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.
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| Here's my hubby with his mother, taken last week when we visited while she was playing BINGO! |
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!"
