But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see;
Psalms 115:3-5 NKJV
The Palmist is contrasting the sovereign, living God who resides in heaven and acts freely—with lifeless, man-made idols crafted from silver and gold.
Which God do we relate to? Human beings were created to reflect the image of the living God. But, “Those who make them (being gods-idols) will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.” (Psalm 115:8)
A Story tells a Story
A Story tells a Story
Have a seat on the blue-yellow bench!
Tell us your story and share,
Some things you are thankful for?
I’m thankful for the quaintness of little yellow butterflies.
Red and blue colored birds
As well as the black and grey birds too.
That seem to come and linger longer.
The new fall flowers and a few winter ones, too.
A message board where I can greet you.
And, you greet me and others on their walks.
I’m ecstatic when a young one stops to squeal,
Learn and share their art with all of us.
Morning coffee and afternoon tea serves as a thermostat, clock and compass, too!
So very thankful for “Hi there” to one and all!
Big smiles and laughter that sounds like chimes
Ringing in the wind of love and community!
I’m now thinking just how thankful I am
For each of you that have paused to greet me.
Both here and there and remembered to share
Your stories and words of gratitude creating magic that happens when we choose to slow down and tell our story.
A Story tells a Story!
Jesus told stories, aka as parables, were his primary way of teaching, using the everyday, elements to reveal profound truths about love, community, and the kingdom of God.
“…The birds and flowers: He famously told people to look at the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, reminding them not to worry and to find peace in how deeply they are cared for. (Matthew 6:26&28)
- The ordinary workers: He spoke of farmers scattering seeds, fishermen throwing nets, and women baking bread to explain how a small act of faith can grow into something massive and beautiful. (Luke 8, luke 5, Luke 13)
- The outsiders and neighbors: In stories like the Good Samaritan, he challenged people to redefine who their “neighbor” is, showing that love and community are found in showing mercy to whoever is right in front of you.” (Like 10:33-36)” (parts of quote taken from google AI notes)
“…God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the LORD sees into the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7 CEB
A Story tells a Story!
What a lovely blog, Sara, with the beautiful photos, and the words and scriptures to read and think on.
Seeing and reading Sara’s list of things she is thankful for reminded me of the hymn, “Count Your Blessings”. Its refrain goes,
“Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.”
Some of the things I am thankful for on this day: being able to read and share on The Daily Lily and look at the beautiful photos! ; cooler days after a long hot summer; being able to work with and enjoy gardens and plants that beautify the earth; watch all the varieties of birds that come to the backyard bird feeder and then fly from tree to tree; food to eat; the skies to look at that God paints differently each day….and so much more!
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].” James 1:17 AMP
Thanks Debi, for stopping by and telling your story. Many know you by your planting of flowers and vegetables alike. Your skills of tearing up the summer plants when new plants are ready for Fall and Winter! Teaching High School students to follow your example with hands on learning. The horticultural field has vast op to be a preacher of the living God. The One I chose to follow and worship.
I find the blue and yellow bench in the midst of a flourishing gardening spot has the potential of making the maker of heaven and earth know by our fruit and our words.
I so often use the quote of Saint Francis of Assisi as my “walking stick”in the midst of “sharing a story” and then I know that others will know which God, [gods] I serve and will see fruit and glorify Our Father which is in heaven. “…trying to convey Our Father in heaven’s love for us all, Saint Francis of Assisi gave us this wonderful nugget of wisdom–“Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” Words often represent the soil and without the soil the yellow and blue bench might be an idol we have built. Yes, in my heart pocket of keepsakes this is, “A Story tells a Story!”
“What A mushroom Taught Me About Spiritual Wisdom!” See above blog post …My story I wrote from my thoughts from here of things I’m grateful for. Gratitude for all the small things I daily see are trucked in the pocket of my heart waiting for a story that will tell my story.
I read this quote by Timothy Keller in my devotions this am…”What is an idol? It is anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”
Some things I am thankful for…… I am thankful for my health. I have been a nurse for almost 36 years now and have been in healthcare for almost 40 years. I have seen many patients suffer with illnesses. I am so very thankful for medicines that I have seen help patient’s recover from illnesses. I am thankful for doctors that have been blessed with knowledge to help others. I am thankful for the basic needs in life, food, shelter, clothing. I am thankful for Jesus and for His mercy and love for mankind. I am thankful for family and friends. I could probably keep writing for all that I am thankful for, but I will pause now and say.. “Thank you God for all my many blessings.” 🙏
Beautiful picture above of the blue and yellow bench, greeting sign, and flowers! 🌹 🌺 💐
Good Morning, Tammy, delighted to have you pause, reflect and share your blessings! It’s refreshing to the soul to join in and give thanks with you.
Thanks for reminding us of the good health care many in our nation have and experience. You prompted me to add to my “give thanks” my allergy meds. Interestingly, I would not be able to sit on the blue and yellow bench very often, or at all some days because of seasonal allergies. Plus other meds and health care that I have been and am blessed with.
It’s awesome how contagious giving thanks can be and might even cause songs to spring up from within and maybe sing along often maybe out of key tune but heart tuned in unison. 🎶🙏