It seems that during thsi time of the peandemic, we find ourselves with a lot of time on our hands. I certainly do - especially as we are on leave for a couple of months. Using this down time is a perfect opportunity to sit back, relax, and reflect on the world's events in reference to God's view of it. We have a mess in our world today, not only with the virus but the expanse of evil in the world today due to the fact that we are living in the world's wisdom. We need to diagnosis the sickness before we can find a cure. We are living our lives by the philosophy of Hedonism - to live for pleasure. As we continue in the Book of James, let us go back to James 4 and realize that there is a better way of life. If we want to live a life of Christ we need to take up the Cross and follow Him. Having a selfish philosophy will destroy relationships. What in life are you pursuing now? Do you pray for just your own pleasure or wants or ask for favors for yourself? Anyone who chooses the world becomes an enemy of God. God loves you and is jealous when you share your love with the world. What is the cure for this sickness? The cure is God's sustaining grace. "But He gives you more grace. Therefore it says, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6. There is a saving grace from salvation as an encouraging grace. But He also gives us sustaining grace We are sinners, we fall, we do need His sustaining grace. Because God loves us, He gives us more grace no matter how much we fall by giving into worldly pleasures. The lure of the world is real - we struggle as we try to overcome sin and continue our relationship with God. God wants us to set the sail to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned and your joy to gloom.Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.". James 4:7-10.We need to apply this if we are to overcome this sickness and let God work in us, We need to be in the right posture to win the battle. Submit yourselves to God. Put Him at the center of your live, Resist the devil and worldly pleasures. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Humble yourselves before God and He will lift you up. As in the story of the Prodigal son, God will come to you. We need to wash our hands in the confession of sin. Do not take your sin lightly because it cost Jesus Christ His life, We have to humble ourselves when we realize we cannot do it on our own. The Father rejoices when we come home. Do not let this season let you drift away from God.
Upon reflection, it is so relaxing to just sit and look. A person can miss so much of this wonderful world of nature if you do not just sit and wait. We saw some baby robins in the yard, looking for worms or whatever, as Mama and Daddy flew nervously around making sure they were ok. The resident groundhog made his/her appearance then scooted away as soon as it saw us, the deer quietly came in and walked around near the edge of the woods, and the busy hummingbirds were always buzzing. Sitting in the quiet of nature makes us so much aware of the presence of the Lord.
The garden is growing quit well, as we have had fresh veggies almost daily. There was even a caterpillar who we watched as he made a chrysalis and flew away as a butterfly before we even knew it was gone.The local Arkansas peaches we purchased are as sweet as we remembered them - taking a bite makes the juice run down your chin - the only way to eat them.
Mr. Rooster guarding the garden
cute mushrooms made from copper salad molds
This down time allows me to do some quilting - one of the few quilts I have done since the pandemic. I am also putting the binding on two more as presents.
for our daughter's bear room
We celebrated the 7th birthday of our two great granddaughters last week - two miracle children that God blessed this family with.
Kinley and Kensey - I think I have them right
Our oldest grandson trying to figure out the big car presents the girls received
the twins and their older sister who also celebrated her 13th birthday
God has so blessed us with daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We thank Him everyday for the safety and health of them. May He also bless you with health and safety everyday.
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