DANDELIONS

When dandelions try to take over your yard as they do mine sometimes, the first thing I think of now, is getting rid of them.

How  Interesting, we spend time and money on cultivating all the other flowers in our yard , but fail to see the beauty in  these cheerfully yellow flowers.

Though this may seem hard for us to believe,their presence is actually  deemed good for the farmers and for our backyard gardens because they attract bees.

I venture to say,Dandelions are more popular  with the birds and  bees than with us people. This perennial flower is often thought of as annoying weeds, that somehow needs to be pulled up by the roots and destroyed as soon as possible.

 Bumble bees, honey bees, beetles, hover flies and even butterflies use the nectar from the flowers as food. House Sparrows and Goldfinches love eating their seeds. 

The Dandelion with all its enemies has learned how to survive despite mans most vigorous attempts at destroying them.

Dandelions will sneak into your flower garden and  min-gal with the other flowers, they will try growing in the
 cracks  and crevices of your side-walks and drive-way, and many other clever places, they' do what ever it takes to survive.

When I was a kid growing up in Kentucky, we thought it was fun to pick some of them once their blooms died and blow on them and watch the fluffy seedlings disappear into the wind.

Of course our yards of yesterday were never manicured  and groomed like the ones we have today. We thought it was cute to have the dandelion growing in our yard to help cover the bare spots.

And their presence helped mother somewhat in keeping the floors in our house clean from all the dirt, 10 kids could track in, on a rainy day.

So you can see from my point of view as a kid, no matter what poplar opinion might have to say about this con trivial flower; the beauty Dandelions  brought to our yards, was a welcome site, each spring and early summer.

Coleman Schell

Promises of God

• James 1:5
   
   If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
—James 1:27

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

 "If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things.  It is we, of course, to whom things look 'little' or 'big'." - Elisabeth Elliot

              "TEACH YOUR CHILDREN"

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

—Ephesians 4:30-31

Promises of God

Isaiah 61:1
  The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

"Jesus gives us hope because He keeps us company, has a vision and knows the way we should go." -Max Lucado

                        "CALL TO ME"

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

"Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us—a crucified God—must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world.” - John Piper

Promises of God

• Isaiah 58:6
• “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

You know that is was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

—1 Peter 1:18-19

                    "WHEN YOU PRAY."

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

 "The greater your knowledge of the goodness and grace of God on your life, the more likely you are to praise Him in the storm." - Matt Chandler

Promises of God

• Isaiah 54:17
   No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

—Revelation 7:17

           "THOU ART WORTHY LORD."

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

. "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him” - John Piper

Promises of God

• Isaiah 54:10
   Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.

—Psalm 8:1

                     ARE YOU ASKING?

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

 "The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'” - Billy Graham

Promises of God

• Isaiah 43:2
  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
—Romans 8:11

                       GUIDING LIGHT

                         THE CROSS

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

"He who lays up treasures on earth spends his life backing away from his treasures. To him, death is loss. He who lays up treasures in heaven looks forward to eternity; he’s moving daily toward his treasures. To him, death is gain." - Randy Alcorn

Promises of God

• Isaiah 41:10
   So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

—Proverbs 3:3-4

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

"Remember who you are. Don’t compromise for anyone, for any reason. You are a child of the Almighty God. Live that truth." - Lysa Terkeurst

Promises of God

• Isaiah 40:31
   But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

—Nehemiah 9:6

 Ways You Can Help People In Your Community During The Coronavirus Outbreak

1:  Take basic precautions.
2:  Don't hoard.
3:  Don't incite fear and panic.
4:  Help those who need it.
5:  Donate to organizations who are helping.
6:  Support local restaurants.
7:  Only share news from reputable sources.
8:  Donate blood.
9:  Call the elderly, check on them often and ask if they need anything.
10: Form a family devotion time, and pray each day.
11: If each of us will do our part we will get through this together, with God's help.   

 Coleman Schell

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

“We say to our children, 'Act like grown-ups,' but Jesus said to the grown-ups, 'Be like children.'---Billy Graham

Promises of God

• Exodus 20:12
    “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

• Isaiah 40:29
   He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! ... For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."

—Romans 11:33-36

              FROM THE WORD OF GOD

Promises of God

John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal, slaughter, and destroy. I’ve come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

1 John 1:9 – “If we make it our habit to confess our sins, in his faithful righteousness he forgives us for those sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.”

                                         QUESTION?

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

With the weapons of wisdom, renunciation and devotion; by acquiring wisdom through the study of scripture, we understand how life at the bodily level is slavery and life at the spiritual level is liberty. Anuragam Vatsa,

Promises of God

1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings. But God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it.”

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

—Matthew 6:25

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

God is the one who takes care of revenge, and you and I show great wisdom when we leave all vengeance in God's hands. John Biesemeier,

Promises of God

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in union with the Messiah Jesus our Lord.”

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

[The Lord says,] "Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

—Isaiah 46:4

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

Doing things for others makes the world a nice place to be. Helping is an act of kindness; it’s something you can see.

Michael Gordon

Promises of God

Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

Isaiah 26:20 

 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

“You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” – Winston Churchill

Promises of God

Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will fully supply your every need according to his glorious riches in the Messiah Jesus.”

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

—Mark 10:13-14

RED BUDS

Most people never forget the first time they see a red bud tree in full bloom. In my case, the memorable occasion took place in a valley near our home.

 The morning sun was shining on a group of nearly a dozen red buds with flowers fully unfurled, setting off a spectacular show of pink fireworks.

 Red buds thrive throughout the valleys and ravines of Southeastern Kentucky. In early spring, painting the landscape pink.

Their showy flowers are pea-like and rosy pink with a purplish tinge. Flowers develop before the leaves in spring, emerging in clusters along the branches.

Every year, Southerners  patiently look for the first signs of spring, when their blooms appear.

Along with Red Buds, other notable trees are beginning their awakening to Spring ,the lovely willows and silver maples, the red maples, and by April the beautiful Dogwood tree are all putting on their grand finally of beauty for all to see.

Not to be left out of the scheme of things, the little frogs start their chorus of singing from the brooks and streams. These tiny amphibians little fellows sing loudly, creating quite a chorus at dusk!

The chorus the frogs sing is hard to describe. It sounds a little bit like someone is running their thumb along a comb.

I've heard  they sing because they are happy .

Springtime is a  happy time, and to be privileged  to be part of the Earth and its critters awakening from winter and announce their arrival  is phenomenal the frogs the trees, the flowers all producing  glorious and  amazing smells and sounds .

 What more could a Country boy like me ask for? Just to be able to see all the splendor that God has created , Money can't buy anything as Marvelous.

Coleman Schell

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” – Carl Bard

Promises of God

Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

—Romans 8:28

THINGS GOD'S VOICE WILL NEVER ASK YOU TO DO.

10. GOD’S VOICE WILL NEVER TELL YOU THAT HE DOESN’T LOVE YOU.

“We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

Wisdom is to knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it.” – David Starr

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

—1 John 5:12

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

Sometimes you can draw more inspiration from the people who don’t believe in you, then from the ones who do.” – William Childs

THINGS GOD'S VOICE WILL NEVER TELL YOU TO DO

9. GOD’S VOICE WILL NEVER TELL YOU TO DISOBEY GODLY AUTHORITY.

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2)

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

—1 Timothy 6:17

                                       SAD BUT TRUE.

Things God's voice will never ask us to do

 8. GOD’S VOICE WILL NEVER TELL YOU TO FEAR DEMONS.

“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace & gratitude.” – Denis Waitley

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

—1 Corinthians 15:58

Things God's voice will never ask us to do

 7. GOD’S VOICE WILL NEVER TELL YOU TO DOUBT HIS WILL, HIS WORD, OR HIS WAY.

“But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-7)

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

“There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” – Aristotle

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

—Colossians 3:12

Things God's voice will never ask us to do

 6. GOD’S VOICE WILL NEVER SAY SOMEONE CAN’T BE SAVED.

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

If you are not doing good with what little you have, depend upon it the more money you get the more selfish you would become…If your real desire is to do good, there is no need to wait for money before you do it. -James Allen

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

—Philippians 4:12-13

Things God's voice will never ask us to do

 5. GOD’S VOICE WILL NEVER TELL YOU TO HATE SOMEONE (THEIR SIN, YES, BUT NOT THEM).

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." —Jimi Hendrix

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."

—Genesis 8:22

Things God's voice will never ask us to do

4. GOD’S VOICE WILL NEVER CAUSE DIVISION BETWEEN BRETHREN.

“A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:19)

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

Love is arguably the greatest trait since it is the number one command from Christ. Boyd Bailey

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one ..."

—Romans 3:9-10

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

... the Holy Spirit descended on him [Jesus] in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

—Luke 3:22

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

"When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself."

Tecumseh

Things God's voice will never ask us to do

3. GOD’S VOICE WILL NEVER INSTRUCT YOU TO SIN.

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

 It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. –Abraham Lincoln

Things God's voice will never say to you.

 2. GOD’S VOICE WILL NEVER DEMEAN NOR DEMORALIZE YOU.

“For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.” (Hebrews 12:10) 

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...

—Philippians 3:7-8

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

—Genesis 3:6

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” —Nathaniel Hawthorne

Things God's voice will never say to you.

1. GOD’S VOICE WILL NEVER DENY JESUS CHRIST.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

—Proverbs 3:5-6

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

Carefully watch your thoughts, for they become your words.

Manage and watch your words, for they will become your actions.

Consider and judge your actions, for they have become your habits.

Acknowledge and watch your habits, for they shall become your values.

Understand and embrace your values, for they become your destiny.

Gandhi

Things God ask each of us to do?

9. Care for the widows and orphans.

“Religion that God our and to keep oneself from being polluted by the Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress world,” James 1:27.

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

—Colossians 3:4

THOUGHT FOR YOUR DAY

When we're grateful, our problems don't disappear, they simply occupy less space in our hearts, minds, and lives. Marc Chernoff,

Things God ask each of us to do?

8. Love others.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails,” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

WHIPPOORWILLS

Our family would sit out in the yard early in the spring and listen for the first whippoorwills call.

 Dad said it was safe to plant corn without fear of frost, after the whippoorwills start singing.

Mother said she loved listening for that first sound of their singing in the spring , but for some reason the whippoorwills call made her feel lonesome.

She related the loneliness  to a song she had heard by Hank Williams titled, "I'm So Lonesome I could Cry."

Where the first verse starts off with; Hear that lonesome whippoorwill

He sounds too blue to fly

The midnight train is whining low

I'm so lonesome I could cry.

Most Southerners born before air-conditioning, just shut off the world and fell asleep, when it was bedtime.

 But the  plaintive cries of the Whippoorwills made it a bit challenging, because they would often cry  until late at night.

Whippoorwills nested on the ground and slept during the day, so they were in no hurry to go to bed it seems until it got daylight.

Nighttime was their favorite time to use their superior vision to find and devour insects  repeating their name between bites .

Often I listen for them now, standing on the back deck of our home, trying to block the noise pollution of sirens and traffic and planes.

On those nights when I am blessed and able to separate what is made by man and what is made by God, I hear them once again.

Coleman Schell

Things God ask each of us to do?

7. Pray all the time.

“Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

FROM THE WORD OF GOD

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

—Romans 8:26-27