"When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby..."

There He was,

hanging on a cross,

suffering unspeakable agony.

"But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother's sister,

Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby,

He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"

Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!"

From that hour the disciple took her into his own household."

{John 19:25b-27}

I read the beloved disciple's account of Jesus crucifixion earlier this week,

and I was simply stuck by this tender scene.

Looking down from that old rugged cross,

battered & bruised,

Christ the mighty Maker dying for man the creature's sin...

He saw His mother.

Even in His utter agony He thought,

so sweetly,

of her care.

What a wonderful Savior!

While He was suffering for her sins (& mine) He made provision for her earthly care.

In this I note His faithfulness.

As her first-born it was His responsibility to care for her needs.

He shirked none of the things the Father required of Him.

From the greatest to the smallest.

I also note His tender care & compassion.

Oh, how kind!

Perhaps, even at this moment the sword of Simeon's prophecy in Luke 2:35 was piercing her soul as she watched Him suffer that day.
What a comfort it must have been for her to know His love.

Take notice that He left her to the care of His beloved disciple.

He didn't just leave her to the care of His half brothers, James or Jude.

I read in a study note that, at this time, they did not yet believe.

He was surely even concerned for her spiritual well-being in placing her in a believing household.

I was just overwhelmed by this little morsel of goodness the Lord showed me from His word.

I am in awe over His tender care & concern for His own.

It is a good reminder too, in seeing John's example of obedience to Lord in this,
that if the Lord places in our care one of His own to treat them as just that - His loved one that we have been given the great privilege of caring for here on earth. Whether it be a little child or an aged parent or whatever. It's an honor & a privilege to serve Him in this way.

Of course, at this time of year my thoughts naturally gravitate back to His humble entrance into this sin-cursed world. As that Baby unlike any other.

Son of God & Son of Man.

The woman's Seed Who would crush the serpent's head.

So, of course, I have another song for ya. ;)

Cuz, that's just how my brain works.

I think I must think in song.

When we were kiddos my friends & I would play a game where someone would say a random word, and we would try to think of a song with that word in it. I think I was only stumped once. (That was before you could just google it too.) ;P

Music has just always been very dear to me.

I love to sing.

As a little girl a family rule was legislated just for me.

"No singing at the supper table" was the decree from Mom & Dad.

(Apparently they did NOT want me singing for my supper.)

I think music is very dear to God too though.

I'm so thankful that He has chosen it as a main means of praising Him.

Oh, how wonderful it is to sing praises to our Redeemer!

Just lately I've gotten kind of irritated with most "Christmas" music.

Sorry but Jingle Bells 75 different ways just doesn't cut it for me.
(That's not what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.)

I've been craving real CHRISTmas music.

I absolutely love all the Christmas hymns.

(Hark! The Herald, Joy to the World, all that good stuff.)

I've just recently discovered the Getty's Christmas album & I. am. in. love.

Here are songs of substance.

(And it doesn't hurt that they're Irish, I am a wee bit Irish myself. Lol!) ;)

I love every song on the album, but here is one of my faves.



 I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
My other faves are "Fullness of Grace", "O Savior of Our Fallen Race",
& "Joy Has Dawned/Angels We Have Heard on High." ^-^
You better believe I'll be dancing like a fool with the kiddos to some of these...
pretending I know how to do those jigs & reels. Lol! #sorrynotsorry ;P

~*~

I'm not making any of my Christmas gifts this year, but I do have a few knitting projects I've been working on. Hopefully I'll have some pics to share soon. Do you remember the vintage pixie hat I made for my niece, Annelise, last year? Well, she's naturally outgrown it so I made her another in a larger size. Thankfully, last year's version shan't go unused this year though, because my sister had another baby this year too! Yay for more babies! So, sweet baby Joel & Annelise can have matching hats of adorableness. ^_^ (RolyPolyJoely is that cutester in my profile pic.)

~*~

be still my soul...

 

This old hymn has been on my mind the past couple days...

this verse in particular.

Last night I made this little picture of said verse...

and then I opened my Bible to read a little before bed.

I've been reading through the gospels again.

Want to guess what chapter I "happened" to be ready to read?

Luke 8

In this chapter is one of the records of Jesus rebuking the wind & waves.

(Don't you just love when the Lord causes these little "coincidences"?)

 

{Luke 8:22-25 NASB}

 

"Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out.

But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.

They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm.

And He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another,

 

 “Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?”

 

Who indeed?

My Lord & my God.

 

He Who can calm the wind & surging waves can certainly calm my little heart.

 

Hearts are funny little things aren't they?

You can know something in your mind, but hearts are awful slow in getting the message.

 

I've just been pondering these verses & thoughts.

Nothing too deep or concrete to share...

just...

thinking.

 

I found this lovely rendition of this much loved hymn.

I've no idea who this gal is, and some extra words have been added.

I usually don't like when people add to old hymns

(I'm just not big on change. ;P )

but I don't think any harm has been done here. ;)





And now I'm going to sleep.

(Well...probably listen to this song a few times...but...)

 

love is strong as death...

I was afraid the words may have been running out...

in near panic I wrote that thought in the notebook I had been feverishly writing in.

I asked the Lord to continue to teach me.

He's taught me so many invaluable lessons.

He answered.

He gave me more words to write down.

Oh, I thought, but these are far too personal to share with anyone else.

So, I selfishly hoarded them to myself in my little book.

Old sins die hard.

I've always been selfish with my thoughts & words.

They are such a window into our very hearts, are they not?

After a couple days of selfish hoarding I had quite a hard day yesterday emotionally.

My flesh continued to wage war against me & what I know to be true.

I wondered why I couldn't just do a half-hearted attempt at Christianity as others seem to be able to do.

But then I was reminded that

I am not my own.

I am His.

He owns me.

He bought me with a price.

I am His & He is mine.

He loves me...with love as strong as death.

stronger than actually.

Last evening when I was so deep in the trenches of warfare against self

the Lord gave me Mr. Spurgeon's evening devotion from his book "Morning & Evening"

(a Christmas gift from Momma)

The text was

"Love is strong as death" Song of Solomon 8:6

Let me share it with you as it meant so very much to me.

"WHOSE love can this be which is as mighty as the conqueror of monarchs, the destroyer of the human race? Would it not sound like satire if it were applied to my poor, weak, and scarcely living love to Jesus my Lord? I do love Him, and perhaps by His grace, I could even die for Him, but as for my love in itself, it can scarcely endure a scoffing jest, much less a cruel death. Surely it is my Beloved's love which is here spoken of—the love of Jesus, the matchless lover of souls. His love was indeed stronger than the most terrible death, for it endured the trial of the cross triumphantly. It was a lingering death, but love survived the torment; a shameful death, but love despised the shame; a penal death, but love bore our iniquities; a forsaken, lonely death, from which the eternal Father hid His face, but love endured the curse, and gloried over all. Never such love, never such death. It was a desperate duel, but love bore the palm. What then, my heart? Hast thou no emotions excited within thee at the contemplation of such heavenly affection? Yes, my Lord, I long, I pant to feel Thy love flaming like a furnace within me. Come Thou Thyself and excite the ardour of my spirit.

"For every drop of crimson blood
Thus shed to make me live,
O wherefore, wherefore have not I
A thousand lives to give?"

Why should I despair of loving Jesus with a love as strong as death? He deserves it: I desire it. The martyrs felt such love, and they were but flesh and blood, then why not I? They mourned their weakness, and yet out of weakness were made strong. Grace gave them all their unflinching constancy—there is the same grace for me. Jesus, lover of my soul, shed abroad such love, even Thy love in my heart, this evening."

~C.H. Spurgeon

Love so amazing.

Then I was also reminded that unfaithfulness does not go unpunished.

(I should know...)

And the longer you go on in unfaithfulness the worse the consequences will be.

And just because it seems that others are getting away with bad behavior doesn't mean that is so.

If you are the Lord's

you are just that

His.

And He will bring you back into His fold no matter what it takes.

Because He IS faithful.

Even when we are not.

"Oh, Love that will not let me go

I rest my weary soul in Thee

I give Thee back the life I owe..."

{Thank you Lord for not letting go of me in Your awesome love that passes knowledge.

Even if I think I'd like You to loosen Your grip...

thank You that You don't always give me what I think I want.

Draw me ever nearer, Sweet Lord.}

Another well beloved hymn comes to mind...

This is not the melody I'm used to hearing with this hymn,

but it is such a beautiful one that I immediately fell in love with it.

"Were the whole realm of nature mine

that were an offering far too small

Love so amazing so divine

demands my soul, my life, my all."

Love demands my soul!

My life. My all.

maybe...

Maybe...

if God isn't moving the mountain we want Him to...

it's because He wants to take our hand and guide us to the summit.

 

Maybe...

He's saying "climb, My child."

And when we are tired, and our foot begins to slip...

He will not let us fall.

He will carry us.

{When I was a little girl most hikes ended with my earthly father carrying me.}

:)

 

Maybe...

there is something He want to show us from that great height...

that we could never see in the deep forest at the mountain's base.

 

Maybe...

our faces will shine with a reflection of His glory when He brings us back down...

so that we may be better able to tell others of His truth.

 

{"...when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:2}

 

***

Maybe...

when God doesn't allow us to speak...

to tell someone all that we think needs said...

it's because He has things far better that He wants to tell them.

Things not so very full to the brim & overflowing with us.

 

Maybe...

when He closes our mouths...

it's because of unbelief...

like Zacharias when he failed to believe the word of the Lord through Gabriel.

 

But...

when our tongues are loosed...

may they be ever full of praises....

as his was.

 

***

Maybe...

when He lets us be hungry...

it's because He wants to fill us with something far greater that our necessary food...

He wants to make us understand that we do not live by mere bread...

but by every word from His beautiful mouth.

{Deuteronomy 8:3} {Job 23:12}

 

 



"what if my greatest dissapointments or the aching of this life is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy?"

Last night just while I was drifting off to sleep I was listening to this song.

Then it would end and I would have to hit the replay button again...

and then again...

and again...

It's such a lovely song.

And it's funny cuz all the "what ifs" in this song aren't really a question in my mind.

I know that they are the truth.

I know it.

And yet...

I go from times of resting in them...

to anguish again over the fear of loss.

I know that God is sovereign.

I know His ways are right & good.

But oh. My flesh.

It wages war against me & what I know to be true.

I earnestly pray "Not my will but Thine be done, Sweet Lord."

And I mean it.

But my selfish will still has a way of weaseling it's way back into the forefront of my mind.

I run to His word & find great solace there.

It seems as soon as I close it & go about my work I'm back at square one.

 

{Oh Lord. You are so patient with me.

Keep me resting in Your promises.

They are true & steadfast

Because You, Oh Lord, are sovereign & unchanging.}

 

And then as invariable happens I feel the overwhelming urge to praise my sweet Savior.

The last two songs from Handel's Messiah popped into my head so I had to listen to them too.

Worthy is the Lamb & Amen

The wonderful thing about Handel's Messiah is that it is God's word.

Set to beautiful & stirring music.

Music is such a powerful thing, is it not?

Sometimes I have to listen to it as loud as I can possibly take it

& just feel the triumphant chords echoing in my chest cavity. Yeah, I'm weird, I know. ;)

These precious words of praise to the Lamb that was slain are from Revelation 5:9-11

I can not wait to sing those words to Jesus & my Father in Heaven.

I'm guessing it probably won't be to Handel's tune...

but I'm sure the Heavenly tune will be more beautiful & glorious than this little mind can comprehend.

 

~*~

 

I sincerely hope I'm not irritating anyone with all these words that keep pouring out of me.

(Well, it's not like you have to read any of this. lol)

I just feel so full of them that I think I might burst if I don't find some outlet for them.

 

I marvel at how every one of these lines of thought leads to praise.

It is as it should be, I know...

but I still stand amazed.

 

 

 



faith like hannah...

Sometimes the pain comes like contractions...

I'm brought to my knees like woman in travail.

I plead with God for deliverance.

Then He reminds me that this is only momentary...

{2 Corinthians 4:17}

soon the pain will give way to great joy...

the reward of the labor...

precious as a newborn child...

to be given back to my Lord...

as Hannah's beloved Samuel...

 

{1 Samuel 1-2:11}

 

Could I leave my little son "to minister to the Lord" and go back home?

{1 Samuel 2:11}

 

She had so longed for a child.

She poured out her soul before God. {1:15}

She only kept him 'til he was weaned...

that's not so very long...

but then what is time?

We aren't guaranteed any sure amount of it.

It's all in the Lord's most capable hands.

It's His to give as He sees fit.

 

What a testimony this woman has.

I can't quite wrap my mind around her beautiful song of thanksgiving...
 

{1 Samuel 2:1-10 (NASB)}

Then Hannah prayed and said,
            “My heart exults in the LORD;
            My horn is exalted in the LORD,
            My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,
            Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

      “There is no one holy like the LORD,
            Indeed, there is no one besides You,
            Nor is there any rock like our God.

      “Boast no more so very proudly,
            Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth;
            For the LORD is a God of knowledge,
            And with Him actions are weighed.

      “The bows of the mighty are shattered,
            But the feeble gird on strength.

      “Those who were full hire themselves out for bread,
            But those who were hungry cease to hunger.
            Even the barren gives birth to seven,
            But she who has many children languishes.

      “The LORD kills and makes alive;
            He brings down to Sheol and raises up.

      “The LORD makes poor and rich;
            He brings low, He also exalts.

      “He raises the poor from the dust,
            He lifts the needy from the ash heap
            To make them sit with nobles,
            And inherit a seat of honor;
            For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S,
            And He set the world on them.

      “He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
            But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
            For not by might shall a man prevail.

      “Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered;
            Against them He will thunder in the heavens,
            The LORD will judge the ends of the earth;
            And He will give strength to His king,
            And will exalt the horn of His anointed.”

Wow.
This O.T. saint knew her God.
She knew experientially that
e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g
belongs to God.
Even her well-beloved son.
She knew that there was no better place for her little one
than squarely within the Lord's will for him.
He had big plans for little Samuel.
What a lesson to be learned here...

{Deuteronomy 10:14 (NASB)}
"Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the highest heavens,
 the earth and all that is in it."

...that's pretty inclusive...

...Just a little rabbit trail of thought
that my Lord led me down...
to comfort me.

<3

i'm thankful...

I'm thankful that He made me weak...

that His power might be mightily shown.

{2 Corinthians 12:9+10}

 

I'm thankful that He made me small...

that His greatness may be magnified.

(as the small fish & few loaves made to feed a multitude)

{Mark 8:7}

 

I'm thankful that He made me lowly...

(though I'm not even as lowly as I need be)

that I might know how very high He is.

{Psalm 138:6}

 

I'm thankful that He made me childlike...

that He, my Father, may be trusted in all things.

{Matthew 11:25}

 

I'm thankful that He gave me a quiet life...

that He may be all people hear in me,

& that I may clearly hear His voice.

{1 Thessalonians 4:11}

 

I'm thankful that He made me to know the very brief span of my intellect...

that I do not try to confine Him or His thoughts and ways within that infinitesimal sphere.

{Romans 11:33-36}

 

I'm thankful that He made me loving...

that I might have an inkling of His great love,

and I strive to exhibit His perfect Calvary Love more and more in my hopelessly imperfect way.

{1 John 4:7-14}

 

I'm thankful for the "talents" He's entrusted to this unworthy servant...

that I may strive to double them before my Master's return.

{Matthew 25:14-23}

 

I'm thankful that He keeps this heart that is prone to wander on a short tether...

because He is faithful to complete the work begun in me.

{Philippians 1:6}

 

I'm thankful that He, the King, made me His daughter...

that I can only be joined to an approved suitor, for the furtherance of His Kingdom.

If He so chooses to join me to one of His sons.

If not...

I can wait 'til I'm joined, with the rest of His church, to His most Beloved Son,

Who gave His life to ransom mine.

"...to the praise of the glory of His grace..."

{1 John 3:1+2} {Ephesians 5:27}

 

~*~

 

Caleb & I broke up nearly 2 weeks ago.

We had a disagreement.

I don't know what the end result of this will be yet.

The Lord has taught me so much through this.

I just wanted to share...

to testify...

of what He has been teaching me.

<3

 

Many psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs have been a great blessing.

This one is particularly dear at the moment.

"Christ the Rock"

 

~*~

 

Please be praying for us both.

That the Lord's power would be perfected in our weakness.

For His glory.

 

 

words...

Since I don't have any {photographed} finished projects to show

I thought a little "Pinspiration" might be fun.

 

 

I often find it hard to put thoughts into words,

so when someone gets it just right in a quote I read on Pinterest,

I think Oh! What a lovely thought!

 

So here are a few pins from my board of that same name.

 

 {& sundresses and vintage bicyles} ;)

 

 

 

On a lighter note:

 

 

A word of warning though...

with Pinterest you can never be sure that the person credited with the quote is indeed the person who spoke or penned the words. Just ask ol' honest Abe.

 

 

 So. True.

^_~

 

{Click on images for Pinterest source.}

 





sorry for the silence...

Well, didja miss me? ; )

My sincerest apologies for the unannounced blogging break.

I've just been a wee bit distracted as of late.

Here is my distraction.

 

His name is Caleb & he's pretty much my favorite. :} Actually, yeah, he is.

He's stinkin' cute & super funny {he gets my stupid humor}...

 but best of all he loves the Lord.

As for that whole summer fun thing.

I've managed to mark a few things off my to-do list.

The above photos were taken at our local carnival.

It rained pretty much the whole time which made for a fun photo op with my vintage umbrella.

 

I still haven't quite found my words again yet...

but I'm assuming they'll return to me by & by.

I'm just excited to see where God is leading.

 

I've been keeping my hands busy with various things.

My sister Beth commissioned some crazy colored cozies for her fridge & microwave handles.

Here I am on the 4th of July sewing on the buttons {in Beth's adorable kitchen} whilst my niece Abbey watches intently.

I think it's about time that girl had some sewing lessons. : )

 

~*~

 

On a side note:

I'm now on Instagram!

Follow me? ^-^

{Photos by my sister Aimee & my friend Kat} 



hollyhocks...

 The hollyhocks are blooming!

Aren't they just lovely?

Such an old-fashioned flower - in the best possible sense.

 

 When I went out to snap these pics it was so humid my lens kept fogging up!

I think it gave the photos a rather pleasing softness though.

 

 Every time a walk past these beauties I find myself singing "Hollyhock, hollyhock, oh holly hollyhock!" to the tune of Lollipop. haha! ;)

~*~

What do you have blooming?
 

{Photos by Yours Truly}

this girl has nothing to say...

 

Yet again

life is keeping me busy.

Seems to me this Summer will be quite a full one.

No completed projects here.

Plenty of plans & ideas.

Yet no time to bring them to fruition.

If only I were a better planner.

{Adds that to ever-growing list of things to do. Then scoffs.} ;)

I hope you're all having a splendid June thus far.

I know I sure am.

^_^

{Click on pic for Pinterest source.}

this summer...

I think it's pretty universally accepted that Memorial Day marks the first day of Summer.

{Well, at least it does in our family!}

It could be that or the Beach Boys tunes I've been enjoying lately that are putting me in a summertime frame of mind.

 

So, here's how I plan to have "Fun, fun, fun!" this summer:

 

Have some fun in the sun with my friends...

 

 Go berry pickin'!

Then make something delicious with the little gems...

 

Giggle...

 



 Blow bubbles...

 Wear gingham...

 

 Lots. of. gingham...

 



 

 Go to the carnival with my family...

 

Maybe ride on the tilt-a-whirl with my sisters... :D

 

Go on a picnic!

 

Go camping...

{even if it's just in the backyard}

 

Catch fireflies...

{& then let them go, of course}

 

~*~

So, those are just a few things I hope to do this Summer...

 

What are you looking forward to doing this sweet Summertime?

 

{Click on each photo for Pinterest source.}



recent makes...

As promised last week, here is what I've been working on as of late.



That sweet knitted dress for my cousin's baby girl is all done & delivered.

I just love the simplicity of this precious knit.

I used a natural shell button for the back closure to echo this simple design.
I always pick up vintage baby hangers at thrift stores when I come across them. I think they make a fun addition to my handmade gifts.

For the bride & groom:

Mr. & Mrs. Aprons! :)

This is the 3rd set I've made for wedding gifts, and I always try to consider the tastes of the couple in the style & colors used. These are for Taylor & Tanner. She loves bird motifs so this lovely printed cotton was just the ticket. I drafted the pattern I used to make her apron all by myself a few years ago. :D The gathered bodice would have been well nigh impossible to embroider "Mrs." legibly. So, I embroidered it on a piece of ribbon instead. I think it looks rather sweet. :) For Tanner's apron I cheated & bought a plain white apron.

{I tend to leave things to the last minute, so I simply ran out of time.} 

I just embroidered Mr. on it & called it good. It's still a very useful item & they'll look cute as can be wearing them together. {In my humble opinion.}

In other knitting news:

I did finish my Cath Kidston Coloured Victory Jumper, but alas, haven't had a chance to get photos of me in it yet. Plus, it's a wee bit too warm to wear that wooly thing now.
Here is what I'm working on now - my summery pastel cotton version. I started out using this bluish green yarn as the main color, but I wanted it to feel more light & lovely.

So, I started over with pink as the main, and I rather like it. A lot, actually. Plus, I think the white pops more in between the green than it did in the pink.

I find I don't knit nearly as much this time of year as I do in the colder weather.

{Which, I'm sure, is quite common.}

I need to get crackin' so I can wear this cutie before the seasons change again! ;)

Oh, I also made another custom babies don't keep embroidery, and another fox scarf.
Sorry no pics. But! You can see that sweet gal, Jessica, wearing my scarf on her blog, Chronically Vintage. Thanks so much for featuring my little knitted critter, my friend! ^_^

 

~*~

 What have you been working on?

Do you find that you knit less in the warmer weather?

{Photos by this girl!} 



too busy to blog...

Whew!

What a week!

It was the sort of week where I was actually so busy living life I had no time to think about blogging. {Which also means I had no time to read all of your lovely posts. I'll remedy that by and by.}

My busy week climaxed with my best friend's wedding. What a lovely wedding it was too! I was her "personal assistant" & I so enjoyed be able to help her in that way. That little task certainly was a gift from the Lord. My busy hands & mind kept the tears away remarkably well.

{I usually cry like a baby at weddings of my dear ones.}

 

So, in order to keep my blogging schedule promise to myself I'm just dropping you all a quick note so that you know I haven't forgotten you. :)

 

 

It seems like this week will be a bit more like normal. Well, maybe. ;)

Thankfully, I was able to hang my wash out on the line yesterday!

{For the first time a couple weeks due to rain.}

I actually did get quite a few projects done too.

I just haven't had the time to photograph them.

So stay tuned for them. :D

 

{Click on photo for Pinterest source.}