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

  November Inspiration Brighter My path shines brighter  as I walk with the Lord, delighting in His bright, true Word. *** Proverbs 4:18 NIV [18] The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.4.18.NIV *** Watering As rain comes sprinkling and wat'ring down, So I must be in my home or town: Singing, and sharing, and pouring love, telling of Jesus who shed His blood. *** Proverbs 11:25 NIV [25] A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.11.25.NIV *** Wisdom Stupidly, I walk away from Wisdom: I shake, and stumble, fall. But Wisdom helps me up: He strengthens me once more. He gives me everything I need: For Wisdom is my All. *** Proverbs 8:14 NIV [14] Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power. https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.8.14.NIV *** Grace Proverbs 11:16(a) [16] A gracious woman gets honor (ESV) *** L...

  Psalm 81:3 "Blow the trumpet at the New Moon, at the full moon, on our feast day." Trumpet A trumpet sounds: A royal din: Our long-awaited Groom steps in. A joyful wedding  song now plays and we will love Him all our days. *** End Times Tales: Every Little Bit Counts. Lisa's father pointed his teaspoon in her direction as his brows drew together gloomily. "What's the point? There are masses of lost people in the city. What can one girl do? Besides," he added more gently. I don't want you getting hurt. People are just plain mean these days." He waved the spoon as Lisa quietly placed her books in her backpack. "It's not the old days anymore. Just like the Bible says, people are proud and boastful; scoffers, arrogant..." "I know, Dad, but I have to try. It's what Jesus wants me to do. There's so little time left before the Rapture." "Like shovelling sand with a teaspoon." Her Dad grumbled. Lisa shook her head...

  God's Love "Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises, for God is my Defense, my Fortress and High Tower, The God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love." Psalm 59: 17. (AMP) *** Thank You Lord for loving me. I need to stop and think of this: That You love me! Perhaps because I  am a sinner unworthy; I struggle to comprehend. Now, in Your Word from start to end, I know that it is true. *** A.S.L

  A Few Poems And Thoughts Peace Set your mind on things above and learn to live in His great love. Down here we stress and rush about as loud and worldly voices shout. But as for you, don't pay them mind walk with Jesus, peace you'll find. *** I need to question myself and my motives regularly. It's not about me. Sometimes, I think my whole day revolves around the need to get to that place called "Time for Myself." I know that I am terribly selfish. Although I do much for others, I think that a lot of the time, it's all about me: my feelings, my pain, my hurt. That's the way we humans are. Only with God's help can we change or do true good. Also, I seem to always be busy with some project or other. Or book. I seem to always have a mental to-do list of projects. I struggle to just be. To be still. And there is never enough time for everything. For certain, time is short. I just know that there is no time for the unimportant. And yet, most of one's ...

A Poem, Thoughts, Photos, And Flash Fiction Focus Keep your eyes on Him, on His precious face keep your face uplifted as you walk by His grace Keep your mind on His Word, as you travel through the day go first to the Scriptures and get light for your way. *** How often don't we rush to the world for help, advice, and inspiration? We jump to videos, blogs, self-help books, influencers, and social media. Sometimes, we go to friends or to family as we look to them to solve our problems. We go everywhere but to the One True Source Of Help: God's Word. Scripture reference: Psalm One. *** Thought: Am I overwhelmed with joy as the wise men were? *** I will let the photos tell their own story:)   *** Mending My needle goes in and out, in and out of the denim. Such a small chore, yet so satisfying. There will be a patch now, and instead of trying to camouflage it, I am going to let the old jeans tell their story, with bright stitching, and an embroidered daisy. No, I am not perfect, the...

  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 ...

  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: 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...

  What is Really Important? Are you ready for Jesus' return? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV [13] But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. [14] For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. [15] For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. [16] For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. [18] Therefore encourage one another with these words. https://bible.com/bible/59/1th.4.13-18.ESV Philippians 1...

  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...

  Monday Medley: Two Stories, A Poem, And More Two Stories, plus a  poem and some thoughts and photos in this longer post Dear Readers, I thought it might be a nice idea to go back to posting several short items in one post. Hopefully every reader will find something that speaks to them.  This week, I am posting a flash fiction piece which was written to encourage folks to think about their eternal destiny. We are living in such troubled times, and I can't shake the feeling that the Lord's return is very near. Please take a moment to ask some very big questions today. My own spiritual journey began when I woke up out of the stupor I was in and began to ask questions like "Is there a God?" And "Where will I go when I die?" There is nothing worse than to go through life in a haze, numbly entertaining and scrolling oneself towards the grave. The enemy of our souls just loves it when we live like this. I pray that we will all take life and eternity a lot more se...