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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Reflecting

I am currently away from my home and not on the computer as often.
So much has been happening, trials which have had me pressing strongly into Gods Word.

I love the book of Isaiah. Opening my bible this morning I read the following.
The spirit of the Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me
To bring the Good News to the poor.......
He will give beauty for ashes,
A joyous blessing instead of mourning.
Festive praise instead of despair.
Chap:61:1
(Such encouragement)

I had just dreamed a distressing dream.
And jumped out of bed wanting to cry out!
But I recognise... Satan is at it again, trying to upset the day.

So instead I wish to share some happy times with you from my memory of the U.S.A.

When I first went to live in Rogersville Tennessee, I thought I was in Heaven.
People were so kind.
I walked into Wal Mart wanting to purchase underwear.
The sizes were different to back in Oz, and in my confusion I stood and stared.
A sweet sales lady by the name of Cathy came beaming kindness, asking if she could help?
Well, she looked at me and picked out my size. All was resolved.
Months later, the tables turned as I nursed Cathy's mother, and helped Cathy with her care.
Both of us were given, Beauty for Ashes.

These may be small incidences, yet when we are open to see Gods love and kindness,
we will find much to be thankful for.

Our home was situated on the side of a hill, in the woods...

Each day I had the joy of watching the squirrels and birds.
Ray had numerous bird feeders to entice cardinals and gold finch..
And those cheeky squirrels helped themselves also...
I had a special prayer room where I could sit and watch the antics.

There is so much good in our lives, yet sometimes we allow the clouds to get in the way.
We allow the storms of life to take over.
Yes, we allow...we choose to let....
Bad, hurtful, or past memories to take away the gift of the day.

I adore a song I learned as a child.
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
NAME THEM ONE BY ONE
AND IT WILL SURPRISE YOU.

WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE.

So if something in your life is hurting and taking away your joy.
Sit down with a piece of paper and begin to list all the good things.
Someones kind word to you.
A smile from a stranger.
The sunshine peeking through your window.
Having the eyes, to read these words..

What a joy life is, just open your eyes and see.
My amazed grandson Izaiah, looking at Jesus with Peter the fisherman. 

BE AS A LITTLE CHILD.
 

22 comments:

  1. I think if we look for it, we'll find beauty in even the ugliest of days. God bless you. I'm praying for you and yours.

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  2. Oh my goodness this is near and dear to my heart - there is so out there that can destress us - and you are right - we take a look at it - and then make a decision how to look at it and how to react to it.

    sandie♥

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  3. Cool - - - you were about three hours from me! I love TN, too. It is a beautiful place with many, many lovely people - - - something I am thankful for, too.

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  4. That is much like where I live in Arkansas.I live out in the country,so I can really relate. Even when something bad is happening we can look around us at God's creation and still see all the love and goodness that God has provided for us.

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  5. Gorges, I do need those prayers. Thank you.

    Sandie, Love you sis.

    Lynda,Gosh we could have met??

    Laura, There is no place like the country, with Gods nature all around. x

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  6. I'm thinking of you! I hope things improve and those battles are won very soon!

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  7. You have my prayers, and I thank you for the reminder to count my blessings. I just brought a journal from my bedroom... a fresh one from my bottom drawer.

    I'm going to do as you suggested.

    God bless you.

    Joey

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  8. A beautiful pot for the day. I too love that song as I learned it in Sunday school ;-)

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  9. Hi Carol, THANKS SO MUCH,I WON'T BE THERE AGAIN ON THURSDAY...FIONA STILL WISHES IT TO BE ON. XX

    Dear Joey, Thank you for your prayers, I pray your blessings are many. xx

    Joyful, we will sing it together. God bless.xx

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  10. Dearest Crystal Mary, You have my prayers, for you and yours.
    A beautiful posting as always. You write with such strength and wisdom.
    I have so many blessings, far too many to count. The main one being Freddie is home with me and getting stronger each day. Thanking you dear for your many prayers.
    Take care,
    Much love
    June xx

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  11. Oh Crystal, I love this Walmart story--wow! It is amazing how your lives intertwined. Your grandson is adorable...such a precious child. Sending hugs and blessings your way, dear friend.
    XO
    Cindy

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  12. Que gracinha este menino, adorei o post. Abraços, Marta.

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  13. I love your positive outlook even though things are rough for you right now. I am praying dear sister, I know the turmoil of a mother's heat; so breaking.

    I love this picture of your grandson, so sweet and innocent and oh so precious.

    Smiles and hugs,
    <><

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  14. Marta, Grazie.x

    Child of God, Joy, You are a blessing to all. xx

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  15. Thank you Crystal Mary for this inspiring post. Too much I/we let the clouds get in the way and I/we fail to see all the blessings we have. I will be praying for you in your trials you are facing.
    Blessings,
    Ken

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  16. I cannot believe it is so many months since I checked you beautiful, Blog, Crystal! I was still pretty "new" at blogging but now have become a follower of yours!
    I have certainly been the poorer for missing your wonderful thoughts about Jesus, and those superb photos and illustrations.
    You are certainly a very good writer and I do pray in God's time you will be able to finish writing what HE wants you to. I find it so hard some weeks to know what to write on my blog and I am in awe at yours! I will also have to connect with you on Facebook more often!

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  17. I'm enjoying the hills of Tenn as I write. The wife and I are vacationing in Gatlingurg(Sevierville actually) God is good and His creation is most beautiful.

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  18. Many times I have had to take out pen and paper and make a list of what I have to be thankful for. It always seems to help adjust my attitude. I don't know what trials you are facing, but am praying for you to be blessed and encouraged today! Thank you for sharing your heart!

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  19. Hi Crystal Mary~ Thank You for sharing, I can really relate. So many strange and discouraging happenings on my end but I am too finding myself deeper & deeper in His word. And the people that God puts in our lives is truly amazing and the way He intertwines our lives! Awesome story and message (BTW I totally love me some walmart, lol:))!!!
    Will be praying...Hugs and Blessings :)

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  20. So true, we must count our blessings, your grandson is adorable.

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  21. I counted a blessing every day for a year - the days ran out before the blessings did!

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  22. Hi Crystal Mary -

    Thank you for sharing this rich message.

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