Scripture Thursday ~ Perseverance

…We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation
produces perseverance;
and perseverance, character;
and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV)

According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, the word PERSEVERE is defined as:
To persist in any business or enterprise undertaken; to pursue steadily any design or course commenced; not to give over or abandon what is undertaken; applied alike to good and evil.

My niece, her family and some friends recently ran a 5K race.  Among the runners was her 10 year old son Drew, who is very athletic and was up for the challenge of the race.  Drew told me he thought it would be easier than it was.  The further along in the race he got, the harder it became.  He persevered through the fatigue and pain, staying focused on the finish line.  He had one goal in mind, to finish the race no matter what.  This young man placed 29th in the race out of over 250 participants.  This was not just in his age group, but overall placement for everyone running. 

Drew, his mom Shasta, & our friend Aley

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run,
but one receives the prize?
Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 
1 Corinthians 9:24

The word PERSEVERE has been going through my mind all week.  As some of you may remember, I slipped on the ice back in February and injured my ankle.  I was in an air boot for 5 weeks, followed by physical therapy.

Well….. pain sent me back to the doctor last week, and x-rays revealed a hairline fracture of my tibia bone, related to the ankle injury.  I’m back in the air boot. 

It feels like I was almost at the end of the “race” so to speak, and had to go back and start it over again.  I will continue to PERSEVERE as the alternative would be to quit, to give up.    

 

The instinct to persevere can even be found in many examples of God's creation.  Here's one below. 

A friend who was contemplating a decision recently wrote this to me: 

I took a walk down to the bridge near our house to vent and have a talk with God. Whenever I go down there I always feel a sense of wonder of God's creations and feel more in touch.

Well this time I saw over a hundred baby salmon or brook trout! It was amazing. They were all fighting the current and splashing around eating bugs. Some would get carried away by the current. This reminded me of how important it is to be strong and also gave me a notion that I made the right choice.

My friends, I don't claim to have the answers for why certain trials come on us, but I do know, no matter the trial, God's word is applicable to whatever situation you're facing.  

tribulations produce PERSEVERANCE
perseverance produces CHARACTER
character produces HOPE

This HOPE we have is security of eternal life with Jesus.  If you don't know Jesus as your personal Savior, and you want the HOPE that this verse speaks of... I'd encourage you to visit **here** for Proverbs 31 Ministries, Do You Know Jesus? 

If you have a story of perseverance, please leave a comment so others can be encouraged.  Thanks so much for visiting today.  The Scripture graphics are yours free for personal use or sharing.

If you are receiving this post via email, you can visit my blog here:
LITTLE BIRDIE BLESSINGS

Free Spring Vintage Postcards

 One day at a time,
and the day is His day;
He hath numbered its hours,
though they haste or delay.
His grace is sufficient;
we walk not alone;
As the day, so the strength that He giveth His own.

~ Annie Johnson Flint ~ (1866 – 1932)

Hello friends, it seems like it's been a while since I posted a good batch of vintage freebies for you.  These old postcards remind me of spring.  Since we can all use something fresh and new from time to time to cheer us, I've picked this bunch out of my archives.  Hope you enjoy them.  Have a delightful rest of the week.    ~ Abby

Scripture Thursday ~ Featured Friends for Mother's Day

Who can find a virtuous woman?
for her price is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:10

Mother's Day History:  The campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the U.S. was started by Anna Jarvis, and became successful in 1914.  It is celebrated all over the world.  Traditionally, a person offers a gift, card or remembrance toward their mothers, grandmothers and/or maternal figure on Mother's Day. ~ Wikipedia ~
My friend Karen at Papercraft Memories, regularly makes free WORDart.  You can click on the scripture graphic below to visit her blog and download without the watermark.

Papercraft Memories ~ Visit to download without watermark

 

My friend Stephanie from The Enchanting Rose Blog, has offered to be a guest today featuring her Scripture Jar.  I saw this previously on her blog and loved the idea.  I thought it would be perfect to share as we approach Mother's Day. It would also be a nice idea to have children make one to help with their memorization. 

In Stephanie's Words:

Scripture is wonderful to have out at all times since it's not always possible to get to a Bible.  With all that has taken place in my life recently, I thought now would be a perfect time for me to make one for myself and family members.
It's amazing what verses of love, encouragement and comfort can do for a sad heart.

It's always better to think upon that which is pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8).  When I keep my thoughts on Christ I am keeping myself from falling into deep sadness and troubled thoughts.

My mom likes posting verses on her bathroom mirror, in cupboards and in closets.  I love visiting her because I know I will find a verse when I open a cupboard door.

With this jar, all you have to do is pull out a stick and the verse and reference are written on it.  A great way to be blessed and renewed while on the go.  Also a great way to memorize Scripture.

It's very easy to make and will make your life more full with God's sweet blessings.

Items needed:

glass jar
paper
Mod Podge
large Popsicle sticks 
paint
paintbrush
marker
hot glue gun/glue
lace
waxed paper

Lay your Popsicle stick on wax paper and apply a coat of paint.  (Or you can use colored sticks or keep them plain. I wanted a soft green color so I painted them).

While drying, cut the paper to fit around the glass jar and apply Mod Podge to the jar; firmly press paper onto it.  Apply lace with hot glue around the top edge of the jar.

Paint the other side of the Popsicle sticks, let dry.  Write out desired verse onto one side of the stick and the reference on the other side.

I cut out a border and flowers using a paper punch.  It added a nice touch to the middle of the jar.

Blessings to you, friends!
~ Stephanie ~

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.  ~ Isaiah 40:8 ~

Thanks so much Stephanie and Karen for sharing your talents here this week at Little Birdie Blessings.   I pray you all have a blessed Mother's Day. 

If you missed last week's Scripture Thursday, you can find it here:

Scripture Thursday ~ Mothers of Influence

This post is linked to: Monday's Musings, Word Art Wednesday, Hearts 4 Home, Encourage One Another,  Hope in Every Season, Free Pretty Things for You,

Scripture Thursday ~ Mothers of Influence

  She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

  She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

  Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:

    Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD,
she shall be praised.
Proverbs 31:26-28,30 NKJV

With Mother's Day approaching, I thought I'd revisit a previous post and share a few stories of mothers who had a great influence on their children.  (some of the information is from the book Mothers of Influence).  These mothers are just a few of the many examples of a Proverbs 31 woman. 

Proverbs 31:30 refers to a woman who "fears" the Lord.  This is not referring to the type of fear we think of today.  Websters 1828 dictionary explains it well:  the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God.

Susannah Wesley

Susannah Wesley (1669 – 1742) mother to 19 children and famous hymn writer Charles Wesley (wrote over 9,000 hymns), as well as John Wesley, a great preacher of his day.  Mrs. Wesley prayed one hour a day for her children, and could often be seen with her apron over her head – a sign to her children that she was praying.   She also set aside individual time for each child to teach them spiritual things.  A mother of influence teaches her children to pray.

Mrs. Graham with her son Billy

Morrow Coffey Graham (1892 – 1981) prayed that her son would become a world-renowned evangelist and taught him to trust God and believe the Bible.   Her prayers were answered for her son Billy Graham, preached to more people than any other evangelist.   She never stopped praying for him until the day she died.  A mother of influence prays diligently for her children.

Amy Carmichael

Catherine Jane Carmichael (unknown – 1913) taught her daughter Amy Carmichael to love and trust God for all her needs.  Amy later became a very famous missionary to India, rescuing thousands of girls from a life of abuse.  She was known as the mother to the motherless.  A mother of influence nurtures her children and releases them to God’s care.

Fanny Crosby

Mercy Crosby mother to Fanny Crosby (born 1820) was totally devoted to her only daughter.  Blinded in infancy, Fanny was taught the Bible by her mother and grandmother.  She committed much of it to memory and became one of the most famous hymn writers of all time, writing over 9,000 hymns.  Her mother was a firm believer in prayer and taught Fanny the same.  Because of her mother and grandmother’s influence, Fanny’s hymns have blessed millions of people.  A mother of influence devotes herself to her children’s needs.

Well known women’s Bible teacher and author Elizabeth George says:  You and I as parents must always be praying hope for our children regardless of their age or stage in life. In fact, this is yet another one of God’s “missions” for moms and dads: We are to be diligent prayer warriors. We are to do battle through prayer on behalf of our precious children. Pray for their spiritual growth into a man or woman after God’s own heart as your calling, your mission assignment from God.

Commit to doing your part and trust God to do His! 
~ Elizabeth George ~

For those who do not have children, reach out to children or young women who need a mother's influence in your circle of family and friends.  One can always pray for them if nothing else. 

Thank you so much for stopping by. The Scripture graphics in this post are free to use for personal use or sharing.  If you are receiving this via email and would like to visit my blog, you can find it here:  Little Birdie Blessings. 

This post is linked to:
A Sheltering Tree, Monday's Musings, Word Art Wednesday, Hearts 4 Home, Encourage One Another,  Hope in Every Season, Free Pretty Things for You,

Scripture Thursday ~ Share Your Burdens

Bear ye one another's burdens,
and so fulfil the law of Christ.   
Galatians 6:2

Have you ever seen birds flying in a V formation?  Scientists tell us they alternate positions to take a turn in the front where the task is the hardest.   The leader takes the brunt of the wind, which conserves the energy for the other birds. 

source

By sharing in the burden of their long journey, they collectively can fly longer than they ever would be able to on their own.   It seems logical that God would instill this instinct in them, just as He asks us to do with one another. 

According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, the definition of Burden is:  To lay on a heavy load; to incumber with weight, to oppress with anything grievous.

Our friends can’t bear a burden if we don’t share a burden.   In a small group setting this week, one of the women shared a burden that was heavy on her heart.  She was reluctant to share for fear of what we’d think of her.   We encouraged her and prayed with her, and she felt the burden lift. 

In the last few weeks, a dear blogger shared a personal problem that she is going through.  She wasn’t sure if she should share it or not as she didn't know how it would be perceived.  She shared her burden, and received an outpouring of support and prayers from her followers. 

For those who are private people and don’t like sharing your problems, or “burdening” someone, God knows the need.  Let someone who prays, know you need prayer. 

John Wesley, 1765 has this to say about Galatians 6:2 ~
Bear ye one another's burdens - Sympathize with, and assist, each other, in all your weaknesses, grievances, trials.

And so fulfil the law of Christ - The law of Christ (an uncommon expression) is the law of love: this our Lord peculiarly recommends; this he makes the distinguishing mark of his disciples.
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes 



You can find an outline **here** by Charles Stanley to a sermon about Bearing Each Other’s Burdens.  Some of his recommendations:

Take the appropriate action:  Get involved.  Getting to know others, places us in a position to recognize how to best help them.

Have the right motive: Love.  John 13:34 tells us, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you love one another.”

Have the right attitude: Gentleness.  We must approach others with compassion when bearing their burdens. A gentle person is one who is patient, caring, loving, kind, forgiving, and accepting.
~ Charles Stanley ~

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  We can't physically lift their load and carry it for them, but there are things we can do to make their load lighter.

CARRY EACH OTHER'S BURDENS BY:

offering a supportive and listening ear
keep their confidence
pray FOR them
pray WITH them
be a friend
send real mail instead of email
text an encouraging scripture

What are some ways you help carry another's burden? 

With our Savior close beside us,
Onward will we go;
With His loving hand to guide us,
Onward will we go.
 Every trial meekly bearing,
Onward will we go;
Each another’s burden sharing,
Onward will we go.
Fanny Crosby

The vintage Scripture graphics in this post are free for personal use or sharing. 

A previous post you may be interested in: 
CAST YOUR BURDEN

 Linked to:
A Sheltering Tree, Monday's Musings, Word Art Wednesday, Hearts 4 Home, Encourage One Another,  Hope in Every Season,

Free Facebook Covers and More

There is grace to help in our time of need,
For our Friend above is a Friend, indeed;
We may cast on Him every grief and care;
There is always a blessing, a blessing in prayer.
~ Eliza E. Hewitt ~

The quote on the beautiful graphic today is a verse from a hymn by Eliza E. Hewitt.  You can read more about her **here** on a previous blog post.   Her trials definitely made her faith stronger, and through them she wrote some beautiful, comforting, soul stirring hymns.   This particular hymn is titled A Blessing in Prayer
I've made a couple of facebook covers for you.  I've left one blank so you can add what you'd like.  The graphics featured in this post are yours free for personal use or sharing.  I designed them using some of the beautiful graphics generously offered at The Graphics Fairy.  Click on each image to get the largest size, right click, and save to your computer.

There is perfect peace tho’ the wild waves roll,
There are gifts of love for the seeking soul,
Till we praise the Lord in His home so fair,
There is always a blessing, a blessing in prayer.
~ Eliza E. Hewitt ~

Thanks for stopping by today friends.  If you are receiving this via email you can view my blog here:  Little Birdie Blessings.


This post is linked to:  Monday's Musings, The Graphics Fairy, Clever Chick Blog Hop,
Make it Pretty Monday,  Return to Loveliness,

Scripture Thursday ~ Beautiful in HIs Time

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:
also he hath set the world in their heart,
so that no man can find out the work that God
maketh from the beginning to the end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11

About 25 years ago, a little girl came into my life and it wasn’t long before she had worked her way into my heart.  I’ll never forget her words “I’m so glad you married my daddy”.   This little girl, named Erin, my step-daughter, grew up to be a beautiful young woman and a very talented artist.   We watched her fulfill her dream of graduating from college, and marrying the love of her life, Sam. 

Erin, appreciating the simple things

Today, Erin and Sam experienced a miracle, the miracle of birth.  Their very own precious little bundle of joy was born, little Nola Ann.   Nola came early, and she is about ½ the size that her robust cousins were, but mom and baby are doing GREAT.  

a little miracle, fresh from God

The miracle of birth happens every day, and sometimes it becomes commonplace.  When the miracle happens to someone you love and have watched go from a little child to a parent with their own little baby, it takes on new meaning.   Seeing the joy on their faces today as they looked at their new baby, is a memory I will always cherish. 

a new family

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  James 1:17

Nola meets her Grandpa

My husband said he has seen the cycle come full circle.  Holding his daughter Erin as an infant, and now years later, holding her infant. 

What was true of David (author of Psalm 139) is true of you. You are special—along with everyone else in the world.  This being true, we must be pro-life in the purest sense of the word. We are to respect and cherish all human life: the born and those still in the womb; winsome children and weary seniors; the wealthy executive and the financially destitute. All persons are unique productions of our Creator’s genius. ~ David Roper


Thank you for visiting my blog today.   I hope you take time to appreciate God's miracles in your life and in your surroundings. 

If you are receiving this via email, you can view my blog here:Little Birdie Blessings



Linked to:
A Sheltering Tree, Monday's Musings, Word Art Wednesday, Hearts 4 Home, Encourage One Another,  Hope in Every Season, Blue Friday,

Free Facebook Cover & More

Rejoicing in hope,
patient in tribulation,
continuing steadfastly in prayer.
Romans 12:12

Keren at Free Pretty Things For You, has the most delightful graphics that she designs and shares.  I made a facebook cover using one of her backgrounds.  I added a vintage image I had of two little children on a donkey.  Yours free for personal use.  Thanks Keren. 

Thanks for stopping by today.