Wednesday Treasures~"Listen"

Way back in January of this year I decided upon the word "Listen" for my "One Word" for 2023. (You can click on that link if you'd like to go back and read about that.)

These were a few of the Bible verses that God brought to my attention at that time to reinforce this decision:

Isaiah 55:2

"Why do you spend money for what is not bread,

And your wages for what does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,

And let your soul delight itself in abundance."

and

"Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,

“This is the way, walk in it,”

Whenever you turn to the right hand

Or whenever you turn to the left."

Isaiah 30:21

and

Isaiah 43:18-19

18 "Do not remember the former things,

Nor consider the things of old.

19 Behold, I will do a new thing,

Now it shall spring forth;

Shall you not know it?

I will even make a road in the wilderness

And rivers in the desert."

Well, here we are more than 3/4 of the way through the year, and I must say that I have been "listening" for God's voice in so many places and areas of my life. It has been a year of "hearing" new things and perhaps hearing some old things over again that I didn't quite get the message right the first time.  Life is full of learning and re-learning, isn't it? As long as we are alive we should be listening for God's voice speaking to our hearts and showing us "the way..." so that we will "walk in it", and also so that we will know which way to turn when the road gets confusing.

Well, it may be a little late in the year, but I just found something extra special to help me in this journey of "listening" for God's voice...

You know how I love to sit in my Secret Garden and "listen" for God's Voice among the sounds of His creation...the birds that sing in the trees, the leaves rustling in the wind, the "still small voice" that whispers in my soul "Be Still, and know that I am God"  (Psalm 46:10),

Well, guess what I discovered recently?  My wonderful blogging friend Susie Klein over at her blog Walking Butterfly, not only is an accomplished author as she wrote the book "Walking Butterfly; Comfy Cocoon to Flying Free"

but she has now added to her publishing prowess several lovely little journal books for sale on Amazon.   You can read more about her new "creative venture" HERE. When I saw that she had one entitled "Listen", I heard a voice in my heart saying, "Yes, I hear You, Lord, I need that journal!"   

My journal arrived the other day, and I have been so excited to share it with you!

The cover of the journal is from Susie's own photograph...and the inside is a blank journal with lined pages.  Very simple, and yet profound. I am so proud of Susie for "listening" to God's voice prompting her to expand her creative gifts and sharing these unique journal notebooks with the world. God spoke, she listened and obeyed His voice...and I do believe that God is going to use this new venture to be a blessing not only to Susie as they are sold on Amazon and give her a little bit of income, but also they will be a blessing to others as we open our ears and hearts to God and "listen" for His voice around us and record those messages on these empty pages. May these journals become a blessing to each who use them and those who may perchance read them in the future.

These thoughts for the day are on a little devotional daily calendar that I've had for years. I noticed this one a couple of weeks ago and meant to share it then, but things got busy and it's taken me a few weeks to catch my breath and get back around to following through with my good intentions.

Oh wow! While I was sitting here trying to put this post together I heard something very special outside!

The familiar "honk honk honk" of the Canada Geese flying onto Still Waters Pond for the first time this fall!

Before they were done, there were at least a dozen of these beautiful birds paddling all around and enjoying their breakfast on the pond.

I had been watching for them because I noticed in my writings from last autumn that they had arrived around this time of year! So now the fun begins!

1 "All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
"Alleluia! Alleluia!"

Thou burning sun with golden beam,

thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him!
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

2 Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
ye clouds that sail in heav'n along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!

Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
ye lights of ev'ning, find a voice,
O praise Him, O praise Him!
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

(Pictures of the sunset over Still Waters Pond)

3 And all ye men of tender heart,
forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!

Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
praise God and on Him cast your care;
O praise Him, O praise Him!
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

4 Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship Him in humbleness;
O praise Him! Alleluia!

Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
and praise the Spirit, Three in One;
O praise Him, O praise Him!
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!"

Job 37:14
“Listen to this, O Job;
Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God."

Amen.

So now my challenge is to use this new little "Listen" journal to write down special thoughts that the Lord gives me while I wait on Him in the Secret Garden.  I used to do that back at our last home where I started the "Secret Garden Chronicles".  You can find many of those under the tab for "secret garden" on the right side of this blog page.  The original writings go way back to earlier years.  I need to get back into that habit again, and this little journal is going to help me (please, God?)  Or maybe I don't have to be in the Secret Garden to hear God's voice.  I just need to "listen" more carefully wherever I am.  He could be speaking to me through you, or my family, or random strangers I meet in the marketplace...literally anywhere, anytime.  I just need to "listen".  

Okay, that's my challenge. What about you?  Do you have any special "challenges" on your mind today? I look forward to hearing from you.  Have a blessed and wonderful rest of your week.

Pentecost Sunday Revisited

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the Sunday set aside to remember the day of Pentecost, which was in actuality 50 days (hence the meaning of the word "Pentecost") after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, when God sent His Holy Spirit to indwell the gathered disciples, and all who would believe.

Here is our Pastor's message from today, which is from the book of Acts chapter two. If you take the time to listen to this, I am sure you will enjoy it and learn even more about the significance of this day. Our pastor is an excellent Bible teacher. 

 

Now here's another post that I wrote about Pentecost Sunday way back in 2017. As I re-read this story, I thought to myself, "you can't do any better than this today...why not share this again?  The message is still the same and still speaks to us today, five years later."  I am sure my friend Susie Klein won't mind if I quote from her book again either.  Susie isn't doing as much blogging these days and I miss her voice here, but her book is still available on Amazon.com HERE, if you would like to read it for yourself. I highly recommend it.  Susie's blog, "Walking Butterfly, a book about love," can still be read at this link.  Perhaps if you visit her blog and become her one of her "followers", we might be able to encourage her to do more writing!!

Here is my original blog post from 2017.  I had apparently just had some surgery previous to writing this.  At least then I had a good excuse for having "fuzzy brain". LOL.  Okay, read on friends, and I hope this will bless you today:

Original Post 6/4/2017:

It's Sunday, and I know I should write something deep and spiritual. But to be honest, my brain is still a little fuzzy since my surgery...even though my surgery had nothing to do with my brain...totally opposite...but well, I won't give TMI.   Anyway, there really is something to "anesthesia brain". I realize that as I try to type here...you don't know how many times I am hitting the wrong keys and have to go back and rewrite words.  I find it is easier to just go sit in my recliner and read a book than to try and think and write and communicate.  But something drives me to at least keep trying...don't give in to it or it will become difficult to ever get back in the routine and groove...

Today is Pentecost Sunday...the Sunday set aside in the traditional church calendar to remember and celebrate the day that the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, who were gathered "with one accord in one place..." (Acts 2:1).  Acts 2:2-3 tells us that

"Suddenly there came a sound from heaven, 

as of a rushing mighty wind,

and it filled the whole house where they were sitting...

Then there appeared to them divided tongues,

as of fire, and one sat upon each of them."

Now I know that all of Christendom has discussed and debated over this event ever since it happened...and many differences in church denominations have sprung up because of the differences in opinion over just what happened here and what it meant to all Christians everywhere.  I am not going to discuss that here, but what I do want to talk about is who we are in Christ...and what this means to each of us individually.  To do that, I need to look at I Corinthians 12:4-7

rr

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

There are differences of ministries,

but the same Lord.

And there are diversities of activities,

but it is the same God who works all in all.

But the manifestation of the Spirit

is given to each one for the profit of all..."

This morning I happened to pick up my friend Susie Klein's wonderful little book, Walking Butterfly~Comfy Cocoon to Flying Free , and turned to this particular page (Chapter Ten, page 58), and I'd like to quote what Susie wrote here. I know she won't mind...she really is a very special friend of mine, whom I met through blogging several years ago...and we formed a very genuine and precious friendship that I treasure highly...  So here is what Susie says:

"The Father designed you for a purpose.

To be loved by Him and to share that love with others.

It really is as simple as that.  When we actually believe God loves us, it changes everything.

When you know you are loved, you are free to give away that love generously and abundantly.

You know there is more where it came from;

there is no need to be stingy or protective.  

Love is generous.

God likes your personality.  He thought it up and installed it in you.

Don't ask Him to change it for a bigger, louder, quieter or fancier version.

He wants to send His love to the world through your style and version.

Are you quiet, or are you boisterous?  

Are you methodical or are your spontaneous?

He enjoys that about you.

He won't answer the prayer to change the way you've been designed.

God has created you with love.

Like one of those tags that grandmas add to a hand-knitted sweater or blanket;

Made With Love.

You are made with love to share love."

I love this, Susie!  It speaks to my heart exactly what I Corinthians 12 is trying to get across to us (if you read the whole chapter)...We are created for the purpose of serving God with the gifts that He, through the Holy Spirit, has instilled in us.

Now, one may think that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have nothing to do with our personalities or how we were made...but I beg to differ.  I believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit enhance and build upon the qualities and traits God has already built into us.  The Holy Spirit takes our propensity for boldness and fills us with the ability to use that gift for God's Kingdom.  He takes our capacity for love and gives us the desire to spread His love wherever we are.  Whatever our particular gifts and strengths are, when filled with God's Holy Spirit...those strengths are magnified and utilized for His glory throughout the world. God made us in His image, with love, and when we become His children by salvation through Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit seals us and empowers us to become all that He intended us to be from the beginning of time.

Jeepers, "It's Sunday, and I know I should write something deep and spiritual!"  Wow!  I guess the Holy Spirit did intend for me to write something from His heart to ours...and I thank Him for the inspiration...and I also thank my friend Susie Klein for her very heartfelt, honest, and down to earth book that has deeply touched my heart in so many ways.  God is using her gift to bless you and me and others today as well...and I know Susie would be very humbled and blessed to know this.

Lord, I am so thankful for Your gift of the Holy Spirit, Who came down to us at Pentecost so many years ago, and Who continues to indwell, embolden, give gifts, and empower us today to serve You and stand strong in the face of countless foes and dangers in life.  Thank you for Your gifts that give us the words to speak when needed, the capacity to love others as You have loved us, and the wisdom to know what, when , and where to be available and at Your service.  Without Your Holy Spirit guiding us we would be lost and confused and unable to be of much help in any situation.  Our own personal traits and qualities are wonderful, but when filled with Your Spirit they become tools for Your glory in Your Kingdom.  Thank You, Lord, for taking the time to shape us and mold us after Your will.  In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

Back to the present:  

It is currently pouring down rain here on Still Waters Pond.  We sure needed the rain.  As the rain comes down and replenishes the earth and the pond, I pray that God's Holy Spirit will also "rain down" on us once again, and pour out His power upon us, restoring our strength and courage and energy to stand strong in the face of so much opposition in the world.  We truly need God's Holy Spirit power indwelling us more than ever in these evil times.

Our choir sang this song this morning.  I wish we had recorded us singing it along with the pastor's message above, but here's a recording of the composer of the song, Jamie Cortez, singing it with his wife.  

I hope you will enjoy it and sing along.

“Rain Down” by Jaime Cortez 

(Refrain) 

RAIN DOWN, RAIN DOWN, 

RAIN DOWN YOUR LOVE ON YOUR PEOPLE, 

RAIN DOWN, RAIN DOWN, 

RAIN DOWN YOUR LOVE, GOD OF LIFE.

 

Faithful and true is the word of our God. 

All of God’s works are so worthy of trust. 

God’s mercy falls on the just and the right; 

full of God’s love is the earth. 

(Refrain) 

RAIN DOWN, RAIN DOWN, 

RAIN DOWN YOUR LOVE ON YOUR PEOPLE, 

RAIN DOWN, RAIN DOWN, 

RAIN DOWN YOUR LOVE, GOD OF LIFE.

We who revere and find hope in our God

 Live in the kindness and joy of God’s wing. 

God will protect us from darkness and death; 

God will not leave us to starve.

 (Refrain) 

RAIN DOWN, RAIN DOWN, 

RAIN DOWN YOUR LOVE ON YOUR PEOPLE, 

RAIN DOWN, RAIN DOWN, 

RAIN DOWN YOUR LOVE, GOD OF LIFE.

God of creation, we long for your truth; 

You are the water of life that we thirst, 

Grant that your love and your peace touch our hearts, 

all of our hope lies in you. 

(Refrain)

RAIN DOWN, RAIN DOWN, 

RAIN DOWN YOUR LOVE ON YOUR PEOPLE, 

RAIN DOWN, RAIN DOWN, 

RAIN DOWN YOUR LOVE, GOD OF LIFE.

Amen!

It's Pentecost Sunday...

It's Sunday, and I know I should write something deep and spiritual. But to be honest, my brain is still a little fuzzy since my surgery...even though my surgery had nothing to do with my brain...totally opposite...but well, I won't give TMI.   Anyway, there really is something to "anesthesia brain". I realize that as I try to type here...you don't know how many times I am hitting the wrong keys and have to go back and rewrite words.  I find it is easier to just go sit in my recliner and read a book than to try and think and write and communicate.  But something drives me to at least keep trying...don't give in to it or it will become difficult to ever get back in the routine and groove...

Today is Pentecost Sunday...the Sunday set aside in the traditional church calendar to remember and celebrate the day that the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, who were gathered "with one accord in one place..." (Acts 2:1).  Acts 2:2-3 tells us that

"Suddenly there came a sound from heaven, 

as of a rushing mighty wind,

and it filled the whole house where they were sitting...

Then there appeared to them divided tongues,

as of fire, and one sat upon each of them."

Now I know that all of Christendom has discussed and debated over this event ever since it happened...and many differences in church denominations have sprung up because of the differences in opinion over just what happened here and what it meant to all Christians everywhere.  I am not going to discuss that here, but what I do want to talk about is who we are in Christ...and what this means to each of us individually.  To do that, I need to look at I Corinthians 12:4-7

rr

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

There are differences of ministries,

but the same Lord.

And there are diversities of activities,

but it is the same God who works all in all.

But the manifestation of the Spirit

is given to each one for the profit of all..."

This morning I happened to pick up my friend Susie Klein's wonderful little book, Walking Butterfly~Comfy Cocoon to Flying Free  (Available HERE on Amazon.com) and turned to this particular page (Chapter Ten, page 58), and I'd like to quote what Susie wrote here. I know she won't mind...she really is a very special friend of mine, whom I met through blogging several years ago...and we formed a very genuine and precious friendship that I treasure highly...  So here is what Susie says:

"The Father designed you for a purpose.

To be loved by Him and to share that love with others.

It really is as simple as that.  When we actually believe God loves us, it changes everything.

When you know you are loved, you are free to give away that love generously and abundantly.

You know there is more where it came from;

there is no need to be stingy or protective.  

Love is generous.

God likes your personality.  He thought it up and installed it in you.

Don't ask Him to change it for a bigger, louder, quieter or fancier version.

He wants to send His love to the world through your style and version.

Are you quiet, or are you boisterous?  

Are you methodical or are your spontaneous?

He enjoys that about you.

He won't answer the prayer to change the way you've been designed.

God has created you with love.

Like one of those tags that grandmas add to a hand-knitted sweater or blanket;

Made With Love.

You are made with love to share love."

I love this, Susie!  It speaks to my heart exactly what I Corinthians 12 is trying to get across to us (if you read the whole chapter)...We are created for the purpose of serving God with the gifts that He, through the Holy Spirit, has instilled in us.

Now, one may think that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have nothing to do with our personalities or how we were made...but I beg to differ.  I believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit enhance and build upon the qualities and traits God has already built into us.  The Holy Spirit takes our propensity for boldness and fills us with the ability to use that gift for God's Kingdom.  He takes our capacity for love and gives us the desire to spread His love wherever we are.  Whatever our particular gifts and strengths are, when filled with God's Holy Spirit...those strengths are magnified and utilized for His glory throughout the world. God made us in His image, with love, and when we become His children by salvation through Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit seals us and empowers us to become all that He intended us to be from the beginning of time.

Jeepers, "It's Sunday, and I know I should write something deep and spiritual!"  Wow!  I guess the Holy Spirit did intend for me to write something from His heart to ours...and I thank Him for the inspiration...and I also thank my friend Susie Klein for her very heartfelt, honest, and down to earth book that has deeply touched my heart in so many ways.  God is using her gift to bless you and me and others today as well...and I know Susie would be very humbled and blessed to know this.

Lord, I am so thankful for Your gift of the Holy Spirit, Who came down to us at Pentecost so many years ago, and Who continues to indwell, embolden, give gifts, and empower us today to serve You and stand strong in the face of countless foes and dangers in life.  Thank you for Your gifts that give us the words to speak when needed, the capacity to love others as You have loved us, and the wisdom to know what, when , and where to be available and at Your service.  Without Your Holy Spirit guiding us we would be lost and confused and unable to be of much help in any situation.  Our own personal traits and qualities are wonderful, but when filled with Your Spirit they become tools for Your glory in Your Kingdom.  Thank You, Lord, for taking the time to shape us and mold us after Your will.  In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.