Proverbs 31:10-31
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
~~~The Message
Hymn to a Good Wife
Makers’ Monday – a day late
Jeannie Gray said
” It’s Makers’ Monday. Tell me all about what you’re making.”
Okay.
With determination
I am struggling to work one project
until it is finished.
Such a new concept for me!
My ‘like’ list is growing almost daily,
as Facebook knitting and crocheting groups
provide such wonderful eye candy.
Who can resist candy?
I’m still crocheting my ‘Everyday Ice Spirit’ ripple.
(E I S are Yarn names.)
Yardage equals 2300 yards with approx. 800 yards to go.
Ravelry link here.
Link with Jeannie here.
I hope I can put a picture of a new project next Monday.
#The 100 Days Project
#The100DayProject update
My 100 days started on April 10.
April 10 I was on row 46.
29 days have passed.
I missed 2 days of crocheting on Rings of Change.
I am now on row 63, seeing progress!
Rings just gets prettier and prettier.
Ten on the Tenth
10 Things You Enjoy About the Current Season.
Falling leaves
Cool nights
Crisp mornings
Wearing long sleeves and tights
Cozy fires
Shawls
Gardening is done
Bare tree branches
Thanksgiving with famiy
A Fall Memory
October, 1969,
I had been very sick for 1 1/2 years
and I was being released from the hospital
after a 6 week stay and major surgery.
Out the doors into
cool fresh air,
blazing color
and a grateful heart.
I was alive.
I’m joining with Carole and friends.
Our Lord’s Foresight
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD
Psalm 139:17-18
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!
how great is the sum of them!
If I should count them,
they are more in number than the sand:
when I awake, I am still with thee.
Nothing is more beautiful than our Lord’s foresight!
There never was anyone so faithful or considerate
or farseeing as Jesus.
He had great commendation to give a woman,
because she came “beforehand” with her ministry. (John 12:1-8)
It was His own manner to anticipate events.
He was always thinking ahead of the disciples.
When He sent His disciples to prepare the Passover,
there was found an upper room furished and prepared.
He had thought it all out.
His plans were not made only for that day.
He was always in advance of time.
When the disciples cam back from fishing,
Jesus was on the seashore with a fire of coals and fish laid thereon.
He thinks of the morning duties before you are astir;
He is there beore you.
He is waiting long befoe you are awake.
His anticipations are all along the way of life before you.
After the Resurrection,
the disciples were bewildered,
and the way looked black.
But the angel said,
“Behold, he goeth before you into Galilee.”
He is always ahead,
thinking ahead,
preparing ahead.
Take this text with you into the future,
take it into today’s experience:
“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. . .
I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1-2)
He is out in the world doing it.
He will be there before you.
He will bring you to your appointed place,
and you will find your appointed resources.
You will discover His insight, His oversight, and His forsesight.
You may not always see Him,
but you can walk by faith in the dark
if you know that He sees you,
and you can sing as you journey,
even through the night.
John MacBeath
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
The 23rd Psalm
The Lord, the Psalmist’s Shepherd.
A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my Shepherd
[to feed, to guide and to shield me],
I shall not lack.
He makes me lie down in (fresh, tender) green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
He refreshes and restores my life (my self);
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
[uprightness and right standing with Him–
not for my earning it, but]
for His name’s sake.
Yes, though I walk through
the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide],
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil*;
My [brimming] cup runs over
Surely or only goodness, mercy and unfailing love
shall follow me all the days of my life,
and through the length of my days the house 0f the Lord
[and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
Amplified Bible
*footnote
It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate,
but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body with oil
to portect it frome xcessive perspiration.
When mixed with perfume, the oil imparted
a delightfully refreshing and invigorationg sensation.
Athletes anointed their bodies
as a matter of course before running a race.
As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed,
invigorated, and better fitted for action,
so the Lord would anoint His “sheep” with the Holy Spirit.
Whom oil symbolizies,
to fit them to engage more freely in His service
and run the the way He directs–in heavenly fellowship with Him.
Endeavor to be Patient
Thankful for the gift of fresh range-free eggs.
This morning I read these thoughts.
How they spoke to my sometimes over critical heart.
And what doth the Lord require of thee,
but to do justly,
and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with thy God?
–Micah 6:8.
Endeavor to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others,
of what sort soever they be;
for that thyself also hast many failings which must be borne with by others.
If thou canst not make thyself such an one as thou wouldest,
how canst thou expect to have another in all things to thy liking?
THOMAS À KEMPIS
Put on therefore… kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering.
–Colossians 3:12
The Longest Night
Winter Solstice
And so the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, revelling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us – listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight,
This Shortest Day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And now so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Susan Cooper
Keep the Path Clear
My day started okay,
get up, dressed, comb my hair, go into the kitchen
then a few words from an irritated spouse – SMACK!
Wow I didn’t see that coming.
Was the statement based on truth? yes
Should the truth have been taken care of earlier? yes
Problem — A spatula not washed.
(Yes, I only have one.)
My response, keeping my mouth shut,
included
guilt for the neglected bath,
unbelief at the pettiness for not just washing it himself
the remembrance of times that I had taken care of things
beyond the knowledge of him
a huge why?
and a prayer “Lord, what do I do now?”
Forgive and be still
and put a watch before my lips
especially when something happens that pushes my irritation button.
It’s 6:00pm
Of course, now, the action and reaction seem so silly.
I am filled with thankfulness.
My words would have blown the irritation way out proportion.
My quietness saved the rest of the day.
I’m still working on – What do I need to learn?
Proverbs 31:26
She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].AMP
resounded in my mind.
But when I looked up that scripture –
I read the next verse –
if I had followed this one
Proverbs 31:27
She looks well to how things go in her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.AMP
The whole situation would never have happened.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path. AMP
Dear Lord, Help me follow your light (Word) so I can keep the path clear for others. Amen
Jesus Dispels Doubt
Just keeping my fingers busy Saturday afternoon and evening.
Good Morning
Luke 24:37-38
But they were terrified and affrighted,
and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled?
and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
They had betrayed their Master.
When Jesus needed them they had scampered.
And now they were having to deal with the shame.
Seeking forgiveness,
but not knowing where to look for it,
the disciples came back.
They gravitated to that same upper room
that contained the sweet memories
of broken bread and symbolic wine….
They cam back.
Each with a scrapbook
full of memories
and a thin thread of hope
Each knowing that it is all over,
but in his heart hoping
that the impossible will happen once more.
“If I had just one more chance.” . . .
And just when the gloom gets good and thick,
just when their wishful thinking is falling victim to logic,
just when some one says,
“How I’d give my immortal soul to see him one more time,”
a familiar face walks through the wall
My what an ending,
Or better said,
What a beginning!
Max Lucado
Keep the Faith . . . .Today
With my prayers, desiring yours, Leslie
Happy Mother’s Day
Proverbs 31:10-31
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful,
treats him generously all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing (crocheting and quilting).
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn,
preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
husband joins in with words of praise
“Many women have done wonderful things,
but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised is the woman
who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
The Message
Easter
Easter
And he bearing his cross went forth into . . . Golgotha. John 19:17
When the two single beams were lifted from the Lord’s bleeding shoulders and laid on those of the sturdy Cyrenian, Simon became what none ever had been, or ever would be, in all the history of the Lord’s Passion–he became for a brief space the substitute of Jesus! Simon came into Jerusalem that morning, from the village home where he had been a guest, unconscious of the tragedy enacted there during the night, and was soon caught in the throng accompanying Jesus to Calvary. Through the dense excited mass of life this heavily-built countryman forced his insistent body until he came to the edge of the procession. From this vantage point he could peer in and get sight of Jesus–could catch the weariness of His face. Was it the merest accident that Simon was taken into the heart of the tragedy? The guard looked round and saw Simon –his prominence and bulk–perhaps an unconscious sympathy growing on his face–and before Simon knew what had happened he had been dragged out from among the people and the cross was on his shoulders, and he was walking beside Jesus to Calvary.
O good fortune of the Cyrenian to have a stout body–to be born a countryman–to carry a kindly heart! It had won him an honor denied to kings and conquerors.
And none so favored as this Cyrenian, for they journeyed together within an iron wall–no man could interrupt or annoy–neither priest nor people, they were so close together that the cross seemed to be on them both. That Jesus spoke to Simon as He did to few in all His ministry, there can be little doubt, since no one could render Jesus the slightest service without being instantly repaid, and this man had succored Him in His dire extremity. What Jesus said to His substitute Simon never told. But on thing is certain in the heart of the tragedy on the way to Calvary, Simon meet Jesus, And with what kindness Jesus must have spoken to His cross-bearer as they went forward together under one cross-one common disgrace! Alone wit the Redeemer one gathers precious treasure!
For a short while this man carried the load of wood. In return, Jesus carried his sin, and that of his children after him, for by the time this Gospel was given unto the world Simon was know as the head of a distinguished Christian house–a man honored in his sons, Alexander and Rufus.
Nothing save–a few drops of blood on the ground remained of the great tragedy as Simon journeyed homeward that evening; but, in the meantime, Jesus had accomplished the deliverance of the world–and Simon, the Cyrenian, had carried the Lord’s cross!What a privilege!
Taken from the throng to carry another’s cross–Via Dolorosa with Jesus! John Watson
Everyone who met Jesus didn’t go away from that meeting the same.
The blind could see,
the dumb could speak,
lepers were healed,
mothers had their sons returned unto them,
the rich young ruler went away sorrowing,
children felt love and acceptance,
mothers realized the importance their role in their children’s lives,
Peter learned about denial and forgiveness,
Judas learned of betrayal and despair.
A Roman soldier acknowledged, ‘Truly this was the Son of God. ‘
All were changed.
Simon, how could he not become a different person , meeting Jesus on the road to the cross.
No wonder, on the day of Pentecost, as Peter preached of Jesus, all the pieces of Jesus ministry fell into place in the hearts and minds of men and women. The seed planted by John the Baptist, the sermons and parables spoken by Jesus, the watering by the miracles and the blood of the sacrifice bore fruit, about three thousand souls.
It was a simple sermon, starting softly, building in volume and intensity until the entire congregation was completely involved, repeating the phrases in unison. The sermon went something like this.
It’s Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It’s Friday; but Sunday’s a coming.
It’s Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them.” It’s Friday; but Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, “My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?” What a horrible cry. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. And at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that’s because it’s Friday, and they don’t know it, but Sunday’s a coming…” S. M. Lockridge
Luke 24:1 -9
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
Today’s thought – Private Prayer
Good Morning
Psalm 5:3
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
John Baillie (1886-1960) was born in Scotland. He was a professor, theologian, and author. I first became acquainted with him through his little book A Diary of Private Prayer. My good friend, Chris Bullard, and I were in Steele’s Christian Bookstore (used books) in Kansas City where our family was living at the time. We were browsing through the store when Chris found a copy of Baillie’s work. “This is a great book,” he said. He already owned a copy. I purchased it upon his recommendation and have enjoyed it for many years.
The following is an excerpt from A Diary of Private Prayer:
Eternal Father of my soul, let my first thought today be of You, let my first impulse be to worship You, let my first speech be Your name, let my first action be to kneel before You in prayer.
For Your perfect wisdom and perfect goodness:
For the love with which You love mankind:
For the love with which You love me:
For the great and mysterious opportunity of my life:
For the indwelling of your Spirit in my heart:
For the sevenfold gifts of your Spirit:
I praise and worship You, O Lord.
Yet let me not, when this morning prayer is said, think my worship ended and spend the day in forgetfulness of You. Rather from these moments of quietness let light go forth, and joy, and power, that will remain with me through all the hours of the day;
Keeping me chaste in thought:
Keeping me temperate and truthful in speech:
Keeping me faithful and diligent in my work:
Keeping me humble in my estimation of myself:
Keeping me honorable and generous in my dealings with others:
Keeping me loyal to every hallowed memory of the past:
Keeping me mindful of my eternal destiny as a child of Yours.
Through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.
(Taken from Richard Foster’s Devotional Classics, pp. 126-127.)
Psalm 55:16-17
As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Pray . . . Today
With my prayers, desiring yours, Leslie
Today’s thought – Memo from God
No Cares!
Good Morning,
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: THE BOSS
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE
I am God.Today
I will be handling all of your problems.
Please remember that I do not need your help.
If life happens to deliver a situation to you
that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it.
Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box.
All situations will be resolved… but in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box,
do not hold onto it by worrying about it.
Instead, focus on all the wonderful things
that are present in your life now
If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don’t despair.
There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work;
Think of the man who has been out of work for years.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad;
Think of the person who has never known what it’s like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend;
Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance;
Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror;
Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose?
Be thankful. There are those who didn’t live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people’s bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities;
Remember, things could be worse.
You could be one of those, who would rather have your problem.
Author Unknown(edited)
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. – Albert Einstein
Cast . . . Today
With my prayers, desiring yours, Leslie
Today’s thought – Keep Going
Good Morning
Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
During a long race,
it is easy to get discouraged.
But what most runners know is that being familiar
with the course helps to keep up momentum and motivation.
When you know what to expect,
you’re able to pace yourself and not become discouraged
when the road seems endless.
God doesn’t map out for us the exact course of our lives.
But there are some things we can know
without a shadow of a doubt.
We know troubles will come.
We know that God will never abandon us.
We know that He has good plans for us.
And we know that He will ultimately overcome evil in the world.
That knowledge and faith helps us persevere
when the going gets tough and the race gets long.
Hebrews 10:22
Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water. AMP
Keep going . . . Today
With my prayers, desiring yours, Leslie
Thoughts of Grace 