What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Monday, January 30, 2017

The Secret Garden Chronicles-Day 7- Some Good News


I really need this today...



Just as I was preparing to sit down at my computer tonight to "transcribe" my notes from this afternoon's journal writing in the Secret Garden, the power went off!  We weren't having any kind of storm, so it must have been some kind of accident or a transformer blowing somewhere.  Anyway, we enjoyed about an hour of candlelight and peace and quiet with no television or other noise.  We actually sat in the softly lit living room and started telling stories and having real conversation instead of talking back to the TV. (Does anyone else do that?)  I was almost sorry to see the lights come back on, except for the fact that it is rather chilly here, going down in the 30's tonight, so I am thankful that we will have heat and lights and our pump can pump our water again!  And, I can now sit here and write to you!

Now, back to The Secret Garden Chronicles, written this afternoon...

As I sit down in the garden today, I feel a deep sense of relief.  
Here's my hubby with his mother, taken last week when we visited
while she was playing BINGO!
It's been a busy morning, going to visit my mother in law in the nursing home,
and then also meeting some of my husband's relatives for lunch prior to their going to  visit at the nursing home as well.  

It was very refreshing to spend time with them...strong Christians with very similar interests and feelings as we have on many topics concerning the current political climate in our country...and the constant barrage of negative news on the air waves.  It is so comforting to be with people who are like-minded and Spirit led.

Thank You, Lord, for putting Your people together at the right time and place!




Here's my mother in law on the bottom right, with her cousin on the left, and her nephew and lovely wife on the back row. She was very pleasantly surprised to see them!

By the way, my mother in law told us today that she loves this place and doesn't want to leave!  That was a great bit of news...and a real comfort to us to know that she is adjusting so well to her "new home".  She is making new friends and loves all the activities, as much as she is able to do.  God has truly answered our prayers.

Now, back to the Secret Garden...again...



As I come before Your throne, O Lord, quiet my heart, mind, and spirit so that I can focus my thoughts toward You.



"Father, I adore You;
Lay my life before You;
How I love You.

Jesus, I adore You;
Lay my life before You,
How I love You.

Spirit, I adore You;
Lay my life before You,
How I love You."

I can almost hear the echo of this "round" in my head as I sing...other voices join in unison, and then in a three part round.  So melodic, touching the very chords of my heart.  I may be here in this garden alone, but with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit all present...we are ONE!

Dear Friends, Won't you sing along with me? I hope you know this worship song...

"Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy,
Lord God Almighty.
And we lift our hearts before You 
as a token of our love,
Holy, Holy. Holy, Holy.

Gracious Father, Gracious Father,
We're so blest to be Your children
Gracious Father.
And we lift our heads before You 
as a token of our love,
Gracious Father, Gracious Father.

Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus,
We're so glad that You've redeemed us,
Precious Jesus.
And we lift our hands before You
as a token of our love,
Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus.

Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit,
Come and fill our hearts anew,
Holy Spirit.
And we lift our voice before You 
as a token of our love.
Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
And we lift our hearts before You 
as a token of our love.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah."

While I was sitting here singing, my sweet son came and put this sign up in the Secret Garden...in a location where I will see it as I sit down to worship and pray and write.  I wanted it there before me to remind me each day that as I enter this sacred place, I am to stop what I am doing, BE STILL, and  KNOW that God is present...He is here, and He asks me to acknowledge His Presence.


Maybe it will help the chickadees to be still as well...



It's so easy to become distracted by the things of the world, even here inside this beautiful place, which is set apart expressly for communion with God.  If I don't leave my worries and frustrations at the gate when I enter, it will be difficult to open my heart and mind to what God is wanting to say to me.









Today I was directed to read Psalm 45:1-7
(My Bible notes state that "This great Psalm of the King, with Psalms 46-47, obviously looks forward to His advent in glory."  (The New Scofield Study Bible, NKJV)
I really love this first verse...I felt like it was written just for me:

1> "My heart is overflowing with a good theme.
I recite my composition concerning The King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer."

2> "You are fairer than the sons of men.
Grace is poured upon Your lips;
Therefore, God has blessed You forever.

3> Gird Your sword upon Your thigh,
O Mighty One,
with Your glory and Your majesty.

4> And in Your majesty ride prosperously
because of TRUTH, humility, 
and righteousness.
And Your right hand shall teach You 
awesome things.

5> Your arrows are sharp in the heart
of the King's enemies.
The peoples fall under You.

6> Your throne, O God, is FOREVER and EVER!
A scepter of righteousness is
the scepter of Your Kingdom.

7> You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God,
has anointed You with the oil of gladness
more than Your companions."

I really became excited while reading this passage about our Lord, Jesus Christ, The Mighty One, The King. I can envision our Lord, the King of kings, riding in glory and majesty, and His throne is FOREVER!  A scepter of righteousness...and He is riding on the clouds, coming to gather His Bride, The Church and all the saints of old, and take us into heaven...where we will reign with Him -FOREVER!  What a glorious day that will be...

In Revelation 22:12-13  Jesus says:

"And behold, I am coming quickly,
and My reward is with Me,
to give to everyone one 
according to his work...

I AM the ALPHA AND THE OMEGA,
THE BEGINNING AND THE END,
THE FIRST AND THE LAST!

Verse 17:

"And the Spirit and the Bride say, "COME!"
And let him who hears say, "COME!"
And let him who thirsts come...
Whoever desires, let him take
the water of life freely..."

Verse 20:

"He who testifies to these things says,
"Surely I Am coming quickly."
Amen, even so,
COME, LORD JESUS!"

After a difficult week, with a lot of contention in the news and our world, these thoughts of Christ returning for His Bride are very comforting to me.  It is my prayer that this will be a comfort to you as well, my friends.  When we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior and Coming King, we have nothing to fear about the future.  And that is GOOD NEWS!!!

15 comments:

  1. Hello Pam, I am so glad to hear that your mother-in-law is enjoying her new home and surroundings. I know that has to make your hearts lighter!

    What a special son you have when it comes to those signs. He does such an excellent job.

    Thank you for sharing your chronicles with us. It is so precious to hear what the Lord is teaching you and speaking to your heart. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy it with you.

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    1. Thank you Diana, for your words of confirmation and encouragement. You are a blessing to me. Yes, we are thankful that my MIL is adapting so well. That is such a comfort. And yes, my son has a real gift for making special signs...he actually does that for a living right now...and I am fortunate to receive a lot of his "samples". God is good. Thank you for being here with me in the garden. I feel the presence of so many, especially when I sing...I can hear you all joining in. Maybe someday we really shall be singing together! Perhaps in a heavenly choir! What a glorious day that shall be!!

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  2. Looks as if you are certainly enjoying all that you intended your secret garden to be. I love reading how your heart is drawing closer to the Lord.
    Those signs are WONDERFUL! Perfect for your garden.
    Lovely photos and your mother in law is precious.

    God bless you ~

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  3. Looks as if you are certainly enjoying all that you intended your secret garden to be. I love reading how your heart is drawing closer to the Lord.
    Those signs are WONDERFUL! Perfect for your garden.
    Lovely photos and your mother in law is precious.

    God bless you ~

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    1. Thank you Debbie. It is a beautiful, peaceful place, and I find that I can't wait to spend that precious hour there each day...and feel cheated if I can't get out there soon enough! God is there waiting whenever I come, so I need not fear that He will not wait for me. Thank you for visiting here with me. Such a joy.

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  4. Replies
    1. "The Trumpet shall sound".....and we shall be changed.... Oh yes...Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky!

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  5. Knowing Christ will come for us, we need not have fear, no matter what is going on in this world. Thank you for uplifting us today, Pamela!

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  6. How comforting for you to know of your mother-in-law's peace of mind.

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  7. "...mother in law told us today that she loves this place and doesn't want to leave! "

    What a blessing that is! You hear so many sad stories, it's so encouraging to hear good news.

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  8. Isn't it wonderful how Our Lord works in our lives! It's wonderful to know your mother-in-law is happy in her home. Thank you for sharing with us dear Pamela. Have a day of blessings.

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  9. Pam: It is a blessing that your mother-in-law likes "her new home." It sounds as if you are getting the rest you need in your secret garden. I had to get out my hymnal to discover that I had not heard any verse except the first one of "Holy, Holy, Holy." Thanks for sharing those other verses with us. Added Blessings to you.

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  10. How comforting to know your mother-in-law is happy in her new home! Such a blessing! And speaking of blessings....thank you for another thoughtful and heartfelt 'lesson' for us today! We all get to enjoy your lovely secret garden!

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  11. Pam, I'm happy for all of you that your mother-in-law is happy in her new home! Her contentment makes it easier on everyone. I was familiar (and sang out loud with a round going on in my brain) the first praise chorus. The second one didn't seem familiar to me. In this old world that is dying, I'm so thankful we have Jesus!

    Blessings!

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  12. I really like the fresh perspective you did on the issue. I will be back soon to check up on new posts! Thank you!
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