With Him the calf is always the fatted calf; the robe is always the best robe; the joy is unspeakable; the peace passeth understanding; the grace is so abundant that the recipient has all-sufficiency for all things, and abounds to every good work.
There is no grudging in God's benevolence; He does not measure out His goodness as the apothecary counts his drops and measures his drams, slowly and exactly, drop by drop. God's way is always characterized by multitudinous and overflowing bounty, like that in nature which is so profuse in beauty and life that every drop of the ocean, every square inch of the forest glade, every molecule of water, teems with marvels and defies the research and investigation of man. Well may we cry with the Apostle,"I have all and abound."
GENESIS 15:5


Visit the BIBLE VERSE of the Day; In Touch Daily by Charles Stanley;Today's Reading in My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Sermon Notes 04.18.10 Grandparenting

Sermon notes (Sunday, April 18, 2010) ... begin with the story of Hosea, who prophesied for God for around 70 years. Hosea suffered in his marriage to Gomer, and this suffering gave him a sense of the pain of God who suffered in that time over his 'wife' Israel. Before Hosea died, he saw Israel taken into captivity under the reign of Manasseh, who undid all the good of his father who reigned before him, Hezekiah. Thankfully, the story does not end there.

Even though we may make serious mistakes during the course of our lives, God can make effectual a life that is repentant of those mistakes. 2 Chronicles 33 is about Manasseh King of Judah who began his reign at 12 and reigned 55 years.

But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. -2 Chron. 33:2-6

That is an evil sandwich...which Manasseh made his people eat. But...

...the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken. Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. -2 Chron. 33:10-13

Please read all of 2 Chronicles 33 to absorb the entire amazing true story, and to see that Manasseh made a complete turnaround in his last years. And it is highly probable that he had a favorable influence on his grandson, Josiah.

But, as drama would have it, before Josiah reigned, Manasseh's son Amon...

...was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem. But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them; And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more. -2 Chron. 33:21-23

Amon trespassed more and more, and...

...his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house. But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead. -2 Chron. 33:24,25

Now for a breath of fresh air, enter 2 Chronicles 34...

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left. -2 Chron. 34:1,2

Josiah's physical grandfather was in fact Manasseh, through whom the heritage of his lineage father David was passed down to him. Please read all of 2 Chronicles 34, for it ends gloriously in verse 33...

And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the LORD their God. And all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee,

which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois,

and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

-2 Timothy 1:5

And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

-Galatians 6:9-10

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

-1 Corinthians 15:58

But none of these things move me,

neither count I my life dear unto myself,

so that I might finish my course with joy,

and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus,

to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

-Acts 20:24

Visit the BIBLE VERSE of the Day; In Touch Daily by Charles Stanley;Today's Reading in My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Heart Treasure

A package in a squarewrapped with rubber bandsonly Mama understandswhat is in there.
Copyright (c) 04.12.10 - Linda L. Brown
Your word I have treasured in my heart,that I may not sin against you.-Psalm 119:11 NASB
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
and a light unto my path.
-Psalm 119:105 KJV
It is written,Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every wordthat proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
-Jesus via Matthew 4:4 KJV
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.-Jesus via John 14:26 KJV
Please read Psalm 107 (click)
And do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,that you may prove what is that good and acceptableand perfect will of God.-Romans 12:2 NKJV
Blessed is the manwho does not walk in the counsel of the wickedor stand in the way of sinnersor sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in seasonand whose leaf does not wither.Whatever he does prospers.-Psalm 1:1-3 NIV

Visit the BIBLE VERSE of the Day; In Touch Daily by Charles Stanley;Today's Reading in My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

The Season of Singing

Photo-art credit goes to a friend who sees natureas God's second book...all to His credit.
We have an awesome Creator!...says she, and I agree.
(The Pasque Flower or Wild Crocus is the South Dakota State Flower)


Visit the BIBLE VERSE of the Day; In Touch Daily by Charles Stanley;Today's Reading in My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

In mystery our soul abides...

We cannot kindle when we will

The fire which in the heart resides;

The spirit bloweth and is still,

In mystery our soul abides.

But tasks in hours of insight will'd

Can be through hours of gloom fulfill'd.

(from Morality by Matthew Arnold, 1822-1888)

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed

to the things which we have heard,

lest at any time we should let them slip.

-Hebrews 2:1 KJV

God is never in a hurry

but spends years with those He expects to greatly use.

He never thinks the days of preparation

too long or too dull.

The hardest ingredient in suffering is often time. A short, sharp pang is easily borne, but when a sorrow drags its weary way through long, monotonous years, and day after day returns with the same dull routine of hopeless agony, the heart loses its strength, and without the grace of God, is sure to sink into the very sullenness of despair. ... We may not see now the outcome of the beautiful plan which God is hiding in the shadow of His hand; it yet may be long concealed; but faith may be sure that He is sitting on the throne, calmly waiting the hour when, with adoring rapture, we shall say, "All things have worked together for good." Like Joseph, let us be more careful to learn all the lessons in the school of sorrow than we are anxious for the hour of deliverance. There is a "need-be" for every lesson, and when we are ready, our deliverance will surely come, and we shall find that we could not have stood in our place of higher service without the very things that were taught us in the ordeal. God is educating us for the future, for higher service and nobler blessings; and if we have the qualities that fit us for a throne, nothing can keep us from it when God's time has come. Don't steal tomorrow out of God's hands. Give God time to speak to you and reveal His will. He is never too late; learn to wait. -selected

May we be willing, now, to do the (good) thing that lies nearest, in the love and grace and strength and power provided by God - being in His life (see Colossians 3:3) - and not even attempting it on our own, but depending upon Him for whatever we need to accomplish what He wants, the thing that lies nearest. May we not make this complicated. May we simply want what He wants and proceed on that basis alone; wanting the heart of Christ (for blessed are the poor in spirit), seeking to understand what is the mind of Christ (for those who seek will find Him who rewards them who seek Him diligently), and offering our bodies as living sacrifices...that every part of our physical being may be dedicated and devoted to the expression of His purpose for it.

For instance, what is His purpose for your eyes? Just now, you are reading these thoughts. In five minutes what will you do with your eyes? The thing nearest may be a child - whether naughty or nice - whose gaze connected to your gaze may receive the vision of Christ's love, which is certainly not found in many other places where the eyes of children may connect.

May our eyes convey that we consider how to encourage one another to love and good deeds, as Hebrews 10:24 instructs us to do. Open His book and see what is in it...absorb what is in it, for you, then be willing via your unique self to somehow communicate what you see, what you hear, on behalf of the One who loves you infinitely most. He will prompt you, in His time...He may surprise you. Be willing, be always ready. In the meantime, there is the thing that lies nearest - perhaps some duty of the day - and there is His immediate purpose for you. But be aware that this very thing may be interrupted by another thing or person. Now what is important to you? Do you love Him above and beyond your feelings, your busy-ness, your urgency? See your priorities continually in the light of discerning whether they are His, and keep your inner ear alert.

Jesus is the beloved risen Son of God...listen to Him. Begin with Him. Rest with Him, arise with Him, walk with Him, run with Him, connect with Him, keep on going with Him. With Him abide. In all things, even the little things, cause it to be about Him; be conscious of Him in your thoughts, words, actions, disposition. And be thankful to Him. If you practice Him, these things become like breathing. If your lungs are not used to Him, practice some deep breaths...hold...exhale. This expansion may even hurt a little (...perhaps your lungs are a bit crusty). But, persevere, His immensely great and healing love is in the air for you. Freely you receive, freely give.

All the Works of God are Redemptive

Jesus’ Heart

When heart is dark

and heavy, set

in tangles of

its sunken nets,

when tears and grinding

teeth are spent

and eyes though seeing

are glimmerless...

will Jesus save you

where you went?

You went, or taken

with consent,

the future distant,

foresightless,

your conscience slipshod

misdirected,

and now you’re smitten

...with regret.

Can Jesus save you

where you went?

Forgive yourself

for where you went.

The circumstance,

though seen not best,

is just the thing

He circumvents

to lead you into

His own breast

where You can hear

His heart’s intent...

and know He saves you

where you went.

Copyright (c) 02.28.10 - Linda L. Brown

When a young girl, an intense passion for music was awakened within my soul. Father brought great joy into my life by presenting me with a beautiful organ. It would thrill me to the very fibre of my being, as the days slipped by, to be able to draw forth such wonderful harmony from my beloved instrument.

I used to sit at the organ in the early morning hours, just as the birds began to awaken, and through the open windows listen to their sweet little bird notes as they mingled with the melody of the organ, like a paean of praise to our Creator!

Then, one morning, quite suddenly, and at a time when I was preparing with girlish enthusiasm for my first concert appearance, one of the notes became faulty. How the discordant sound grated upon my sensitive ear. Father, sensing my grief, said: "Never mind, daughter, I will have the tuner come." Long hours the tuner worked on that faulty note before it again rang out all sweet and true with the others. And the concert was a success, because the tuner was successful! -author unknown

All the works of God are redemptive.

-Pastor Edward Wood

Visit the BIBLE VERSE of the Day; In Touch Daily by Charles Stanley;Today's Reading in My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Beautiful Song

Here is a beautiful song for you to enjoy,by The Barn Again Gang...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5ddoyfn6g4

Visit the BIBLE VERSE of the Day; In Touch Daily by Charles Stanley;Today's Reading in My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Lost and Found

by Cloe (Granddaughter)

The summer before last (2008) my friend Sam and I were bug catching. We were at the archery shoot and we were waiting for our turn to go out shooting. So, we were just sitting there on a rock and I noticed a spider just sitting there on a shed. I said, Sam, let’s go catch that spider. And she said, all right, but we will need a bottle. And then I got an old water bottle that I had used yesterday. We took a pen and we hit the bottle with it to make holes in it, but it didn’t work. Finally Dad got out his pocket knife and stabbed holes in the bottle so the spider could breathe. Some of the holes were too big, so we had to put some little clover flowers in them. Then we put some grass in the bottle, a couple of sticks and some rocks. The spider kept moving around, so Sam put her hands around it and I put the bottle into her hands over the spider, and the spider climbed in. We took the bottle to our camper, and then we went out for our turn at archery shooting. When we came back it was almost dark. Sam went back to her camper next to ours and we both fell asleep. When we woke up in the morning Sam came over and we were checking the bugs that we caught. When we got to the spider’s bottle, the spider (Charlotte) wasn’t in it. And then we heard my little sister Kati scream and we ran back to where she was sleeping in the camper. The spider was sitting on Kati’s lap. And so I got a big book (Harry Potter) and I started smacking Kati’s lap. And then the spider was sitting there and it’s legs were all over the place and there was blood on the blanket and on Kati’s pants (spider’s blood). Then Sam and I said, in chorus, may Charlotte rest in pieces.

THE TRUE END

THE TRUE BEGINNINGBut without faith it is impossible to please Him:for he that cometh to God must believe that He is,and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.-Hebrews 11:6 KJV
Visit the BIBLE VERSE of the Day; In Touch Daily by Charles Stanley;Today's Reading in My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Birds - February 14, 2010

Can you find the birds?

They were so quiet and plentiful;

they looked like leaves which the wind picked up

and moved from one resting place to another in a sudden gust.

Quietly so quietly

the small birds flutter by

and blend right in with background

turned upon a time...

Young lives are like that, flighting,

jumps and starts, some sky,

yet closest staying to background

as if it a watchful eye.

Up! Those with wings of Spirit!

Go with the Wind as high

as breath of Life will take you

above the lowland's light...

(There is a light to darkness,

seen differently at times;

but in the heavens, shined by Grace

soar those whose background...died.

A background, raw, gives comfort less

than when seemed perfect. Light

is dim under bandages.

But unbound a bird takes flight...)

Take flight!...make visible your Hope

to young lives, and old alike.

The Wind blows here, and over there

fluttering hearts and minds.

Young lives are giving treasures, rare

though plentiful, and quiet...

a card, hand-drawn, a smile, a prance...

rare fleeting chance to lift them higher.

Copyright (c) 02.14.10 - Linda L. Brown

Visit the BIBLE VERSE of the Day; In Touch Daily by Charles Stanley;Today's Reading in My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers