TGS

A Little While Longer

2012-05-22T13:47:00.000-04:00

But one thing is needful...

O to stay
a little while

longer

by the rill of still waters

down
where the rains fall up
and sun rays stream
through a truer light

a snow white flock
sweeps soundlessly
across His royal diadem
of bluest blue

above

an emerald sea reflecting
only shadows

good things
yet to be

blood red

poppies burst
into a jillion measures

a symphony
of ripening wheat
upon a thousand hills

where sheaves of gold bow down
and bend

beneath His will

because they know

no end
to endless
new beginnings

in the risen
Christ
our Lord
in whom we have redemption

the forgiveness of sins
a joy forever

fullest
at His feet

under which
every
high and mighty mountain melts
like wax.

Petra O. Hefner

Photo credit: FotoRita [Allstar maniac] via photo pin cc

Cute Cupcakes Are Not The Problem

2012-05-18T10:30:00.000-04:00

"Now who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good?" 1 Peter 3:13

Brandy Ferrells' excellent post, If you're not sure you measure up... takes an honest and helpful look at motherhood-comparison. However, as a wise ole grandma I have a sneaking suspicion that the comparison drama affects more than just the mommy population. What's everybody trying to measure up to anyway and why? Brandy explains:

"In this day and age when every Pinterest pin, every Disney Family Fun craft, every cute & cuddly cupcake recipe, and every blogpost or facebook update by Brandy et al results in those feelings of inadequacy..."

Ah, the social networking rapids of Pinterest, facebook, and Blogger, just to name a few. Yep, I too have been swept away by its current. I too have caved in to the social ill of comparison -- grandma-comparison. Despite my many years of wisdom (ahem), I still find that I could stand to be a tad more creative, crafty, thoughtful, word-wise, spiritual, careful, discerning, motherly, grand-motherly, sisterly, sincere, friendly, outgoing, caring, and witty.

After all these years, I still don't measure up. I can't even keep up. My home is still mediocre and life within its four walls still quite ~~impressive~~ imperfect. My grown children, well, they're wonderful of course. But, I obviously didn't read all the right books, articles or blogs because my kids were never near as perfect or smart as....well..... And I definitely didn't set a good enough example. Much of my past is not worth repeating, and although some of it would tell a juicy tale or three, it'd not make a very valiant post or picture-perfect pinlet.

So, here we have it, I too suffer from feelings of inadequacy. I too waste hours searching for that perfect thingamabookpatternrecipepostsongpinamajig to impress you and God a bit better this time around. But, (scratches head) how many epic quotes, posts, tweets, or pinlets does it take to finally convince you and me that I really am ~~all that and a bag o'chips~~ content and truly humble in these, my mellowing years?

Conversely, how much time do I spend working diligently (albeit my imperfections) for what is right and pleasing in God's sight? Could I walk away from all the hoopla and still give my best for a puny audience of one, or maybe none? And how big is God's grace really? Do I actually believe that it's bigger than my failures, big enough to save my kids in spite of my failings? The answer is Yes!

Yes, God's grace is big enough. Yes, God is truly sovereign. And, yes, God has given you and me certain talents to nurture and to share. And, no, it's never too late. God has created you and me to be social. God's purpose is carried out in large part by people like us, people who interact with one another, people who set good or even better examples. God doesn't really need us to do or say anything, yet He calls us to work diligently and to communicate His truth and grace. So, social networking is not the problem. Cute cupcakes, epic quotes, and candied apples are not the problem. Comparison is not the problem.¹

Then what is?

The problem is seeing all too clearly the effects of my sin - my falling so terribly short of the perfect. I like perfect so much that I hate it when I don't measure up. The problem is discontent. I forget who and what I am in Christ, Jesus. The problem is me. I want credit for the 'good' I have done and forget what God has already done and what God has already promised. The problem is envy! I'm so consumed with what I want, I forget what God really wants, namely that I love Him above all else.

God does not need me to impress Him, He wants me to trust Him. God wants me to trust and to obey Him with a willing and cheerful heart, which means that sometimes I am to speak up and at other times I am to shut up, even when it hurts. It means that I am to do my very best, even when it seems not good enough for me.

So, how do I overcome my inadequacy complex? Let's see. First, I need to realize that it's not a complex. It's a reality. We all fall short, terribly short. Next, I need to remember the Good News and ask myself: Do I care more about how I measure up to other people or how I stand in light of God's grace? Do I care more about all the wonderful things I am doing or what God has already done? Do I really love God with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind or does something else occupy my heart? ²

If God reigns, then I should be able to obey Him more fully, more lovingly, more willingly, more trustingly, more faithfully, more cheerfully, and much more quietly. I'd be able to rest content, even in the midst of picture-perfect posts and pins, because it just won't matter who screams the loudest, parents the wisest, or scrambles for the top, as long as God gets all the credit! I'd be happy to work hard for my audience of One and sleep sound, trusting that He will bless and sometimes prune the fruit of my hands for His glory. How do I measure up to that? I don't. God does!

Thanks for reading, and God bless.

1. Ephesians 5:1, Matthew 5:48, Luke 6:36, Ephesians 4:32, 1 Corinthians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:17
2. Isaiah 2:8

For Women Only!

2012-05-11T14:55:00.000-04:00

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them.... And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." Genesis 1:27-31

Weekend reading for women. It's a lot, I know. It might take more than a weekend to finish, but I think that each article brings to light truths that cannot be denied and should not be ignored. Some of it will be hard, even embarrassing to read, but the truth isn't always easy, neat, or comfortable, is it?

I've compiled this list after reading a few reviews regarding E.L. James' "Fifty Shades of Grey." I've not read the book, and don't really plan to read it. The intent of my compiling this list goes far beyond reviewing its content, although I do appreciate the warning. The fact that such a book is embraced by so many as just a harmless or even helpful fantasy is more than a bit alarming. These post do a great job revealing the heartbreaking dangers of unhealthy fantasies, sinful dominance and dangerous submission. Please, take your time, but please do take a look....

Although Deb Waterbury's article, The S-Word: Dispelling the Myths of Biblical Womanhood, is not a review (and actually quite lengthy), it lays an extremely helpful foundation upon which to view the rest of these posts.

Julia Stronks' post, Do women really want 50 Shades of Grey?, not only warns us about this book, it shows us far more. What woman has not at some point hoped to change or heal her sinful partner? This review shows the danger such wrongful thinking poses.

Sex, Food and Fifty Shades of Gray, by Jonalyn Grace Fincher, made me blush. The truth does this. I do not know this author but more than appreciate her transparency. The comments are also most helpful.

Let's talk About Sex And Sadism, by Halee Gray Scott, was also a hard read because it sheds such light upon the dangers of deceptive fantasies and the realities of violence against women.

And last, I Looked For Love In Your Eyes, posted by Tim Challis. I will let it speak for itself.

Thank you for taking your time to read, to reflect and to pray. Your thoughts and comments are most welcome. Blessings!

Reflections On Prayer

2012-05-10T12:09:00.000-04:00

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Exactly how God's sovereignty and our duty to pray fit together leaves me groping as one in the dark. The fact that God holds all the pieces of life and moves them as He pleases, often pulls me away rather than toward fervent prayer. Why pray, if God wills all things according to His purpose and good pleasure? I don't have all the answers. Do you? And which is good and pleasing in His sight, that we live peaceful and quiet lives or that we pray?

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

God does as He pleases and all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, yet one of the first things we are called to do is pray. Yes, but.... This very small word can contain an avalanche of doubt, the sin that struck Zechariah (a man of prayer and worship) mute for nine months.

But, what if I pray against His will? God has prepared the objects of His mercy in advance. His gifts and His call are irrevocable. God has mercy on whomever He wills, and hardens whomever He wills. Who am I in light of His sovereign glory? Knowing that God knows more, knows better, knows perfectly well my weaknesses, also shrinks me from prayer.

Yes, but... the prayer of the upright pleases Him. Does it not please God to give wisdom to the simple, strength to the weak, and courage to the faint of heart? Does it not please God to answer our prayers or to withhold His answers that we might learn to rely more fully on Him and His understanding? Maybe it would be better if I examine myself to make sure that I am upright. Oy vey!

No, not all prayers please God, and my attempts to pray as His Word teaches me are so very imperfect. I am so very imperfect. What I really need is a shift of focus. I need to turn from my imperfect self to Christ. I need to lean fully upon His perfect finished work and trust His perfect sovereign will completely.

So, completely trusting, I pray...

Trusting, I pray that I would pray more, that I would trust more, that I would understand this battle better and win. Trusting, I still pray for things, knowing that God knows best what I really need, and find that I've become increasingly grateful and even content. Trusting, I pray that circumstances would change, but find instead that God is changing me. Trusting, I pray that God would comfort and deliver you, and me, and everyone who suffers, but find instead that our great pain has driven us all closer to His eternal fount of truth and life and blessing. Trusting, I pray that God would restore the prodigal and mend my heart, and find that many tears have watered my faith now growing up like mighty cedars from its broken shards. Trusting, I pray that I might yet please Him, and find Him rejoicing over me with singing! Trusting, I pray and I pray and... suddenly I find that I must pray... that I must needs run to the One my heart loves!

While our prayers could never trump God's sovereignty, they seem to move His heart, while He grows ours! But don't ask me how. Ask Him!

Thank you for taking your time to read and to comment!

Z Is For Zeal

2012-04-30T03:30:00.000-04:00

Zeal

for God's truth

is not about being right

it is right

being

true, just, eternal

and full of grace

it is

not a tempest loosed like hungry hounds,

not our own stormy desires

to defend

the lion that needs no defending,

but His bold love

living

laced

with much kindness

and patience.

Zeal

for God's truth

life

giving

the Gospel

His

passion

His

saving

GRACE

His Cross

His Son cherished

His Spirit active

in our faith

while we live

while we give

all

plus

our other cheek

without being cheeky

Petra O. Hefner

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own, zealous of good works.Titus 2:14

Lukewarmness in the Christian faith is vile, and zeal an excellent grace; yet above all other Christian virtues, this needs to be strictly watched and searched. For it is zeal with which corruption and pride and human passion is very apt to mix unobserved. -- Jonathan Edwards

It is wonderful to have a high regard for the truth, but zeal for the truth must be balanced by a love for people, or it can give way to judgmentalism, harshness, and a lack of compassion. -- John MacArthur

A believing man will be a zealous man. Faith makes a man zealous. Faith shows itself by zeal. Not by zeal for a party or a system or an opinion; but by zeal for Christ – zeal for His church – zeal for the carrying on of His work on earth. -- Horatius Bonar

Z is for Zinnia...

And now...

The Finale!

Drum roll, please.

Thank you.

Zabian,

the zealous zealot

zapped a zarf

before zigzagging zestily

through the zetabet zone

from zilch to a zillion

until he zoomed

into zany zonal zippers

that were already

quite zipped and zonked.

ZE END

What?

Not zerious enough?

Zoo me!

Actually, if you read the poem very carefully, looking long and hard, you'll find a zingy zetetic.

Zank you! I'm quite zonked, are you?

zing·y (zng) adj. zing·i·er, zing·i·est Informal 1. Pleasantly stimulating 2. Exceptionally attractive or appealing

zetetic - As an adjective, it means "inquiring, investigating" and "proceeding by inquiry or investigation," or, as a noun, "inquirer."

Zingy and zetetic definitions are from thefreedictionary.com just for the fun of it. You may laugh now!

:-)

Y Is For Yellow

2012-04-28T08:46:00.001-04:00

Yellow

I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud

by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed--and gazed--but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

-.-

Did you notice that the word 'yellow' did not appear even once in this poem? Yet, yellow explodes from the page - from the field of dancing daffodils - does it not?

When I was a child, I believed books to be stifling fiends... until I met poetry. What a world! I still don't understand it, really, but oh, how I like to spill my heart, break the rules of prose, and call it poetry. :-)

Y is for Yes...

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ... was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:19-20

Behold, a yellow daffodil...

Okay, so it's not completely yellow, but it'll have to do. I really didn't want to crochet a yak. :-)

Yippee, it's almost over! Thank you so much for letting me yap. :-)

X Is For Xylophone

2012-04-27T02:30:00.000-04:00

Xylophone

Xylophone, xylophone
play me a song
play me a dirge
make it extra long
for those who sleep
but cannot rest
for those who sin
without
within
who know not
what forgiveness is
only that their own goodness counts
and that their badness amounts
to nothing
much.

Oh, xylophone play
play deep
deeper still
they've already ignored
His sovereign will
play high
higher yet
pierce the sky
with your cry
set on vibrato
for they've already sold
the truth
for a
lie.

Oh, xylophone, xylophone
play extra loud
louder still
while it's still still
still day
still time
for those who still won't
who won't wake
but can't sleep
Oh, play.

Xylophone, xylophone
play a bit softer
play a bit kinder
play
while we pray
while we weep
while they sleep
without rest
'cause they won't
still won't wake
but can't sleep
while we weep
while we pray
Oh, pray
!

Petra O. Hefner

Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Listen to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not listen. Jeremiah 6:17

I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: you that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence. Isaiah 62:6

X is for x-stitch...

I had no idea what I would/could crochet for the letter X... until I found a new stitch, the x-stitch, which totally begged to become a bracelet. :-)

I am x-static that you are still reading and commenting. Thank you!

W Is For Where

2012-04-26T02:30:00.000-04:00

Where

the blight of night
bleeds worn
where winds and waters sleep
where expectant dew explodes
and fog escapes the deep

a wisp of hope
stirs up
the glassy moonlit tide
and angered waves collide
with dawn's first splash of light

roused rays of life
flood in
where frozen hearts once blazed
where swelling tears erupt then turn
into a boom of praise!

The people who sat in darkness saw great light; and to them who sat in the region and shadow of death, light is sprung up. Matthew 4:16

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy is when men are afraid of the light." -- Plato

W is for wall-hanging...

I've crocheted this a long time ago, eons actually, when I was a tween. Yes, it's that old. It's an antique, and it's worth a lot, lol! I use it for a valance in the kitchen window. :-)

You are a wonderful bunch of readers. Thank you! :-)

V Is For Virtual

2012-04-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

Virtual

Virtual faith
sits behind the screen
safe form real screams muted in print
safe form the warmth of blood flooding in
through the click of an aperture's lens
perhaps
to hold just a few short gasps
from feeling too deeply
safe from the chill
of lost lives
quietly doused
by silent saline
tears
mixed with a quicker solution
sure to kill a scream
so loud
it can't be heard
although it's just been tweeted and shared
but never appropriately considered
safe
form the stares that could kill
even if they were shot from across the street
but they're just traveling through
cyberspace
laced
to lull your heart
really
safe from the sneers that are
placidly placed behind plasma
safe
from that one sharp remark that cuts
like a switchblade
but it's not even breathing
it's eleven weeks old and already cold
as it slips unchallenged
by even the strongest arm
beneath your virtual wit and charm
as you touch
not a single life
really
just the delete key
reaffirming
your position so replete
that any further probing
could never prove your faith
to be as wanting as those who are to be
no sooner remembered
because they were so fast
forgotten.

Petra O. Hefner

"Truly, if faith is there, he cannot hold back: he proves himself, breaks out into good works." -- Martin Luther

Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? James 2:20

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Proverbs 31:8

V is for Violet Forget-me-nots: a bookmark

I'm very grateful for God's hand upon me, and for your prayers and support.

U Is For Undress Me

2012-04-24T02:00:00.000-04:00

Undress Me

Undress me,
remove
my pretending
reveal
the real me
the worm
though wee in appearance
is bigger even
than Goliath
and fiercer than
a thousand restless winds
when it's left alone
with its sins
its petty sins
its pretty sins
its spectacular sins
the sins that are
ugly only
when undressed.

Petra O. Hefner

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:14

"Sin turns ugly and is subject to defeat only when seen in the light of Christ’s beauty." -- Sam Storms

U is also for unnoticed, under-appreciated and perhaps a tad ugly. But, oh, I am so hooked on these rags!

I remember receiving my first ugly rag. It was a handmade-with-love Christmas gift from Rick's grandma. Here is what I thought: Yea. Aha. Nice! And I gently, lovingly put it in the linen closet. Just so you know how spoiled I ~~was~~ am, it stayed there several years until the decluttering bug hit me. I couldn't just toss it, at least not without trying it first. Surprise, surprise! :-) If'n you wanna know why I love a holeee rag so much, ask me. I won't bite, and I might even give you an answer.

And now a great big THANK YOU to all the unnoticed and under-appreciated bloggers, readers, and commenters!

T Is For Time

2012-04-23T02:00:00.000-04:00

Time

Time flies, does it not?

Time flies without regard

to riches or suave might

or even
our faith.

Time flies and will not stop.

So, number your days,

look careful how you walk

and never let your time fly
flit

about all aimlessly

or it will fly

awry.

Time flies,
beware,
they'll land
upon your folded hands
unnoticed

and with their subtle proboscis
will take your day,
your week, your month, your year,
your life
and swiftly steal away
with all
your idle moments.

Petra O. Hefner

Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

T is for talents...

"Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang the best." -- Henry Van Dyke

T is for Tank

We have a little chihuahua. His name is Tank. Don't laugh, the little squirt's so puny, he needs a big name. He's also mighty cute.

Meet Tank...

Of course it's not the real thing. It's his dobbelgänger!

Thank you for tagging along this alphabet trip with me! :-)

S Is For Song

2012-04-21T02:00:00.000-04:00

Song

I always

complain

when he practices

(don't hate me too harshly)

and forget to appreciate

and to cherish

the song

of his heart

the smile on his face

his strong embrace

His Gift

his love
his
song
!

One of Rick's first published compositions and one of my favorite Songs!

The heavens declare
The glory of God;
And the firmament shows
His handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.
In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

Psalm 19:1-6 (NKJV)

( Did you sing along? I did. :-)

Won't you show your appreciation by following Rick on facebook and/or YouTube and check out his work here and here.

Thank you So much!

And...

S is for Sally...

Sally didn't have to wait long. LittleGirl gave Sally a special home where they live happily ever after. :-)

So glad you're still sticking this challenge out with me. Thank you!

R Is For Reason

2012-04-20T02:00:00.000-04:00

Reason

I had searched for it again
under tungsten light
at night
but only found
abstract piercings
and arid
air.

I closed the book
shut the door
rubbed my eyes
dimmed the light
and sighed.

I had good reason.

I awoke
at the upwelling
in my heart
and heard the dry
leaves rustle
without
as my mind began
to wrestle
a rising flood
within
Let us reason...

I tried to shield
the eyes that looked
straight into mine,
but could only see me searing
burning
blood red and naked
and exposed
a sudden heaviness
heaved upon my heart
while my head seemed
strangely clearer
Let us reason...

Again, I tried
to shield the eyes
that looked straight into mine,
but could only hear the cold
leaves breaking
into dust
without
while silently within
newest life lay dawning
a better light risen
and calling
Let us reason...

And then, the eyes that looked
straight into mine
helped me to see
His love
His truth - His word
opened
finally open
wide open
the words I've pondered
expounded
all wanting
questions stilled
by His final promise
sealed forever
quenching the fire
and cooling my head
while my heart lay still
strangely filled
with a purer will.
Let us reason...

I open the book
shut the door
search His eyes
find new light
and sing.

I have good reason.

Petra O. Hefner

Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18

Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. Revelation 7:10

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

R is for roses...

Really glad you're riding this challenge out with me. Thank you!

Q Is For Question

2012-04-19T02:00:00.000-04:00

Question

What do you want from me?
Do you want me
to return
to you
all the days
you've lost,
everything you've gained
but did not keep?

Do you want
me
to erase
your stains,
ease your guilt,
feel your pains?
Do you want me to be you for a day or a year?
Do you know what it's like to be me,
to be free
from all sin
and shame
fully nailed
on display
and pain
fully
pierced?

And what is it you see
when you look at me?
Do you see only what you want to see,
what you need
me to be?
Can you look into my eyes
and still live
in your lies?
Can you touch my side
where the spear has been
and still sin
and sin
and
sin
yet
again?

If I enter your mind
to look at me,
would I see
you
only
or would I see
only
Me
?

Petra O. Hefner

To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him? Isaiah 40:18

O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah Psalm 4:2

Q is for quiet...

I didn't show you the doll I made for lil Miss M's cradle earlier, because I needed something for the letter Q. The little face is a stuffed sock, but the rest of its soft body is crocheted. Quiet. Shhh. She's almost sleeping. :-)

I'm quite thrilled that you've taken the time to visit me here. Thank you!

P Is For Pride

2012-04-18T02:00:00.000-04:00

Pride

Pride will shake

my humble head

for me

at others who don't know

that I know
better

know it all

before the fall.

Pride will shake

my helping hand

gladly

when no one else will

feed the star

all ready
set to praise

me yet.

Pride will loose

its hand-grip

only

when its heart is cut

past curing

on the day I die

upon its lie
that good is of my own

sweet making.

Petra O. Hefner

P is for perfect truth...

And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone." Mark 10:18

P is for perfect lie...

"For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God..." Genesis 3:5

P is for pity...

Perchance that I might learn what pity is, that I might laugh at erring men no more. --Michelangelo

P is for pansies...

I'm still practicing...

and still plowing through this challenge, and so glad you're still putting along.. :-)

Thank you! :-)

O Is For Orange

2012-04-17T02:00:00.000-04:00

An orange is good,

not because it ought to be,

but because it is!

We have not forgotten

to breathe

but we have forgotten

to be thankful.

We have not forgotten

everything

but we have forgotten

that everything is a gift,

every little thing.

An orange is good,

not because it ought to be,

but because it is!

We think

an orange ought to be good

just because
it is

an orange

while we forget

how rotten we are

how demanding

complaining,

forgetting

that an orange is
good

simply

because it is.

We have not forgotten

everything

but we have forgotten

to be thankful

because

all we seem to remember

is what we want

and we forget

and keep forgetting

what we've already been

given.

God is good

not because He ought to be

but because

He is!

Petra O. Hefner

"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" Romans 2:4

O is for orange trinket bowl...

Maybe I should have made it bigger to hold everything I'm thankful for.

Oh, and let me not forget to thank you for your time and kindness.

N Is For Night

2012-04-16T02:00:00.000-04:00

Night

Night rolls out his lightless robe
and with one snap of his wrist
sends down his sweet, dark kiss.

I lie beneath its numbing spell
vulnerable, detached, torpid,
cast aside in spite of me.

Still, I am, am not, floating;
no solid ground beneath my feet,
no real control, just dreams.

Night rolls up his satin sleeve
and with one snap of his wrist
dissolves his listless mist.

Yet, his silent telling still exudes
from the mist of my waking,
reminding me once again
that I am not
my own
but
His
!

Petra O. Hefner

The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5-6

N is for net...

I needed a potato storage solution, and a tater net seemed the perfect answer. :-)

So Nice of you to stop by! Thank you!

M Is For Meekness, A Mighty Magnet

2012-04-14T02:00:00.000-04:00

Meekness

"The man who is meek is not even sensitive about himself. He is not always watching himself and his own interests. He is not always on the defensive... To be truly meek means we no longer protect ourselves, because we see there is nothing worth defending..." -- Martyn Lloyd-Jones

The Meek Man's Motto

"The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God’s estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance than angels. In himself, nothing; in God, everything. That is his motto." -- A.W. Tozer

Meekness is Power

"Meekness is power under control." -- Warren Wiersbe

"Behold, your King comes unto you, meek, and sitting upon a donkey, and a colt the foal of a donkey." Matthew 21:5

Mighty Magnet

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” John 12:32

"What drew you to Christ but Christ? What draws you to Him now but His own blessed self? If you have been drawn to religion by anything else, you will soon be drawn away from it...

Jesus is the one magnet. Let us not think of any other. Music will not draw to Jesus, neither will eloquence, logic, ceremonial, or noise. Jesus Himself must draw men to Himself; and Jesus is quite equal to the work in every case. Be not tempted by the quackeries of the day; but as workers for the Lord work in His own way, and draw with the Lord’s own cords. Draw to Christ, and draw by Christ, for then Christ will draw by you." -- Charles Spurgeon (Faith's Checkbook)

A quick aside: By the time Friday rolls around, it becomes apparent that I've no meaningful poetic juice left. Hence, to give my head a rest, I've volunteered to post some borrowed words on Saturdays. :-)

M is for Miss M's special gift...

My granddaughter is special, and this doll cradle is one of the first things I've crocheted. Yes, I've designed it, but have yet to write down what I did (before I forget). Bear had to try it out, of course, and even brought his own pillow. He liked it so much, he went and told his friend Serta, who could hardly believe how comfy it was. I did finally run them off to make room for baby, but that's for another letter.

Many thanks to all my readers for their kind comments!

L Is For Light

2012-04-13T02:00:00.000-04:00

Light erupts

bright excitement

pierces clouds and darkest skies

blinding
droplets
fall

drip

splash

churn

and rush
into calmness

at His feet

alive in a valley of bursting colors

and rippling streams

spilling over

hills of golden honey

and lilting leaves

on thirsty trees

with swelling roots

where grass blades fill

a sweet green sea

and

silk-soft petals
sing!

Petra O. Hefner

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1:3

And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:5

L is also for life, new life in Him, and for love, of course.

How do you like my cut-off walking stick for decorations?

His banner over me is love... Song of Solomon 2:4

I certainly Like your visits and encouragements! Thank you!

K Is For Knower Of All

2012-04-12T02:00:00.000-04:00

Knower Of All

show me

give me a glimpse

of my heart

my greatest need

show me the dunghill

against which I lean

the sin

I call good

my own understanding

show me

the wormholes

of my polished coffin

my deep lack

of knowing Your will

Your wisdom

You.

Knower of all

show me

You

give me a glimpse

of Your glory

my greatest good

show me The Cross

upon which You bled

the Son

You call good

Your own perfect wisdom

show me

the gaping hole

of His empty tomb

my new life

of believing Your word

Your promise

You.

Petra O. Hefner

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

K is for...

"Keep praying but be thankful that God's answers are wiser than your prayers." -- William Culbertson

And now, for all the cat lovers out there...

K is for... kitty bookmarks:

Know that I totally cherish your visits and comments!

J Is For Joy

2012-04-11T02:00:00.000-04:00

Joy

I have joy

in laughter

and joy in pain

joy in the falling sun

and in the rising rain.

"Believer! is not this the source – the proper source of your joy – that Jesus lived, and suffered, and died for you – that He paid “all that great debt” you owed to law and justice, and washed away the foul stain of your guilt, in His own most precious blood?" -- John MacDuff

I have joy

in singing

and joy in gloom

joy in the waking garden

and in the empty tomb.

Joy

Petra O. Hefner

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11

And J is for jars, which are especially handy for quick gifts or treats. Of course, you'll need to cover those jar lids...

It also makes a cute lil bowl. :-)

Juggling these A2Z posts is truly a challenge. So, thank you for your visits and encouragements!

I Is For Image

2012-04-10T02:32:00.001-04:00

Image

Christ is the visible image
of the invisible God
His divine and perfect nature
His fullness and grace
His eternal love
and merciful patience.

No eye has seen God
yet Christ was not hid.
His power and dominion
made the blind to see
the lame to walk
and the dead to live.
His holiness
filled the streets
with His eternal truth.

The Word of God
born of flesh
born into His world
taught
of God's just love
and eternal faithfulness
flawlessly
selflessly
unflinchingly.

No eye has seen God
yet
it can see
what Christ has done
can see in the natural
the essential
the eternal
image of God
and His justice
fulfilled.

Christ is the image of the invisible God
whom none can reflect but His only begotten
His beloved Son!

Petra O. Hefner

"He is the image of the invisible God." Colossians 1:15

Inspired by quotes...

"It is useless for sheep to pass a resolution in favor of vegetarianism while wolves remain of a different opinion." -- William Randolph Inge

I is for Iris

I was just about to finish this beautiful pattern, when.... grrrr.... I ran out of yarn a mere sixteen stitches from finishing. No, I did not have more yarn in the house. :-) I also like to go around the edges with slip stitches to make it look neater. I thought I would have it finished, pressed, and hung in some swell and sunny spot, but nahhh... I'm done, for now.

Here she is...

This pattern called for a 4 dc mesh. I worked mine in a 3 dc mesh. Less work, less yarn. Ha ha, so I thought.

I am quite happy you're here, though, reading and cheering me on. :-)

Thanks!

H is for He

2012-04-09T02:00:00.000-04:00

He did come
from glory to a womb

To bring death

The death of death
by dying Himself

To bleed
condemned

Hoisted by ignorance
and hate

Tortured

He did come
willingly
a sinless lamb
to the open mouths and cruel hands
of a lie

Launched from the first lie
and its consequence
into the stench
of the grave

Shoved

Face to face
with darkest darkness
and fiercest pain

Every sin
pressed
upon His shoulder

God's wrath
more piercing than each blow
each ridicule
each wound
each nail

Oh
The pain

The horror

Forsaken by God
Himself!

Until

He heard

The voice He loved so well

My Son

In You I AM

Well pleased!

He did rise
from death to Glory

To bring life

The Life of life
in Him!

The promise of His love
fused heaven and earth

my heart with His

His heart with all
who believe.

Petra O. Hefner

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Here is hoping that you've had a most joyous

Resurrection Day!

Easter isn't over. It's only just begun!

H is for Hibiscus... found the awesome free pattern here. :-)

Here's hoping you'll have a happy week ahead.

G Is For God

2012-04-07T01:26:00.000-04:00

God

God is a Spirit,
in and of Himself infinite in being,
glory,
blessedness,
and perfection;
all-sufficient,
eternal,
unchangeable,
incomprehensible,
every where present,
almighty,
knowing all things,
most wise,
most holy,
most just,
most merciful and gracious,
long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.

--From the Westminster Larger Catechism Study Workbook

God's Word for each line. It's good to be reminded of who God really is.
John 4:24
Exodus 3:14; Job 11:7-9
Acts 7:2
1 Timothy 6:15
Matthew 5:48
Genesis 17:1
Psalm 90:2
Malachi 3:6
1 Kings 8:27
Psalm 139:1-13
Revelation 4:8
Hebrews 4:13; Psalm 147:5
Romans 16:27
Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 15:4
Deuteronomy 32:4
Exodus 34:6 (last two lines)

Gardenia, a bookmark:

Yes, it needs work. That's why I haven't got any patterns yet. I'm still practicing. :-)

Thank you, gracious readers, for your time.

A most

Glorious

and joyful Resurrection Sunday to you!

F Is For Flower

2012-04-06T01:55:00.000-04:00

Flower

paler than snow
laced with scarlet thread
and tend'rest purple hues
so small
yet enormously scented
satiny leaves
of palest green
lean quivering
into the wind
with paper-thin petals
learning to be brave
in the rain
(beneath the fir and the great cypress)
still learning to stand
still
in the wind
behind an old gate
(charged to shield its innocence)
awakened
by His will
called forth
from its frosty grave
to perfume the air
anew
with spring.

Petra O. Hefner

For all those things has my hand made, and all those things have been, said the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2

F is for For...

"For God's sake, do not put yourself at odds with the Word of God. For truly it will persist as surely as the Rhine follows its course. One can perhaps dam it up for awhile, but it is impossible to stop it." -- Ulrich Zwingli

Some small words are rather mighty.

F is for facial cloths, floppy back scrubbers, and other fine rags. :-) It all started right here, a few days before Christmas. I still needed presents and had no idea that Lorraine's pretty washrag idea would jump-start my newest passion. Yes, I'm hooked on hooking, and we're not even on the letter H yet.

I thank my bloggy friends for visiting and commenting!