Scripture Thursday ~ Be Still

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10a

I live in a beautiful coastal area of Maine, which provides me many opportunities to walk along the ocean, or in the woods and see the beautiful things God has provided for us.  I'm often reminded of Psalm 46:10 when I look around, breathe in fresh air, and hear nothing but the sounds of nature, the waves, trees rustling, or birds singing.

The images above are some scenes I've photographed over time, as I was still, and absorbed my beautiful and peaceful surroundings. 

We live in a fast paced, electronic society today with computers and Emails, cell phones and texting, social media, projects, deadlines, commitments, stress!!!    Responses are expected to be instant. 

When we spend time with the Lord, away from the busyness of life, we need to tune out or turn off these electronic distractions.  Some of us have more options for quiet time than others.

Regardless of our circumstances, God tells us in this scripture to:

BE STILL!

Stop!

Breathe!




Take a moment of quietness to:
reflect on Him;
to spend time with Him;
to hear His voice.

Even Jesus’ ministry here on earth, flowed out of quiet time with his Father. 

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight,
He went out and departed to a solitary place;
and there He prayed. 
Mark 1:35 (NKJV)

What defines being still?
Free from distractions
Free from a cluttered mind
Reading your Bible
Spending time in Prayer
Breathing in God’s Creation
Listening to calming worship music



Why should we be still?
We de-stress
We clear our mind of distractions
We draw peace and wisdom from God’s word
God desires us to spend time with Him
We get to know Him better
Our lives are fuller because of Him

This is a scrapbook page I made some time ago, which reflects this scripture to me.  The soft colors, the woman picking flowers in her garden, and all the little touches make me happy and content when I look at it. 

My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
Psalm 62:5

Still with Thee, O my God,
I would desire to be;
By day, by night, at home, abroad,
I would be still with Thee.

With Thee when dawn comes in
And calls me back to care,
Each day returning to begin
With Thee, my God, in prayer.

With Thee when darkness brings
The signal of repose,
Calm in the shadow of Thy wings,
Mine eyelids I would close.

With Thee, in Thee, by faith
Abiding, I would be;
By day, by night, in life, in death,
I would be still with Thee.
James D. Burns, 1857






Blessings to you dear ones as you carry on through your week. 

Project Ideas with Labels & More

Do not be anxious, said our Lord,

Have peace from day to day -
The lilies neither toil nor spin,
Yet none are clothed as they.
The meadowlark with sweetest song
Fears not for bread or nest
Because he trusts our Father's love

And God knows what is best.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

A new start to the week brings rain from my corner of Maine.  I have a few things to share with you today.  The first, is a birthday card I made for my daughter.  I like to add bling to my cards in the form of tiny rhinestone stickers, pearls, or whatever is in my stash that seems to go well with the card.  A pair of craft tweezers makes this a breeze. 

My friend Karen from Papercraft Memories offers free WORDart on her blog and also designs for Word Art Wednesday each week.  I had the idea to try and paste her WORDart into a label document.  Here's the finished product.

Here's how I did it: 

I visited Avery's page that had templates **here**, put in the specific label template I was looking for and downloaded it free to Word.  It downloads easy and opens right up in Word. 

I then cut/pasted Karen's WORDart from the files I had downloaded from her blog.  After pasting it in the label, I was able to resize it to fit, by dragging the little handles that appear after you paste. 

Once I had one label the way I wanted it, I could cut/paste that particular label in the template. 

You can save the blank template to your computer before adding any info to it, that way it's available for future use.  Save after you get your info in and you're ready to print whenever you need to. 

These labels happen to be clear, but you could print on white labels, or even cardstock, and cut. 

The site World Label has a lot of templates as well that can be downloaded for free. 

 

So... with my freshly printed labels (thank you Karen), my friend Judy and I made magnets to give out in church on Mother's Day.  Judy did all the cutting on her Cricut, and we assembled them, added a magnet to the back and packaged in clear cello bags.   They were a big hit. 

This week, I received the most delightful package of happy mail.  Angela from "Angela's Sewing for Sanity", sent me a blessings journal that she'd made from graphics on my blog.  A mason jar tag with buttons hand sewn to it, a beautiful pink rose vintage card, and a tiny card tucked into a brown envelope.  Thank you Angela for your kindness. 

Please check out Angela's blog when you have an opportunity, she has tons of sewing projects that will inspire you, as well as her latest post of how to make Strawberry Lemon Marmalade.  Angela has 6 children, including a baby and home-schools.  A busy mom who has a generous heart. 

That's all for now, hope some of these ideas have inspired you today.  Remember to count your blessings, they ARE there, sometimes you just need to look harder to find them.

If you are receiving this via email and would like to visit my blog, you can find it here. 
Little Birdie Blessings.

This post is linked to:  Mondays Musings,Clever Chicks,Whatever you want Wednesday,

Scripture Thursday ~ Perseverance

…We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation
produces perseverance;
and perseverance, character;
and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV)

According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, the word PERSEVERE is defined as:
To persist in any business or enterprise undertaken; to pursue steadily any design or course commenced; not to give over or abandon what is undertaken; applied alike to good and evil.

My niece, her family and some friends recently ran a 5K race.  Among the runners was her 10 year old son Drew, who is very athletic and was up for the challenge of the race.  Drew told me he thought it would be easier than it was.  The further along in the race he got, the harder it became.  He persevered through the fatigue and pain, staying focused on the finish line.  He had one goal in mind, to finish the race no matter what.  This young man placed 29th in the race out of over 250 participants.  This was not just in his age group, but overall placement for everyone running. 

Drew, his mom Shasta, & our friend Aley

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run,
but one receives the prize?
Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 
1 Corinthians 9:24

The word PERSEVERE has been going through my mind all week.  As some of you may remember, I slipped on the ice back in February and injured my ankle.  I was in an air boot for 5 weeks, followed by physical therapy.

Well….. pain sent me back to the doctor last week, and x-rays revealed a hairline fracture of my tibia bone, related to the ankle injury.  I’m back in the air boot. 

It feels like I was almost at the end of the “race” so to speak, and had to go back and start it over again.  I will continue to PERSEVERE as the alternative would be to quit, to give up.    

 

The instinct to persevere can even be found in many examples of God's creation.  Here's one below. 

A friend who was contemplating a decision recently wrote this to me: 

I took a walk down to the bridge near our house to vent and have a talk with God. Whenever I go down there I always feel a sense of wonder of God's creations and feel more in touch.

Well this time I saw over a hundred baby salmon or brook trout! It was amazing. They were all fighting the current and splashing around eating bugs. Some would get carried away by the current. This reminded me of how important it is to be strong and also gave me a notion that I made the right choice.

My friends, I don't claim to have the answers for why certain trials come on us, but I do know, no matter the trial, God's word is applicable to whatever situation you're facing.  

tribulations produce PERSEVERANCE
perseverance produces CHARACTER
character produces HOPE

This HOPE we have is security of eternal life with Jesus.  If you don't know Jesus as your personal Savior, and you want the HOPE that this verse speaks of... I'd encourage you to visit **here** for Proverbs 31 Ministries, Do You Know Jesus? 

If you have a story of perseverance, please leave a comment so others can be encouraged.  Thanks so much for visiting today.  The Scripture graphics are yours free for personal use or sharing.

 This post is linked to:  Word art Wednesday, Whatever you Want Wednesday,

Free Spring Vintage Postcards

 One day at a time,
and the day is His day;
He hath numbered its hours,
though they haste or delay.
His grace is sufficient;
we walk not alone;
As the day, so the strength that He giveth His own.

~ Annie Johnson Flint ~ (1866 – 1932)

Hello friends, it seems like it's been a while since I posted a good batch of vintage freebies for you.  These old postcards remind me of spring.  Since we can all use something fresh and new from time to time to cheer us, I've picked this bunch out of my archives.  Hope you enjoy them.  Have a delightful rest of the week.    ~ Abby

Scripture Thursday ~ Featured Friends for Mother's Day

Who can find a virtuous woman?
for her price is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:10

Mother's Day History:  The campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the U.S. was started by Anna Jarvis, and became successful in 1914.  It is celebrated all over the world.  Traditionally, a person offers a gift, card or remembrance toward their mothers, grandmothers and/or maternal figure on Mother's Day. ~ Wikipedia ~
My friend Karen at Papercraft Memories, regularly makes free WORDart.  You can click on the scripture graphic below to visit her blog and download without the watermark.

Papercraft Memories ~ Visit to download without watermark

 

My friend Stephanie from The Enchanting Rose Blog, has offered to be a guest today featuring her Scripture Jar.  I saw this previously on her blog and loved the idea.  I thought it would be perfect to share as we approach Mother's Day. It would also be a nice idea to have children make one to help with their memorization. 

In Stephanie's Words:

Scripture is wonderful to have out at all times since it's not always possible to get to a Bible.  With all that has taken place in my life recently, I thought now would be a perfect time for me to make one for myself and family members.
It's amazing what verses of love, encouragement and comfort can do for a sad heart.

It's always better to think upon that which is pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8).  When I keep my thoughts on Christ I am keeping myself from falling into deep sadness and troubled thoughts.

My mom likes posting verses on her bathroom mirror, in cupboards and in closets.  I love visiting her because I know I will find a verse when I open a cupboard door.

With this jar, all you have to do is pull out a stick and the verse and reference are written on it.  A great way to be blessed and renewed while on the go.  Also a great way to memorize Scripture.

It's very easy to make and will make your life more full with God's sweet blessings.

Items needed:

glass jar
paper
Mod Podge
large Popsicle sticks 
paint
paintbrush
marker
hot glue gun/glue
lace
waxed paper

Lay your Popsicle stick on wax paper and apply a coat of paint.  (Or you can use colored sticks or keep them plain. I wanted a soft green color so I painted them).

While drying, cut the paper to fit around the glass jar and apply Mod Podge to the jar; firmly press paper onto it.  Apply lace with hot glue around the top edge of the jar.

Paint the other side of the Popsicle sticks, let dry.  Write out desired verse onto one side of the stick and the reference on the other side.

I cut out a border and flowers using a paper punch.  It added a nice touch to the middle of the jar.

Blessings to you, friends!
~ Stephanie ~

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.  ~ Isaiah 40:8 ~

Thanks so much Stephanie and Karen for sharing your talents here this week at Little Birdie Blessings.   I pray you all have a blessed Mother's Day. 

If you missed last week's Scripture Thursday, you can find it here:

Scripture Thursday ~ Mothers of Influence

This post is linked to: Monday's Musings, Word Art Wednesday, Hearts 4 Home, Encourage One Another,  Hope in Every Season, Free Pretty Things for You,

Scripture Thursday ~ Mothers of Influence

  She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

  She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

  Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:

    Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD,
she shall be praised.
Proverbs 31:26-28,30 NKJV

With Mother's Day approaching, I thought I'd revisit a previous post and share a few stories of mothers who had a great influence on their children.  (some of the information is from the book Mothers of Influence).  These mothers are just a few of the many examples of a Proverbs 31 woman. 

Proverbs 31:30 refers to a woman who "fears" the Lord.  This is not referring to the type of fear we think of today.  Websters 1828 dictionary explains it well:  the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God.

Susannah Wesley

Susannah Wesley (1669 – 1742) mother to 19 children and famous hymn writer Charles Wesley (wrote over 9,000 hymns), as well as John Wesley, a great preacher of his day.  Mrs. Wesley prayed one hour a day for her children, and could often be seen with her apron over her head – a sign to her children that she was praying.   She also set aside individual time for each child to teach them spiritual things.  A mother of influence teaches her children to pray.

Mrs. Graham with her son Billy

Morrow Coffey Graham (1892 – 1981) prayed that her son would become a world-renowned evangelist and taught him to trust God and believe the Bible.   Her prayers were answered for her son Billy Graham, preached to more people than any other evangelist.   She never stopped praying for him until the day she died.  A mother of influence prays diligently for her children.

Amy Carmichael

Catherine Jane Carmichael (unknown – 1913) taught her daughter Amy Carmichael to love and trust God for all her needs.  Amy later became a very famous missionary to India, rescuing thousands of girls from a life of abuse.  She was known as the mother to the motherless.  A mother of influence nurtures her children and releases them to God’s care.

Fanny Crosby

Mercy Crosby mother to Fanny Crosby (born 1820) was totally devoted to her only daughter.  Blinded in infancy, Fanny was taught the Bible by her mother and grandmother.  She committed much of it to memory and became one of the most famous hymn writers of all time, writing over 9,000 hymns.  Her mother was a firm believer in prayer and taught Fanny the same.  Because of her mother and grandmother’s influence, Fanny’s hymns have blessed millions of people.  A mother of influence devotes herself to her children’s needs.

Well known women’s Bible teacher and author Elizabeth George says:  You and I as parents must always be praying hope for our children regardless of their age or stage in life. In fact, this is yet another one of God’s “missions” for moms and dads: We are to be diligent prayer warriors. We are to do battle through prayer on behalf of our precious children. Pray for their spiritual growth into a man or woman after God’s own heart as your calling, your mission assignment from God.

Commit to doing your part and trust God to do His! 
~ Elizabeth George ~

For those who do not have children, reach out to children or young women who need a mother's influence in your circle of family and friends.  One can always pray for them if nothing else. 

Thank you so much for stopping by. The Scripture graphics in this post are free to use for personal use or sharing.  If you are receiving this via email and would like to visit my blog, you can find it here:  Little Birdie Blessings. 

This post is linked to:
A Sheltering Tree, Monday's Musings, Word Art Wednesday, Hearts 4 Home, Encourage One Another,  Hope in Every Season, Free Pretty Things for You,

Scripture Thursday ~ Share Your Burdens

Bear ye one another's burdens,
and so fulfil the law of Christ.   
Galatians 6:2

Have you ever seen birds flying in a V formation?  Scientists tell us they alternate positions to take a turn in the front where the task is the hardest.   The leader takes the brunt of the wind, which conserves the energy for the other birds. 

source

By sharing in the burden of their long journey, they collectively can fly longer than they ever would be able to on their own.   It seems logical that God would instill this instinct in them, just as He asks us to do with one another. 

According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, the definition of Burden is:  To lay on a heavy load; to incumber with weight, to oppress with anything grievous.

Our friends can’t bear a burden if we don’t share a burden.   In a small group setting this week, one of the women shared a burden that was heavy on her heart.  She was reluctant to share for fear of what we’d think of her.   We encouraged her and prayed with her, and she felt the burden lift. 

In the last few weeks, a dear blogger shared a personal problem that she is going through.  She wasn’t sure if she should share it or not as she didn't know how it would be perceived.  She shared her burden, and received an outpouring of support and prayers from her followers. 

For those who are private people and don’t like sharing your problems, or “burdening” someone, God knows the need.  Let someone who prays, know you need prayer. 

John Wesley, 1765 has this to say about Galatians 6:2 ~
Bear ye one another's burdens - Sympathize with, and assist, each other, in all your weaknesses, grievances, trials.

And so fulfil the law of Christ - The law of Christ (an uncommon expression) is the law of love: this our Lord peculiarly recommends; this he makes the distinguishing mark of his disciples.
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes 



You can find an outline **here** by Charles Stanley to a sermon about Bearing Each Other’s Burdens.  Some of his recommendations:

Take the appropriate action:  Get involved.  Getting to know others, places us in a position to recognize how to best help them.

Have the right motive: Love.  John 13:34 tells us, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you love one another.”

Have the right attitude: Gentleness.  We must approach others with compassion when bearing their burdens. A gentle person is one who is patient, caring, loving, kind, forgiving, and accepting.
~ Charles Stanley ~

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  We can't physically lift their load and carry it for them, but there are things we can do to make their load lighter.

CARRY EACH OTHER'S BURDENS BY:

offering a supportive and listening ear
keep their confidence
pray FOR them
pray WITH them
be a friend
send real mail instead of email
text an encouraging scripture

What are some ways you help carry another's burden? 

With our Savior close beside us,
Onward will we go;
With His loving hand to guide us,
Onward will we go.
 Every trial meekly bearing,
Onward will we go;
Each another’s burden sharing,
Onward will we go.
Fanny Crosby

The vintage Scripture graphics in this post are free for personal use or sharing. 

A previous post you may be interested in: 
CAST YOUR BURDEN

 Linked to:
A Sheltering Tree, Monday's Musings, Word Art Wednesday, Hearts 4 Home, Encourage One Another,  Hope in Every Season,