Listening and Living in the Moment with God

Aren't you thankful for God's constant reminders? The Bible is alive, His Word still speaking. The fact that God wants this constant fellowship, intimacy, with his children. This is a blessing!

Today I was reminded to listen to God's voice through the Word. Reading from I Samuel, Samuel was obedient to Eli's words, to listen to what God was saying to him. He was then obedient through his life. 3:19 says that Samuel did "let none of his words fall to the ground". How many of my words fail? I am thankful for this reminder.

"And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee, Holy Father; keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are." John 17:11

Am I too busy to listen to every Word of God?  ...going about doing the things, the 'good works' that I think I must do? ...going about, piously judging other's actions and motives (as if I'm free to)...so busy that I cannot hear and see what my Lord would have me do TODAY?  The reminder to me today was: Identify with Him through reading the Bible this morning, then moment-by-moment, actively walking in it (and ONLY in it). He reminded me that the Christian life is to be lived momentarily, in His will. Is there sin? confess it and move on with Him in the NOW. Have I heard God's voice through His Word today?

He does not give up on true believers. I am thankful for a real heavenly Father who keeps reminding us of what we are to do.

I am also so glad that you stopped by Darling Hill this morning. I hope it's a special day for you!

This thick ice on the apple tree was not from today, but last year. We are experiencing pretty mild temps right now, actually.

Grandpa's barn, down the road. This is my Mom's homeplace.

Abounding in Adaptation!

"Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and how to abound; everwhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."                                      Phil 4:11-13

To be content in whatever state I am! It is really something that the Lord teaches us. I pray that I may learn it, as Paul had. He learned these things by God's grace and strength, repeatedly putting obedience into action, no doubt.

We have been seeing so many show shoe hare tracks on Mom's lawn this winter, though we do not see the hare. By God's plan, the long, brown rabbit turns snowy white so that he can "abound" throughout the Winter, with less possibility of being caught by the local fox or coyote.

I am reminded of the chameleons that we had as "pets" throughout my childhood. They were not your typical pet, but we did take them out and hold and pat them regularly. They were very loved reptiles! My Dad was not fond of dog and cat hair (though he did suffer our black cat, Angus). Chameleons did not smell bad & I never really thought of what a strange companion mine was until many years later! During Bible study last night my friend, Sarah, and I were sharing the importance of being able to change course in the midst of a day in which we had "planned" out our way. It is good to have a plan, but just how well do we handle it when the Lord takes us by the shoulders and turns us in another direction? The study is from Proverbs 31. This woman of excellence and virtue, no doubt, handled "going God's way" very well. In reading the text, she had obviously become a master of adaptability.  Our chameleons' color could be a bright green while lying on the green grass or a smooth leaf bed, then turn almost immediately tan or brown as they move to a branch. God had made them in such a wonderful way --"fearfully and wonderfully made", that they could get through life successfully, without being devoured by the enemy (of course, we know that this is an imperfect analogy, some of them just need to be food!)

This morning I read the verse, "God gave them their heart's desire, but sent leanness into their soul." An unwillingness to go God's way (repeatedly) brings "lack" to the life. To only want "my way"; to pull free of God's gentle nudge to turn about, is to bring lack of full fellowship with this perfect Father. Sometimes He will give us our request, but send leanness into our soul. What a sad way to continue through the Christian life. It truly opens us up to being devoured by the Enemy.

Syd and I looked out our back window a few weeks ago, to see a beautiful ermine crawling along the floor of our porch. His stark, white body was so striking against the brown floor! Imagine if he had refused to change color this year --if he had gone against nature and stayed his brown little weasel-self. For one thing he would not have survived out there in the white, winter world. Because he was in God's will he showed God's glory. It's another way of looking at it, but while this little ermine was out of his element (against the brown floor) he really showed up. He was white, in God' will, and the Lord protected him until he could get back to the shelter of the ground-floor again.

As I step out the door, there are those little snow shoe hare tracks, crossing our driveway. One day I hope to spy him and remember again God's provision of abounding through adaptation. The lessons in nature are truly endless. I am thankful to live in a place where these are all around us. I hope that you are safe in the snowstorm (or whatever storm you may be experiencing at this time). Please visit Darling Hill again soon. Take care and have a wonderful day.

Giving Drink to my First Love

"Give me to drink...If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give  me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water."                 John 4:7,10

Recently we have been going through the book of Revelation in our morning messages at church. In the letter to the church at Ephesus, the Lord used John to write, "..Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee; because thou has left thy first love." (2:4).

Many years ago I heard a message which stood out in my mind. It was about my "first Love". The preacher (I am not sure of his name now) claimed that the Christian's first love is Jesus Christ himself. Through all these years I have 'known' (in my own heart) that the person of Jesus Christ is who it must mean when Revelation 2:4 speaks of this. It may not be all that "first love" is, but when the Word says that "...when Christ, Who is our LIFE, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory." it reminds me that He is my very life. It is HE whom I received when I received new life. He alone is my "first love". It may mean other things than this, as many commentators and holy men of God ascertain, but to me it is Jesus Christ Himself.

Thinking on these truths this morning and having read the quote, "give me to drink", I am asking myself; How much joy have I been giving to my Lord Jesus Christ this week, this month, this year? Are the things in my life bringing joy and cheer to His heart? Have I shown Him kindness in "giving Him to drink"? today? yesterday? How full of extravagant love are my actions toward Him? any fuller than they were when I was newly related to Him?  Does He find me recalling the time when I did not care for anything but Him? I am praying this morning that in the areas where I see that I have "left Jesus Christ off" or out, I will repent and do the first works.  This needs to be done right now, momentarily, every time I see that I have "left" Him.

All God wants is our HEART; an honest and true heart that keeps short accounts with Him, our FIRST LOVE.

I pray that if you know the Lord and have left Him off in any area, that this will be a help to you spiritually. I know these musings have been good reminders to me today. Thank you so much for stopping by the Hill this morning! Have a blessed day.

Building, By God's Grace

It's dark and still here on the Hill the morning, and I listen to the rain pelting the tin roof over the porch. The driveway is coated with a thick ice. When my sweetie will don his "grips", I know it's icy. He did come back in and slip them over his boots after trying the walkway when he left for work at 5 a.m.

I think I already posted this on a previous day, but speaking of ice this morning made me think of this peaceful pic of our front door with the icicles.

Syd's workplace is so busy these days. He starts at 6:00 in the  morning and tonight goes back from 5:00-8:00 for a few extra hours of work. He'll stay in town rather than drive the 19 miles home for just a couple hours. He assured me that a veggie supreme would be on the plate for supper. I packed him a good lunch, but just not enough for supper too! I read a quote today, "help me to focus on making a life, not just making a living." We all know this, but it's good to be reminded once in a while. Life can get SO busy. I am thankful for some the extra hours Syd can put in, as well as the job God has given me through the P.O., but am so much more thankful for the days that I can be home, doing some "building". On a day off last week, I was listening to "Sunshine on the Soapsuds" over WMUU radio station. These really do bless my heart. If you've listened, Beneth Peters Jones' little teaching begins with a quote that reminds us to let God teach us these things that will help us be "building rather than battering your homes." (not an exact quote) They've now changed the word "battering" to something else, but I liked that word.

How easy it is to "batter" things down. My friend Sarah and I have started a Bible study together. It is "A Virtuous Woman, A Closer Look", from Proverbs 31. Without putting the Lord first, we have the power to pluck our house down with our own hands. I am thankful that the Lord is all-powerful and that He is doing the work of making me more like His Son, Jesus.

Much has been happening in our lives, but here is a big highlight. Our nephew was married! I'll post just a few of the photos. It was a lovely wedding. A couple of these pics are Mom with her grandchildren and with great granddaughter, Meg.

with Willow and Jason...

...with Dustin and Bethany

 I'm sorry that I missed putting in a photo of Mom with Loken and Ahren...I don't have one from the wedding!

Machias and Diana! expecting their 2nd child soon!

Mother and sisters of the groom. Love this photo!

As you can see, Meg was a good subject. Isn't Jessie a beautiful bride?!

 I just loved this angle, but you can't see their faces, sorry

I handed my camera to Megan and she went around taking many good photos. She took lots of these, actually.

so sweet!

Syd and I have been praying for many of our neighbors here in town. We were thrilled that Carl and Tina came to Dallas' wedding! it was a good opportunity to spend time together in a place where the Gospel was clearly given. Please pray for many of our neighbors near Darling Hill.

The rain has slowed down considerably and I believe I'll get dressed. I'm so glad you stopped in this day. Take care!

Happenings Here!

I cannot believe it's been a couple weeks since I've posted anything from Darling Hill! We're still here. It has been a chilling 15 below zero (sometimes a bit colder) and today's 40 feels like a heatwave. The doggies were so happy to be out running around in our sticky snow today. Squirrels still hanging off Mom's feeder at lunchtime. She and Sarah said that there were four of them out there this morning. Sarah goes out with a stick and threatens them good. We watched the red polls flitting all over the feeder after the threatening beasts were gone - no, not Sarah. The red polls come in droves. I believe they must just make their rounds between all the neighbors. They'll be gone for a few hours, then return to feed. As I was getting ready to go back to work the birds returned, only to find the squirrel had come to devour more seed. The flock of birds just covered the ground. It is a yearly occurence, but one that thrills us anew each year. The white field, just speckled with little brown birdies!

Mom went through a period of having no phone. Something must have chewed it or water got into a junction (though Syd checked the breaks and dried them out) Thanks to my wonderful hubby, our GO-TO man, she's up and running again. This time we had to run her phone line above the snow though, until Spring when we can get it into place correctly. In two more weeks we will have 200+ snowshoers hiking over Darling Hill. Syd is debating unhooking the phone the night before, to avoid any accidental tripping or "clipping" of the wire. It will probably be best. Our town hosts a Snow-shoe-a-thon each year. It is a fundraiser that has become very popular. Hikers, from all over the surrounding area, travel through the woods below Darling Hill, then come out right on top (where they enjoy the beautiful view). From there they make their way through Mom's field, then the neighbors field and woods to the Mountain School. Sorry for the fuzzy pictures!

I'm sorry we've been a bit out of touch here these days. Life is flowing along. The Lord is answering prayer in so many ways, and in the area of Mom's life. Thanks, all of you who have prayed for her and have sent beautiful notes. She is doing better and just has an occasional down day (as we all do). I'm thankful that she turns to the Lord and His Word, which is a wonderful example to me, as well as to all who know her. I keep reminding her that the Lord is using her in the lives of everyone she touches. Thanks for remembering her still.

The other morning I was heading to work, camera on the seat beside me, when I saw a HUGE bird (thought it was an owl) in the tree over the dirt road. Here he is:

This turkey was way up above the road. Till he raised his head I did not know what kind of bird it was

This is what I saw at first. Doesn't he look like a huge owl?

I will say goodbye for now. I'm so glad you haven't given up on us here. Will try not to wait so long between posts next time! Thanks for visiting.

An Important Matter of Prayer

We've probably all been in a situation where a loved one is going through heartbreak and fear, yet feel helpless to be able to comfort them way down in the depths of where they're hurting.  Only the Lord can reach down into their soul and calm these kind of fears. We could use much prayer in this area at this time on the hill.

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ." I Thess. 5:23

Praise God, this is the first verse He led me to this morning and it has brought much comfort to my spirit. The God of peace can and will preserve our spirit, soul and body! When someone is going through a period of bodily sickness, even grave sickness, at least we can be there with balms and warm blankets to help bring comfort. It's at these "helpless" times though, that I need to remember that the Holy Spirit's sanctification and preserving is much more powerful than any creature comforts I or anyone else could administer. I would offer this as an 'unspoken request' to any of you readers who might be willing to pray for my dear mom. Some of you know her well and know that she's always been the most devout and caring woman who walked the earth. The battles are strong right now and she needs God's people to uphold her.

"When I am afraid and upset..."

"Rejoice evermore,

pray without ceasing,

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Quench not the Spirit.

Despise not prophesyings.

Prove all things; hold fast that which his good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul

and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.

Brethren pray for us."  I Thessalonians 5:16-25

This was simply an idea that came while I was reading this morning...perhaps a half sheet of paper, bookmark-style, with the title sticking out enough to be seen (of course there are many more comforting verses that could be written on this sheet. I was reading these today, that is why I put them here). It is yet another way to physically try to "help", knowing that only the Lord can use the verses contained on the sheet. When we visited her yesterday, it was nearing the end of a very emotional time. Without going into details, thankfully the Lord brought us along and we were able to talk about the Word and the faithful way the Lord had led through the years, etc. Obviously, I have a very difficult time leaving a situation so important as this without trying to fix it. I am learning that I can't fix everything. All we can really do is leave these things in the Lord's hands, but if you would add to that prayer, if there's anything we as a family and church family can do that will help her, may He show us.

I'm so glad you stopped by Darling Hill today and thanks for praying for these serious matters.

I could post wonderful photos of Mom all day long. She's the most faithful, happiest, most well rounded person I have ever known. Here are a few (only a few) of the hundreds of facets of Mom:

Mom and granddaughter, Bobbi Jo

Always ready for some fun!

...a wonderful artist

She and Danny on her prayer rock

with the great grand kids, Tristan and Beth

While building our house, Mom helped keep the fire going every day

She and Velora

A quiet afternoon with Ruger

The Simple Walk

I have just realized that I have not sent out a post since the new year began - Happy New Year, all! Our January 1st dawned (12:05 a.m.) with a phone call that a dear friend and saint of God, Eddy Grant, was called home to be with his Lord at 11:15 p.m.  What a way to start the new year for Eddy -to be present with the Lord! We will miss him, but we'll be together again someday. He and my dad, along with so many other of their friends, are together with the Lord right now. It is a joy to think about.

This morning I read the account of Martha approaching the Lord Jesus as He neared Bethany. The statement, "Lord if thou hadst been here my brother had not died," was followed up with, "But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." That faith that Martha was showing really spoke to my heart.

What is it about living in America today that has taken our faith away? Where is the simplicity of walking step by step with Jesus and expecting Him to answer prayer, sustain us in trials and take away the sin in our lives as we yield it up to Him? Don't get me wrong, I know MANY, many Christians who live this way. Why not all believers? When the Bible says that we can hide God's Word in our heart, that I might not sin against Him, why don't we? Bible memorization used to be the first thing I would work on when I opened the Word in the morning. I try not to make 'resolutions' in the new year, but if there is one RESOLVE I have this year, it is to spend time daily in memorizing God's Word and asking Him to use it throughout the day, to remind me and sustain the morning 'renewal of mind' that took place that day.

One other thing that led up to these thoughts was a statement my Mom made the other day. I can't quote her, but she was relaying the fact that she had been grumbling and complaining to the Lord about some situation in her life. At the lunch table she said something like, "the Lord does not want me to grumble and complain". He truly does NOT want us to do this. Why can't we just take, "do all things without murmuring and disputing..." as God's Word on that subject. I am thankful for a mother who does!

As I mused on these things, I am again thankful for living in a little cabin in the woods, somewhat away from the hustle and bustle of 'life'. Right now the water and our kitchen drain are both frozen, but no matter (and I do mean, really, "no matter". Here is where taking God's Word literally meets "life"), because the Lord is right here with us in our warm little house and His Spirit sustains our hearts.

Praise the Lord (and only by His grace) that we can truly say:

"Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife." Prov. 17:1

I love the Lord so much and pray that I will love Him more, hiding His Word in my heart more in 2013 "...that I might not sin against God."

I am so glad that you ventured up our snowy road to Darling Hill this morning!!