We all have challenges,
and it's difficult to
"Delight in the Lord..."
if we don't have the seed of faith to start with.
Isaiah 58:14 says "I will cause you to ride
upon the high places of the earth."
One of my favorite books is
"Streams in the Desert", a compilation
of quotations, poems, spiritual inspiration that
sustained Mrs. Charles Cowman
during her missionary years in Japan and China.
It also helped her during the 6 years she
nursed her dying husband.
Let me quote from the Feb. 4 meditation:
"Those who fly through the air in airships
tell us that one of the first rules they learn
is to turn their ship toward the wind,
and fly against it.
The wind lifts the ship up to higher heights.
Where did they learn that?
They learned it from the birds.
If a bird is flying for pleasure,
it goes with the wind.
But if the bird meets danger,
it turns right around and faces the wind,
in order that it may rise higher
toward the sun.
Sufferings are God's winds,
His contrary winds.
They are God's hurricanes,
but they take human life
and lift it to higher levels and toward
God's heavens."
"Be like a bird that, halting in its flight,
Rests on a bough too slight.
And feeling it give way beneath him sings,
Knowing he hath wings."
Sometimes I feel I am that bird,
and the bough beneath me is shaky and weak.
But I can sing like a bird, joyfully,
knowing if the bough breaks,
God has given me wings!
I love blog parties!
Won't you join us?
Blessings to you
and your family,
and your family,
Patsy
Your devotional is wonderful... just what I needed to hear. Your artwork is so beautiful, too!
ReplyDeleteLove your artwork. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt always seems like it's the opposite of what makes sense. Turn in to the wind to rise higher? But it's true. It is true.
ReplyDeleteYour a blessing tonight...Beautiful art work and verse.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to have found your blog and Godly Art! Soli Deo Gloria!
ReplyDeleteOne of my sisters is a "Streams..." fan; has been reading it for years. What a blessing to read this portion... and think of both the writer and my sis, Niki.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing quotations and spiritual inspiration from one of your favorite books! They refresh one's soul!
ReplyDeleteHi Patsy! A very true message... I hope everyone realizes this one great blessing that God has given us wings to explore, fly and reach for that bliss of happiness
ReplyDeleteI love the fearlessness of the birds. I want to be more like them.
ReplyDeleteLovely posting Patsy. I haven't been by here in a while. Thanks for visiting my blog. Beautiful birds.
ReplyDeleteColeen in Ukraine
thanks for visiting my blog, your art work is stunning
ReplyDeleteoh simply beautiful. i always love your style!
ReplyDeleteI sooooo love the ballerina! It speaks of the total abandon and joy!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that birds purposefully flew into the wind for those reasons. I love that analogy that we don't have to turn away from troubles and go with the flow but can face them head-on, knowing God will cause us to rise above them eventually. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteAs always...such beautiful artwork! And what a great analogy -- facing our troubles head on, like a bird in the wind, and we will rise higher! (We will soar on eagles' wings!)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Thinking of sufferings as winds ...
ReplyDeleteSo much to feel. And maybe' if I let go, so many places to go ...
Thanks for sharing such beautiful words and pictures.
I always come away refreshed from your posts. So glad I stopped by today.
ReplyDeleteStreams in the Desert is still my favourite and I love starting the day with the word.
ReplyDeleteI love Streams in the Desert devotions as well. Your artwork is beautiful
ReplyDeleteThis is such an uplifting post, filled with hope. Amen.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Patsy, in word and image. That blue on your first piece just soars.
ReplyDeleteI just love those thoughts! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI have "Streams in the Desert", too, Patsy. I usually read it before I retire to bed. Your works are biblically-inspired that's why I love them!
ReplyDeletePraying for you, too!
Rina
This is just lovely - both the art and the thoughts! Thanks for sharing with us at Inspire Me Monday!
ReplyDeleteRamona
http://create-with-joy.com
YOur artwork is fabulous! Thanks for sharing that devotion, such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteOoo I love this piece. It's gorgeous. I love how she's dancing and so free, praising the Lord. The birds and flowers are beautiful too. Thank you for sharing this at my Word Art Wednesday challenge. I hope you share your art with us again.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Beautiful artwork, gorgeous colors. Thank you for sharing this with us at Word Art Wednesday.
ReplyDelete