Call Back

This has long been one of my favorite readings in "Streams in the Desert".  Let's not get so wrapped up in the joy of Christmas that we forget those around us that are hurting from the blows they have received this year, especially from loss of loved ones.  Christmas is one of those "hard" holidays when you have lost someone dear to you that would make the season more special.  We need to look around us and see if there is a visit or two that we might be able to make or an invitation we could send to someone going through some hard times.  God bless your efforts!  And Merry Christmas to any who read my blog and thanks for your support!:-)  ~Teresa



"It shall turn to you for a testimony'' (Luke 21:13).

Life is a steep climb, and it does the heart good to have somebody "call back" and cheerily beckon us on up the high hill. We are all climbers together, and we must help one another. This mountain climbing is serious business, but glorious. It takes strength and steady step to find the summits. The outlook widens with the altitude. If anyone among us has found anything worth while, we ought to "call back."

If you have gone a little way ahead of
me, call back--
'Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track;
And if, perchance, Faith's light is dim, because the oil is low,
Your call will guide my lagging course as wearily I go.

Call back, and tell me that He went with you into the storm;
Call back, and say He kept you when the forest's roots were torn;
That, when the heavens thunder and the earthquake shook the hill,
He bore you up and held you where the very air was still.

Oh, friend, call back, and tell me for I cannot see your your face,
They say it glows with triumph, and your feet bound in the race;
But there are mists between us and my spirit eyes are dim,
And I cannot see the glory, though I long for word of Him.

 But if you'll say He heard you when your prayer was but a cry,
And if you'll say He saw you through the night's sin-darkened sky
If you have gone a little way ahead, oh, friend, call back--
'Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track.
--Selected

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"Being A Wife God’s Way" -from the "Jewels" paper

Being A Wife God’s Way

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

(Proverbs 31:10)

Blueprints and diagrams are given for everything that you choose to do. Recipes are written for certain foods so that another may follow that recipe to make the same dish. Patterns are printed on tissue paper in certain sizes so that another seamstress can cut out a garment that will fit the one for which it is being made. Instructions come with any gadget that "needs assembly" so that when you buy the item you can make it work.

If everything in life was so easy we could have a perfect world, but unfortunately it is not. There are no hard, fast rules that will insure you a perfect, happily-ever-after future with no problems or heartaches. That kind of life left us at the Garden of Eden. Sin came into this world and ruined everything, even those things at which we work so hard. But the Lord gives us guidelines to go by for the best possible results in any endeavor in our lives. If you are serious about having a happy marriage and giving it the best possible chance of survival then you are on the right track.

I asked a few ladies the question, "What is something that you wished you had known before you got married that would have helped you in your marriage?" The very first response I received was, "I wish that I had learned what submission really means. The post-women's-liberation-movement girls are taught not to be submissive to anyone, especially a man, since it is demeaning and not womanly. The truth is, it is a very womanly thing in your marriage."

What is submission? Mr. Webster says that it is the act of yielding to power or authority; humble or suppliant behavior; obedience; resignation; a yielding of one’s will to the will of a superior without murmuring. In every aspect of life, there must be someone who is in control. Every job has a boss, every state has a governor, and every country has a ruler of some kind. This is so that operations run smoothly and in order. There is no confusion when everyone knows their place and does not try to usurp authority over the one that is in charge and responsible. God gave us an order of authority in the home as well. "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." (1 Corinthians 11:3) This does not mean that one is more important than the other, only that there are definite positions that we are called to fill to keep everything in order. So, what are some of those words he used to describe submission? Yielding. Suppliant (asking humbly, not demanding). Obedient. Humble. If you are a follower of Christ, do you not follow him in this way? We are to regard and love our husbands with the same regard and love that we have for Christ. No, this will not anger God, for we are to be the perfect picture of a Christian in a relationship with God and that is what marriage is all about. Treating your husband with respect and trust is being in submission to him. To get a better picture, imagine what you would do if you were talking to Jesus. Would you tell Jesus that you do not have to obey him or listen to what he says? Do you dare to call God , "My old man", or put him down in front of others the way some women do their husbands? Do you argue with God about things that you do not want to do, or about things that you do want to do, when his will is plain? If you have no respect for your husband, you have no respect for God and his Word. Lack of respect and submission will tear at your marriage until it falls apart.

Another response that I received was, "learning how to not take every disagreement between you and your husband as a personal attack on yourself." Just because he does not agree with you does not mean that he thinks you are stupid or cannot do anything right. This is a very childish attitude and if you think this way, this kind of spirit will bring contention and strife between you and your husband. Learn from what he says to you and in the decisions that he makes. If his decision is wrong, never say, "I told you so!" If you are married, you are supposed to grow up and be adults, not stay in the nursery throwing toys at each other. What peace you will bring into your marriage if you realize that you are his "help", not his antagonist!

"Some things can only be learned through trial and error, but being selfish is one of the biggest problems when you are first married. If you learn beforehand to do things for others out of love instead of on demand, I believe it will save a lot of problems later on." Marriage must be founded on real love. This kind of love is not something that you fall into. It is choosing to give your devotion, respect and life to one person forever. There is not room for selfishness in a decision like that. You may think that it would be so easy to be unselfish to the one that you love, but you must remember that he is a human, too. He is going to be thoughtless at times and hurt your feelings. Are you mature enough to take that without becoming angry? Can you remember that you love him because he does love you and be able to "go on"?

"Men should never have to demand that their wife do something, and the same the other way around. It should always come from the heart." We once knew a wife who never cleaned her house. The home was always a terrible mess, the bathroom was worse than an outhouse and even the floors began to rot away. The husband did not like to live that way and it became a matter of contention. He would even take it upon himself at times to go from room to room cleaning, only to have his home back in the disgusting mess again within a few days. Her selfish and lazy attitude toward his desires made him eventually give up and leave her. "Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." (Proverbs 14:1) Everyone likes a clean place to live and your husband will love and appreciate you more if he sees your effort to keep things neat and in order. Some men will even help you with some things when they know you are doing your best. It does not have to be spotless, but a clean home has a more peaceful and loving atmosphere. Your home will reflect the honor and respect that you have for your husband. You cannot love without respect and honor along with it.

It is not a sign of weakness to give in to someone else’s needs and desires but actually more of an indication of strength. Like every other sin, the easiest thing to do is just whatever you feel like doing. But life is not a continual party. It is working day to day, making things good for those around you. In return, you find that things are good for you, too.

"Learn the importance of making your husband your best friend and confidant, and that what is spoken or done in private should remain in that sacred circle." Some girls have had best friends to which they would always tell everything. When you marry, your best friend is your husband, not anyone else. This does not mean that you have to shun your friends when you get married, but it does mean that now there are no more sharing of secrets with others or telling private things (whether good or bad) to your best bud. The "garden enclosed" in Song of Solomon 4:12 belongs to your husband and is not to be shared with others.

Many young people these days are coming from broken homes. Mom is with someone other than their father and Dad has a new wife and other children, and this is not only common in worldly families but is profuse in our churches. Example is our greatest tool for learning and though we have depended on our parents to show us the right way and they have done their best, everyone makes mistakes. Children are being raised in homes that have selfish parents, therefore they are producing children who become selfish parents themselves. But you can be different! If you have decided that you want to be a godly wife and mother, there is no reason why you cannot. God has given us the Bible in which we can study and find answers to every need we have. Glean from godly mothers around you, always keeping in mind that they are human, too, and apt to do some things wrong. Learn from their successes and mistakes, pray for wisdom and guidance from the Lord and live your life the way that you would have your children live theirs. Remember, one day you will be the one that they will either want to look up to or will have no confidence in. Which kind of mother do you want to be?

Your best guarantee for a good marriage is to love and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Be willing to have Jesus be your judge and guide in everything that you face in life. There is no friend that will be more honest with you about yourself and your situation that he will be. One lady put it this way, "If someone always agrees with you and tells you you're right, you may wind up making some very unfortunate, costly decisions. For wise counsel, instead talk with someone who will offer a different perspective and help you work through a situation to a positive resolution." No one will give you the truth like the Lord, and we should follow his steps.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:6

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Proverbs 4:13

(This devotion is going in the next issue of "Jewels For His Crown".  I just thought I would share it.)

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In Memory of Paul Wesley Green

Paul is our grandson.  He was born with an encephalocele.  There are some who think that children like this should be aborted while still in the womb.  We know that God gave life, every life, for a divine purpose.  Our daughter, Sarah, went through a radical cesarean section to give him the best chance of life she could.  It was the most difficult time that she and her husband, Ryan, have ever experienced.  The Lord let us know him for almost two years.  Today marks two years that he has been in Heaven.  His blind little eyes have enjoyed the greatest wonders of all time and eternity.  Although we miss him very much, there are many things that the Lord gave us while he was here and even after his death.  I thought the reading this morning in "Streams In The Desert" very appropriate for the day.  I wanted to share it with you.

"For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble ..., that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:8-9


"Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length;
Pressed so intensely it seems, beyond strength;
Pressed in the body and pressed in the soul,
Pressed in the mind till the dark surges roll.
Pressure by foes, and a pressure from friends.
Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends.

"Pressed into knowing no helper but God;
Pressed into loving the staff and the rod.
Pressed into liberty where nothing clings;
Pressed into faith for impossible things.
Pressed into living a life in the Lord,
Pressed into living a Christ-life outpoured."

The pressure of hard places makes us value life. Every time our life is given back to us from such a trial, it is like a new beginning, and we learn better how much it is worth, and make more of it for God and man. The pressure helps us to understand the trials of others, and fits us to help and sympathize with them.

There is a shallow, superficial nature, that gets hold of a theory or a promise lightly, and talks very glibly about the distrust of those who shrink from every trial; but the man or woman who has suffered much never does this, but is very tender and gentle, and knows what suffering really means. This is what Paul meant when he said, "Death worketh in you."

Trials and hard places are needed to press us forward, even as the furnace fires in the hold of that mighty ship give force that moves the piston, drives the engine, and propels that great vessel across the sea in the face of the winds and waves. --A. B. Simpson

"Out of the presses of pain,
Cometh the soul's best wine;
And the eyes that have shed no rain,
Can shed but little shine."

This song, though written about a little girl, reminds me of Paul. 
"In God's Hands" by the Rochesters

A Good Wife's Guide

(The following article was taken from the issue of Housekeeping Monthly, 13 May, 1955. Although it is lengthy, I thought you may enjoy reading it in its entirety.)

• Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.


• Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.


• Be a little gay (that means happy, remember?) and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.


• Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.


• Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc and then run a dust-cloth over the tables.


• Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.


• Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like seeing them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.


• Be happy to see him.


• Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.


• Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first–remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.


• Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.


• Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.


• Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.


• Don’t complain if he is late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor to what he might have gone through that day.


• Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.


• Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.


• Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have not right to question him.


• A good wife always knows her place.



(Now I know that most everyone that reads this list will be shocked at some of the things it says.  Truthfully, I was sceptical at some things until I began to consider the "why" of their reasoning.  How many divorced couples would we have in our country today if women would follow this guideline?  How many little children of eight years and younger would have to experience the stress of seeing their parents conduct themselves the way they do today?  And do you think that men murder their wives and children because of work-stress?  Really?  There are guide-lines in the Word of God for a wife, one of which mentions calling him, "lord".  A little extreme?  I don't think so.  Not when a wife has the right kind of love and devotion for her husband AND for her LORD.  Read it again with these thoughts in mind and see if you feel the same way you did when you read it the first time.  Don't sit there and wonder, "Yes, but what's in all this for me?"  If you do, you have some real problems!  If you don't think men respond to this kind of treatment possitively, I dare you to try it.:-) )


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Resurrection Sunday Photos

I have been meaning to put some of the pictures that Esther took for us Resurrection Sunday and have been so busy!  (Check last post!):-)  But, so all who would like to can see them, here they are! 

This is our family! (At least what is living with us now.)  From left to right, Kenny Miller (Bro. Mike's Dad), Bro. Mike Miller, me, Daniel Paul, Elisabeth Abigail, and (our photographer) Esther Ruth.

And this is our congregation.  We had twenty in attendance for our morning service.  This may not seem too many to some people, but when you are a little country church back in the Ozark hills, it was very special!  We thank the Lord for each and every one of them.

And because I am a grandmother, here are a few of Seth's children (at least the girls):

  Madelyn Grace

Anna Nicole

Alyssa Danielle

Faux Barn Wood

For some reason, about once a year we all get in the mood to do some redecorating and painting.  My major redecorating usually comes one room at a time, but we are putting in new flooring this year.  Painting was just necessary but I had no desire to paint walls over new floors!  So we are doing some long, overdue projects in our dining room.  I don't have any pictures as yet to show you our progress, but I will try to add some in the next few days.  But I just had to show you a tutorial that I found that will give you an idea of what I am doing in the dining room.  I do not like dark wood finishes since they tend to makes things...well...dark!:-)  So all of the trim in this room will be painted to look like barn wood.  I also painted the walls two tones of gray, the top a light color called "Waterford" and a darker shade below the chair rail called, "Slate Roof".  I found out (the hard way) one very important aspect of paint.  MIX IT EVERY TIME YOU USE IT!  It was one of those things that I know but not to the extent that I should have.:-\  I had to paint the lighter color twice.  Anyway, check out the tutorial listed below and maybe you can find a good way to use the same technique.  Blessings to all!!

Faux Barn Wood Tutorial
Tell Me What You Think

A Dress Tutorial

I love to sew when something is as simple as this one.  You can find a lot of fairly good bargains on this site and they even add tutorials now with project ideas.  I decided to share this one with you.  Hope you enjoy it!

Let's Go Fly A Kite!

For the complete tutorial, just click on the link below:

The Ribbon Retreat

To Honor My Dad - Wm. Roy Brinkley

It was six years ago today that my Dad gained the one desire of his heart, to see his Lord, Jesus Christ.  They put him to sleep for surgery that morning and he never woke up.  For nine hours the surgeon worked on his poor tired heart and it was just no use.  Dad's wish was that he would go to sleep and wake up in Heaven and the Lord was gracious to grant him his desire.  I miss him so much, but I know that one day I will be able to praise our Savior together.  I just wanted to share with you my bitter-sweet thoughts today and a song that makes me think of him.  I pray that it will be a blessing to your heart if you have someone over on the other side waiting for you, too.  Thank God for His precious promises! 
I'll see you again, Dad, on the other side!
"On The Other Side"

On The Right Side

Which side of the rope would you be pulling on? 

An interesting comic from Israel.

Meet Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher of North Carolina

A good read!  Mike found a link to this article on facebook.  It is so sweet and encouraging!

Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher

They have been married 85 years (86 in May) and hold the Guinness World Record for the longest marriage of a living couple and get this…. Zelmyra is 101 years old and Herbert is 104.

The happily married couple teamed up with twitter this Valentine’s Day to answer some relationship questions. Check out their take on finding love, getting through hard times and more. Good read.

1. What made you realize that you could spend the rest of your lives together? Were you scared at all?
H & Z: With each day that passed, our relationship was more solid and secure. Divorce was NEVER an option – or even a thought.
2. How did you know your spouse was the right one for you?
We grew up together & were best friends before we married. A friend is for life – our marriage has lasted a lifetime.
3. Is there anything you would do differently after more than 80 years of marriage?
We wouldn’t change a thing. There’s no secret to our marriage, we just did what was needed for each other & our family.
4. What is your advice to someone who is trying to keep the faith that Mr. Right is really out there?
Zelmyra: Mine was just around the corner! He is never too far away, so keep the faith – when you meet him, you’ll know.
5. What was the best piece of marriage advice you ever received?
Respect, support & communicate with each other. Be faithful, honest & true. Love each other with ALL of your heart.
6. What are the most important attributes of a good spouse?
Zelmyra: A hard worker & good provider. The 1920s were hard, but Herbert wanted & provided the best for us.I married a good man!
7. What is your best Valentine’s Day memory?
Zelmyra: I cook dinner EVERY day. Herbert left work early & surprised me – he cooked dinner for me! He is a VERY good cook!
Herbert: I said that I was going to cook dinner for her & she could relax – the look on her face & clean plate made my day.
8. You got married very young – how did you both manage to grow as individuals yet not grow apart as a couple?
"Everyone who plants a seed & harvests the crop celebrates together" We are individuals, but accomplish more together.
9. What is your fondest memory of your 85-year marriage?
Our legacy: 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
10. Does communicating get easier with time? How do you keep your patience?
The children are grown, so we talk more now. We can enjoy our time on the porch or our rocking chairs – together.
11. How did you cope when you had to be physically separated for long periods of time?
Herbert: We were apart for 2 months when Z was hospitalized with our 5th child. It was the most difficult time of my life. Zelmyra’s mother helped me with the house and the other children, otherwise I would have lost my mind.
12. At the end of bad relationship day, what is the most important thing to remind yourselves?
Remember marriage is not a contest – never keep a score. God has put the two of you together on the same team to win.
13. Is fighting important?
NEVER physically! Agree that it’s okay to disagree, & fight for what really matters. Learn to bend – not break!
14. What’s the one thing you have in common that transcends everything else?   We are both Christians & believe in God. Marriage is a commitment to the Lord. We pray with & for each other every day.

A Song Remembered

I am always singing a song in my mind and sometimes, out of the blue, one of the older ones that I sang years ago will begin to come back to me.  That's the way this one did this morning.  I can't remember who wrote it, but it sounds like a Dottie Rambo song.  If anyone knows for sure, could you please tell me?  I will have to sing it again sometime soon, so you may hear us do it on the web site.



The One Who’s Been Holding to My Hand

　

Each step I take, I have Somebody with me,

He sees each deed I do, He hears each word I say,

He knows my heart, He cleanses it from every sin,

Without this friend, I would surely lose my way.

And I will not trade my Jesus for your treasures,

And I will not bow my knees to mortal man,

For I know the Heavens will be opened,

And I will meet the One who’s been holding to my hand.

When I’m cast down, I know I can depend on Him,

He sees what’s best for me, I need not be afraid,

He sees beyond the regions of this mortal life,

He holds my hand in His and I love Him more each day!

And I will not trade my Jesus for your treasures,

And I will not bow my knees to mortal man,

For I know the Heavens will be opened,

And I will meet the One who’s been holding to my hand.

So, if anyone knows any particulars about it, I would love to hear them!:-)  Hope you enjoy the song!  Have a blessed weekend!!

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Help in Time of Grief

(For the past few days, my heart has been very grieved for the Cretzman family, Missionaries to Cuba, whose little girl was killed in a car accident this past Monday. I know that there are others that are hurting as well over loved ones who are sick and even on the brink of death. It is hard sometimes to remember that God, who loves us dearly, has all these things in His Hand as well. But he does. These are the hard places in life, the places that make our hearts broken bread and poured out wine. They are never easy to go through but always, when looked back upon, the child of God can see his mighty hand at work in it all. The following entry is from, "Streams in the Desert", December 3^rd. I pray that when you read this, if your heart is grieved this day, you will be encouraged in the Lord, as I have been. God’s blessings!)

"Is it well with thy husband? Is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well"  (2Kings 4:26)

"Be strong, my soul!
Death looms in view.
Lo, here thy God! He'll bear thee through;
Be strong."

"Be strong, my soul!
Thy loved ones go
Within the veil. God's thine, e'en so;
Be strong."

　

For sixty-two years and five months I had a beloved wife, and now, in my ninety-second year I am left alone. But I turn to the ever present Jesus, as I walk up and down in my room, and say, "Lord Jesus, I am alone, and yet not alone--Thou art with me, Thou art my Friend. Now, Lord, comfort me, strengthen me, give to Thy poor servant everything Thou seest he needs." And we should not be satisfied till we are brought to this, that we know the Lord Jesus Christ experimentally, habitually to be our Friend: at all times, and under all circumstances, ready to prove Himself to be our Friend. --George Mueller

Afflictions cannot injure when blended with submission.

Ice breaks many a branch, and so I see a great many persons bowed down and crushed by their afflictions. But now and then I meet one that sings in affliction, and then I thank God for my own sake as well as his. There is no such sweet singing as a song in the night. You recollect the story of the woman who, when her only child died, in rapture looking up, as with the face of an angel, said, "I give you joy, my darling." That single sentence has gone with me years and years down through my life, quickening and comforting me. --Henry Ward Beecher

"E'en for the dead I will not bind my soul to grief;
Death cannot long divide.
For is it not as though the rose that climbed my garden wall
Has blossomed on the other, side?
Death doth hide,
But not divide;
Thou art but on Christ's other side!
Thou art with Christ, and Christ with me;
In Christ united still are we."


(If you would like to help the Cretzman family, go to this link:
http://brenda-lifeinmyshoes.blogspot.com/.  )

A Woman's Question

(This is a poem that I found in a book I was reading, "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris.  It is a good book, other than the fact that he uses other versions of scripture than the King James, which I really don't care for.  But the overall message in the book is good for young people these days.  Anyway, this was a great poem and I thought I would share it.  Enjoy!)

A Woman’s Question

Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing

Ever made by the Hand above?

A woman’s heart, and a woman’s life–

And a woman’s wonderful love.

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing

As a child might ask for a toy?

Demanding what others have died to win,

With the reckless dask of a boy.

You have written my lesson of duty out,

Manlike, you have questioned me.

Now stand at the bars of my woman’s soul

Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot,

Your socks and your shirt be whole;

I require your heart be true as God’s stars

And as pure as His heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef,

I require a far greater thing.

A seamstress you’re wanting for socks and shirts,

I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called Home,

And a man that his Maker, God,

Shall look upon as He did on the first

And say, "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose may fade

From this soft young cheek one day;

Will you love me then ‘mid the falling leaves,

As you did ‘mong the blossoms of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and true,

I may launch my all on its tide?

A loving woman finds heaven or hell

On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,

All things that a man should be,

If you give this all, I would stake my life

To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook

You can hire and little to pay;

But a woman’s heart and a woman’s life

Are not to be won that way.

~Lena Lathrop

If you like the poem or wish to comment: email me!

Straight Paths Bible Church

Slow Down! Are you in too big of a hurry?

We received this email the other day.  Our world is far too fast-paced.  What do we miss by rushing around so?  Maybe this will help you realize how much we should slow down and pay attention.  If so many people are missing this much, how much are we as the people of God missing His voice?

In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.

During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.  After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing.  He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

                                                                                                                                                     
About 4 minutes later:

                                                                                                                
The violinist received his first dollar.  A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

 

At 6 minutes:

 

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

 

At 10 minutes:

                                                                                                                                                     
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly.  The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time.  This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.

 

At 45 minutes:

 

The musician played continuously.  Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while.  About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace.  The man collected a total of $32.

 

After 1 hour:

 

He finished playing and silence took over.  No one noticed and no one applauded.  There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.  He played one of the most intricate pieces ever   
written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.  Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

 

This is a true story.  Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

 

This experiment raised several questions:

                                                                                                                                                     
        *In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive  beauty?

 

        *If so, do we stop to appreciate it?

                                                                                                                                                     
        *Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

 

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of
the most beautiful instruments ever made . . ..

 

How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

 

Enjoy LIFE now....... it has an expiration date.

(Much more than this, if you waste the time you have selfishly, you will have the rest of your life to regret it.)

 

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This Is Your Hour and the Power of Darkness

(This is a devotion by my husband, Bro. Mike Miller.  It was a great blessing to me and I hope that you enjoy it as well.  God's Blessings!)

This Is Your Hour And the Power of Darkness

…but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Luke 22:53 Jesus said this to the soldiers who had come to arrest him and take him away to be crucified. Puny sinful men with their swords and their staves exercising authority against the Creator of the Universe himself. Step back and look at the scene from God's point of view and if it were not for the seriousness of what was transpiring that night it would seem absurd and almost laughable. They could have no power at all against him unless God had allowed it. (John 19:11) This is your hour … This is to serve notice on all the wicked that your time is limited. Do not think that you will be able to continue to exercise this power you are enjoying right now forever, because God has only given you a short time. It may seem like the wicked are going to prevail in the world right now, but their time in the limelight will end at the very moment appointed by God. Then there is another hour coming: Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28-29 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. Rev. 19:11-13 The wicked will have no power in that hour. It will not be their hour then. …and the power of darkness. Darkness has no power of its own. It is nothing. It is the absence of light. Darkness vanishes at the simple appearance of light. It takes no brute force, no power of nature, no violence at all to make darkness disappear. Nothing could be more gentle than the shining of a light, and that is all it takes to remove the power of darkness. Those who walk in darkness seem to think they possess some kind of power, and walk about arrogantly abusing others and blaspheming God. But their pitiful, puny power is so easily extinguished that they are very easily revealed to be fools. So in this dark generation in which we live the true children of God can take heart and be encouraged. As we watch the world plunge deeper and deeper into evil we can be assured of two things: it will not last long, and it will vanish with the light. And the light is coming! The night these soldiers came and took Jesus it looked like they were the victors and that the power of darkness was the real power. When they beat him and spit in his face, and mocked him, and crucified him it seemed that darkness had prevailed, but three days later it was a different story, and it has been ever since. God who rules the universe is righteous and as long as He sits upon his throne you can be assured that righteousness will prevail in the end. Jesus told us these days were coming and this was his command in Matthew 24:6 concerning how we should deal with it: … see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. So woe, woe, woe unto the wicked who forsake God and walk after this world in its rebellion against him, their day is coming, and it is coming soon! If you are among them you better escape while there is time. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. 22:17 Come to Jesus and trade in your uniform of a rebel for a robe of righteousness and get on the winning side! Mike Miller January 26, 2012 Do you have a question or comment? Email me! Our church web site: Straight Paths Bible Church

The White Funeral

Catchy title, isn't it?  I really like this devotion and wanted to share it with you.  This is from "My Utmost for His Highest", Jan. 15th. 

DO YOU WALK IN WHITE?

Buried with Him . . . that . . . even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)
No one enters into the experience of entire sanctification without going through a "white funeral" - the burial of the old life. If there has never been this crisis of death, sanctification is nothing more than a vision. There must be a "white funeral," - a death that has only one resurrection - a resurrection into the life of Jesus Christ. Nothing can upset such a life, it is one with God for one purpose, to be a witness to Him.

Have you come to your last days really? You have come to them often in sentiment, but have you come to them really? You cannot go to your funeral in excitement, or die in excitement. Death means you stop being. Do you agree with God that you stop being the striving, earnest kind of Christian you have been? We skirt the cemetery and all the time refuse to go to death. It is not striving to go to death, it is dying - "baptized into His death."

Have you had your "white funeral," or are you sacredly playing the fool with your soul? Is there a place in your life marked as the last day, a place to which the memory goes back with a chastened and extraordinarily grateful remembrance - "Yes, it was then, at that 'white funeral,' that I made an agreement with God." (September '06!  Can you fill in your date?)
"This is the will of God, even your sanctification." When you realize what the will of God is, you will enter into sanctification as naturally as can be. Are you willing to go through that "white funeral" now? Do you agree with Him that this is your last day on earth? The moment of agreement depends upon you.

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Miniature Providences

What man, upon seeing the suffering of another, would not wish to ease them, to lift their burden and help them through the trial through which they are passing? But do we always know what would be the right thing to do and say? Does our help at times seem to only make things worse? Does not the Word of God state that this unique work is exclusive to the Lord? (Hebrews 2:17-18) Even Peter, when he rebuked the Lord for saying he was going to be killed, was rebuked by Jesus. Why? Please read the following story and maybe you will understand a little better.

 

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Romans 8:18

I kept for nearly a year the flask-shaped cocoon of an emperor moth. It is very peculiar in its construction. A narrow opening is left in the neck of the flask, through which the perfect insect forces its way, so that a forsaken cocoon is as entire as one still tenanted, no rupture of the interlacing fibers having taken place. The great disproportion between the means of egress and the size of the imprisoned insect makes one wonder how the exit is ever accomplished at all–and it never is without great labor and difficulty. It is supposed that the pressure to which the moth’s body is subjected in passing through such a narrow opening is a provision of nature for forcing the juices into the vessels of the wings, these being less developed at the period of emerging from the chrysalis than they are in other insects.

I happened to witness the first efforts of my prisoned moth to escape from its long confinement. During a whole forenoon, from time to time, I watched it patiently striving and struggling to get out. It never seemed able to get beyond a certain point, and at last my patience was exhausted. Very probably the confining fibers were drier and less elastic than if the cocoon had been left all winter on its native heather, as nature meant it to be. At all events I thought I was wiser and more compassionate than its Maker, and I resolved to give it a helping hand. With the point of my scissors I snipped the confining threads to make the exit just a very little easier, and lo! immediately, and with perfect ease, out crawled my moth dragging a huge swollen body and little shriveled wings. In vain I watched to see that marvelous process of expansion in which these silently and swiftly develop before one’s eyes; and as I traced the exquisite spots and markings of diverse colors which were all there in miniature, I longed to see these assume their due proportions and the creature to appear in all its perfect beauty, as it is, in truth, one of the loveliest of its kind. But I looked in vain. My false tenderness had proved its ruin. It never was anything but a stunted abortion, crawling painfully through that brief life which it should have spent flying through the air on rainbow wings. I have thought of it often, often, when watching with pitiful eyes those who were struggling with sorrow, suffering, and distress; and I would fain cut short the discipline and give deliverance. Short-sighted man! How know I that one of these pangs or groans could be spared? The farsighted, perfect love that seeks the perfection of its object does not weakly shrink from present, transient suffering. Our Father’s love is too true to be weak. Because He loves His children, He chastises (trains through trials) them that they may be partakers of His holiness. With this glorious end in view, He spares not their crying. Made perfect through sufferings, as the Elder Brother was, the sons of God are trained up to obedience and brought to glory through much tribulation. (From "Streams In The Desert")

No one wants to suffer anymore. You who are reading may agree, "Who would?" But there are sufferings that a person must go through to soften the heart to the things that God has prepared for them. When we deny the Holy Spirit the chance to do in our hearts what is necessary for us to come to know Christ, we hinder His work and doom our own soul. To avoid suffering and get the encouragement that we seem to need, instead of looking to the one Comforter Who knows and understands our suffering, we look to others. We seek those who would sympathize with us in our pain and sorrow, those who will tell us how brave we are and how spiritual. This kind of help only leaves us with a spiritual haughtiness that only makes it harder for the Lord to reach us again. So instead of helping someone who is going through this plowing of the heart, we lift the plow and the field of their heart is left fallow and hard. So what should we say or do for someone who is going through a hard time? The less you say is best, but to point them to the source of their help would be better than patting them on the back for the good job they are doing in enduring this terrible trial.

I have seen this happen. The encouragement given during a terrible trial only made the one going through it more obstinately sure of their own goodness, while the truth is their worldliness and self-righteousness is more deeply embedded than before. God’s blessed plow that was sent to break up the hard surface of their heart was only allowed to scratch the surface. Now the heart is scarred, but harder still. The ones who sought to help only caused the one in the trial to look to them instead of finding their true help in the Comforter of Souls.

Beware what encouragement you give to those who are going through a "hard time". Point them to the One Who is their ONLY help. Building them up in themselves will only cause spiritual hardness. Do not try to lift their load lest you be accused before God of being their miniature providence.

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A Quote To Remember

“Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with him.”

– Hudson Taylor

(Sent to me by Nora Shepherd)

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