Painted Sky
I'm gleeful this morning because the morning held images of His majesty, colored pink and blue. It's the time of the painted sky just now and He is quite liberal with His perfect gifts.
The words I read this morning were intensely soothing, too. From I Thessalonians 4:11
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands . . . "
I've been reading Lark Rise to Candleford again. Flora Thompson draws me in with her accounting of hamlet life. I find the simplicity so stirring even though I know life was difficult and hard. The women had trying times feeding their big families and were always in need of just a little more money. I do resonate with the way they shared with one another, the way they gave their lives to each other and confided in one another. Work is a gift. Work substitutes and competes with gluttony. Making a bed, scrubbing a floor, wiping off the counter top, and clearing the garden are signifcant ways to give our time and our energy. Do you know people who are always there to give? I like them so much. Somehow they know how to ask, "What do you need? What can I do for you?" in just the right way. We believe them. They mean it.
When I didn't have so many distractions, I gave my time away more liberally. I think I've become a bit stingy. I'm glad He is not stingy with his rich belongings. He who washed the disciples' feet will show me how I can give my life away each day.
Pop over to Floss's spot and click through the bloggers who join her for A Pause in Lent.
God be with you.
13 comments:
You , my darling Pom Pom are the most un-stingy person I know. You give of yourself 200% to your pupils, your family and your friends. God has all your time, effort and love. And what I love most about you is that you give it all with a generous heart & energy. Sometimes I feel tired and do not give in the the entirely generous spirit that I should and then I think of you and the love that just shines from you and that inspires me to give that little bit more and with better attitude - lol!
L.x.
Nature is such a good reminder of God's generous gifts - why should it be soooo beautiful? It doesn't NEED to be, but God loves the extras, just like we do, I guess - He doesn't just give us the basics but so much wonderful, detailed beauty too. Thanks, Pom Pom.
Pom Pom, I can imagine that sky being made into a beautiful silk scarf. So lovely.
I just love those pink and blue skies. We see a lot of them here and I try to capture them on film.
Do you mind that I saved a copy of the pic of your red flower? I'd love to draw it sometime.
One word that springs to my mind when I think of you is "encourager". You are so giving to your blog friends and I can imagine you are the same with your family and friends in "real time". Don't get spread too thin. Millions may want to be your friends online, but we are set in our physical families for a reason. All of us who spend time online need to keep this in mind. We can't be all things to all people. God knows we are only dust.
Your blog is a balm to many!
On a lighter note, do you mind if I plug my Jane Eyre Challenge in your comments? LOL! I'm so untechy, I don't know how to spread the word otherwise! Thanks, Pom Pom!
http://lisa-richards.blogspot.com/2012/03/jane-eyre-challenge.html
Shalom!
What a lovely post on this fine Sunday. I too love the Larkrise book and sometimes think it would have been great to live then, hardship and all. Life was simpler. Kit
Thank you for your sweet comments. Lynn, you are a lambie pie. Thank you for your generous words of encouragement. Lisa, you are so right about family being right here in front of us and oh so dear and fun to love! Floss, I quite agree with the extra beauty that God gifts us with. So free. So otherworldly! Elizabeth, you are so right! The sky looks like a silk scarf! The colors of the morning sky make my stomach leap! They are SO breathtaking.
Kit, I know just what you mean about Lark Rise. It makes me feel so at home, like I'm being called back. I cherish the chronicle of such a lost time.
Dear Pom Pom, I am very much enjoying your A Pause in Lent posts. Do you think we are all perhaps more stingy with our time? I think there are very few of us who are not distracted by so much in these days. Sometimes I think it would be a good thing to have all our computers, ipods, ipads, etc. just.stop.working. Hmmm, it's a nice thought, but not likely to happen though. I guess for my family, I could declare a ban...
Blessings!
Deborah
Oh my dear Pom, you are Queenie -- the wisest, most generous, and kindest heart in the village!
♥
Your sunrise photos are so beautiful! I'm going to add Lark Rise to Candleford to my :"to read" list. I love books about the more simple times. Thanks for sharing.
Your photos are beautiful and love God's painted handiwork. I'm taking a break from cleaning up the yard from winter...loving my visit here today, PomPom.
I'm very stingy with my time, I fear, and wish I weren't so much so.
I very much like the quote from 1 Thelossians. It would do me good to mind my own business and stay quiet--and I love working with my hands!
Thanks for such a thoughtful post!
xofrances
Thessalonians is my favourite part of the Bible, it's all so practical - I used words from here for my mothers funeral and have referred to it many times happy and sad. Your quote makes me think of the Amish.
just this a.m. i woke up to my own painted sky and felt blessed to see it~!
my experience with you Pom Pom is one of great generousity . . . your blog gives me smiles and things to think about (presented in such a gentle way) and then there's the occasional sweet surprise that appears just when needed the most~! you are definately one of those graceful givers~!!!!~
:-)
libbyQ
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