It Still May Be Winter, But Here Spring Is In The Air ~

Who would have thought a nest box for fresh eggs could look so artsy; my daughter n law!  I do think of doing creative things or at least used to often, but it doesn't often materialize as I'd like.  Dannielle has many favorite artists she enjoys but this is her rendition of the artist; Natasha Wescoat   and I think she's done a wonderful job.  I think Danielle plans on doing a few more things to her work and my Dad would like her to do the American flag on top - you know for that aerial view - LOL!  It will all look great and if for any reason we might get a "gray day" here all we need to do is look out the window and over to the chickens for a beautiful sun rise / or set.

Dannielle isn't the only one that's been busy here; Mat has been working on a garden and found a great spot with good dirt.  My Dad had already planted a couple Pistachio Trees there and it once had a couple fruit bearing trees that need replacing.
 

Here you can see Mat working on the fence to keep the critter's out, he has salvaged unused wire from other projects. 

Even though its winter the Pistachio trees will soon have leaves and I'm thinking benches to watch over the garden and look on to the beautiful mountain.



 And not to forget Sophie she'll enjoy the garden too!

February 14, Valentine's Day ~

All holidays, when researching, we find out has pagan origins; Valentines Day is not exempt from the lot - this day set aside to honor those whom we love.  All peoples "Christian and not," pass out cards, have special dinners and purchase gifts for their significant others.  I'm not going to talk about the origins of the day - I'll leave that for another time.  What I'd like to share is what LOVE is by sharing a few verses of scripture; verses that I've tried to live by and should be practiced by all.

Philippians 2:3-5
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

Simply - put others first.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails;

This is a text that is read many times at weddings its the "Love Text," but look at your heart is this something that is practiced daily?

1 Corinthians 8:1
Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.

You can have all the knowledge in the world and not say anything that edifies a soul that needs to know they're loved.

Galatians 5:13
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Jesus served, and we should follow His example.  He loved the unlovable the rejects of the world.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;

1 John 4:7, 16
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.  God is love,

I would hope that you just read chapter 4,  its a beautiful chapter and has insight to a few things you might not be aware of , I pray that as you read the Lord opens eyes to your heart as His ministers to you.

And lastly, though there's so much more~

John 15: 9-14
Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.  If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.  These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.  This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.  You are My friends, if you do what I command you.

My prayer is that you walk in the LOVE - I pray that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthen with power through his Spirit in your inner man; so that Christ may dwell in you hearts through faith; and that you , being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and heights and depths, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19

And, if you don't know the Lord - The Bible tells us that there is NO greater love than this - than one who lays down His life for a friend.  Jesus could have call on the Father at anytime and not died for us.  And why did He need to do so? Well, we were born into sin - a sinful world.  Romans 6:23 tells us; For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  We all understand wages - it's something you earn and a free gift is simple - if someone hands you a gift; how about a Valentines gift, its only your if you actually take it from the giver.  The Bible also tell us that its nothing we can do on our own; Ephesians 2 8 tells us, For by grace you've been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.

God is LOVE I pray you except His extended hand to you today- I pray that the eyes of you heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in-- the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward those who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19


Have a wonderful week - get out there and share love and enjoy your life that the Lord died to give you :)