Winter Wonderland

We started out this morning since the main roads were not listed as closed.

Our road --was ify.

The highway -- was bad

The next road...... well, I almost got stuck on a main road, so I turned around.

Here are the videos of our trek, I didn't take them. I was driving. :D (This was approx 7:00 AM)

Consider

Love this song :)

This Past Week

I realize my posts have been very vague and few these past days. Conference season is always a whirl in my mind, October-November is a busy time of year. This past week has been particularly busy, starting with my great aunt having a type of seizure in morning meeting, to our great aunt and great uncle coming over from the old country, and finishing up with conference this weekend.

Meeting Aunt Mini for the first time was an interesting experience. I didn't know her, and yet, I did. She is similar to her sisters, and in some small way to my grandma. But strangely, it was much like looking into a pond and seeing a reflection of sorts.

Her vibrancy is incredible. Mid-eighties and can touch her toes. She is very small, I doubt if she's even 5ft. So, classy this morning for meeting, while the other night wisps of hair escaping all around. She's such fun, humorous, she reminds me of Willow in that way -- the easy humor. Her eager mannerisms remind me of Naomi. Its interesting to see where you come from.

So, that has been my week. I feel like I have not heard from any of you in forever, although I realize its been only two weeks or even just a matter of days. And hopefully, I will regain the habit of frequent posting.

~Ash

Where Could I go, but to the Lord?

Life here is grand with friends I love so dear

Comfort I get from God's own Word

Yet when I face the chilling hand of death

Where could I go but to the Lord?

Where could I go?

Oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend to save me in the end
Where could I go, but to the Lord?

Evening Thoughts

You know, I have been sitting here for about an hour, trying to organize my very scattered thoughts. I have so much I would love to write about, and yet in the same moment, I have nothing to say. I enjoyed the ministry this past weekend very much, so real, so powerful, and relaxing. Yes, this conference was most relaxing. I suppose this seems strange, are not conferences to stir the audience? I was stirred, no doubt about that, but well, strengthened perhaps? Calmed?

I am enjoying having so much to think about again!

I am pasting the link to the ministry online. Do check it out! http://www.starkrdgospelhall.com/media/?p=archive&cat=2010_conference

(The chronological order of messages begins at the bottom of the page.)

I Need You More Today

Lately, on my early morning drive to work, I have been listening to the Christian radio station on Sirius Radio (67). I love the 7-8 am hour because the selection is more like old records & "christian country". This particular song is one of my favorites. I added a few pictures to create a movie since I was unable to find a music video. (You can turn the blog back ground music off by clicking the large pause button on the right hand side, halfway down the page.)

Vaults of Knowledge

I have been recently going through my old book collection. Once upon a time, I read constantly. I have been thinking that I should read more often. So many of the old books hold secrets are long since forgotten by the general public. These are a few summaries of my favorite books, although these are brief summaries.

L. M. Montgomery & Lousia May Alcott ~

Frankly, I won't expand. These books are readily available and have been

reprinted many a time. My favorites are Blue Castle (L.M.L.) and Rose In Bloom (L.M.A).

I need not expound, just read them, you will see, although you may want to read Eight Cousins before you read Rose In Bloom (Its a sequel).

Gene Stratton Porter ~

For more detail refer to my other post on her. But my favorites are The Harvestor, Keeper of the Bees, and Laddie.

(Laddie is not about a dog, but rather a little girl and how she perceives her family. I laugh everytime I read it. )

Amy Le Feuvre ~

Oh, this author is genius when it comes to the mind and eyes of little children.

If you want to understand how I can play with children for hours, read her books.

Every book is both hilarious and serious. Amy Le Feuvre is a decidedly Christian author.

My favorites are Me And Nobbles, Probable Sons, and Christina And the Boys.

Me and Nobbles is about a little boy who is raised by his aunts and who doesn't really find much love. He has one good friend --a stick with a carved head names Nobbles. The adventures! ... ah, but you must read it for yourself.

I could expand on many many more, but my favorite is:

TheWay of An Eagle by E.M. Dell

--a British soldier in India who no one understands and whom all think strange saves the day.

(and the lady).

What can I say? Again, you just have to read it.

The Measure of A Man

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments

of comfort and convenience, but where he stands

at times of challenge and controversy."

~

I am not sure what originally brought the phrase to mind, but the phrase has haunted my mind for a few days now. The measure of a man. Was it a verse? Was it a quote? Where had I heard it? Why do I know there is more to the phrase? Thus it had been haunting me.

After pondering the phrase for quite awhile, I finally dropped it into google. (When in doubt --google, right?) Well, I really shouldn't have bothered with googling it. For the random selection from our favorite search engine was mind boggling and wasted much of my time. Of course, I strayed wayyyy off track. I did find one good quote (not the quote I seeking.)

The quote , attributed to Martin Luther King Jr., I have pasted above. I like this quote-- holds a lot of significance to it, especially, in view of who spoke the words. However, the part that struck me most was the phrase "at times of challenge".

I started to wonder on the "challenge". Specifically, challenge as in when one person's ideas are specifically challenged. I am not interested in "taking of a challenge", "the mountain hike was a challenge", or " I challenge you to a dual." I am merely interested in the following concept.

How do you react when who you are and your ideas are challenged?

Martin Luther King Jr declared the measure of a man to be where he stands at times of challenge. Perhaps, he is right. However, I was still not satisfied in my search. I think I would like to know the true "measure of a man." I think the concept would vary from person to person, or country to country. The media seems to portray the measure of a man by his strength or perhaps courage. Of course, in many aspects this appeals to us, and that is why the concept works so well for propaganda. But, no, not getting into propaganda at this point.

Some days passed before I searched the phrase in e-sword. (E-sword is an amazing program, if you are not familiar with the program, I heartily advise you to download it. Providing you have a relatively newer computer with enough memory space.)

Well, E-sword was successful. One verse. Correct number of beats/syllables. (I could only remember the rhythm.) And this was the verse:

And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits,

according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

Rev 21:17

And what does it mean? I laughed when the realization dawned on me that all this pondering lead to a rather off beat little verse that was merely describing the length of a wall! Yes, technically, I understand what the verse is saying. But what I am still wondering is --why?

Why does God specify that the measurement was according to man's measurement system, then clarifying that in reference to the angel? Why the play on words, accidental, coincidence?

I suppose it's simple, if He had said "normal measurement", we's have asked what is normal? If He had said "according to the angel's measuring stick", we'd have said we don't have an angel measuring stick. If He had said according to a man's standard measurement, we have imperial and metric arguments.

Or would we? Maybe we wouldn't even notice.

God took the time to write it, I wonder why?

~

The "All Things of Psalms"

I stumbled upon the second verse in this list last Thursday or Friday.

I never noticed it before, but its rather neat. :) So, tonight I decided to look up other times the Psalms mentoned "all things". I did not look up the Hebrew this time, the hour is late.

Psalm 8:6

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands;

thou hast put all things under his feet:

Psalm 57:2

I will cry unto God most high;

unto God that performeth all things for me.

Psalm 119:128

Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right;

and I hate every false way.

One of My Favorite Songs

You should never under-estimate the effect your actions have on your little child.

Whenever I sat on my daddy's knee as a baby/toddler, he would sing to me.

I wasn't very old because I can remember sitting in his hand, leaning in the crook of his arm.

He would sit and rock me in the Squeaky rocking chair. His voice would radiate outwards, I have never felt so warm , so safe in my life as when Dad would sing to me. I know from events that I was less than two years old. He would sing many songs (hymns), but two he sang more often than the rest: "Heaven Came Down" and "Open My Eyes". To this day these are my favorite.

I know them almost by heart. Funny thing is, even though I have tried to memorize these hymns completely, I always pull a blank at the same parts where he would forget the words. How I loved it when he sang and rocked me. The squeak always sang along. Because I always felt so warm and safe, whenever I am in need of warm safety I sing these songs. Here is "Heaven came down"

Click here">

O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget;

After I'd wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met.

O what a tender, compassionate friend, He met the need of my heart;

Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart.

Chorus

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, (filled my soul)

When at the cross the Savior made me whole; (made me whole)

My sins were washed away and my night was turned to day,

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul! (filled my soul)

Born of the Spirit with life from above into God's family divine,

Justified fully thru Calvary's love, O what a standing is mine!

And the transaction so quickly was made, when as a sinner I came,

Took of the offer, of grace He did proffer, He saved me, O praise His dear name!

Now I've a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time;

I have a future in heaven for sure there in those mansions sublime.

And it's because of that wonderful day, when at the cross I believed;

Riches eternal and blessings supernal, from His precious hand I received.

No One Understands Like Jesus

No one understands like Jesus;

He's a Friend beyond compare.

Meet Him at the throne of mercy;

He is waiting for You there.

No one under-stands like Jesus

When the days are dark and grim.

No one is so near, so dear as Jesus;

Cast Your every care on Him.

No understands like Jesus;

Every woe He sees and feels.

Tenderly He whispers comfort,

And the broken heart He heals.

No one understands like Jesus

When the foes of life assail.

You should never be discouraged;

Jesus cares and will not fail.

No one understands like Jesus

When you falter on the way.

Though you fail Him, sadly fail Him,

He will pardon You today.

The Beach

I think the first Beach Day of the Summer merits celebrating! Today was the first time at the Beach this year, definitely not normal for us. Normally, we try to get the beach more than once a summer. Love the beach!

So, at about 12:00 we grabbed the towels, beach blanket, some money, packed the milk shakes in ice, and the four of us drove up to the beach. (We are about 35 mins from the lake, white sand, sand bars, the whole bit.) Today was a bright, sunny day with a high of 27 deg: Perfect BEACH weather!

10 mins from the beach we stopped at the grocery store to pick up some junk food -- and decided to pick up lunch. So we bought coke, munchies, candy, , a roasted chicken and onion rings from the deli (free plates, forks, condiments :D). We were the best eating kids on the beach :P -- and it was good. We did of course buy way too much food, but that is half the fun.

True to the country way of life, we had no sooner spread the food out then a kid came up and asked us for a fork-- we did have an extra one. And when while out swimming a random lady chatted away, asking a dozen questions. I was tanning on the beach when a dog came along to sample the chicken bones, I jumped up in surprise, and he thought I wanted to play. Out of the corner of my eye, I located his owner up the hill. So doggie and I did a little dance up the hill. You should have seen the look on the dog's face when he saw the chicken bones! He had such a look of delight as if to say "Oh! Abandoned chicken! My favorite and no one about to stop me!"

We stayed at the beach from 1:00 to 3:00. Even as I sit writing this, I am listening to the Beach Boys, trying to make the beach feeling last as long as possible. The sun felt so good, and I am again a bright shade of reddish brown. My whole being is warm, which is marvelous, especially after last night being so cold. It was the perfect ending to August, a perfect Saturday adventure

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving,

and tell of all thy wondrous works.

~

Psalms 26:7

As for God, his way is perfect:

the word of the LORD is tried:

he is a buckler to

all those that trust in him.

~

Psalm 18:30

One of My Favorite

I love Gene Stratton Porter books. There has been only one of hers that I did not like, and I can't even remember its title. If you are able to find the originals, they usually have good illustrations.

Gene Stratton Porter (1863-1924) was an american novelist. She wrote often of nature: plants, animals, and the woods. She is best known for her book Girl of the Limberlost. Also well-

known, the book Freckles. Her husband Charles D. Porter started the Bank of Geneva in Indiana.

I think my favorite is The Harvestor. In this book, she paints a beautiful picture of a lakeside cabin. (Apparently developed from her own house she and her husband lived in near the swamp.) The hero is a man. I laugh at my lack of description, but truly, I cannot put it into words, you'll just have to read the book. He is the type of guy that makes modern novel heroes look like wimps....

We own quite a few (or rather my brother owns the books, since he bought them). Among my favorite are Laddie a story told through the eyes of a young girl -- this book is somewhat autobiographical, and Keeper of the Bees --which is about a guy who has just escaped from a army hospital....long story, again you would have to read them.

"For every bad man and woman I have ever known, I have met . . . an overwhelming number of thoroughly clean and decent people who still believe in God and cherish high ideals, and it is upon the lives of these people that I base what I write. To contend that this does not produce a picture true to life is idiocy. It does. It produces a picture true to ideal life; to the best that good men and good women can do at level best.

I care very little for the . . . critics who proclaim that there is no such thing as a moral man, and that my pictures of life are sentimental and idealized. They are! And I glory in them! They are straight, living pictures from the lives of men and women of morals, honor, and loving kindness. . . .

Such a big majority of book critics and authors have begun to teach, whether they really believe it or not, that no book is true to life unless it is true to the worst in life."
— Gene Stratton-Porter

Fimo Food

Working in conjunction with Willi Fustus & Co. , we have begun to sell the Fimo Food in little plastic bags with labels. Check out their store online The Willi Fustus Store

Fimo is a polymare clay that is soft and pliable like Plasterscene, but is cooked in the oven to harden. Fimo.com is the offical Fimo site, it has been around for along time and has recently become more popular. My aunt introduced us to

Fimo a few years back and we have been hooked ever since.

Working with the clay can be pretty tough, especially if the clay drys out. The dried out clay hardens and becomes like gum that has been chewed too long, tough and hard to work.

Fine detailing is also a bit of a challenge, but then the fun is in the challenge. These are some pictures of the Fimo Food we made these past two weeks. We sell the food to Purple Hill Togs, a company near our town that makes doll clothes to fit American Girl Dolls and other dolls. Their site is http://purplehilltogs.webnode.com/

The food is made for 18" dolls. The popular American Girl Dolls have had food accessories for a long time, but as with much of American Girl, the accessories can get pricey. The food we have been making is selling fairly fast. The diameter of the hamburger you see in the top picture is about the same as that of a 25 cent piece quarter.

Reflections of the Master's Hand

I am certainly not the originator of this analogy, but somehow the reality of this sunk into my consciousness this time. I look at how little I am and how perfectly the trail of history behind me reflects His guidance.

Being held in the master's hand. I often revel in the pure security of being in His hand. God's hand. I can trust him, even when I don't trust him I am still in the security of the hand of God. How much greater is His plan than ours. I love looking back and seeing how what seemed to be so scary, perfectly fell into place, step by step. He has painted the picture that I can only see glimpses of... I can trust Him.

But perhaps you, like me, ask how can I trust others? God knows how I have struggled with trusting. Sometimes my fear has been so great it prompted instant and irrevocable decisions that hurt innocent people. "How can I trust others?" I ask."In light of what I know of Him, and his perfection and how little I trust Someone who deserves all my faith -- how can I trust others whom I know to be mere humans like myself?"

I do not have the answers, but this helped me understand...

The Memoirs of a Simple Violin

"I thought I felt like puddy in his hands. I realize now it is more like the feeling of being handled as a valuable violin in the hands of a musician taught by a master violinist. The musician's every motion was guided by the skill imparted to him by the Master. The Master who not only taught the musician , but the Master who made me --the simple violin that I am. How thankful I am that the musician is taught by the Master, for the Master loves me more than anyone.

The Master will always love this simple violin. He has a unique love for me because He made me--me the violin. The Master is teaching the musician to love me the way He loves me.

The musician sees the value of the violin, because it is the work of the Master. Any studied musician values a Stradivarius because of its sound, quality, beauty, and its name.

The Stradivarius bears the name of its maker, Antonio Stradivari. I am called my Master's name.

In the hands of the Master, I am formed and play, and move to my Master's music. In the hands of the Master I am completed and tried. I experience, through gentle, but sometimes painful, process. I don't always sing as I should. Sometimes I am out of tune.

Sometimes I squeak or grate in awkward sharp notes. My Master fine tunes me, tightens my strings, stretching my strings -- its uncomfortable. The Master made me for a purpose. Then the Master shows the musician, whom he made me for, how to tune and play the violin, so that I will sing for him too.....

....Sometimes, the musican makes mistakes and I vibrate with hurt. Pain. But I bravely quiver as the musican's bow catches on the stings. A loud I complain. "I AM not supposed to be played this way! This is not how my Master's music sounds!" .....

....I always marvel when my Master steps in. He gently takes the bow from the musician, and lifting me in His arms: He plays. Sweet the song of the Master.

I have seen many violins thrown or given away. A squeaky violin is not appreciated by a musician. I am always amazed when my complaints are graciously forgiven.

Cast off violins are often given to children to play with. A disobedient violin is of no use to the musician. The musician looks for one of greater value. But the Master always love the violin. Sometimes, although the Master loves the violin, He must put the stubborn violin in a different place. A stubborn violin can be of no use to the musician.

But a well-tuned violin is a beautiful and useful instrument. The Master places a fined tuned violin into the hands of a loving musician. The violin is loved by the Master and the musician alike....

...the orchestra, the conductor, and the audience love a violin made by the Master, played the the Master-taught musician. The violin cannot play itself. The violin must depend upon another.

We need others in our life. The Master made us. Can we not trust the Master to care for us even in the hands of others? The Master's love and wisdom is not limited. We can trust Him with the others in our lives. "

***

I really enjoyed the little picture of the violin. There was more to the story, which I didn't included. But the part that struck me in this story was this: I can not control what others do, but I can trust the God who made me.

Random Projects: Jeans

I know many are wondering if I have disinherited them P

As I may or may not have explained.... I have been very wrapped up in current projects.

Just so you know this is not an excuse... this is my very random Saturday project.

It all started with my total lack of ambition due to sleeping too much. (Sleep was completely necessary at first, but after the lovely sleeping, I found I lacked the ambition to do anything! Experiencing lack of ambition drives me crazy. ) So, one Saturday morning, I decided to deal with my jeans...... history of these jeans: well long story short, two pairs shrunk and one pair wouldn't stay up. (Both of the shrunken pairs were from Dots, I am not sure if this is significant or not.)

I decided to cut the one pair into shorts and the other pair into caprices. Worked splendidly! The scraps caught my attention. So, I ripped the third pair apart, cutting off the waist and sewing it to the legs of the other two pairs. :D Made a knee-length skirt and matching cap -- sorry only have pics of the skirt, I couldn't find the hat just now.

I am waiting for the dawning

of the bright and blessed day,

when the darksome night of sorrow

shall have vanished far away:

when for ever with the Saviour

far beyond this vale of tears,

I shall swell the song of worship

through the everlasting years.

I am looking at the brightness -

see, it shineth from afar -

of the clear and joyous beaming

of the bright and morning Star.

Through the dark grey mist of morning

do I see its glorious light;

then away with every shadow

of this sad and weary night.

I am waiting for the coming

of the Lord who died for me;

oh, His words have thrilled my spirit,

'I will come again for Thee.'

I can almost hear His footfall,

on the threshold of the door,

and my heart, my heart is longing

to be with Him evermore.

1923

I have been listening to country lately, seem to be on a country trend--maybe its the scenic route I take to work or maybe just this time of summer. I was listening to the song I call "Wait for Me" although as I have just now found out, the song is really called "Love, Me". Anyways, the song reminded me of my 'adopted' great-grandpa, G.P. Taylor. Most know G.P. Taylor as an older preacher, he told us wild stories. One such story was very similar to this song, see, he and his-bride-to-be eloped when quite young, since her father didn't approve of the match. They hopped in his car and drove through one or two states until they found state where they could get married. The details of the story I have forgotten, but I will never forget him telling me the story. I think he was 98 at the time, and he laid on the couch chuckling to himself, and he kept interrupting himself with stories of his late wife, how good she was, how talented. I always loved when he told us stories. Anyway, enjoy. :)

(Since the blog music automatically plays, scroll down the page, click the pause button on the right hand side to stop the blog music.)

Don't strew me with roses after I'm dead.
When Death claims the light of my brow,
No flowers of life will cheer me: instead

You may give me my roses now!

- Thomas F. Healey

~hehe, like this one :D

I Can Trust You

Rebecca St. James' Song I Can Trust You

I Can Trust You

I often struggle with letting go and trusting, this song has long been a favorite and a good reminder to trust and let go of the desire to control.

"Oh! That...." The 10 "O thats" of Job

*There are at least 3 more such exclamations listed in the book of Job in the KJV, but none of those 3 are of the same Hebrew word.

O that God...

The Hebrew word מי , pronounced "me", used in direct exclamation is found 10 times in the book of Job. Athough this is often an interrogative pronoun, asking who, it is also a by oblique construction, a colloquial idom meaning "Would to God!..." Commonly phrased as "Oh that..."

The deepest yearnings of our soul are known only to God and are kept by Him.

Dare we entrust our yearnings to God, which knoweth the hearts?

The 10"O thats"of Job

1. Oh that I might have my request

2. Oh that God might speak

3. Oh that ye would hold thy peace

4. Oh that Thou wouldest hid me

5. Oh that my words were written

6. Oh that my words were printed in a book

7. Oh that I knew

8. Oh that I were

9. Oh that we had

10. Oh that One would hear

Do any of these sound familiar to you? Oh too familiar to me.

"I wish I had, God speak to me, everyone else be quiet, hide me o God, if only my words were written, if only what i had to say mattered, if only i knew, i wish i was ..., if only we had, oh that some ONE would listen"

The 10 "O that"s of Job. Job wasn't wrong to question, but he was genuinely longing for God to answer. Are we longing for God's answer, or are our exclamations really just exaggerated complaints?

Can we trust God to satisfy our need? Do we trust Him?

Job 6:8 Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!

Job 11:5 But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

Job 13:5 O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.

Job 14:13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!

Job 19:23a Oh that my words were now written!

Job 19:23b Oh that they were printed in a book!

Job 23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!

Job 29:2 Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me;

Job 31:31 If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.

Job 31:35 Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.

A letter

Sometimes I wonder what the purpose of life really is, what the is point, the purpose, the divine plan of life? As more of life that passes, the more I realize that life just doesn’t make sense. Nor perhaps is it meant to. The creation of Life is a mystery, the sustaining of Life can be a mystery –Life is a mystery.

Does a mother look at her child and wonder ‘how can this child be?’ Or a man with his bride wonder ‘how can this be?’ Maybe, no one else wonders these things ….But I wonder….not that I have every been a mother

(nor a man for that matter) but I wonder “How?”. For life, it does not make sense. Oh, it follows the typical patterns, and in many ways it can be so predictable, but close study defines nothing. Life defies being understood, I think.

There are a few things in Life which I find immensely satisfying. One of which is to bury my hands in Tobijah’s fur, his warm, soft, clean fur. It feels so deep, like you could lose your hands in his fur.

I clench my hands in his furry mien and for that moment--I am satisfied.

I sit on the porch swing as the cross breeze plays with my hair and faint cooing from mourning doves mingle with chickadee twitters.

Our porch swing is very satisfying. Or sitting close with a friend: I love the warmth – the comradeship, friendship, and the deeper sense of peace. Even more, spending time with the Lord, in the quiet of my room, listening.

I understand now why they say that dogs are good for children, since dogs love unconditionally. Tobijah doesn't mind when I grab handfuls of warm fur, he sits smiling his doggy smile.

Another thing: children. Children are so very satisfactory. Last weekend, I held my friends 7 week old baby. He lay in my lap, cooing, talking. Everytime I said "Hi", he would repeat the sound back to me. (Imagine how trilled I was.) Babies may be my weakness... so lovable. Warm. Soft. And little children are so trusting. Trusting, faithful, loving: character traits we should really be practicing. I think perhaps the fact little child pose no threat, and happy puppy dogs either is what makes us love them so. I enjoyed these verses, these verses gave a sense of purpose and comfort.

Isaiah 14:26 says "This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the. For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen:it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for

this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be

good, or whether it be evil.

These are my contemplations for the day, I have drawn no new conclusions.

Sincerely,

Ashley

World Without End

The confidence we can have in our God, if we but only place our trust in Him.

Life has a way of repeating itself, and I have been down this road before.... to my shame, I have traveled it again... the Road of Fear. "Change" has a way of looming up in front of you, casting a big scary shadow over the foot path. How I tremble at that shadow. How I should not tremble, I have no cause to fear. To night, I was gently reminded to trust.

Isa 45:17-19

...ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens;

God himself that formed the earth and made it;

he hath established it,

he created it not in vain,

he formed it to be inhabited:

I am the LORD; and there is none else.

I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth:

I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain:

I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

Nothing the Lord does is in vain, everything is with purpose. When He establishes, it is forever.

Ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded -- World with out end.