Christ

Blessings from God – Peanuts!

/ Bill Jones / 10 Comments

Peanut Field in Georgia

Well, along with the Cotton, they’re also harvesting peanuts around here. This is the field across the road from our house. The peanut plants were turned over a few days ago and are now dry and ready to harvest.

Peanuts Closeup

Above is a closeup of the dried peanuts. And below is the harvester that picks up the vines and separates out the peanuts.

Peanut Harvester

Our gracious Lord has provided thousands of plants in abundance that give us food and clothing. And an extra blessing with peanuts is the chance to have some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.”  Psalms 36:7-9 ESV

Blessings from God – Memories and Hope

/ Bill Jones / 6 Comments

Garden Shot

It wasn’t that many months ago – and, it doesn’t look like this now. But, it was a wonderful blessing while it lasted and now I can look forward to next year. That’s the way our God is – we can look forward to blessings because He has provided in the past – and will continue.

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Psalms 90:1-2

Blessings from God – A Blank Canvas

/ Bill Jones / 4 Comments

Blank Canvas

God has blessed me with a blank canvas (well, blank in most respects) in part of the area where we cut some planted pines. I’ve started with a few small trees and bushes but still have more room than I’ll ever be able to fill. Thoughts of a  bunch of knockout roses, and a native plant area, and grape vines, etc., etc.

Our Lord blesses us with other blank canvasses. Each day may not be totally blank (because of things required) but we can change what we’re doing or not doing, and paint a new picture that clearly shows our love of Christ. We can smile a bit more and generously give out encouragement and compassion.

But, the greatest blank canvas came with our salvation. The blood of Christ washed away all our sins – past, present and future. And, that blank canvas shines out God’s mercy and grace, because we know we aren’t sinless on our own.

However, our salvation doesn’t give us a canvas that is blank of responsibilities. We’re told in the Bible to keep a “short account” – meaning quickly acknowledging our sins, asking forgiveness, and turning away from them. We work to keep that canvas as blank as possible, while resting in the assurance that it’s Christ sinlessness that overcomes our sinfulness.

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25 ESV

Blessings from God – Moon Flowers

/ Bill Jones / 2 Comments

Moon Flower with Bugs

I found this one hiding in the bushes out behind the garden. I didn’t think we would have any this year but there it was! (and actually another one is now blooming on the fence.)

I don’t know what kind of bugs are on the flower, but it doesn’t really matter. It’s still spectacular. And wonderful is appropriate too. It’s one of the wonderful things our Lord has done.

“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Psalms 9:1 ESV