Dani's Niche

Family history. A novel idea.


Leave a comment

Blessed

thanksgiving-1950-copy

The country remained divided in the Fall of 1863. During this troubled time in our history, in a speech written by Secretary of State William H. Seward, President Lincoln proclaimed one day to be set aside each year that the  “gracious gifts of the Most High God … be … gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice…” He spoke of God’s mercy and blessings and called on the American people to repent and pray that God would heal the wounds of the nation and restore peace and harmony.
Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart in appreciation, a recognizing of the giver. Even when I don’t feel thankful, I am always on the receiving end of the Lord’s bountiful blessings. His love and mercy and grace never cease. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Photo: Thanksgiving 1950

 

 


2 Comments

Just a Moment

falls-at-koa-copyWe pitched our little tent in a grassy meadow (shared with more than a few rabbits). The sound of rushing water drew us a short distance to a waterfall which cascaded like white threads over a rocky cliff. It splashed into a creek to continue its journey rippling over and around rocks and fallen branches.

Every one of my senses came alive as I took in my surroundings. The scene was picture-perfect, the setting a place of rest and contemplation. I found my camera and took several photos.

How often I try to capture moments of beauty and awe, special places, people, and times. But photos are only fading reminders of these. They cannot bring back the actual moments.

My life on earth is made up of moments. Trying to keep hold of a moment is like trying to catch hold of my breath. It might even be my last breath.

The Bible likens a moment to the “twinkling of an eye.” We are urged in 2 Corinthians 6:2 …now is the day of salvation. Now may be all the time you have (if you haven’t already) to accept God’s gift of life through Jesus Christ.

One more thought: Jesus is with me in each of the moments that make up my life, caring and providing for me. Sitting by a quiet stream may give a sense of peace, for a time, but in the midst of trials and uncertainty (which seem to be increasing by the day), my only true peace is of God. I stand on these promises:

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3)

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)