As I stood by my kitchen sink washing up the morning dishes, my eyes were directed to this beautiful little mug sitting on the windowsill. I ordered this mug for myself some time ago because I loved the scene on it so much...a log cabin sitting alongside a pond, with a little log cabin bird house in the foreground with a chickadee perched atop. Wildflowers dance next to the pine boughs...and it is such a peaceful, tranquil scene I just would love to walk right into it and go sit on that cabin porch beside the pond and rock and enjoy the serenity.
Since my "One Word" for 2017 is REST, this mug should be designated as my mascot for the year! And please note the verse, taken from the book of Job 37:14, is where Elihu, one of Job's "friends" is exhorting Job to "Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God." I feel as though God is also reminding me of this in His mandate to "REST". Even as I stand at my kitchen sink and look out the window, I can't help but be reminded to "Stand Still and Consider the wondrous works of God" as I enjoy watching the birds, bees, butterflies hummingbirds, and even sometimes bears and foxes passing by. And even when I can't see outside the window because the windows are so steamed up with condensation due to the very cold temperatures outside and the warmth within, (like today on this wintry day in Florida), I am still reminded of God's wondrous works...
Here are just a few of the reminders on my windowsills...
This potted plant is an Amaryllis bulb, just starting to burst forth with a new cluster of lovely red blossoms (actually this one will be red with white mixed in...still a beauty)....I absolutely LOVE to watch these plants grow almost visibly before my eyes...every day you can see new growth...and it reminds me of a new baby Christian...growing up straight and tall and beautiful as he feeds on the nourishment of God's Word and is watered daily by the grace of God, and soon blossoming with joy and beauty for the glory of God.
This little picture above reminds me to never lose hope, even when doors seem to shut in my face...because God always opens a window of new opportunity and blessing if we just trust Him and be patient....it is also the message that is the inspiration for this blog!
And who could not be blessed and encouraged to be patient by this beautiful stained glass window ornament above...with a portion of one of my all time favorite verses:
or when there is no time to truly "rest" from my labors...I can still be reminded to seek God even while doing the mundane chore of washing dishes or preparing our meals. I can stand at my window and "consider the wondrous works of God", while I "Let Heaven and Nature Sing" ...and am sometimes even known to sing along with songs of praise and worship while scrubbing and chopping and rinsing and drying...Just like the birds...they sing praises to their Creator as they gather their food for their families and bathe in the water provided...
A timely word!
ReplyDeleteI was just reading something horrible someone said on the Internet. Then I clicked over here. Relief! Also, "Consider the wondrous works of God" is the exact opposite of reading someone's words of woe and worry on the Internet... hmm.
Oh, if only everyone on the internet (and in the real world) could learn this simple truth...to "consider the wondrous works of God"...they would have such a happier countenance and be able to consider how God is working even in the difficult places of life. Yes, we need to encourage one another to keep focused on the Lord, no matter WHAT! Thank you for stopping by today. You brought a smile to my face!
DeleteWhat beautiful photos and thoughts today. Love the cup, love the kitchen window and Isaiah 40:31 is also part of one of my chosen words for this year: "Wait." I love watching the birds out my window, and listening to them, but why have I never put it together that they are singing even as they search for their food? I've always thought of them as just having a great time doing what God created them to do.
ReplyDeleteKind of like the seven dwarfs..."Whistle while you work"...Singing while we work, or the birds singing as they go about their daily tasks of gathering food...all as an offering to God, Our Creator! You know, God didn't have to give the birds a song to sing...but for some reason He did...and we are the beneficiaries of their gift. Thank you for your visit today.You brought a smile to my face!
DeleteYour posts are always inspiring and so positive! Thank you for giving us a place of peace to read through and enjoy! Love the photos!
ReplyDeleteOh Terri, I am so glad you enjoyed this...and if it can bring peace and joy to hearts while they read and enjoy the pictures, then I am blessed as well. Then I know that God was truly in the writing!!
DeleteThis is a beautiful and uplifting post. God was speaking to me about rest this past weekend. I can rest in Him and the salvation He offers. I thought about the song, "He Giveth More Grace" Have a blessed week.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love the song "He Giveth More Grace"...have sung it many times and its message always speaks to me at the right times. Thank you for stopping by today. May your week be blessed as well.
DeleteThis is a beautiful and uplifting post. God was speaking to me about rest this past weekend. I can rest in Him and the salvation He offers. I thought about the song, "He Giveth More Grace" Have a blessed week.
ReplyDeleteThe perfect mascot for 'rest'; well chosen.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gayle. I love this little mug, but I don't drink out of it because the first time I poured hot water into it for a cup of tea, it got a small crack in it. So, it became a windowsill decoration...and actually I enjoy it there even more than if it were stuck in my cupboard for an occasional cup of tea!
DeleteWhat a unique and beautiful mug, Pamela, and so inspiring as all your words are here. Each day, I look for God's hand in all His works; it gives me such peace and joy, as I know it does for you, too. Thanks for lifting up my Monday!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you Martha Jane! You are a blessing to me! Isn't it amazing how many ways and places we can see God's handiwork, if we just open our eyes to see? His fingerprints are everywhere! Have a wonder-filled and awesome day!
DeleteSuch a sweet post and God is REALLY talking to you so far into 2017 about RESTing in HIM! (I spied several little owlies!!!)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I am an owl fan too! But that's another whole story! The feathers in the cup are from a Barred Owl that was pretty special to me. Thank you for stopping by today. :) You always make me smile!
DeleteThe little reminders on your window sill made my heart sing!! I love little reminders like that, they make me pause and remember our Heavenly Father watches over us. Thanks sweet lady for your uplifting post, they always touch my heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary. I am so happy to help make your heart sing today...that is totally from the Lord! He does make our heart sing, even when skies are gray. We are so blessed to have such a Heavenly Father watching over us. Amen! Blessings, my sweet friend. You touch my heart as well!!
DeleteOh Pam! I loved this post! You have so many beautiful things around you that speak God's Word to you to encourage you along the way as you learn to rest in Him. Your pictures are beautiful!
ReplyDeletePam,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this inspiring post. We really do need to be still (and quiet) in God's presence. Oh, to enter church sanctuaries with awe, reverence, and quiet--to be in an attitude of prayer--to be open to receive, to share, to worship.
Blessings!
What lovely reminders of God's care for us. You keep a sweet, peaceful home, Pam! I found you on Quiet Spirit's blog, and so glad I did!
ReplyDeleteGrace, Jen
Welcome Jeanette! I am so glad you stopped in for a visit today. I love it when God brings new friends together this way! Such a blessing. I do hope you will come again! I will check in on you and get better acquainted! Have a blessed and peaceful day/week!
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