SMALL TREASURES

Small things--what a difference they make!

A small word

A note of music

A small person

A shade of color

A raindrop or ice crystal

A piece of candy

An encouraging word is lifegiving to one who is struggling to survive in a harsh world. I have received one of those at just the right time, and I want to remember to offer a word to someone else who is struggling (maybe I should just hand one out when I can, as I don't know who is struggling). Sometimes more than one word can become a lifeboat when those words are pieced together and presented in a quilt of comfort and love. Give one or more.

A note of music can stir a hidden chord in the soul, and it can lighten the load a fellow-traveler is carrying. The right combination of notes can make the spirit soar above the drudgery and pain of life. Sing one note, or sing a stanza!

Small people are a balm to life-bruised trust. Children are so honest, open, trusting, and responsive to love. Small babies change the world (ask me-I'm a new grandma this week!)

Watch a child play, interact, hug a child who is close to you.

A shade of color can change a pallette. Sunday was a grayer shade of blue-it was somber and quiet. That shade has its own beauty, too. It has a place in life. It sometimes gives rise to the simplicity of a raindrop or the intricate snowflake or the glittery ice crystal. Accept-yes, welcome the gray days, as they will give rise to beauty that you did not dream would grace your life.

Ah, a piece of candy--one nice peppermint, chocolate, butterscotch, the list goes on. The circumstances under which it is obtained is often the healing touch of another human to you. A child offered me these suckers out of her amazing store this Sunday. Offer a tangible piece of love to someone.

Thank you for your interest in the small work that God has entrusted to us. Please pray for us and the people of Lower Brule.

"LIGHT SHINING IN DARKNESS"

William Cowper penned the following lines:

God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea,

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines,

With never-failing skill,

He treasures up His bright designs,

And works His sovereign will.Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy, and shall break

In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

And scan His work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

While driving to Lower Brule this morning, Ray and I were discussing some of the aspects of our lives that we don't fully understand. We both agreed, however, that God has worked His plan in our lives in ways that we would not have thought; and we are satisfied with His Plan. The path to the place where we stand in the last half of our lives has not been easy; and many times it seemed that the 'frowning providence' and the 'bud ...' with the 'bitter taste' was our destiny. We have found that 'His purposes...ripen fast' if we did not 'judge...the Lord by feeble sense, but trust[ed] Him for...grace.' We have allowed God to be 'His own interpreter' and He has made 'it plain.'

Today was enjoyable, as usual; and we had the morning service and the afternoon Sunday School. Since we do not have too many children some Sundays, I have taught a couple of the little girls how to play some of the songs that we sing in Sunday School. They, of course, love it; and they learn quickly. I tried to video one girl playing a song this morning, but my tech ability seems to have limitations so I cannot seem to transfer it to this blog.

The little guy in the picture below was waiting by the church door to greet us this morning. We resisted the impulse to take a dog home. :)

Thank you for your interest in Lower Brule, and may the 'clouds...break in blessings on your head.'

BEAUTY, BIBLES, AND BROWNIES

Ahh!! What a beautiful winter day drive we enjoyed as we traveled to Lower Brule this morning!

Postcard-worthy scenes greeted us as we drove along. I wanted to stop many times and take pictures, but that is not always wise when traveling the interstate; so I have many 'untaken' pictures. Oh, well-I'm happy to share what I could safely snap.

A couple representing the Gideon's cause came and presented in the morning service, and it is always inspiring to hear the testimonies of those whose lives were changed by reading God's Word. We enjoyed fellowship with them after the service, also. Bible distribution is an important part of our work as Christians.

Several children came for afternoon Sunday School, and they were so good and interactive. They helped to lead the singing, and they sang well. I told them the story about Noah's Ark, and they showed so much interest. I am amazed and happy when they tell me the story from the week before; as I know they are absorbing the material. We made little Arks out of foamies, and we shared some brownies with blue sugar on the top. One little girl told me that she likes to hug, and she gave me a sweet hug. As they were going out the door, they said, "We had fun today!" The children steal our hearts as we spend time with them, and we come home feeling rejuvinated.

Thank you for your interest in Lower Brule Wesley Chapel.