Yesterday, I was given the gift of a hyacinth! A real live hyacinth! It's beautiful! The fragrance is lovely! My secret sister gave me a remembrance of my mother and it touched my heart in a special way. Did she know that the color of this hyacinth was my mother's favorite? Did she know the connection I make between hyacinths and my mother? Did she read my blog? I don't know; but I consider it a gift from God and I will cherish it. This delightful gift will go in my garden of memories to enjoy again and again.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights...." James 1:17
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A Day Well Spent
I found this old clipping in my father's Bible. It seems to me these are good questions to ask at the end of the day!
Is anybody happier because you passed this way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to them today?
The day is almost over, and its toiling time is through:
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Can you say tonight in parting with the day that's slipping fast,
That you helped a single person of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does the one whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day or use it?
Was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber,
Do you think that God will say:
You have earned one more tomorrow by what you did today?
(author unknown)
"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity..." Ephesians 5:15
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." I Thessalonians 5:11
Is anybody happier because you passed this way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to them today?
The day is almost over, and its toiling time is through:
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Can you say tonight in parting with the day that's slipping fast,
That you helped a single person of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does the one whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day or use it?
Was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber,
Do you think that God will say:
You have earned one more tomorrow by what you did today?
(author unknown)
"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity..." Ephesians 5:15
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." I Thessalonians 5:11
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Hands
I was thinking about hands today. More precisely, I was thinking about my mother's hands. They were not beautiful by the world's standards with immaculately kept nails, soft skin, and tapered fingers. Her hands were hard-working and productive and it showed! As a nurse, her hands soothed and ministered to many a sick or dying patient. As a mother, these same hands could be both gentle and firm! When I think back I can almost feel her tender touch on my forehead burning with fever. In my mind's eye I can see her gently patting my infant daughter as she "whispered" her to sleep. They were like the hands of the Proverbs 31 woman: "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands...she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for the task...She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." I want hands like hers!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Hyacinths for the Soul
Today I bought some hyacinths to decorate the tables for our Women of God meeting. Hyacinths always make me think of my mother. She loved them. She often said that everyone needs a hyacinth for his or her soul now and then. Not an actual plant, but something to bring joy into your life. She and my father shared this belief. Sometimes, when times were tough, they bought themselves a hyacinth for their souls: something beautiful, not needful; something to lift their spirits, not to put food on the table. I remember my Dad quoting a poem about hyacinths, so I looked it up. I found this poem by a 13th century Persian poet.
If, of thy mortal goods, thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves
alone to thee art left
Sell one and from the dole,
Buy hyacinths to feed the soul.
And also: "If I had but two loaves of bread I would sell one of them and buy White Hyacinths to feed my soul." Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
God is beautiful! And we are made in His image. Our souls need things of beauty to inspire us. Flowers. Poems. Music. Art. A pleasantly decorated home. A good book. All can "feed the soul."
I hope for more hyacinths to feed my soul.
Janie Annie
If, of thy mortal goods, thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves
alone to thee art left
Sell one and from the dole,
Buy hyacinths to feed the soul.
And also: "If I had but two loaves of bread I would sell one of them and buy White Hyacinths to feed my soul." Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
God is beautiful! And we are made in His image. Our souls need things of beauty to inspire us. Flowers. Poems. Music. Art. A pleasantly decorated home. A good book. All can "feed the soul."
I hope for more hyacinths to feed my soul.
Janie Annie
Friday, February 5, 2010
Why "Under His Wings?"
I chose my blog name, Under His Wings, because the phrase is one of my favorite word pictures in Scripture.
"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
"Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings..." Psalm 17:8
What a safe place to be! I love it there!
Janie Annie
"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
"Keep me as the apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings..." Psalm 17:8
What a safe place to be! I love it there!
Janie Annie
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