Nature’s Lessons from The God of Comfort

Nature's Lessons from the Great Comforter

One of Adams’ Acres Blessings

Calico says, “Get me outa here!”

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8-9

Comfort may mean staying put.

Not pictured are three tiny fawns. Upon hearing me on the porch, they froze in place. As other deer approached, they immediately seemed to relax and melt into the soft grasses. Fear was replaced with confidence as they felt the comfort of a mother’s love.

Other times, comfort means to flee.

At the same time, a flock of turkeys in the cow pasture had stopped in their tracks. The sound of a car speeding by the house caused them to quickly turn and wobble down the hillside to safety. Secure in the shadows of thick brush, and no longer filled with fear, they gingerly resumed pecking the ground for tasty morsels.

In the second picture, the young doe followed my cat all the way up the hill. Calico was in no mood to play. Besides, he knew some good cuddling and snacks awaited as he headed for the porch!

Nature Points us to our Comforter.

I learn much from watching the critters on Adams’ Acres. Perhaps I relate all too well to the feelings of fear and doubt that paralyze and hamper good judgment. Especially as I grow older and my situation changes, even the smallest detail can cause stress.

Can you relate? Do you ever stand paralyzed or frozen in your tracks when facing some circumstance in your life? Maybe it isn’t even a big thing, but it seems overwhelming at the moment. Your breath is short and you can’t seem to shake that feeling of hopelessness.

God wants to bring comfort.

We have a Comforter who is waiting to help. He is the Great Caregiver. He knows us; every hair on our head is numbered, and every breath we take is by His command.

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 Click here for 50 more great scriptures on our Faithful Father’s care.

I want to encourage each of you, whatever your circumstance, to make time to lean on Him for rest. His word in Psalm 23 reminds us that He will lead us beside still waters and restore our souls.

Today I pray that you will “cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) And you will, like the baby deer, allow yourself to melt down into the soft grasses and allow your loving Father to bring comfort and hope and peace for your journey.

Hugs,

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Let me hear the ways that God has brought comfort and encouragement to your heart.

Do You Have The Ultimate Key?

Do you have the ultimate key?

Searching for the Ultimate Key

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

Keys come in many sizes; we will use more than one size or type of key on any given day. Most every home has a small bag or box filled with keys of all sizes. Many appear new while others may have come over on the Mayflower. Are they important? What do they fit? Who knows! But, you must never, ever throw a key away; it may be the very one needed.

Very large keys remind us of the one Barney Fife used to lock up his “dangerous criminals” in Mayberry’s jail. One large key always hung in plain sight so Otis, the town drunk, could lock himself up when he stumbled in late at night.

The most common keys are medium-sized such as Ward and June Cleaver’s house key. And, who can forget The Fonz waving his small key at the girls when preparing to take his “cool car” out for a spin?

Long before our information was easily stored electronically, young ladies wrote their most secret thoughts in colorful diaries. This book was then securely locked with a tiny key and safely tucked away lest anyone dare peek.

You may be too young to remember many of these keys; or like this writer, so old you’ve forgotten them. There is, however, another key each of us has in our possession and use every day without giving it a thought. This is the “invisible key.”

Think of those you know who seem to enjoy cooking. Do they really like to cook, or do they cook because they like to eat? How about you? Are the things you do every day satisfying? Do you really enjoy what you are doing? The invisible key is in discovering why you do what you do.

Click here for my article on 5 Keys to Building Self-Esteem

At any sporting event, fans will respond differently to the same actions. Some are mournful, grumpy, or downright angry. Others are clapping, shouting, and overjoyed. Reactions depend upon which team is winning. In every circumstance of life, knowing which team you are on is the invisible key.

Some employees may be working hard at their assigned tasks while others are clearly working hard at hardly working. We wonder if they want to keep their jobs or get fired and collect unemployment. The invisible key here is accountability, honesty, and self-respect.

When needing a different car, do we look for a used or a classy new one? How far into debt should we go? Should we make a five-year loan or use money we have saved to purchase a good used one? Certainly, here the invisible key is to recognize our needs over our wants.

The invisible key comes into place as we consider daily habits. Do we smoke or use drugs? Are we willing to deal with the consequences of our bad choices? Here we clearly see the invisible key to knowledge and self-discipline.

Do you get the idea of the invisible key? Every day we make choices that affect ourselves and those around us. The key is to realize the importance of thinking through choices that ultimately affect our lives and others.

The most essential invisible key, the ultimate key, we will all need in this life is the Key to Heaven. We know the Only Key to Heaven is Jesus. Like with all our invisible keys, we have a choice of which to use and which to ignore. Becoming more aware of our invisible keys will lead us to a more fulfilled life.

Click here for amazing keys from the Bible.

Hugs,

.

Looking forward to your thoughts on helpful keys in your life.

Spring Brings A Fresh Perspective

Spring Brings a Fresh Perspective

Adams’ Acres Awakens to Spring

Spring is my favorite season, a reminder of God’s everlasting care for His creation (that includes you and me!)

“In the beginning, God created the heaven and earth. ” Genesis 1:1 Click here for more verses about God’s creation.

It’s a happy time. Birds appear from nowhere to build nests; butterflies search for the tiniest flowers. Animals attack new blades of tender grass as we would a plate of chocolates.

And yet, too often our present pain can overshadow the splendor of spring.

I recall a spring day when I unloaded my heavy heart. “Little Robin, I’m almost mad at you for being so happy! Can’t you see my heart is breaking as you strut proudly singing? Some would say you’re here to cheer me up. Well, sorry little birdie, it’s not working!”

Feeling overwhelmed as a woman, mother, caregiver, or friend, is inevitable.

As Mother lay in a hospital, I wondered if each day would be her last. Her window opened to beautiful, flower-laden lawns filled with cheerful little robins. My feelings stormed inside; I wanted to chase the birds away, to cry, to scream, to do something to let the world know my heart was breaking.

Yet it was that very image that gave me hope.

From childhood to now, my fondest memories of Mother included nature. Thoughts of our rejoicing in God’s creation refreshed my weary soul. As I pondered the joys we had on our many spring excursions, I felt a sense of peace. Mother relished every moment outside in the spring. “Smell the air” she would say. “Look at the colors! Susie, never lose sight of what God has given us!”

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Bringing spring to those who cannot get outside.

Recently, it seemed I had walked into a spring garden instead of a care facility. Every room was filled with colorful flower cutouts.  Bright ribbons adorned pictures and bows accented the lamps. I was told they celebrate each month with all the vigor they can muster. “Not one of us, after all, is promised a tomorrow! We simply must do all we can do today to celebrate the goodness of God.” Wow! That profound comment was food for thought!

I recall holidays when we were caring for Mother. We hurriedly put out an appropriate card and flower of some sort as holidays came and went and seasons changed. I may have even decorated a cupcake or two. But, to celebrate each day like this? No, not at all.

Who needs a touch of God’s goodness this spring?

We have much to celebrate, not the least of which is A Risen Savior! How better to spread the Good News of New Life than to splash color around in the room occupied by the home-bound? Give them and your family something new to gaze upon. Add life and interest to your home.

Celebrate family! Celebrate life! Make every day a holiday; celebrate the gift of life!

I pray for you, dear friend, that you find rest when you are weary. I pray you find resources to meet your needs and those in your care. I pray you find the courage and hope for the days ahead.

Most of all, I pray that you know the Savior that rose from the grave that day and offered His free gift of Eternal Life and Hope to all who would receive it. Blessings and hugs to each of you.

Thanks for your comments; and your prayers.