Hens and Chicks in Rocks

A former neighbor gave me these interesting rocks as he knew I appreciate different types of rocks. These were perfect for providing natural planters for hens and chicks.

Complete Trust in God

Timeless words by St. Francis de Sales (August 21, 1567 - December 28, 1622)

Do not look forward to the trials and crosses of this life with dread and fear, rather look to them with full confidence that, as they arise, God to whom you belong will deliver you from them.

He has guided and guarded you thus far in life. Do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all trials. Whenever you cannot stand He will carry you lovingly in His arms.

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same eternal Father who cares for you today will take good care of you tomorrow and every day of your life. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you the unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace then and put aside all useless thoughts, all vain dreads, and all anxious imaginations.


This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays at http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

Recipes

This postcard is postmarked July 6, 1914 and has an inscription "Say kid how did you like your buggy ride Sunday?"

I have a tendency to collect too many recipes, so many I don't believe I will ever have time to try them all. Because of the volume of these, I keep them in a plastic box. If a slow day happens, maybe I will sort them. The recipes that are tried and true and, with certainty, will be made again, are typed, saved on the computer, and kept in plastic covers in a three-ring binder. If I discover a helpful hint while preparing the recipe I include that, as well as where I received the recipe. This is an ongoing effort, but for me it's worth it. Since this takes time, the files should be backed up on a CD or external hard drive.

Missing the Blessing

With Mother's Day this weekend, I have been thinking about a couple of close friends with very different family situations than mine. One friend has not received the love and acceptance she deserves from her mother and the other one did not receive it. In the insightful book The Gift of the Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent, Ph.D., the authors discuss parental love and acceptance (and the lack thereof), which they refer to as "the blessing." In the Old Testament, parents bestowing the blessing on their children was an extremely important event. The authors contend the relationship elements of the blessing remain relevant to the present time. The Gift of the Blessing lists helpful steps to aid those in need of healing who have not received the blessing and details how we can provide the blessing to our families and others.

One friend of mine "Amanda" left a job so she could be the main care giver for her mother who was dying of cancer. To the end, her mother remained unkind to her. The mother's attitude toward Amanda even negatively influenced her father, two brothers, and two sisters and still persists to this day, many years after her mother's death. A sentence from The Gift of the Blessing reads: "Yet effort doesn't always equal a desired response." In any situation, we are only responsible for our efforts, not the end result that we cannot control. According to Hebrews 12:14 we are to make every effort to live in peace with all men. Ephesians 6:13 NIV tells us ". . . and after you have done everything, to stand" [firm in the faith].

Pam King, wife of evangelist Jim King, believes all women are born with a God given "mother instinct." She believes the enemy comes to steal the natural ability to love, nurture, and care for a child from mothers who abuse or abandon their children. John 10:10 NIV says: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy."

Though the experiences of my friends have been extremely hurtful, these mighty women of valor derive their self-worth from the Lord and look to Him for the unwavering, eternal blessing that He provides. Isaiah 49:15-16 NIV states: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands. . . "

This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays at http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

Vintage Bowls

It's good to get those vintage bowls out of the cabinets and make use of them. This 100 year old English bowl is one of my favorite finds. The realistic appearing berries have almost fooled some people! Also, I decided to put onions in a vintage bowl on my countertop until they are used.

The Lesson of the Sprained Finger

On March 19, 2010, approximately 20 minutes after having arrived in Hot Springs, Arkansas for the weekend and while visiting the Hot Springs National Park, one of my shoes went flying through the air and I fell down some stairs. Apparently, my shoes were a little too slick on the bottom for the well worn stairs I had been down many times before. In my right hand was a camera which, thankfully, did not get dropped or banged. My left hand aimed downward in an attempt to catch myself. I immediately knew some type of damage had occurred, especially when the throbbing and swelling started. After waiting out the weekend, a local physician confirmed a case of a sprained finger. One sprained finger should not be so bad one may believe. Actually, I was amazed at how important one finger can be. The pain and stiffness, as it only bends so far, has affected how I perform routine tasks such as flossing my teeth, typing, shampooing my hair, cutting up meat, opening jars and packages, etc. I am grateful these functions, as well as the pain, have improved as of this date, but the stiffness and inflexibility remain.

When a part of the body is injured, one tends to think on the matter. Besides the obvious of refraining from wearing inappropriate shoes in certain situations, I also thought of how the Bible likens Christians as members of one body and we each have a part (Romans 12:4). 1 Corinthians 12:21-22 (NIV) reads: The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable. . . (emphasis mine). I feel like this situation is a good reminder to me that the Lord does not play favorites and each one of us is important, no matter how feel about ourselves or how feeble our efforts seem. Paul stated in Romans 2:11 (NIV): For God does not show favoritism. Acts 10:34-35 (NIV) reads: Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right." How wonderful that is for us! I am thankful the Lord does not have his favorites. We, as His Creation, are all very important and loved, and there are not any inferior or second class creations among us. However, it is up to us how we live our lives and what we do with our God given potential.


This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays at http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

Vegetable Gardening Tip

Recently, I was starting to plant a couple of dwarf Alberta Spruce trees when my neighbor's brother asked if he could have the plastic containers when I was finished. I willingly obliged and he explained that he cuts the bottoms of the containers out and uses them in his vegetable garden. He stated tomatoes, peppers, or other vegetables, are planted in these type of containers in the ground. He claims it helps to ward off pests, and as he is a long time gardener, I'm sure he knows what he is talking about. Thought I would pass this tip along as some people have struggled with pests in their vegetable gardens. Plastic coffee containers would be another resource. This is also a great way to recycle.