If I am in the habit of steadily facing myself with God, my conscience will always introduce God’s perfect law and indicate what I should do.
From Acts 24:16: “Therefore I do my best always to have a clear conscience toward God and all people.”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
From Matthew 2:10-12: “When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they knelt down and paid Him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
With lyrics crafted by noted English hymnwriter, William Chatterton Dix, “As with Gladness Men of Old” offers a marvelous image of the Epiphany message. Dix is best-remembered for writing the lyrics to “What Child is This?”
Life’s purest joy is found in one’s witness and journey with Jesus Christ.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
I am a pilgrim in the world, but at home in my God. In the earth I wander, but in God I dwell in a quiet habitation.
From Psalm 90:1-2: “Lord, you have been our dwelling placein all generations. Before the mountains were brought forthor ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) was an influential English preacher. Even in modern times, his writings and many sermons have remained a constant source of encouragement to Christians around the world. He has often be referred to as the “Prince of Preachers.”
This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one. You are invited to participate with the opening question.
Brain Teaser Question
What is special about these words: job, polish, herb? (Hint: Each word has at least another pronunciation.)
(answer found at the end of this post)
Featured Facts
A member of the beetle family, the venerable ladybugs are colorful and harmless. Gardeners love them because they enjoy eating aphids.
Here are a few unique details about ladybugs:
Color: Most commonly in the U.S. with shiny red body with black spots.
Description: Small, round, winged beetle with black legs and antennae
Habitat: Meadows, fields, and gardens
Diet: Both larvae and adults eat aphids and other small insects
There are approximately 5,000 species of ladybugs worldwide. Their Latin scientific name of Coccinellidae means little red sphere. The seven-spotted ladybug is native to Europe, and it was brought to the United States in the mid-1900s to help farmers control aphid populations.
The life cycle of ladybugs begins with a female laying a cluster of 20-300 eggs on the underside of a leaf near an aphid colony. Within a week, the eggs will hatch into larvae. During the next 10-15 days, the larvae feed on aphids before moving into the pupal stage and later adulthood.
In many cultures, ladybugs are considered good luck. In the Middle Ages, these beetles rid grapevines of insect pests. To show their appreciation, farmers called them the “Beetle of Our Lady” in a reference to the Virgin Mary. They are sometimes called ladybirds, lady beetles, and lucky bugs.
The usual lifespan for ladybugs is 2-3 years, and they must survive against numerous predators. Birds are the number one foe, but they also must contend with frogs, wasps, spiders, and dragonflies. In the winter, they hibernate in rotting logs and under rocks, as colonies numbering in the thousands.
top row: enlarged look at a ladybug, ladybug preparing for flight. bottom row: colony of ladybugs on a leaf, single ladybug feasting on an aphid, small insect at the top of a plant seems unaware of the hunter below. (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)
Answer to Brain Teaser Question
They are pronounced differently when the first letter is capitalized: Job, Polish, Herb.
Without continuing passion, our motivation’s fire will soon extinguish.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
Success is not achieved by winning all the time. Real success comes when we rise after we fall.
True success is reaching our potential without compromising our values.
Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) was an American professional boxer and humanitarian. He was regarded as one of the greatest boxers to ever step into the ring.
This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.
God will encourage our patience as we wait for a certain hope to be fulfilled.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
Big Sky Buckeye 