Christmas

 

 

"Christmas can't be bought from a store . . . Maybe Christmas means a little bit more." Dr.Seuss

 

"Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day." Helen Steiner Rice

 

 

 

Christmas is a gift of Love

that can't be bought or sold -

It's ours just for the asking,

and it's worth far more than gold ...

And this priceless gift of Christmas

is within the reach of all -

The rich, the poor, the young, the old,

the greatest and the small ...

So take God's Christmas gift of Love -

reach out and you receive -

And the only payment that God asks

is just that you believe.

Written by Helen Steiner Rice

 

 

 

 

From my home to yours, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Blessed New Year, filled with Good Health, Love, Joy, Peace In your hearts, in your homes, and where ever you might be.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

"May peace be more than a season, it is my hope that it may be a way of life" Author Unknown

 

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15

 

The Path

 

 

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

 

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

 

 

 

Isaiah 42:16

¹⁶ I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.

 

 

 

Be encouraged, and  Be Blessed

Hope to find you all doing well as you walk the paths before you.

Sincerely Dianne :)

It is still Autumn here although the colors have now faded and quietly disappeared. The fallen leaves have been swept, and blown away.There is a chill in the air and it whispers that snow will soon be on its way, along with the new season called winter.

I want to wish all my American Friends a Happy Thanksgiving as it is just around the corner. Remember, “Thanksgiving is more than a Holiday. It is an Attitude.”

Dianne © dsphotocats

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matt. 10:27-31).

"Sparrow" is the name given to several different species of birds in the Bible -- they ate grain and insects and gathered in noisy flocks. Sparrows would often build their untidy nests in the eaves of houses, but were not driven away when they built their nests in the Temple (Psa. 84:3). These insignificant little birds were such social creatures that a lone sparrow was the symbol of deep loneliness (Psa. 102:7).

In the days of our Lord sparrows were sold for a very low price -- two of them for a copper coin (Matt. 10:29). A copper coin, an asarion, was a very small Roman coin, was worth about 1/16 of a silver denarius, and was therefore worth less than a quarter in U.S. currency today. Those who were poor and could not afford to sacrifice a sheep or a goat might bring a sparrow to the Temple (cf. Lev. 14:1-7).

So insignificant were these little birds that if you bought four sparrows the seller would throw in one more for free (Luke 12:4-7). It was this extra sparrow of which Jesus said, "and not one of them is forgotten before God." His care for His creation is so great that even this extra sparrow is noted and observed by God!

The point our Lord was making is this: if God is concerned about the tiny sparrow and notes its fate, how much greater must His concern be for man, who is immeasurably greater in value than the sparrow!

God's Eye Is On Things We Deem Insignificant

Sometimes it seems that God is the only one who cares for sparrows. Cats and birds of prey like to hunt and eat them, and little boys have been known to torment them. Adults complain about how they multiply and consider them pests. Yet, Jesus said, "not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" (Matt. 10:29). It is interesting that Jesus chose the most common of all birds to teach a profound truth: in God's eyes, no one is insignificant!

God not only provides food for "the birds of the air," but He also "clothes the grass of the field" (Matt. 6:25-34). The "lilies of the field" were the scarlet poppies -- they bloomed for only one day on the hillsides of Israel, and yet in their brief life they were clothed with a beauty which surpassed "Solomon in all his glory," and when they died they were "thrown into the oven."

In the days of our Lord ovens consisted of a clay box set on bricks over a fire. When it was desired to rapidly raise the temperature of it, some handfuls of dried grasses and wild flowers were thrown inside the oven and set alight. The flowers had but one day of life; and then they were set alight to help a woman to heat an oven when she was baking in a hurry; and yet God clothes them with a beauty which is beyond man's power to imitate. If God gives such beauty to a short-lived flower, how much more will he care for man?

Surely, the generosity, which is lavished upon a flower for one day, will not be forgetful of man, the crown of His creation.

 

God Does Not Always Prevent Evil From Happening To Us

Though God does provide care for the sparrows, the fact that "not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" (Matt. 10:29) means that sometimes bad things can happen. Although He watches over the sparrows, this does not prevent them being hunted by predators. Although He watches over every one of us, this does not mean that our lives will be free from care.

God had placed a "hedge" around Job (Job 1:8-11), but allowed Satan to tempt Job (Job 1:12). In the midst of his trials he did not lose his trust in God (Job 1:21). In one of the most beautiful passages in the book of Job, we hear Job say of God, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).

We can be assured that with every temptation there will also be a way of escape. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Cor. 10:13). My brethren, there are no special cases! When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!

God's Care Continues For Us

We may not esteem the tiny sparrow, but Jesus used it to illustrate our heavenly Father's watchful care: "you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:31). If God is concerned about the tiny sparrow, how much greater must His concern be for man, who is immeasurably greater in value than the sparrow!

There is no place for worry in the life of a sparrow, and no attempt stockpile supplies for the future -- yet their lives go on. The point Jesus is making is not that the birds do not work; it has been said that no one works harder than a sparrow to make a living; the point He is making is that they do not worry. Sparrows do not strain to see into a future, which they cannot see, and do not seek to find security in the things they have accumulated for the future.

Worry is needless, useless and even injurious (Matt. 6:25-32). Worry, which wears out the mind also, wears out the body. Worry affects our judgment, lessons our powers of decision, and renders us progressively incapable of dealing with life. Worry is a manifestation of our lack of faith in God (Matt. 6:30). We need to learn to be content (Phil. 4:4-13).

In the midst of turbulent times Habakkuk said, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls -- Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Hab. 3:17-18).

God's continued care for us should bring contentment in our lives. "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

Conclusion

In 1904, a songwriter, Mrs. Civilla Martin, went to visit a bedridden friend in Elmira, New York. Mrs. Martin asked the woman if she ever got discouraged because of her physical condition. Her friend quickly responded: "Mrs. Martin, how can I be discouraged when my heavenly Father watches over each little sparrow and I know He loves and cares for me?"

On her journey back home, Mrs. Martin completed the writing of her new text, which has since been a source of much encouragement to many of God's people:

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely and long for Heaven and home, when Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, when songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him; from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

God's care for us is immeasurable -- He allowed His only begotten Son to die in our stead (John 3:16). When we consider the "riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering" this ought to soften our heart, "knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance" (Rom. 2:3-4).

God's care for us will sustain us throughout life, for "we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

God's care for us extends beyond the grave and into that home of the soul, for those who "do His commandments" have the right to the tree of life, and "may enter in through the gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14).       

His Eye Is On The Sparrow by David Padfield

 

 

 

 

 

I found this very encouraging and hope those of you who take the time to read it will be encourage also.

Hope all is well and you all have a great week ahead.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

Sunset

 

 

 

 

 

As I was walking I came upon this sunset.

It was a cold night but I didn’t notice or feel the cold while I admired and focused in on the the radiant light that filled the sky and washed over me.

The trees looked so pretty all dressed in a  lace of silhouettes.

The sky was glowing on the edge of night.

I thought to myself , there is a time for the sun to set and a time for the sun to rise.

It is all part of God’s Plan.

May the sun follow you and make your heart glow.

And may you feel its warmth where ever you go.

And when it’s dark

Just rest in Him.

And remember, The Sun Will Rise Again.

Written by Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

 Darkness Gives Way To The Light

Sunrise!

 

--------------------------

I hope you are all doing well.

ox Dianne :)

Times Are Changing

 

 

Like An Old Photograph

 

 

 

Times are changing

As leaves are falling to the ground.

A Tapestry in the making

Red and yellow,

orange and bronze

A blanket covers the grass

Summer is gone

Fall will soon pass

There is a chill in the air

As the wind blows

Times are changing

We can fight it

We can grin and bare it

We can accept it

We can embrace it

or some may even run from it

No matter what we do

We can't control it

Times are changing

What will be will be

Nature will take its course

For in everything

There is a Season.

Poem written by Dianne © (dsphotocats)

 

 

 

 

 

Every Season Is Beautiful in it’s own way.

I hope to find you all well, and enjoying life.

I know life has it’s problems, difficulties  and  challenges galore. Take heart. Your not alone. We need each other, and together we can make a difference. We were never met to go it alone.

Sorrow looks back.

Worry looks around.

“But”

Faith looks up.

True Faith and Courage

are like a kite -

an opposing wind

raises it higher.

……

 

But they that wait upon the Lord

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles,

they shall run and not be weary;

and they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

 

If you are going through a hard time, may this encourage you.

and …

If not, may you encourage someone who is.

I thank the Lord for family, and friends, and I thank the Lord that He is their at the mention of His Name.

Take care and God Bless you.

ox Dianne :)

 

 

Mourning Doves Sitting In A Tree

 

 

Making Reservations at the Bird Feeder Cafe 

 

 

 

Love was in the air on this warm Spring day

 

 

I took my camera to work a couple of weeks ago , and captured these two love birds, sitting in a tree. I had just finished for the day, and now that the days are longer I was able to have a little fun with my camera.  So on this day I was thankful for work, and play.

I haven’t been out much with my camera as I have had a lot going on with work, the house being up for sale, among other things.

I hope you are all doing well, and have a nice weekend.

These Mourning Doves aren’t white, but they reminded me of an old song. 

 

 

On the Wings of a Snow White Dove
Words and music by Bob Ferguson

On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove

When troubles surround us, when evils come
The body grows weak 
The spirit grows numb 
When these things beset us, He doesn't forget us
He sends down His love
On the wings of a dove

 
On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove

 
When Noah had drifted on the flood many days
He searched for land 
In various ways 
Troubles, he had some but wasn't forgotten
He sent him His love 
On the wings of a dove

On the wings of a snow-white dove
He sends His pure sweet love
A sign from above
On the wings of a dove .

 

 

^Matt.11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

^{Romans 8:28} And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[ have been called according to his purpose.

 

I leave you with just a few things to ponder. 

May your burdens be light, and may you find rest in Him.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

One Little Bird Sitting In A Tree

 

 

One little bird, sitting in a tree

Looking as  pretty as can be.

As she looks down

I wonder what you see

besides me,

perched way up in that tree?

 Written by Dianne dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little is me
Even Little are my eyes
But Little are not my dreams!
Need open space to fly
Want to rule the sky!
Need a song to sing
Want to unfurl my wings!
Need to unbend on twig
Want to grin & swing.

Author unknown

 

 

 

Winter Female Goldfinch I Believe

 

 

It has been awhile since I last posted. I have had a lot going on in my daily life as we all do. I am writing this on my old, but yet fairly reliable laptop, as my computer crashed a week ago today. I am waiting for a new motherboard, which is somewhat displeasing considering my PC is only a year and a half old. My old faithful but now slow laptop, is 6 yrs. old and still going, thank goodness. :)

I am very thankful that I had all my photos back-up. :) I am also thankful that I had an extended warranty and service plan so my PC is being repaired right here in my home town, and did not have to be packaged up and sent off to never, never land. They did have to send away for the motherboard, and so it may take a week or two to get it back. I am trying to stay positive, and complaining only makes one miserable, I think! I choose to be thankful. After all , it isn’t life threatening, and I try to put things in prospective.

Now on the other hand, my mom was not well, as she had a respiratory infection and was on antibiotics, and then developed shingles. That in itself was hard to deal with, and I felt so bad for her. My mom has kidney disease and this could have caused major complications for her such as Pneumonia, which could have caused her kidneys to fail, and in the need of dialysis. Again I am very thankful that she has recovered from her respiratory infection and give God the Glory.

As far as the shingles, they are now almost gone. After being on the medication for only a day, mom called me to come over as she was having some serious side-effects from the medication. She was taken off the meds immediately, and after a couple of days she was back to normal. I prayed the Lord would heal mom of her shingles as there was nothing she could take to ease her discomfort,and He did. I give God the Glory!

We now have our house on the market, and will be having an open house tomorrow. We are hoping to sell , and be able to buy a townhouse condo. We have not looked at any condos, and will not, until we get an offer on our house. The housing market is slow right now, and there aren’t many townhouses on the market either, but I am trusting the Lord, and I pray His Will be done. He knows our hearts, and also knows what is best for us. I also love our home, but would like to be able to downsize as to put us in a better financial situation, with the way the economy is these days. But, no matter what we will continue to trust our God in the good times, and the difficulties of life. Again I am very thankful for our home, our family, and friends, each one of you, and so much more.  I appreciate your prayers.

Many of you are in my thoughts and prayers this day. It is  bright sunny, and somewhat mild here today. May God be with each one of you, and I hope it is sunny where you are today, but if not, be encouraged, the sun is on it’s way, it may just take another day. Hey, before you know it, Spring will be here. Have a great day! Hope to find you all well!

Sincerely, Dianne :)

Learning From Nature

 

 

Canada Geese In Formation At Sunrise

 

 

 

In Autumn, geese instinctively fly in a V-shaped formation when they travel South for the winter. The flock all work together in unison. As each bird flaps its wings , it reduces the wind resistance of the  bird behind it. Thus , each goose cuts an easier path for the one following it. This allows the geese to cover a greater distance than if each bird flew on its own. Some fly as far north as the Arctic Circle in the spring time and some fly as far south as Mexico for the winter. It is said, that they can soar as high as twenty- nine thousand feet. Wow! That is amazing!

When the lead goose gets weary , it drops back in the formation and allows another goose to fly point. The geese at the back of the formation honk to encourage those in front of them to keep going. The geese stay in perfect V- shaped formation , and not one goose is left behind.

Just as God has prepared geese for their migration , He also takes care of us as we journey through life here on earth. He did not create us to go it alone. He planned for each of us to be in relationship with Him and each other. Through His Grace we find comfort and strength, and He uses other people to love and encourage us along lives journey. We as believers are His arms to give hugs to others. We are His hands and feet and I believe we can make a difference in this world. We can pray but we can also put love and compassion into action. Faith without works is dead but works alone will never get us to where God intended us to be.( James : Chapter 2, Verses 14-25 ).

God shines His Light through His Creation which includes us as we are made in His Image. We can come along side and honk, so to speak , to encourage someone who is feeling the force of turbulence in their life. And when you are feeling the harsh wind on your face and feeling weary, drop back in the formation for a while to receive encouragement from God and others you can rely on , so you can gain the strength  to keep going.

In Summary: God never intended for us to “go it alone” on our journey through life. He designed us to be carriers of His Grace to encourage one another.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you are all having a good week. Blessings and Peace.

xx’s Dianne :)