Thoughtful Thursday--The Privilege of Abiding in Christ

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4-5 ESV)

Heavy Machinery and Sunflowers

So, since I had to postpone the second part of my Thoughtful Thursday last week, so that I could plan for these cakes adequately, I thought you all might like to see what kept me from writing.

Thoughtful Thursday--Forgive Me?

Yes, I know I said I would continue with my post this week, talking about abiding in Christ. But, I must ask my readers to forgive me, I am going to postpone that until next week. My research time has been cake, cake, cake! Which I love. I love having cakes to plan and bake and decorate.

So, until next week...

Thoughtful Thursday-- Bearing Fruit (100th post!)

Imagine you are walking through a beautiful, lush apple orchard. Rows and rows of lovely looking trees, pretty pink apples blushing through the fresh green leaves.

A Sunday Afternoon Project

Moss. 

Ferns. 

Rocks. 

Frogs. 

Miniature trees. 

I've always loved these things.

Thoughtful Thursday--Psalm 34

And yes, I took this picture. Almost 3 years to the day!

Chelsea, over at 365 Devotions For Unmarried Christian Women, shared this Psalm last Sunday and I was struck by the beauty of it. Take a little moment to read it.

I will bless the LORD at all times;

his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes its boast in the LORD;

let the humble hear and be glad.

Oh, magnify the LORD with me,

and let us exalt his name together!

I sought the LORD, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant,

and their faces shall never be ashamed.

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him

and saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the LORD encamps

around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,

for those who fear him have no lack!

The young lions suffer want and hunger;

but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Come, O children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

What man is there who desires life

and loves many days, that he may see good?

Keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn away from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous

and his ears toward their cry.

The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,

to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears

and delivers them out of all their troubles.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted

and saves the crushed in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

He keeps all his bones;

not one of them is broken.

Affliction will slay the wicked,

and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

The LORD redeems the life of his servants;

none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

(Psalm 34 ESV)

Have you experienced the goodness of the Lord? Have you cried out to Him and had Him answer? Has He delivered you from your fears? Have you felt His presence surrounding you, protecting you, comforting you when you are crushed?

Why is He so good to us? Because He is just that good.

Have a blessed Thursday!