Time In a Cemetery - Saturday Sightings...

The passage of time - we're all caught in it.  But today - 

time stopped for a bit as we said good-bye to a beloved aunt.  

The sweet service was held in the church of my childhood...

  

With a cemetery just a short walk up the hill away...

Out of 17 siblings - about half remain.  Most of these were 

present today to honor her.  It was a time of precious memories.

  She lived life to the full... enjoying crafting, laughing, and people.

  

We know that her soul's been carried to heaven - 

but today we committed her body to the earth

 My uncle (in the hat) was perhaps the brother dearest to her.  

He has cared for her in countless ways over these last years.  

I love how my cousin is keeping an eye of care on him during this sacred moment..

There is much to reflect on in a cemetery.  

One day these bodies will rise again upon Christ's return. 

Before leaving - a final stop to the grave of my parents.

I ached for them to be there today...  So much I wanted to say.

But when I see them again - much of that won't matter as 

we'll be in the presence of Jesus and in the glory of heaven.   

My friends - please make sure you are ready to join us there.  

In addition to knowing Jesus - we must also be following Him - 

in full surrender - to His will and Word.

I promise any sacrifice will be more than worth it.  ~Joyce

The View From Above...

There are areas of my life that are troubled...

 things I wish I knew for sure will turn out just fine. 

But I am reminded that God does not see things 
the way that I see them.  

What is distant and indistinguishable to me... 

 ...has perfect clarity to Him.

He knows where each road leads 

and is already at the end of that road fulfilling His purposes...

  

He sees the whole picture and has promised to bring to completion
 everything that He has begun.

 So while tomorrow, this week or the remainder of this year 

may hold uncertainty...

'Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, 

for He who promised is Faithful'!!!  Hebrews 10:23

God grant you His peace today ~Joyce 

Thankful for today's sermon at church which precipitated these thoughts.  
Our church will have a week of change - but the sermon was for us individually as well! 

Photos:  Hawk Mountain, PA and PA Grand Canyon

Beautiful Bible Story Book Art...

Did you know that old time art & graphics are simply beautiful to behold?  

I mean beautiful!   Have a look...

 This children's bible story book features the bible parable 

(which is a story to teach a lesson) of the 10 virgins.

  This is a Raphael Tuck & Sons book from 1901 -

  famous for their gorgeous postcards.

The story in brief:

In the custom of bible time marriages - there went out 10 

virgins to meet a bridegroom as he returned with his bride.  

Each had lamps filled with oil.  They waited and waited, but 

the bridegroom did not come as soon as expected...

Waiting for the bridegroom

 ...but about midnight the alert was made - he was on his way!

  Quickly they refilled their lamps that had been burning 

while they waited... that is, 5 of them did. 

'Behold - the bridegroom cometh.'

 Five of them did not bring extra oil.  

Of course the latter 5 tried to beg oil from the wise 5 - 

but it was not to be had.

The foolish virgins begging for oil

To learn the rest of the story - read Matthew 25:1-13.
(Or - this sweet book is available here.)

This parable, with various lessons, was told by Jesus himself. 

Most surely it carries a warning to be ready when Jesus returns.

Each of these virgins knew the bridegroom,

each was his friend - but not all were ready.
Ask Jesus if you are ready - be sure!

Linking to Let's Talk Vintage

The Price Of Christmas...

...is much more than a tree.

taken in Lewisburg, PA 2013

 The price - the reason Jesus came - was to give His Life...

Source Unknown

...so we could have life eternal.  
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

Today could be your day of salvation!  
It's simple - but may be costly as well.

Just believe, repent of your sins, be baptized,

follow and obey His teachings.  Oh the reward!

I'd love to hear from you if you've decided to turn from your current
 life and receive and live for new life in Jesus!

Joy for 2013...

As we embark on a new year - I have not made a list of goals, 

resolutions, joined the local gym, purged my closets

 or started an organizing frenzy.  But I have been inspired 

to find a 'word' for the year and make it a daily part

 of my  life.... a spiritual growth goal so to speak.

This year - I pick 'Joy'.  Joy used to come quite naturally for me 

- in fact my name spells it and imparts its meaning (Joyce!)  

But life has brought changes and disappointments that have been 

extremely difficult for me.  I'm ashamed how elusive this trait has 

become in my spirit.  So for 2013 - I've propped this

 little word on my desk for a daily reminder.

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You (that's me!); Let them ever shout for joy,

 because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. Psalms 5:11

Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous (that's me!); 

And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!  Psalms 32:11

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, 

And uphold me (that's me!) by Your generous Spirit.

Psalms 51:12

 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you,

and that your (that's me) joy may be full." John 15:11

Ask, and you will receive (this means me!), that your joy may be full. John 16:24

  May my Joy cup run over in  2013!

(Feel free to check on me and see how I'm doing.)

The Tree...

In my faith - there is much concern over anything that could be 
considered an 'idol' in one's life.  At Christmas time - the tree 
can be seen as that.  Every year I challenge myself with the thought - 
'Could it still be Christmas to me without a tree?"  
I love Christmas decorating - the same as I love all home decor.  
But that is not the Christmas story - only a part of
 homemaking at this time of year.

  We've been doing a tabletop tree - it fits in our already 

crowded living room with no rearrangement necessary.   

Indeed - I could do no tree - but I do love to sit by the twinkle 

lights at night and the ornaments are fun to collect.

  I've used the same color scheme for years - rose and gold. 

And every ornament has been gathered for next to nothing.  
Do you shop yard sales for Christmas?

Be A Doer...

In church today it was mentioned that the more you know - 

the more you're responsible for.  It may actually be dangerous 

to know biblical truths and not obey them.  (see Luke 12:48)

Amazing leaves I spotted today.

This goes for both the action commands and the heart/attitude commands.  

It's the latter that I find most difficult.  For many it may be the former.  

How I desire to be a doer!

Standing Out...

'Stand for something - or you'll fall for anything'.

 Have you heard this phrase? There is great truth in it 

I believe.  Much of my life reflects this thought.

But be prepared - 'standing' may mean 'standing out'...

...it may mean being 'unpopular'.  It may mean experiencing some persecution.

Am I suggesting that you 'stand'? Absolutely!!!
And know this - you'll not be 'standing alone'.

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.

As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you 

out of the world.   That is why the world hates you. 

  Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’  
If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.

John 15:19-20a 

Grow...

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our 

Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  

2 Peter 3:18a

This vine sprang up voluntarily in my flower bed and
 now is sporting huge gourds and pumpkins. 

Likewise, may we too voluntarily grow in our walk with Jesus 

and learn to know Him and His ways more and more.

   How can we do that?  By spending regular time reading His Book!  

It's a best seller and can truly change a life!

My Quiet Time...

Every day I try to spend some much needed 
time with the Lord. 

 It's a time to hear from Him and talk to Him. 

  Lately I've adopted this area for my morning 

quiet time...

 I use the Beside the Still Waters devotional book.

It is free!  I appreciate the simply written thoughts
 therein.... Thoughts that line up with the sometimes
 unpopular truths of God's word.

(If you'd like to receive this booklet in your own mailbox - go here.)

 My prayer time stems from my prayer list.... 

a list that could be overwhelming.  So I've devised 

a list of 30 categories - one for each day.  

Whatever and whomever God brings to mind in 

that day's category - that's who I pray for!

 It's also here that I spend much time praying &

 fasting for my dear family.  It's here that God gives

 me encouragement, challenges and rebukes

 that are specific to my daily needs.  

Gotta love that about God - how specific and timely He is!

 

Part of my current daily reading includes searching

 the scriptures to see how Jesus related to people - 

all types of people.  'A friend of sinners' he was

 called.  And so he was.   I am seeing a Jesus who

 befriended those of all classes and reputations. 
He befriended them to teach them - to show them -

 another way of life.  A Way that leads to life with
 Him.  His closest friends however - those he hung

 with - were those who responded to His call and

 chose to follow Him.   

I see an important difference there.

  Today I was struck by these words in my reading... 

Oh my - this life of following Jesus is in no way 

an easy life.  But the reward?  Eternal!!

The Moon...

"The day is Yours, and Yours also the night;

    you established the sun and moon."

Psalms 74:16

Images taken by My Love this week.

 Sorta makes man look pretty 'small' doesn't it.  

This is the God I serve!

 (Sorry, I don't believe for a minute that the earth and skies 

are the result of some happy accident.)

After 26 Years...

Today is our special day - 26 years later.   

My Love surprised me with a Willow Tree figure 

this morning...

 It rests atop my inherited china cupboard among

 many other treasures that are special to us. 

 

It will be a precious reminder of the vow we made 

to 'love and cherish till death do us part'.  We've been

 thru some deep waters - in fact deep waters continue

 to this day.  But our love and commitment are

 anchored in Jesus and remain strong. 

Tonight it will be dinner out (which we do at least once a week)

  but tonight - it will be special, all over again!

Here's to us...

Linking to the Home Sweet Home party.

He Is Risen... Come on and Celebrate...

We Are Not Alone...

This little impromptu worship clip blessed me 

today.  A friend of mine has a family member 

in this chorale.

We were in Ireland last year - but we missed 

this beautiful cathedral.  The chorale's CD with 

the full version is available here.

Forsake All...

...whoever of you does not forsake 

all that he has cannot be My disciple.  

Luke 14:33

Taken at Ephrata Cloister living history museum

A reminder from this morning's message in church.  What is it in our lives that is keeping us from following Jesus?  Being a disciple does come with 

a high price tag - although it's a simple message.  What could Jesus be asking you to forsake?

Pray and read scripture with a seeking heart to find out.

Holy and Pleasing To God...

Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, 
holy and pleasing to God—this is your true 
and proper worship. 
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, 
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  

Romans 12:1b-2a

Taken at the Ephrata Cloisters living history museum.

  The Cloisters lived a very disciplined way of life 

as their way of being 'non-conformed; holy and pleasing to God.'  While perhaps they were a bit extreme - we that are Christians are none-the-less called to be different from the pattern of this 
world.  Not just in how we love (which is often taught), but in how we live.  
That includes every area of our life.  
Won't you join me?

Wealth and Honor...

Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power...

for everything in heaven and earth is yours.  

Yours, LORD, is the kingdom...
Wealth and honor come from you;
   you are the ruler of all things. 

I Chronicles 29:11-12a

My first pic. w/ my new camera My Love bought me!

This morning in church we were challenged 

to give something away this week - something 

that has a hold on us.  It's not ours anyway - 

but simply being lent to us from the Father.

What will I give?

Live, Love Speak, Leave...

Today's Photo A Day theme is '10 AM'. 

Near that time today - I was in the ladies' 

restroom of the church we attend where
this sign is displayed...

 

I actually have this same verse in my office.
But I changed it a bit to read - 

"Live obediently, love generously,
speak kindly and leave the rest to God."
That pretty much sums up my life's goals right now.

 "But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, 

yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine 

to which you were delivered."  Romans 6:17

A Flowing Brook...

The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; 

The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.  

Proverbs 18:4

Taken by My Love in the mountains last weekend.

Lord, let what comes from my mouth be good 

and not folly - a wellspring of life.

A Baptizing...

Found this video clip this morning and just had 
to share it.  Love this song and wanted to play 
it at my own daughter's Believer's Baptism - 

but wasn't able to.  And I love how Hollywood depicted the ladies with covered heads 

appropriate to biblical teaching.  It blessed my 

heart - I hope it does yours...