Scribbling Spiritual Sand…
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
The owls are calling
deep throaty hoots;
that linger in frozen air
stiff as icy bedsheet;
comes a lullaby calling
past frigid tall trees,
across marshy pond,
over mellow meadow;
they are calling, calling,
calling as morning smiles
and owls say good night!
Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies …
I Peter 4:11
My Christmas cactus is behaving oddly and I’m enjoying the benefits. It is in a second bloom since November. When it originally bloomed it was before Thanksgiving and I thought “crazy it’s not Christmas yet”! Now, it’s blooming a second time and next week is Valentines Day. Maybe it’s a Holiday cactus?
How often, as a Christian, do we do things which may not seems normal to others? Perhaps, it’s our taste in music, books or movies which confuse others. Maybe it’s our constant need to attend church regularly instead of sleeping in on a Sunday. More so, is it our conversation which shares Bible thoughts, instead of gossip regarding others? In many ways our lives are different from before our lives were committed to Christ.
I’m sure there’s some horticultural reason for a cactus’s second bloom so quickly after the first flowering, but I prefer to think it was meant for a lesson. We are in the world, not of it. Take a step to impress God, not man. Let the fragrance of your life glorify Him today and this week.
How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Psalm 104:25
Winter wood in snow knee-deep;
as red fox snoozes, fast asleep.
Chickadee wears a winter’s muff,
sings sweet tune so grand a stuff;
dapper snow falls, powder to fluff.
Feathers fine as winter flower;
fluff flakes in fine snow shower,
tiny wings hold such great power.
Squirrel scampers looking for more
power strides, seeking winter’s store;
climbing, carousing white forest floor.
Tiny paws dig in frosty, frozen land.
Floor rumbles slowly spills like sand;
grey tail swishes and swirls so grand.
Six stately deer afoot in icy winter pond,
grand a sight, a herd with nature’s bond.
What doth sneaks and moves beyond!
Snow settles on a coarse deer hide.
Then, beyond the wood they now glide;
sauntering from lunch with such stride.
Winter wood settles and stills; when
fox pokes his nose up from his den.
The challenge was to use elements from a traditional block designed in a past time of our history. The block is called the 54-40 or Flight.
Here is a quote, “It’s about land acquisition, and in the 1840s many suggested the northern edge of Oregon should be drawn at the 54°40′ north line of latitude. And they were willing to go to war to make that happen. “Fifty-four Forty or Fight!” After much negotiation (but no war), eventually, the 49th parallel instead become the US-Canada border, and the phrase lives on only in history books and quilt blocks.”
Though your sins are like scarlet,
Isaiah 1:18
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
As many leave for warmer climates, I continue to stroll snow covered woodland paths. I rather enjoy the beauty of a winter walk with its crisp air. A bit of sunshine is a welcomed friend on a chilly January day. I savor the occasional day when the sun glistens on freshly fallen snow.
This year, I for the first time since I was a child, don’t mind being tucked under a blanket of snow. I’m set aside from the problems of the world. Not hiding, mind your, but on a temporary retreat of sorts. It becomes a time to ponder the craziness of other season’s festivities.
Snow also brings a fresh look to God’s creation in the great outdoors. It defines woodsy branches, enhances kettled land and becomes a canvas to the most gorgeous sunsets. Snow is a part of the variety we have with the seasons in Wisconsin.
Of course, there are elements snow brings which are unwelcome: rough roads, systematic shoveling and slippery sidewalks. At the same time it refreshes the earth, cleanses the landscape and reminds me of spiritual truths.
Sitting on a stiff bench, studying the white backdrop of my yard bundled from head to toe, I am reminded that Jesus laid down His life for us. All the dirty little sins we have been carrying around were nailed on the cross where Jesus died. We too can be as white as fresh fallen snow.
Happy wintry Monday. It’s a new week to serve the Lord!
She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
Proverbs 31:21
Snowflakes collect like cups on a shelf
stacking high and lofty in jumbled mess;
as I wonder, is the cup half empty or less.
Snow plows move and groan as a bear
awaken from his short seasonal slumber;
in great despair, dizzily his body lumbers
Snow drifts and dances as a ballerina
on stage drawing the attention of all;
the audience suddenly groans at her fall.
Snow shovels scrape and etch, as an artist
labors over a fine masterpiece which flows; there’s artistry in the language of the snows.
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20
I had the pleasure of organizing a ladies event this past weekend, at my church. It was a time of fellowship, spent in enjoying warm soups and smiles. What a special afternoon to brighten a rather gloomy January weekend.
There was nothing fancy to the event. All attending shared food and testimonies of things God was doing in their lives. Huddled in groups of 3 or 4 I heard abundant laughter. A genuine feeling of loved filled the room.
Somewhere in the middle of the event, I received a phone call. Prayer was needed for a young family member facing impossible health issues. I was deflated. In the midst of joy, the enemy was attempting to steal it away. Then someone prayed for the situation; and another prayer need, still another as the laughter in the room turned towards peaceful prayer.
No matter how gloomy the situation, remember there is always prayer!
He sends out His word and melts them;
Psalm 147:18
He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.
Trees speak, “Drip, drip, drip, drip, drip;
singing a sad lament of distant spring.
Droning tones, empty from any truth.
The woods are a stir, dazzled, confused;
as January marches in long hesitation.
Small foliage pops up, shades of jealousy
in dollops of thin, icy snow now shrinking.
Pines stand stately, straight, still awaiting
their turn for the next season’s celebration.
Still I hear a drip, drip, drip as I march
down muddy, slippery path in dazed fright.
The sky is gray; horizon filled with fog.
Crows are alive: calling, calling, calling
speaking truth, “Winter’s not finished.”
Cawing ever so loudly in empty, dense air.
“Winter has not finished its damage here.”
Yet, the small green foliage peak through hibernation drinking in the melting slush
wondering when it surely be their turn.
Strolling slowly, on muddy path, wondering
if the trees know when the next snow
comes; snow so thick, even April couldn’t
thaw it, I wonder with each careful step.
Each pace I trod mud mingles with slush treacherous as I steady my self with a staff.
Yet, I’m out here in the mix of slush and mud
wondering what oddity this day may bring.
Trees speak, “Drip, drip, drip, drip, drip;
singing a sad lament of distant spring.
Droning tones, empty from any truth.
“Set in the early twentieth century, single mother, Petra Livingston, and her young son, Jefferson, have come home to Broken Birch Bay, Minnesota braving the town gossips over her sordid past.”
“Cami Madison’s grandmother died, leaving her with a task she must complete or all the inheritance goes to charity. Plus her boss handed her the ad campaign that will win her the coveted vice presidency opening.”
“New York City, 1968. Elka Hansen, a former teen cover girl, is done with modeling. Now she’s a hostess for the Palm Court restaurant in the beautiful Biltmore Hotel. As she sees it, Elka’s other job is to watch out for her younger sister, Colleen, an idealistic but reckless college student at Barnard.”
https://kimlapacek.com/2023/01/14-2-pink-tint-challenge-2-of-project-quilting-season-14.html
Patti Wolf