The Backyard Pond

I am fabulously (past the limits of belief) in love with the great outdoors. God was so good to create all of this wonderful earth for us. Can you even begin to imagine what Heaven will be like? You know; His word says that in His Father's House are many mansions. In another part of His Word; He tells us that He goes to prepare a "place" for us. We can use our imaginations here. These are just my thoughts, but I would like to think of a beautiful pond with stepping stones and you can just hear the water gurggling as it flows down those stones.
The birds are fairly singing for joy, trying to outdo one another with their praise for God. As I meander down one of the woodsy paths, it takes my breath away to see the sunlight trickling down, splashing the forest floor with the warmth of its rays. As we sit down to visit on some old white wicker; we feel the whisper of a breeze as it gently kisses our brow. Was that a drone of a bee sipping on nectar, the song of the wiperwill and yes, in the distance the hunted love song of the turtle dove?
I do know one thing for sure...God is here! His presence is so overwhelming that it brings tears to my eyes.
I would love to invite anyone that would read this to feel welcomed to stop by. I believe each and everyone of us has problems, face trials, bear burdens that sometimes seem heavier than we can bear. His Word tells us to bear one anothers burdens and that is what I would like the Backyard Pond to be...a place to come and share, a place to come to encourage one another.
Would you meet me at the pond for a spot of tea and a visit? We can start by praising God for what He has done and let Him have His way in the remainder of our visit.

VISIT WITH A FAVORITE FRIEND

VISIT WITH A FAVORITE FRIEND

"Glorify ye the Lord in the fires." Isaiah 24:150

Have you ever been through the fires of afflication? Do you know the definition of afflication? Webster's Dictionary says it aptly well. Afflection: suffering, pain, mental suffering. The Lord allows us to face some things. We may be struggling with finantial difficulties and even though we know God will undertake and work it out; all these other little "foxes" come tearing in. Sickness strikes, perhaps long term. Our children may go through things of their own which causes our hearts to break. "Oh, Lord..how long"?
Not a one of the above is a stranger to me. I must share of a testimony that I was priviledged to hear. Is it not heartening to see some precious one who just has to be broken in body, but who retains the splendor of an unbroken patience? What a witness all this offers to His wonderful grace! Our God was certainly glorified in this. This precious one has been through so much and still; there is a song in her heart.
No matter what my dear and precious family and friends may be facing in this amazing day of "falling away", we need to just hold onto the Lord's hand real tight like. He won't let go...thank God, He won't let go! And...as my friend encouraged me with her testimony, that in turn glorified our God. He is my all in all.
Remember..."Glorify ye the Lord in the fires."

ATTIC FULL OF YESTERDAYS

ATTIC FULL OF YESTERDAYS
COME WITH ME AND REMINISCE

Sunday, May 17, 2009

I'M GIVING UP...YES I AM!

I'm a novice, a greenhorn, a newcomer...In other words, I am a BEGINNER. They tell us that you can't teach a dog new tricks. I didn't use to believe that but after trying to do my own blog; I've become a fan of whom ever said that saying above. I'm not really an "old dog" but I am retired. Before retiring, I counted it amazing that I was able to "catch on" to the new ways of doing various things at my work. However, something took place in the past two years. I can not seem to understand like I use to. Is it age? Anyways, I am discouraged dear blogger friends and family. I need help in "putting things in the order that I want them to be" on my blog! I mean...is it too much to ask that a picture of a creek would come before a bit of a few words about said picture? I just can't seem to get on to it. I need help!
MONEY

To be rich in God is better than to be rich in goods.

Giving is a thermometer of our love.

No one is poor who by prayer can open the storehouse of God.

Money can't buy happiness...unless you spend it on somebody else.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

I'm pretty sure this picture of a creek does not look much like a pond...unless you can picture the creek that runs through the wooded area near your property as it meanders along over rocks and crevices and settles in a small pool before flowing on. But...wait! My back yard pond is an imaginary place and this creek is real! I'm listening to a song on my playlist, "Take Me To Your Sacred Place". I love the outdoors, the smells of the newness of this time of the year, the sound of water as it wanders and winds through a secluded wood. "Draw me, draw me, to your sacred place". This is truly a time to worship Him, the maker of all things...yes, even this bit of quietness.
LIFE


Life is a canvas...you fill in the picture.

Your life is God's gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to God.

Live your life carefully...there are no reruns.

This is prime time! Life is in session now. There will be no reruns.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

KINDNESS


One of the strongest virtues is kindness.

Gentle words fall lightly, but they have great weight.

A beautiful heart seems to transform the homeliest face.

Kind words are music to a broken heart.

Monday, May 4, 2009

A MODEL PRAYER

As I was having my quiet time alone with the Lord this morning, I was made aware of several things. Actually, have you ever read certain things in the Bible?...read and re-read them over the years and then all of a sudden, ; the Lord speaks and brings light to a verse that you had read time and again?
As I was reading the Lord's Prayer (the model prayer) and wanting to glean something new, I realized that Jesus never allowed great difficulties or pressing duties to cause Him to neglect prayer. He was pressed with labors and surrounded by crowds, but "He rose up a great while before day" to engage in secret prayer. Since Jesus needed frequent and secret prayer, how much more do we?
The main thought I wanted to bring out is...we are living life in the fast lane. We are busy with this and rushed to do that. There never seems to be enough time in a day to accomplish what we desire to carry out. Jesus was busy too! However, He took time (many times) throughout each day to get alone with His Heavenly Father. His day was bathed in prayer.
I do know that when I give the Lord a portion of my day...things just go better. I seem to have more time...yep! The day seems longer to work at the many things I have lined up.
I want to take the above thoughts to my Back Yard Pond...to share with a friend, to ponder, to study God's Word.
JESUS


If Christ is the Way, we waste time traveling any other.

The Bread of Life never becomes stale.

We are never alone when we are alone with Jesus.

The Light of the World knows no power failures.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Although my daughter and I are only able to visit in person 2 or 3 times a year; it is important to plan a day "away"...to find a flee market (particularly those with a delightful selection of splendid, aged books) primitive and country craft shops, just ordinary yard and garage sales and a quaint, curious out of the way 0ld resturant. Sounds like Holmes Co., Ohio....mmmm....!
It is delightful to take a step back in time where the decor is simple but elegant in a "turn of the century" atmosphere. Tea is served in delicate, old-fashioned china. The serving staff are dressed in period clothing of the vicitorian era.
I am thankful for these times that we can spend with those we love.
A DELIGHTFUL OLD RESTURANT

INDIFFERENCE


Love will find a way...indifference will find an excuse.

Some people take a stand for Christ and never move again.

After all is said and done, more is said than done.

You cannot expect to feel God's presence if you are too busy.




Saturday, April 25, 2009

Tis a beautiful morning in these hills and ridges of Pa. Abundant sunshine and temp.'s near 80. What more could we ask for?
I am thinking of calling one of my favorite friends. It is such a wonderful day to take a walk down my forest path to the pond. Come, take my hand and walk with me a ways. No matter how we are feeling inside, just being out in this great outdoors could be the right medicine. It is so wonderful to know that God cares for us. He knows when we feel alone and blue and wants to lighten our load. That is why he sent us friends. A true friend listens. A true friend will pray for you and your concerns. A true friend will suggest a "quiet time" alone with God.
I enjoy reading this short poem written by Sandra Lytle. It is intitaled...
QUITE TIME..."I need some quiet time alone with God...to help me through the day...A little time to read His Word...a little time to pray. From this I gain the strength I need...to carry me along. It lifts me up on wings of joy...And gives my heart a song."
HOME


A house is built by hands, but a home is built by hearts.

A house is not a home unless in contains food for the soul as well as for the body.

When love adorns the home, other things are secondary.

A home is a house with a heart inside.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Lines Written in Early Spring
William Wordsworth (1798)
I heard a thousand blended notes, while in a grove I sate reclined, In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts bring sad thoughts to the mind. To her fair works did Nature link the human soul that through me ran; And much it grieved my heart to think what man has made of man. Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; And ’tis my faith that every flower enjoys the air it breathes. The birds around me hopped and played, Their thoughts I cannot measure:--But the least motion which they made, it seemed a thrill of pleasure. The budding twigs spread out their fan, to catch the breezy air; And I must think, do all I can, that there was pleasure there. If this belief from heaven be sent, if such be Nature’s holy plan, Have I not reason to lament what man has made of man?



GOD'S WILL

Be sure...if God sends you on a stony path, He will provide you with strong shoes.

Don't expect God's approval of plans on which he has not been consulted.

When you go through trials, you are not being picked on; you are being picked out.

The Lord opens doors for each of us to become avenues of His love and grace on a daily basis.


Saturday, April 18, 2009

FRIENDSHIP

A friend is one who helps you bridge the gaps between loneliness and fellowship, frustration and confidence, despair and hope, setbacks and success.

Christ's friendship prevails when human friendship fails.

Friends are those rare people who ask how we are then wait to hear the answer.

Life benefits from serving others, for as it reaches out to help, it gathers something for itself...friendship.

Friday, April 17, 2009



Blog hopping again this morning. So many wonderful and clever ideas. So much inventive ability out there. I stopped by La Tea's blog (Gracious Hospility). She had posted a most delicious poem. I believe I shall have a Tea Party myself.
"I had a little tea party this afternoon at three...'Twas very small, three guests in all...Just I, myself and me. Myself ate all the sandwiches, while I drank all the tea; Twas also I that ate the pie and passed the cake to me."...Author Unknown


EDUCATION

School is a building that has four walls...with tomorrow inside.

Intelligence is like a river...the deeper it is, the less noise it makes.

The highest knowledge is the knowledge of God.

If you divorce education from religion, you will produce a race of clever devils.


Friday, April 10, 2009

DETERMINATION

God doesn't ask you to be the best...only to do your best.

Courage isn't having the strength to go on...it's going on when you don't have the strength.

Lincoln was not great because he lived in a cabin but because he was able to get out of the cabin.

If you don't climb the mountain, you can't see the view.




Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Backyard Pond is a wonderful place to come and visit. That was my intentions when I began this blog. However, I happen to live in the northwoods of Pa. and spring hasn't fully arrived. In fact, we had snow yesterday, I believe about 2". I thought the verse was..."April showers bring May flowers". Do you know that God knows what we have need of and so I am thankful for the moisture in whatever way He deems fit to send it.
If I were out in the wooded area that surrounds our little town, my heart (and feet) would be leading me to a path that I had not been on before. Of course; I would have a favorite friend with me, perhaps 2 or 3. We can sence the "feel" of Spring that is in the air. Even though it's a tad chilly today, the sun on our backs is just wonderful! It will be grand to take this path again...once the leaves and ground foilage fills out. Can't wait for those wild flowers to bloom and perfume this forest. Is that a tinkle of water we hear? Awww! It's not our backyard pond but it looks so restful. Let's sit on these larger rocks for a bit and visit.
I have a poem I'd like to share written by one of my favorite poets, Annie Johnson Flint.

"When thou passest through the waters, deep the waves may be and cold,
But Jehovah is our refuge, And His promise is our hold;
For the Lord himself has said it, He, the faithful God and true;
When thou comest to the waters
Thou shalt not go down, BUT THROUGH."

"Seas of sorrow, seas of trial, Bitterest anguish, fiercest pain,
Rolling surges of temptation, Seeping over heart and brain...
They shall never overflow us, For we know His Word is true.
All His waves and all His billows...He will lead us safely through."

"Threating breakers of destruction, Doubts insidious undertow,
Shall not sink us, shall not drag us, out to oceans depths of woe;
For His promice shall sustain us, Praise the Lord, whose Word is true!
We shall not go down or under, For He saith, "Thou Passest THROUGH."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY "ONLY" DAUGHTER

Today is my "only" daughter's birthday. Just on the slim chance there are some that don't know...! I love you, Sharon Marie.
Children

The strongest faith is often found in a child's heart.

Children are often spoiled because no one will spank Grandma. :o)

It's funny that the things your kids did that got on your nerves seem cute when your grandchildren do them.

Lead a child to Christ...Save a life.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

I was looking through my snail- mail the other day and found a card from one of my favorite sisters. I must share the wording on in. It was titaled, "GOD CARES About Every Detail of Your Life..."

He collects....every tear in a bottle. Psalm 56:8

He numbers....every hair on your head. Luke 12:7

He knows....every hurt in your heart. Psalm 34:18

The Lord knows all that you are going through.
He loves you, He cares for you,
and He will make sure
not one detail
is overlooked in "your life".

This card came just when I needed it! Thank you, sister.


Anger

Don't be angry with the people who are smarter than you...it isn't their fault.

Anger is only one letter from danger.

A man is never in worse company than when he flies into a rage and is beside himself.

One load that is too heavy for anyone to carry...a grudge.


Bible

A Bible in hand is worth two on the shelf.

The value of the Bible is not knowing it, but obeying it.

The Bible is a window through which we look at eternity.

The Bible is not only the world's best-seller...it is man's best buy.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

"I was crushed...so much so that I despaired even of life, but that was to make me rely not on myself, but on the God who raises the dead." (2 Cor. 1:8, 9.)

I was reading this morning in Streams In The Desert. I don't think I could have found anything that would have encouraged me more. He is so faithful. I'd like to share what I read penned by A. B. Simpson

"The pressure of hard places makes us value life. Every time our life is given back to us from such a trial, it is like a new beginning, and we learn better how much it is worth, and make more of it for God and man. The pressure helps us to understand the trials of others, and fits us to help and sympathize with them.
There is a shallow, superficial nature, that gets hold of a theory or a promice lightly, and talks very glibly about the distrust of those who shrink from every trial; but the man or woman who has suffered much never does this, but is very tender and gentle, and knows what suffering really means. This is what Paul meant when he said, "Death worketh in you."
Trials and hard places are needed to press us forward, even as the furnace fires in the hold of that mighty ship give force that moves the piston, drives the engine, and propels that great vessel across the sea in the face of the winds and waves."