H, Author at Hope Reflected

Wednesday

19

October 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: Guard Your Heart, Mind, and Tongue

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

We’ve all been there; at least once a week, I something I shouldn’t say and then afterwards lament about it. Our words are incredibly powerful, and once we say them, we can’t take them back. Before we speak, we have to consider and be conscious of what we’re taking into our minds and hearts.

Here are 3 verses each about remembering to guard your heart, mind, and tongue:

Guard Your Heart

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Proverbs 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
Luke 6:45 “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

For more verses about the importance of guarding your heart, see also Psalm 51:10, Jeremiah 17:9, Philippians 4:6-7, and 1 John 3:20.

Guard Your Mind

2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
1 Peter 1:13 “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

For more verses about guarding your thoughts and your mind, see also Psalm 101:3, Proverbs 4:25, Romans 12:2.

Guard Your Tongue

Proverbs 13:3 “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
Proverbs 21:23 “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”

For more verses on the importance of guarding your tongue, see also Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 17:28, Matthew 12:36, and Ephesians 4:29.

Tuesday

18

October 2016

Gardening: Preparing Roses for Winter

Written by H, Posted in Gardening

If you’ve been following along on the blog, you know that earlier this summer, Wes and I planted four different roses bushes in our front garden. Our roses this year have been a huge success, and now we’re getting ready for our first winter with these beautiful bushes!

Although we’re well into fall, our roses are still producing new blooms, and we want to make sure the roses are protected throughout the winter months.

Here are some helpful tips if you’ve got rose bushes of your own and are preparing roses for winter:

1. Keep roses watered. Fall usually brings with it plenty of rain (depending where you live), however it’s a good idea to continue to water your rose bushes and keep them hydrated. You can continue to water even after the first frost, but stop before the ground freezes for the season.

2. Stop cutting the roses. Yes, it may be tempting, especially if you’re still seeing new growth, but in order to properly prepare roses for winter, you should stop cutting back your roses in early to mid-fall. This will allow the roses to form rose hips (rose seed pods). Done right, you can actually collect the seed pods to plant more roses for next season.

3. Stop fertilizing roses before the first frost. Like watering, fertilizer is an essential tool for healthy roses during the warmer months, however you should stop fertilizing before the first frost. This will prevent growth from spreading too long into the fall season, and will encourage the roses to prepare for winter.

4. Protect the base of the rose bush. Cover the base of your rose bush with soil or mulch, to cover above the bud union. You’ll still have the stems (or canes) of the roses sticking out. Also take this opportunity to pull off any old leaves from the roses (leaves can contain disease, as you may have seen with one of our rose bushes this year). Rather than just covering the base of the rose bush, some people actually form a base (of mesh or plastic or another material) and fill it with soil or mulch.

5. Tie the stems (canes) together with string. Winter can be windy (and snowy!) so hold your rose bush together by tying the canes together with spring, and then in the spring cut back the old stems to promote new growth.

Friday

7

October 2016

Hope Reflected: What is the Fear of the Lord?

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 9:10 both state that the “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:”

There are many references to the fear of the Lord throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Bible but what does it really mean to fear God?

This question is one that Wes and I have been discussing over the past week. It all started when we were talking about unreasonable fears, otherwise known as worries. As humans, we so often get caught up in fearing the future, what’s ahead, how a situation is going to turn out, or things we have no control over. We have fears here on earth, and then God commands us in Scripture to fear the Lord. So what does the fear of the Lord really mean?

The fear of the Lord really takes us out of the equation. To put it simply, having a fear of God means not thinking more of ourselves than we ought to, and recognizing that the Lord is the only one who can save us from eternal damnation. He controls EVERYTHING. Not just the entire world, but the entire universe, and even galaxies and things that we know nothing about. Our redemption is nothing that I can do, or think, or say, or overanalyze; no, the fear of the Lord means honouring Him as our rescuer and salvation.

As Christians, we should have a healthy viewpoint of the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is not a bad thing; it’s a good thing! It’s like true love: You cannot truly love someone without being vulnerable. How else can we fully comprehend the extent of God’s love for us if we don’t first have a fear of Him?

The Bible is filled with examples of the fear of the Lord. Think about the true story of Joseph in Genesis, or Moses (and all points in between) in Exodus. Think about Paul’s inspired words throughout Romans and his letter to the Corinthians, and John throughout his epistles.

I love how R.C. Sproul describes the fear of the Lord in his article, “What Does it Mean to Fear God?” He says, “If we really have a healthy adoration for God, we still should have an element of the knowledge that God can be frightening. ‘It is a frightening thing to fall into the hands of the living God’ (Heb. 10:31). As sinful people, we have every reason to fear God’s judgment; it is part of our motivation to be reconciled with God.”

When we have an understanding of the fear of the Lord, it should put things into perspective and set our priorities correctly here on earth. It makes it easier to remember (easier, not easy), that whatever you’re facing in front of you is never bigger than the God inside you.

Originally published as “The Fear of the Lord.” Minto Express. Fergus-Elora News Express. August 24, 2016. 5: Print.

Wednesday

5

October 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: God Never Hurries

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

“God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.” A.W. Tozer

When circumstances just don’t seem in my favour, or when I wonder why God’s making me wait, it always helps to remember that God’s timing is perfect. As A.W. Tozer said in his book The Pursuit of God, “God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.” We may not understand God’s timing, but when we rest in the fact that His timing is perfect, we’ll be filled with a peace only our Saviour can provide.

It’s a good thing to wait on the Lord, and it is a good thing to rest in Him.

Here are some verses that remind us of God’s perfect timing:

“Wait on the LORD: be of courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” Psalm 37:7
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1
“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.” Proverbs 20:22
“The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:25
“I will wait upon the LORD…” Isaiah 8:17
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
“But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

Tuesday

4

October 2016

Garden Stone Border

Written by H, Posted in Gardening

Our yard has been buzzing with activity this season; I’m thankful to be married to a man who is so gifted. Wes has spent several hours over the spring and summer season complementing our garden with three dry lay stone benches (you can see the stories here).

After the completion of our stone benches, Wes started on our garden stone border. Previously, we had a single row of large rocks edging our flower beds. We thought it would look beautiful to tie in the strength of the dry lay stone benches off the patio, and bring them all around the flower bed, creating a strong stone border to showcase our garden.

After pulling the stones that were originally edging the garden, Wes stationed some stakes at either end of the garden as well as the corner, and strung a line around the perimeter of the flower bed. He also levelled the line so it was even all around. This line acted as a guide as Wes built the border, to provide consistency in both height and straightness.

Another important thing to keep in mind if you’re looking to create your own garden stone border, is how you disperse the large stones throughout the border. Wes was careful to keep things consistent so that all the large stones were not bunched in one area, but rather dispersed evenly throughout the garden wall. As you can see from the photo above, the start of the garden stone border blends well with the dry lay patio bench, and is about half the height of the bench.

It’s important to keep colour in mind if you’re building a stone garden border (or a stone wall of any kind, for that matter). Sometimes the colour of the stone is more important than the size or shape. Notice in the photos above, how Wes evenly distributed stone colours, size, and shape to achieve a uniform, attractive edge. The photos don’t really do it justice, but this wall is incredibly constructed, and has an even, flat top and straight lines.

Wes did quite a bit of working and re-working to consider where the stones would best fit. Not only is he extremely gifted, but patient as well! The end result is a classic, eye-catching stone garden border that really highlights our flower beds.

Monday

3

October 2016

Encouragement: Isaiah 54:10

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.” Isaiah 54:10

If you haven’t already read through Isaiah 54, I hope you take a few minutes today to do so. Give it a read. The whole chapter is an encouragement.

Even just looking at verse 10, check out all the encouraging truths that are right here! Can you imagine a world where the mountains and the hills are shaken and not just moved, but removed from the earth?! Yet all the while, God remains steadfast, with several promises holding true:

God’s kindness will not depart from us. We know that God is slow to anger. The Psalmist in Psalm 63:3 proclaims, “Because your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You.” In Psalm 69:16 the Psalmist says, “Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.” Our God is KIND. He loves us. He has our best interest at heart.
God’s peace, the covenant of His peace will not be removed from us. Philippians 4:7 promises, “and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” As Christians, we can speak from experience that God blesses His people with peace (Psalm 29:11). When troubles on earth seem to prevail, there is something to be said about committing it all to our Saviour. He will give us a peace that is far beyond any comfort we can find in this world.
God, our Lord, will have mercy on us. From experience, and from God’s Word, we know that God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4). Mercy, by definition, is God withholding the judgement that we deserve and instead granting us the forgiveness we don’t deserve and we couldn’t have earned. David, in Psalm 51 cries out to the Lord, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love.” Our Lord is merciful, and He is quick to forgive. He sent His Son to the cross as redemption for our sins.

If you’re looking for encouragement this week, take the time to read Isaiah 54. Not only will God stay with us, show us His kindness, grant us His peace, and show us His mercy; God also promises within Isaiah 54 that “no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”

Wednesday

28

September 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: Get into God’s Word

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

“Whatever keeps me from my Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear to be.” A.W. Tozer

God’s Word is perhaps the greatest earthly gift we will ever receive. It’s a compass for everyday living, an encouragement when we’re down, and an instruction manual with details on how to deal with life.

If you’re someone who’s not accustomed to practicing devotions on a daily basis, I encourage you to seek out the Bible and its wisdom each and every day. Make time each day to get into God’s Word. Even if you just start with a Psalm or a Proverb, make the effort to read something from the Bible each day. You won’t regret it!

David said in Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” When we go out in the world with God’s Word as our guide, He will provide light for our steps and direct our paths. Tozer said that whatever kept him from his Bible was his enemy, because he realized the crucial importance and impact of the Bible in his life. God’s Word is not just a way to to get to know more about God; it’s a way to know God.

“Whatever keeps me from my Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear to be.” A.W. Tozer

Tuesday

27

September 2016

Hope’s How-To: Build a Dry Lay Stone Bench, Part 2

Written by H, Posted in Gardening, Hope's How-To

As you’ve read previously, Wes has completed two dry lay stone bench projects in our yard. In August, he started working on a third, just off our patio, and we’re finally getting around to posting more photos of the whole process. The photo above shows the dry lay bench when the yard-facing end was complete. Wes notes that if you’re building your own dry lay stone bench, it’s important to consider that each layer of the bench should be completed at the same time for structural strength.

This is a photo from our patio vantage point, looking at the completed dry lay bench, just before Wes poured the concrete cap. Wes was very careful to maintain the angle of the bench, taking into consideration which way we want the water to run off the bench (away from our home and patio). During the building of the bench and pouring of the concrete cap, our patio stone was covered to prevent any staining or damage.

In preparation for pouring the concrete cap, Wes utilized some old wire from a sign in substitution for rebar and to reinforce the strength of the concrete cap. We debated whether we actually wanted to pour a cap on this bench, or just leave it as an entirely natural lay, and in the end we opted to pour a cap for a couple of reasons: 1. So the look of our patio would be symmetrical, and 2. A poured concrete cap = extra outdoor seating for entertaining in the summer months!

It required a lot of patience to build the form for the concrete. Wes ensured the run off angles were accurate by using a level every step of the way. He also used string to pull in the plexiglass side of the form to create the curved side of the concrete cap. He made several adjustments along the way as setting up the form was tedious work.

As you can see from the photo above, Wes used plexiglass for the one side of the form as we wanted to create a curved side that runs parallel with the natural shape of our patio stone. If you’re planning a project like this on your own property, we’d recommend ensuring that for your concrete cap you use the right ratio of water to cement. Add the water slowly to your mix. After the concrete cap was poured, Wes used a broom to create the brushed effect in the centre of the concrete, and used an edger to create the finished border.

Stay tuned for more pics of the finished product and our patio!

Monday

26

September 2016

Encouragement: Ecclesiastes 3:11

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

“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

There are so many truths throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, and Ecclesiastes 3:11 is a great reminder of God’s perfect timing. So often in life, we put a plan in motion for exactly how we want and envision things to work out. We think we’ve got things figured out, like we know what’s best for our future.

It’s very easy to forget that God’s perfect timing for our lives can turn out to be completely different from what we imagine as being right. In Isaiah 55:8-9, we’re told, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Our thoughts and ways are usually very different from our Lord’s, aren’t they? I also really like how Ecclesiastes 11:5 talks about the wonders of God: “Just as you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.”

How many times have you been in a situation, and anticipated how circumstances would work out, as though you were in control? How many times do you think that you’re the one who’s in control, that you can climb that mountain with your own strength, that you can change someone’s heart through your own actions? The reality is, God is in control, and it’s only through Him that we accomplish anything at all!

In Matthew Henry’s commentary, he says the following about Ecclesiastes 3:11: “Every thing is as God made it; not as it appears to us. We have the world so much in our hearts, are so taken up with thoughts and cares of worldly things, that we have neither time nor spirit to see God’s hand in them. The world has not only gained possession of the heart, but has formed thoughts against the beauty of God’s works.”

When I find myself getting impatient or experiencing disappointment, or when things don’t work out as I think they should, it’s a great reminder to look at verses such as Ecclesiastes 3:11 about God’s perfect timing. It may not make sense right now, but God’s got a reason. Our task, like Job, is to continue praising Him even when things don’t make sense, and to continue trusting Him and growing our Faith. “Who does great and unsearchable things, Wonders without number.” [Job 5:9] Job experienced more testing circumstances and situations throughout his life, and yet he never once questioned what God was doing. He knew that God had a plan and would work every thing out in His timing.

Wherever you are today, whether waiting, wondering, or worrying, take heart. God’s perfect timing is worth the wait! God is in control, and He hath made every thing 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

Friday

23

September 2016

Hope Reflected: Attributes of God, Part 2

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

In my last column, I shared three of God’s attributes that have impacted my life: God is faithful, God is love, God is merciful. This week, I’d like to share three other attributes of God that are just as amazing and encouraging.

William Ames once said that, “The attributes of God tell us What He is and Who He is.” This seems like a simple truth, however sometimes we really need to be reminded of what an amazing God He truly is, to really dig in and appreciate all of His wonderful characteristics. Remembering God’s attributes is an excellent way to alleviate anxiety and create peace and rest for our hearts.

God is unchanging. God is unchanging; He is immutable. Think about it. From before the beginning of the world all the way through history to today, God hasn’t changed. He is steadfast, He is sure. And we have 24/7 access to Him! Malachi 3:6 says, “For I am the LORD, I change not;”. Imagine having a confidant or someone you could rely on, no matter what, and no matter how many times you screw up. We have that in God! You can find confidence and peace in knowing that there is One Who never changes. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” We can rely on God, all the time.

God is all-knowing. That’s right: God is omniscient. Have you ever wished that you knew why you were going through something, or why something didn’t work out how you thought it should? How sometimes your best laid plans don’t pan out, and you just can’t figure it out? We serve a God who’s already got your life completely figured out. God knows everything – from the past, the present, and your future – and He’s got a great plan. David tells us in Paslm 147:5, “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” We are also told in Isaiah 46:9-10 to “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.”

God is gracious. Read: God gives us what we don’t deserve. He loves to shower His people with goodness and gifts that are exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think. Ephesians 2:8 lays it out like this: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,”. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation; eternal security is a gift from God. It’s not something we can obtain in and of ourselves; it only comes as a gift from God. That’s what I don’t understand about people who refuse to accept God’s grace. It’s like turning down a free gift, the greatest gift! In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul reminds us of God’s promise, “’My grace is sufficient for thee:’”

There are so many attributes of God that serve as evidence of His greatness, and also that can help us achieve true peace and contentment. Arthur W. Pink, in his book The Attributes of God, said it like this: “Here then is a sure resting-place for the heart. Our lives are neither the product of blind fate nor the result of capricious chance, but every detail of them was ordained from all eternity, and is now ordered by the living and reigning God. Not a hair of our heads can be touched without His permission.”

For wherever you are right now, there is a promise from God and one of His attributes to help you through! All you have to do is trust in Him.

Originally published as “Attributes of God, Part 2.” Minto Express. August 10, 2016: 5: Print.

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Author Archive

19

Wednesday Wisdom: Guard Your Heart, Mind, and Tongue

18

Gardening: Preparing Roses for Winter

7

Hope Reflected: What is the Fear of the Lord?

Originally published as “The Fear of the Lord.” Minto Express. Fergus-Elora News Express. August 24, 2016. 5: Print.

5

Wednesday Wisdom: God Never Hurries

4

Garden Stone Border

3

Encouragement: Isaiah 54:10

28

Wednesday Wisdom: Get into God’s Word

27

Hope’s How-To: Build a Dry Lay Stone Bench, Part 2

26

Encouragement: Ecclesiastes 3:11

23

Hope Reflected: Attributes of God, Part 2

Originally published as “Attributes of God, Part 2.” Minto Express. August 10, 2016: 5: Print.

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