Pride and Joy of Chris and Tammy Holton

Robins! Nest! Eggs! Babies! Pops and grandson!

Grandchildren are the pride and joy of old age,…” (Proverbs 17:6 ERV)

Our co-Writer, Tammy and husband, Chris are proud fairly new grandparents. They love spending time with their precious lil guy, Stetson.

Aren’t these beautiful photos with a teaching moment with Chris, Stetson, nest, Robin eggs, and baby bird birth?

We often read fascinating stories of Francis of Assisi’s relationship with a variety of animals, birds, fish, trees, and flowers. It’s said he always tells these creatures, “Do you realize that by your very existence, you are inherently giving glory to God? So just be who you are. Every animal, every created being has a unique thing to do. Each of you, do your thing; and in that doing, you are giving glory to God!” It’s believed and taught Francis would take delight in everything and everybody doing their thing. That would include you and me!

A big note of praise for Tammy and Chris! In a very short time we will get to hear about the birth of Stetson’s baby brother, Sterling Ryan! Our Blessings to ALL!

Hope of Everyone…

”You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength. You quieted the raging oceans with their pounding waves and silenced the shouting of the nations. Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.“
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭65‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.65.5-8.NLT

I found myself bird watching and wondering what kind of bird might this be? All black with red wings. Someway watching the mystery of so much black but wings of red reminded me of the blood of Jesus Christ shed for our blackness at Calvary.

The Psalmist must have understood how one might feel when darkness surrounds so many and so much. The words of the psalmist, “0 God our Savior, You are the Hope of everyone on earth…”

Meditating on this awesome scripture with this good news, Hope for everyone on earth. And, “God answers our prayers with awesome deeds.”

I named our little bird that seems so at peace, Hope!

Still Water Reflects

Still Water Reflects

The Book of Matthew tells us that Jesus invites us; “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭MSG‬‬

A few years ago I penned a song (There’s a Waiting in My Room) with these words; “I see your face shining as a glory of grace.” As I read these words today from Matthew, “learn the unforced rhythms of grace” I started thinking have I learned “the unforced rhythms of Grace”?

How often have I taken a few days of R&R and walked by a body of water that seems to calm the soul and reflects my face and reminds me God’s Grace is sufficient for all my concerns.

In 2 Corinthians 12:1 “Paul provides an example of how a person should not find his or her identity and confidence in personal achievements because only God’s grace is sufficient. Yet, I leave my resort spot and take my concerns with me to work out.”

What does, “learn the unforced rhythms of grace” mean to you? Do you get excited about coming to the table of Grace and learn more about the unforced rhythms of Grace?

Easter stories

Are often told, shown and lived by many generations in various ways to demonstrate the joy of Easter and the ways we celebrate. One of my favor scriptures highlighs the word, JOY in the moment of fear!

“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary left the tomb quickly with fear and great JOY and ran to tell his disciples.” Matthew 28:8 (NRSVUE) (see link below for more understanding of the Easter Story).

Art Eggs by Sierra, age 4 and Bunny art by Aunt Yvonne

“The butterfly says to the Sun, “They can’t stop talking about my transformation. I can only do it ONCE in my lifetime. If only they knew, they can do it at ANYTIME and in COUNTLESS ways.” -Dodinsky

As my granddaughter just now age 4 and her Aunt with eighty years age difference shared in our Easter celebration with their art stories joy exploded in my soul. I was astonished really how Sierra chose from among many stickers for her to use a butterfly theme to decorate her eggs.

Her Aunt sent by mail “Naughty Bunny” art for our enjoyment. And, also our “Butterfly” quote by Dodinsky.

And, then our friend and co-writer, Tammy Holton thought to share the story of Easter told by her minister, Daniel Davenport, of Edenton NC. I listened and shared with others thinking what a great storyteller Daniel is bringing all parts of Easter into focus. (Sharing Link below)

Daniel gives hope in how we can unite forever in love and continue to share our Easter stories in joy even when we may feel much fear. Feel free to share your Easter story in comments right here.

I Am the Resurrection and the Life 3/31/24

http://countrysidecc100.com/

Early Spring Eastern NC-Irises

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
—Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

The Iris Symbolism… “Having been around for centuries and with nearly 300 species available in a rainbow of colours, it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that Iris has a lot of meanings behind it in different cultures. The most common meanings include hope, wisdom, trust and valour, making it a great flower to have around the house.”

Tammy, wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, friend and full of faith has often been referred to as an Iris! She truly is a great flower to have around the house!

Philippians 4:8 a recipe in my way of thinking to help ignite mental health when put in practice.

“The three upright petals on an iris flower stand for faith, wisdom, and valor. An extract from the iris, called Orris Root, is used as an additive to perfumes and is the most widely used fixative for potpourri.”

The writer, Paul, of Philippians 4:8 goes on to say now, “put it into practice.”

Our thinking—our attitude—affects the way we live out our faith in our daily space.

Have you a favorite flower? If so, what makes it so special to you? To others?

Love one another

Jesus speaking, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34,35)

My bracelet of many years. It was a gift. I don’t think I wore it very often. When I did I thought of a daisy which reminded me of my sister, Barbara. When she dwelled on earth she often thought of herself as a daisy. So it made me think of her. Maybe a friend gave it to me to remind me of her. She was very lovely and full of love for others.

Just this week after years I thought I would wear for the day since it’s early March, rainy and little signs of spring which I keep searching for.

When I put it on my arm and looked I saw heart after heart. I thought that’s not my daisy bracelet! Where did I get this?

Do you see hearts? I do! I thought of Jesus saying, “love one another.” Then, I quickly looked up scripture where he introduced these words with, “A new commandment I give you…” I’m now thinking what was the old commandment that I may have been following?

If, I follow this new commandment, “everyone will know I am a disciple of Jesus”. Maybe if I slow down and become more observant of God’s creation I might have a little more “enlightenment” as to God and His creation!

How Majestic is your Name;

In all the earth!🎶

Time to plant our seeds,

Paul, the Apostle of Jesus wrote, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV)

Uncle and niece planting Strawberries for summer ice cream!🍓🍦Seeds were furnished by friend.

“It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.

The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.” vs 7,8

WOW! Just WOW! Pause and think on this! 💝

Love Covers

”Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.“
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.4.8.NLT

Love is a powerful force when read and acted upon from the Eternal Word! Love received seems to be double love. And, love given seems to triple love. WOW!

”A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.“
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/ecc.4.12.NLT

Three spiritually is a Holy Number. It represents the Holy Trinity that makes up three divine beings, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

The second month of our year, February, often brings to mind; love month. Febtuary 14 many celebrate Valentine’s Day. Love! Some of us have Birthdays, or that of a family member or friend. This often prompts sharing love in words of praise and gifts of joy!

Contemplate love-to consider thoroughly; think fully or deeply about. 💛

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

1806 – 1861

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.”

Embrace Prayer

Embrace Prayer! I often pray and find solace in my soul as I pray. At times I delight with words found in;

Philippians 4:6-7New Living Translation

^“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.“

So why EMBRACE PRAYER…Because “embrace” means more than to just agree with something or to grudgingly accept it. Embrace means to be content with it—or even love it! How do you show God that you’re focused on the new things he’s doing?

”It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.“
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

”Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.“ ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬