Pencil in His Hand: A Mother's Journal of Stories, Thoughts, and Poems.

  My seed box Seeds of Patience Dearest Reader, March is now nearing an end, but it is still a great time for sowing seeds here in the Southern hemisphere. The very hot weather is behind us, and it is time to start on autumn and winter crops. I was very excited for March to arrive, and had been getting my containers ready through the summer. I love the thought of cooler days, rain showers and lush green growth, though I could do without the snails! So, with my goal in mind, I soon got busy. I sowed swiss chard, carrot, spring onion, radish, cabbage, pansy, coriander, and sweet pea seed. Then just today, I added some calendula and mixed herbs to the mix. Exciting times.😊 But then, one realises, comes the hard part. Waiting. It generally takes about two weeks to see some action from the seeds you sowed. Also, seeds need to be kept moist, so there's quite a bit of work involved. I try to keep the end goal in sight and not get too hung up on time, but it's hard. Many times I have ...

  The Doily. Free Flash Fiction I selected the smallest crochet hook in my collection and observed it dubiously. It was as impossibly fine as the peacock blue crochet cotton in my hand. There was only one thing the cotton was good for: an old-fashioned doily. The kind that looks like a delicate and intricate spider's web. Impractical, yet fascinating.  I had a pattern. I had the right hook, and the right thread. But could I do it? My hands stiffened involuntarily at the thought of the cramping they would have to endure. All for a rather pointless item. Despite my doubts, I began. Somehow, several little rounds of chains and stitches formed between my fingers. The brilliant blue shone. My crochet hook flashed. I smiled. For the first time in days. And somehow, the delicate project became a symbol of fragile yet enduring hope. My faith and my joy seemed just as fragile as the thread between my fingers. Until I remembered how strong my hope really was: that no matter how dark thi...

  You Have Today Dearest Reader, You have today. Yes, I realize that it doesn't sound like much. We have lost all of our yesterdays. They may live on in our hearts and in our memories, but they are gone. And it is sad. As for our tomorrows, they may still  be around the corner, but there are no guarantees that they will be ours. But. We have today. That is all. And it is good, and it is enough for now. Now that you and I have reminded ourselves of this, we must ask, what will we do with this gift that we've been given. (By the way, I could get a bit pedantic here and rather say that all we have is this moment , but I do rather like the idea of having a whole day.) This day may be a chance to pray for a loved one who is ill, or far away. You may choose to use this time to start a garden, or to knit a jersey for a little one in need. Or maybe you will visit an elderly aunt, or take a meal to a new mom. Today may also be a good day to ask for someone's forgiveness. To say that...

  Extra posts this week:) Another "Thoughts" post tomorrow, and a mini inspirational story on Friday. Joy vs Happiness "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice." Philippians 4:4 *** Dear Reader, Are you happy today? Perhaps you've just been shopping. Your bank account is looking good, and you went for a cruise to the mall and spoilt yourself with a new outfit, some cute decor for your house and garden, and some luxuries from the supermarket. And it made you happy. Even better, it was a splendid, cloudless, morning and the countryside where you live looked like something from a dream destination on You Tube. Bliss. You were definitely happy as you enjoyed the carefree morning and your bargains. But may I ask, just how long did the happiness last? An hour? Maybe two? Or, perhaps if everything kept going your way, the whole day? Now, before you think I'm bashing happiness, I'm not. I've had my fair share of golden sunshine days and satisfyin...

  Too Much Dear Reader, So often, I have felt this way: that I simply cannot make it. The burdens have grown too heavy. The pain is too great. The disappointment too crushing. It seems like every morning I take some time to feel very sorry for myself. No. I simply do not have the strength for anything. Perhaps staying in bed would be a good idea. But then, I remember. He has reminded me many times. "Give each load you carry to Me. Put it in a basket and float it on the Nile. Bring it to the strong tower. It will be safe with Me. Place it on the Rock which cannot move. Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross. Lay them in My arms." Yes, Lord. I will . "Good." And then another whisper: "Just one day, child. Just one step at a time." Yes, Lord, I can do that with You at my side, holding my hand. But Lord, what about tommorow? "Don't worry, child. We will do this again each morning. And you will make it. One day at a time." *** Matthew 11:28. ...

  Photo: Pawel Czerwinski. Unsplash Shape-Shifters Shape-shifters spread their lies attacking God's  good plan: Be a goat or be a cat a woman or a man they mutilate the children But God's  wrath will bring an end to all their evil shifting: For God's Word cannot be bent. *** Copyright: Alison Lawrence *** God is patient. He wants everyone to repent and be saved. Call on Him to save you. The truth will set you free. ***

  The Creator's Tree Creation's songs grace every breeze which dances merry through the trees, and some, they listen quite entranced, decide that all was made by chance. The mocking myth lives on in minds that all it took was much, much time! And so, they bow down to the trees, and worship all that they can see. Never spot the Master's Hand, they praise His stars and kiss His land. They worship all the beauty round, The Father's touch they have not found. Dear Lord, please touch  dear ones like these: May they fall down at that dear tree, where Jesus makes Creation free. *** Copyright: pencil in His Hand *** *Note: The tree alludes to the cross, where Jesus died to save us from our sins. Jesus' redemption plan also includes the earth and nature. Have you called on Him to save you? My testimony can be found here:

  Blog News Dear Readers, Thanks for stopping by. This is just going to be a short post about a few small changes here on the blog. I've been praying about my blogging and writing, and God has put a new sense of purpose in my heart. From now on, I will also be writing for my children and grandchild(ren) :). This blog will be my little online legacy to them. At the same time, I hope that my writing will continue to bless and encourage all who enjoy popping in to the blog. I will still be posting my usual content, along with some thoughts and extra  Photos. Posting may be more frequent, or may seem a bit random at times, as led. :) God willing, I will post at least once a week. Thanks again, And may God bless and keep you, Love from a pencil in His Hand.

  Carried He has carried me Home, He has kept me from harm; For knowing my weakness, and seeing the storm; He has carried me Home, and has kept my heart warm *** Copyright: pencil in His Hand *** Psalm 23:1-6 ESV [1] The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.23.1-6.ESV

  Salvation  Stories: Gina Gina hummed a chorus from church as she gathered all the needed supplies together: a deep baking pan, flour, sugar, cocoa, oil, and eggs, along with the other sundries she needed to make a sumptuous celebration cake.  Great ! She had everything on hand. She decided to top the cake off with a creamy butter icing and some bright red cherries once it had cooled. As she worked, she sang every worship song she knew, and even did a couple of twirls. It was a good, good day. A great day. And the cake was just right. When they were all gathered around the table later, Gina planned to tell them why they were eating cake in the middle of the week. It wasn't anyone's birthday after all. No, wait! She laughed out loud. She was celebrating her spiritual birthday. After many years of thinking that being good, going to church now and again, and volunteering at the soup kitchen could get her into heaven, she was free! Born again, and made new. Yes, she still p...

  Photo: Aaron Burden. Unsplash Precious Book Come read a story so deep and true Divine and special and written for you The earthly love books all fall in the dust: shallow and sinful their focus on lust  Come read a story so trusted and good through many attacks it has boldly withstood The earthly love books so cheap and unclean no hope do they hold all fake glitter and gleam Come read a story full of love so true  The Story of One Who died for you too *** Copyright: pencil in His Hand ***

  Millie's Project Fran sighed with contentment as she pulled another tray of golden brown, caramel scented cookies from the oven. This one was for Millie next door, who was down with a bad cold. Hopefully, she'd still be able to taste the delicious treat. Fran's home was as old fashioned as her name: the kitchen cabinets dated back to the 1980's, and mint and pink coloured appliances vied for attention amongst knick knacks and bright coloured tins. As for the rest of the house, Fran favoured anything Amish or country, with a little Victorian thrown in. However Harold and the boys might feel about her decorating tastes never entered Fran's mind. It made her happy, and as the old saying goes, 'ain't nobody happy unless Mama's happy.' Fran swished a hand knitted dishcloth over the counter before arranging some homemade treats on a rose festooned plate for Millie. There! That should cheer her neighbour up. *** She found Millie propped up in bed, a box o...