Spring's Promise Dressy crocuses Wearing white, purple and gold Outfitted for Spring

White's for purity Snow, wool, diamonds and moonlight Flawless perfection

Purples royalty Kings and queens highly enthroned Robed in finery

Gold is eternal Crowns adorning Jesus' feet Amid heaven's streets

Green skirts the blossoms A promise of fresh new growth As God jumpstarts Spring. ~Jane Lippy

…Song of Solomon 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; CAMPBELL COMMENTS

PARABLE OF THE SNOW temporarily, but of totally removing them. I am not a fan of snow - especially when I Have you asked God to destroy the junk have to shovel it or drive in it, but there is a and trash in your life? certain fascination when the snow falls and transforms the dismal winter landscape. The NEVER CHANGING YET NEW world, including eyesores such as junk yards Every night before retiring, I read a chapter in and trash piles, suddenly becomes beautiful. my Bible. No matter how often I may have I suppose we associate white as the symbol read a chapter, I always notice something new. of cleanliness and purity; examples are nurse's Recently as I was reading Exodus 28, uniforms, brides' gowns, baptismal robes, and I noticed this verse: "And thou shalt make angels, who usually are depicted in white ouches of gold” (v. 13). The word ouches attire. caught my attention. "Ouch" is something In the Old Testament the Israelites were blurted out automatically when one is injured. instructed to sacrifice a pure, white lamb How could an ouch be made of gold? without blemish for forgiveness of their sins. I looked the word up in my dictionary. To (see Leviticus 4:32-35.) my amazement, I found that it also means "a When the snow falls, it appears to our eyes clasp, buckle, or brooch, worn for that the world's ugliness is now clothed in adornment." peaceful, beautiful cleanliness and purity. This minor discovery made me realize However, if the snow stays around several anew that God's Word holds many surprises, days, it becomes contaminated with soot and lessons, and gifts for us. It is never changing grime from the atmosphere. Then when the yet ever new. ~Christine Odum snow finally melts, the junk and trash reappear, but now they are coated with the ENTHUSIASM IN OUR WORK greasy grime, Norman Rockwell, the famous American I wonder if this could be a parable of our artist, devoted his life to painting the average lives. We have our piles of junk and trash, such person involved in everyday life. Numerous as our sins, bad habits, and critical attitudes. magazine covers bear his signature. This We try to cover them with a few good deeds, remarkable man believed in living every day pious pronouncements, or pretended to the fullest. His vigor and enthusiasm left us goodness. Then in the brightness of God's a legacy to treasure for generations to come. sunlight, they reappear with more hideous We as Christians need to work with the grime than before! same enthusiasm in the work of our Lord. Only God can do away with the junk and Telling others about the love of God and the trash in your life. He has promised, “Though plan of salvation is our greatest legacy your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as The Lord said, "Whatsoever thy hand snow; Though they be red like crimson, they findeth to do, do it with thy might" (Eccl. shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). God in not in 9:10). the business of merely covering up our sins ~Carolyn Ross Tomlin “IN G OD ’ S GARDEN ” Senior discounts are such fun; 1. In which Old Testament book do we find the words, I love them, each and every one. “A time to plant, and a time to pluck up"? 2. What type of tree is Gethsemane most famous for? I wish my doctor would agree, 3. In the Parable of the Sower, where did the third lot of But he still charges his normal fee. seed land? 4. Which king was driven away from his people and There is nothing like the end of winter ate grass like cattle? And the joy that it imparts, 5. Complete the sentence: "Thou shalt not sow thy When it goes its way and leaves behind vineyard with _____ seeds.” Springtime in my heart. 6. In Matthew 13, who are the harvesters at the end of the age? We firmly disciplined our children, 7. Complete this sentence, "The harvest truly is great, To improve their behavior a notch, but the laborers are ___.” 8. True or false? "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of But when they do the same with their kids, life.” It's hard for grandparents to watch. 9. In the parable of the sower, who went out to sow the seed? If you start seeing spots in front of your eyes, 10. Fill in the missing word in David's prayer, in it may be time to clean your glasses, Palm 51, "Purge me with ____, and I shall be clean.” Answers: To some people there's nothing like a home cooked meal, if its cooked by somebody else.

COMMUNING WITH GOD TODAY Nothing lasts forever - not even troubles

Relatives are either bad or fine, God gives me today, depending on whether Just 24 hours to do His will. they're yours or mine. Yesterday is gone; tomorrow is yet to be. Nothing will get the vacuum humming I will use each precious moment like a phone call saying to live, to love, and to pray company's coming. in the manner and purpose Trying to remember someone's name that He has chosen for me; Can make me come unstrung, and I am grateful for all the blessings Especially when it is sitting in today. On the very tip of my tongue. ~Evelyn Heinz QUOTES WORTH REMEMBERING God has condescended to become an author, and yet people will not read his writings. There are very few I've noticed that everybody who is for that ever gave this Book of God, the grand charter of abortion has already been born. salvation, one fair reading through. ~Ronald Reagan ~George Whitefield

To be popular at home is a great achievement. Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of The man who is loved by the house cat, the God whose ways you may not understand at the dog, the neighbor's children, and by his own time. ~Oswald Chambers wife is a great man even if he never had his name in Who's Who. ~Thomas Drier The Word of God is not a lullaby to put us to sleep but a reveille to wake us up. "Be sure your sin will find you out.” You may ~Vance Havner escape the law, but you cannot escape the What this country needs, is not a real job for every consequences of sin. You may escape the law man but a real man for every job. of man, but you cannot escape the law of God. There is no place where any man or woman Footprints in the sands of time are not made while can hide from God. ~Billy Sunday sitting down.

Patrick Henry asked, "Give me liberty or give God was undertaker for Moses; God was upper- me death.” Modern Americans simply say, taker for Enoch and Elijah; God is caretaker for "Gimmy." ~Vance Havner every believing child of His.

THE MASTERPIECE AN EARNEST SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS This morning my neighborhood PRAYER My flowering crab apple tree was in Is such a beautiful sight. Lord, help me to see the full bloom. Rains of early spring Flakes of snow are playing chase beauty in all Your world. made it more beautiful than it had ever been. The March winds came, In a wild frenzy of white. Give me opportunity to lend a helping hand not only to and one morning I opened the door to see the ground covered with beautiful Freshly laundered sheets are spread those I know, but to red and pink petals. It was such a Over the fields and meadows. strangers also. Help me to lovely sight-a shower of apple Topknots are on the fence posts, perform acts of kindness blossoms. Yet I knew they would Like crew cuts on old fellows. every day. Give me soon wither and die. I looked at the courage to share the tree that had been so beautiful the day Icicles hang from rooftops, wonderful news that God before. Now there were no blossoms And the frosty air smells sweet. loves us all. Grant me left. How sad, I thought. Then I Daffodils blooming in snow wisdom to do those things remembered that for that crab apple to bear fruit, those petals must fall. Are an unexpected treat. You created me to do. Open my heart that I may The winds of life sometimes tear at This violent and sinful world be filled with faith, us, bend us, and make us fall to our Seems innocent and serene, kindness, and charity. Help knees. But through these lessons we When the Master's nail-scarred hand me to grow daily more are able to bear fruit for Him who did Paints a lovely winter scene. like You. so much for us. ~Ruth E. Reuther ~Barbara Ann Howze ~Elizabeth Redmond COMFORT IN DEPRESSION AM I RIGHT WITH GOD?

When you're tempted to depression Have I kept an honest heart, an inquiring mind, And all hope within you dies, Grown in spirit through study and prayer, When you're tired and feeling helpless Quelled selfish desire for another's needs, And your song turns into sighs, Bestowed the blessings of love and care?

Remember there were other souls Have I turned a frown into a smile, Who suffered just like you; Gladdened another's heart today God's most true and trusted servants With kind or encouraging words Sometimes lived in darkness too. Generously spoken along the way? For even in depression God will work His perfect will. In church, home, at work or play, have I He'll keep His hand upon you, Shared the joy of fellowship and giving And it won't be long until, With family, neighbor, friend, or stranger Through friendliness and Christian living? The light of love will shine again If you will just hold on; I pray for wisdom where I have failed Because there cannot ever be In spirit, faith, or thoughtless deed. A night without a dawn. Seeking courage and strength to do His will, To be right with God is my only need. So trust God in your darkness ~Marjorie Hobday And He will see you through, And you will find that joy and peace Will soon come back to you! ~Author Unknown A NEW ATTITUDE Dear Lord, HOLD BACK THE YEARS WE NEED Quiet my thoughts, Hold back the years, so I can do Still these Martha hands. A good and kindly deed. ONLY LOOK Help me to put aside Hold back the years, so I may lend To renew our sense of The mop and cook pots, A hand to those in need. awe and wonder So I can see Hold back the years, so I might bring joy We need only look in Beyond the dusty corners. To someone's life I touch. the right places Let me sit awhile Hold back the years until I say At rainbows, sunsets, At Your feet, "I love you very much." spring's green leaves, Listen to Your words Hold back the years, God, if You will, And the innocence And know peace. Just give me one day more in babies' faces. To do all the good and caring things ~Mary Richstone Lord, make me like Mary, I should have done years before. Committed to Thee. ~Dee Knovicka ~Eunice D. Barnes ALONE WITH GOD GENTILE WORDS Do you ever get up early Based on Colossians 3:12-17 And give God His justly praise, Watch the sun burst forth its beauty Listen to the gentle words- Through the pines and morning haze? Love, peace, prayer. Do you take the time to thank Him Let them be a part of you For the night just spent in rest, Everywhere. And to ask for His directions For your life so richly blessed? Let them fill your heart of hearts Every day. Do you ever really feel Him Hear the gentle words of God Touch your hand and softly say, As you pray. "I am with you now and always- Grace sufficient for this day''? Listen to the gentle words- Truly knowing He is with me, Kindness, care. As the day starts bright and new, Let them be a part of you Gives me peace, joy, and contentment. For you to share. He will do the same for you. ~Dean Brooks Fields Fill your speech with gentle words, Words that smile. Fill your deeds with gentle words REVELATIONS All the while. To learn diligence, Watch the busy ant. To learn peace, Watch the falling snow. Listen to the gentle words, To learn hope, Look at a sunrise. And help love grow. To learn love, Look to God above. Clothe yourself with gentleness ~Sybil Haddock Wherever you go. ~Jacqueline Schiff SURVIVAL An air of spring TEARS Washes over the damp, VIEWPOINT Tears are not signs of weakness, but of Early March drifts. The whole world, with strength. They can speak more eloquently than a thousand words. Icicles on eaves, its heartaches and illnesses, looks Genuine tears are like crystals of the soul Like running faucets, that show affection. Happy tears glitter like Drill holes in the snow. different when I live my life from the pearls of the sea. The barn ridgepole viewpoint of what Tears relieve the soul. Sighs as it straightens God is within. Tears speak for themselves. They tell their Its century-old back. "Christ in you, own story without a spoken word. The the hope of glory." woman with the alabaster box of ointment, It has conquered ~Geri Bowen who washed the feet of Jesus with her tears, another winter. dried them with her hair, and applied the ointment, never uttered a word. Her tears ~R. G. Hobday said it all (Luke 7:38). ~Elizabeth Redmond NEW LIFE LOOKING FOR SPRING The misty mountains beckon all In calendar springtime To come and be a part of spring, I long to breathe deeply To watch the purple aura scene Of air warmed by sunshine, Become a fresh new shade of green. Free of frost and fog and salt. Bare wood of winter now reflects I search among the fallen leaves, New life hiding there at last, Not yet removed by winter squalls, For tiny sprouts of green are seen For emerald shoots - a pledge Emerging from the frozen past. Of pleasure yet to come. The soul lies dormant like winter wood I spirit myself to other lands, Until new life with Christ is found, Dreaming of what will soon be, And we emerge like fresh new spring Basking on beaches, walking the shores, To spread His tidings all around. Hiking through verdant woods. How beautiful is life with Him, Our Savior and our friend. Thank You, Lord, for what we know Will surely dawn upon us as before, New life with joy will fill the soul, The long-awaited, longed for day- And life's blessings never end. The inevitably of spring, ~Annette Sharpe ~Betty Russian A LITTLE PRAYER THE SEASHORE If your feelings have been ruffled Jesus loved the sea! He walked along its shore and felt And your temper starts to rise, the peace and beauty. He knew the warmth of sand on Instead of words to counter sandaled feet and the joy of sunshine sparkling on the You will find that you are wise dancing waves. If you'll say a little prayer, Jesus also knew the matchless power of an angry sea Asking God to give you grace with breakers pounding on the shores. The storm- To silence your retorting tossed beach was a place of desolation, until the sweep And put kind words in its place. of tide would clean its face. You will find that life is sweeter He knew God's children face the same dilemma the If when things are hard to bear, shore does. Often their plans like sand castles are Instead of speaking rashly washed away. But in the ebb and flow is cleansing You will say a little prayer. power; we feel the healing, kindly touch of God. ~Rachel Hartnett Jesus knew the peace the seaside can instill-serene, quiet moments when you can meditate with God. THE BIBLE SONG ~Sue Wright Entrekin It's hard to believe that a person can be blessed because she forgot to bring a Bible to church, but IN HIS PRESENCE that's what happened to me. As I sat on the deck reading, I became so absorbed in my One Sunday I somehow failed to put my small book that I did not realize my neighbor had walked over Bible in my purse. When the pastor gave his and stood just a few feet away. Only after he spoke did I reference Scripture, I was not pre-occupied with become aware of his presence. searching for it. At that moment I heard one the most So it is with my walk with Jesus. I often get so involved beautiful songs I have ever heard. In concert came with my daily activities that, like the two men on the road the lovely song of hundreds of Bible pages being to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-27), I fail to recognize the turned. Thin crisp pages flipping was heavenly presence of Christ who walks with me. music. It was a harmony rarely noticed or heard. I am so glad Jesus did not give up on those two who did This time I heard it. not recognize Him. Instead, He walked with them, taught The beautiful song included praise, love, joy, them, and stayed until they understood-just as He does with and devotion. It was a song like no other. Now that me. ~Dorothy C. Snyder I've heard it, I know when to listen. What a blessing. ~Margaret Smith