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 ...

  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. ...

  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:

  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

  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 ***

  Photo: William Krause. Unsplash Thoughts on Surrender Sometimes, I wonder what it means to surrender to Jesus fully. I mean, I was born again quite a few years ago. I gave Him my heart, and my life. I definitely chose to follow Him. But I can see that slowly but surely in mine, as well as in the lives of all Christians, the self starts to crawl back towards the heart's throne, until eventually, he or she is sitting pretty once more. Of course, you are still saved, but Jesus is now off to one side, whilst you are in the driving seat. Until you and I get off that throne and hand over the crown as well as the keys over to Jesus, we are doomed to a life of failure. When we surrender, we give up our "rights." Our "right" to sleep in, our "right" to another slice of cake, our "right" to read a novel instead of God's Word, our "right" to be entertained, our "right" to be comfortable, our "right" to get even, or to...

  Photo: Sime Basioli. Unsplash Salvation Stories: Washed As he walked slowly to the front of the church, to where the kindly pastor stood waiting for him, he could feel the slimy weight of his own filth clinging to his being. He nearly turned tail and ran for the back door. Who do you think you are? A church is not the place for rubbish like you! The voice hissed in his ear, but he kept walking. Somewhere, deep inside himself, he knew that the pastor could help him. That Jesus was the answer. How he longed to get rid of the stinking weight! He knew with absolute certainty that no amount of strong soap could do it. Only Jesus' blood could wash him clean. He straightened his shoulders and walked the last steps with purpose. *** She had no more places to go, either in her mind or in the city. There was only one option left, and she needed to be quick before she lost her nerve. She could feel the darkness pressing in around her as she stepped off of the train, but she didn't falte...

  Born Again Into God's Kingdom a child is born: he sheds the rags that he has worn No more the  prison hell his fate: He shouts for joy at Heaven's gate *** Copyright: pencil in His Hand *** An eternity with Jesus awaits you if you call on Him to save you. ***

  Surrender I'm looking forward, moving on, I'm giving them all to God's dear Son: And though I'll always love them so, theyr'e safe with Jesus: I've let them go. *** Copyright: pencil in His Hand ***

  Today? As I'm frying at the stove, thoughts wander to Him: Could it be today?.... Will my spoon clatter sudden to the floor, as my feet lift, and I rise to Heaven's door? *** Copyright: pencil in His Hand ***

  Un-Distracted Talulla gathered her supplies and allowed a wave of hopeful excitement to wash through her. "Lord, please help me. Please give me the words..." God had laid it on her heart to write this story. A story that could help someone. Now all she needed was time and space. She grinned as she tossed a cupboard key towards her room-mate, Prisca. Her nearly new smart phone was safely locked away inside it. "Remember, only give it to me when I've finished my first chapter." Talulla patted the dumb phone in her pocket. "You can get hold of me on my other number." As Talulla entered the venerable old library, the smell of both musty and of freshly printed books greeted her. She took a deep cleansing breath. In that moment, she felt as though she had all the time in the world. Her story was going to be written, and with God's help, no apps or notifications were going to get in her way. *** Copyright: pencil in His Hand *** Just imagine what you co...

  Use All You Have For God's Kingdom And Glory If you are a Christian writer, write! If you are a Christian artist, create! If you are a Christian homemaker, keep your home for Christ! Whatever you are, whatever you do, do all for the Lord, as He has taught us: not for the world, but for Him. These are unprecedented times we are living in. Our world is flooded with content from the pens, paint brushes, and hands of the ungodly. Much of this content does nothing but pollute and blacken the atmosphere.  Hatred, war, anti-semitism, violence, immorality, crime, and obsessive pleasure seeking are everywhere. As the minority, we often feel impotent and weak. What can we do to make things better, and to bring light into the darkness? Well, I would advise and encourage each Christian to simply make sure that their lamp is lit. Your lamp may be small, but it can be clean and filled with oil. So, keep shining Christian! Don't give up! Keep writing, drawing, creating, working. And most i...

  Johannes Plenio. Unsplash Remembering I remembered today to look Your way, to pray. In the middle of everything. I remembered today  in the midst of chaos, pain, despair You do care and You are in my heart. I remembered today  here where it hurts, that Lord, You promised to fetch us and to take us away... *** pencil in His Hand

  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Robert Bagramov. Unsplash Dearest Readers,  I just want to keep it really simple today. I want to encourage you in these dark days with joyful thoughts of what lies ahead for each blood bought child of God. It is a command, not a suggestion that we do this. For the Lord has promised to fetch us; to hide us whilst He pours His wrath out upon the earth. No, we are not destined for wrath.  As believers, we experience much tribulation here on earth, but The Great Tribulation is reserved for the unrighteous. I have referred before to a dream I had many years ago, in which I was walking along in much anxiety whilst carrying a heavy load of books. These all tumbled to the ground as I was lifted up to meet my Lord:  Jesus, whom I confess to be my Lord and Saviour. Today, let us all remember that time is short. Like the Israelites when they were about to leave Egypt, we need to be ready, having forsaken all earthly ties. If you are not saved, read th...

  The Conversation  Gavin was so absorbed in his book, that he barely noticed that the train had stopped at a station. "Mind if I sit here?" He looked up. A young woman with friendly freckles across her nose and wide brown eyes stood in the aisle. He nodded, then smiled faintly and she quickly stowed her large backpack. "I'm Sybil." The young woman offered. "Thanks." "No problem. Travelling to Barton?"  "Nope. It's Dunmore I'm headed for. You?" "Same." Gavin was cautious. He wasn't sure he felt like a chatty companion. He'd been looking forward to finishing his book. It had hooked him from the first chapter. But thankfully, Sybil didn't bubble on. She just smiled before taking her own book out.  Gavin went back to his reading, not without noticing that it was a Bible that Sybil had opened. Unusual.   Sybil glanced towards him. She liked to study people, and would often strike up a conversation in the ho...

  Photo: Jussara Romão. Unsplash Salvation Song I woke up on that new, clear day and wondered what might be different. The previous evening had been a watershed moment in my relatively short life. I was sure that I'd turned the proverbial corner and couldn't wait to discover each sparkling discovery. My eyes widened.   He would be with me. I didn't know much, but I knew this. My energy levels were higher than they'd been in a long time. I got up, and quickly finished my morning routine. I could feel His presence; it was as though He was right beside me whilst I got myself, then my two little sleepyheads ready for the day. Morning Jesus. You see, just a few hours before, I had poured out my heart to Jesus, listed my horrible sins, and asked Him to forgive me; to save me. And He had! I was a new Alyssa now. The old Alyssa was gone. I laughed quietly to myself. Would anyone I knew even recognize me? Would Kyle. and Gabriel and Everlee? Would I even recognize myself? *** I ...

    Inspiration for Moms Scriptures, Prayers and Thoughts By Alison Lawrence  Illustrations by the author. Copyright: Alison Lawrence. 2023. All rights reserved. All Scripture quotes from the Authorized King James Version. Rights in the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible are vested in the Crown. Rights in the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible are administered in the United Kingdom by the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press. Introduction It's tough being a Mom! (Mom of six speaking here!) We need all the encouragement we can get, whether we have one, two, three or more children. The challenges begin at pregnancy and never end. As Moms we never stop loving and praying for our children. Along with the tough moments, we also experience many joys, and that is what makes motherhood worthwhile. Here are some of my favorite Scriptures for Moms and women along with prayers and thoughts for each. Chapter One Luke 9:48 “Whosoever shall receive this chil...

  Some of the children's art Laying Our Lives Down We've been busy this week with a holiday Bible school. For five days, the Gospel was shared, songs were sung, great fun was had, and hands were kept busy with crafts. My craft group consisted of grade two and three girls. A very sweet bunch! Our Pastor shared the Word around the theme of God's love, and the children were also fed with teatime sandwiches, cool drink, and lunch. It is lot's of fun, but also tiring and very hard work. Not to mention noisy and challenging at times. You can't have 130 children in one place without some nonsense! I have to admit, that I did grumble a little. The washing was mounting at home and my feet were getting sore. Yet, we all soldiered on with a smile. This was not our work. No, it is all done for the Lord. The children must have a chance to hear that God loves them and wants to forgive and save them. This morning, Matthew 16:24 came up on my phone. I include the verses which follo...

  Pray! So many people need our prayers: They need to feel that someone cares They need to know Lord Jesus too, be healed and drawn, be made brand new I think of all the suffering ones, held hostage, hurt by men with guns Some are being unfairly kept, marched away whilst mothers wept all while hungry children groan: we see their tears, we hear their moans our hearts sink low with their despair, we trust that Jesus truly cares and though we live so far away, He calls us daily, come now, pray! Listen, for He calls soon, go! Share the Gospel, ease their woe! Never ceasing in our prayers, take all to Him, the One who cares. *** Copyright: pencil in  His Hand. *** 🙏🙏🙏🙏