For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. ~Isaiah 55:12
I'm so grateful to live where we do. When I need to be reminded of God's peace and presence, all I have to do is step out on our deck, sit on one of our benches and look up. The trees, their branches laden with a myriad of summer leaves, tower above me, their soaring heights forming a cathedral ceiling of green. Their light-seeking faces lifted in prayer and praise to the One upon whom they depend for life and growth.
And in the winter months, when twigs and branches display skeletal features, still they stretch and strive to adown the sky with unique acclaim for the One who created them.
.jpg)
When the weather is inclement and precludes sitting outside, I can always find solace in God's word. I keep my Bible, devotional and grace journal in what Danny and I unceremoniously call the "Middle Room." This is originally Nicco's bedroom growing up. Now it serves as a place of study and reflection for me, and the space where we break forth into singing as we practice the praise songs we sing at our church. So many positive vibes and thoughts happen here. It creates a quiet, yet palpable, spirit of peace.
The table itself is a source of joy for me. Many a happy meal is shared by both my mom and dad when just Danny and I would visit. Later, after dad's passing, Virginia and I would often go to their home in Oxford, Georgia, to stay with mom for the weekend.
Yes, that is a very little Virginia at age seven! But she is seated at that very same table where memories continue to be made.
There is a part of me that wishes the both of us felt confident enough, health-wise, to travel like we used to, seeing sites that aren't in our own backyard, but those days aren't in the offing. All the more reason to thank the Lord for all His past blessings that give us cherished memories, and to embrace the blessings of each new day He sees fit to give us.
And if you're planning a vacation away with your family or friends this summer, may you go out with joy, and be led out with peace in all your adventures. I would love to hear about your plans in the comments!
As for me, I'll be content to sit on our deck, and hear the birds singing along to the rhythm the rustling trees create as they clap their hands for joy.
Amen!
Hello dear friend, this is such a beautiful and inspiring post. You are able to see and appreciate 🙏 God's blessings and presence in the beauty of nature and the little things that many often take for granted. God bless you and thank you dear Martha for sharing your life here.
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome, Linda, and thank you for your kind words here. When we choose to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life, I find that God always shows up. I wouldn't have it any other way.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
"The world is charged with the grandeur of God." Gerard Manley Hopkins.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post full of good memories. There's always a reason to be thankful and to praise the Lord.
God bless you and your family.
I love the quote you shared here, Victor. So true! And yes, there is always a time and a place to thank God and praise Him.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Oh those quiet spaces! Early morning for me finds me in what we call "the dining room that is not a dining room" (we eat on trays since it is just the two of us). My early morning Encounter Time is here where I sit all alone. The marvel around here is how green everything is after the dead winter, but also due to all the rain we have had. I believe they are calling it the wettest Spring on record in the last 15-20 years (just when the church is trying to build on). :) Enjoy those quiet time Martha. You can Danny deserve them. We all do after the rush of (in my case) 72 years.
ReplyDeleteYes, Bill, we all need a place and space to meet with God each and every day. I love, too, that you call it your encounter time - perfect! Our spring has been rainy, too, so the greens are popping out royally. Your recent flooding wasn't great, though, that's for sure.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
We've been blessed with generally good health, but age is creeping up. I just did a quick round-trip journey for a funeral, and I'm still physically recovering after being home two days.
ReplyDeleteI hear you loud and clear! Getting older is a tough journey, but worth it as we can spend it in taking time to pray and praise God in all things.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Martha, you have some very sweet places to sit and enjoy all the blessings that the Lord has given. I so enjoy your sweet sweet spirit and it gives so much encouragement to others.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Shug. Your kind words here certainly humble me. I do really think that if we can't be content at home, we won't be content anywhere else.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Beautiful post, Martha. I love quiet places and have several outside. I’m the type of person who gets energized by the quiet. I can hear from the Lord, enjoy His creation and think on the things that make me happy. It’s my stress- reliever!
ReplyDeleteI’m thankful for you. Stay blessed.
I'm thankful for you, too, Debby! I'm not surprised that you would have several outdoor quiet spaces, either. I think we're kindred spirits in the sense that quiet times actually energize us. I need some of that quiet every single day.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Lovely post
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I love your post, Martha. I know what beauty you are talking about firsthand. It is so pretty where we live. This is an inspiring post. I know you are able to see and appreciate God's blessings right where you are. You don't need a trip around the world to see it. You enjoy the beauty of nature and the little things that so many people take for granted. Enjoyed seeing where you and hubs work. Where your prayers take place. Life is always changing.
ReplyDeleteWe will meet my son halfway from Cincinnati in August for his 50th birthday. Otherwise we are HOME!
I'm so glad this post spoke so deeply to you, Sandie. If we can't find God in the quiet of home, we aren't going to see Him in the places we wish we could go. I don't know if you've noticed my blog's subtitle, but it fits this post in particular - "Meeting the Miraculous in the Mundane." Words to live by! I'm excited that you will be able to travel and meet up with your son for his 50th birthday. That will be a great celebration!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
More all the time, I'm satisfied to not wander too far from home for a lot of reasons. So I get that. Like you, I am able to enjoy the tallest of tree branches reaching up to the sky as raised hands in praise to our Lord. There is a lot of peace in that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your study place. I like seeing where others meet the Lord.
And playing Uno -- haven't done that in a while but I do enjoy the game!
Two years before that UNO shot was taken, Virginia, then age five, taught me how to play the game at that very same table, believe it or not. More sweet memories! I enjoy seeing where other readers meet with the Lord, too, Barbara. Staying close to home isn't a bad thing, especially as we age.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I'm with you, Martha, reveling in the days I can sit on our deck as weather permits, choosing early morning and late afternoon so I'm not sitting in direct sun. (Our trees are mostly to the south, not close enough to the house to offer shade midday.) I praise God OFTEN for this little piece of heaven God gave us for retirement. Yes, we can hear commuter traffic from busy roads nearby, the occasional barking dog, lawn mower, or siren, but all the better to train focus on the peace of trees, foliage, flowers, and birds. A change of scenery is certainly pleasant, but THIS spot is lovely to return home to.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Nancy! Home is truly where the heart is. I always think of what Dorothy says at the end of the Oz movie: "Oh, Auntie Em, there's no place like home!" I'm glad you have a deck that you can enjoy when the weather is pleasant. Yes, we do hear traffic, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers from time to time, but it's easy to block it out when our minds are full of thanks and praise.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I could use a trip away but the beach is handy, the air here is very clean, the woods are right in my own backyard. I am thankful for it.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned on one of your blogs, Annie, your home sounds like the perfect haven filled with peace and comfort. Who could ask for more?
ReplyDeleteGrace and blessings!
I love your feeling of peace and contentment, right where the Lord put you, Martha. While I'm thankful for prior years' adventures, I, too, am less anxious to roam.
ReplyDeleteYour "middle room" sounds like a Sanctuary, and I absolutely love that photo of little Virginia at your mother's table.
Isn't that a sweet photo, Myra? It sure takes me back in time. I'm thankful, as you are, for our many prior adventures, especially our trips to the mountains, but things change, and we need to adjust to what we can do and where we can go. I'm glad to simply stay put.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I am content in my home and town, as well. But I do have a little trip planned next month, to visit a blogging friend and then my BFF Elaine (and Jim). It will be nice to get away for a bit. I like your middle room! We all need one of those. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYes, Terri, we all need a middle room, for sure. I'm happy to hear about the trips you have planned; I know seeing Elaine and Jim will be wonderful as will be your visit with a blogging buddy. Good times!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
The middle room. I love that, Martha. In many ways it sounds like the hub of your home sweet home. May you and Danny share many more praise sessions in those 4 walls. And may God bless you in the process!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you like the middle room, Linda. It has become so special to both Danny and me, and I treasure the time I spend there. I know you love your porch! :)
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Martha, your intro is so beautifully done. You took me with you on your deck to look up at the trees, sounds peaceful. You inspire me. And I love this, "may you go out with joy, and be led out with peace in all your adventures." So comforting. As you know, Mike, Winston and I go on adventures nearly every weekend to revisit places and go on new adventures. And I so enjoy it. But sometimes, home is a good place to land for a while and drums up many memories and a comfort and peace all its own. God bless!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love following your adventures on YouTube at Friday's Forever, Karen. I can certainly live vicariously as you visit so many places we have loved and visited in the past when we'd head for the mountains. And little Winston always makes me smile, each and every episode. I'm delighted that this post spoke to you in such a deep way.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Our trees are looking good this year too. The yard is full of green grass thanks to all this rain. Thank you Lord! What a double blessing. I mowed the acreage early today to beat the heat and now I'm really tired.
ReplyDeleteI like your "middle room". Looks tranquil. Kinda like my home office. It's my "closet" prayer room and work area with a view of the woods surrounding our home.
Y'all have a great rest of the day. Blessings. ❤️
The days of travel and staying at B&Bs are long past. We often sit in our backyard listening to the sounds of nature, watching the animal antics or just enjoying the solitude. There is much to be said for the world we live in. Enjoy that which is given to you and thank the Lord for all His blessings.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings
Amen, Jim, and you are absolutely right. Let us enjoy God's presence in this amazing and glorious world He graciously created for all of us and give Him thanks in all times and places.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Boa tarde, Martha
ReplyDeleteLinda postagem, o versículo de Isaías 55:12 é edificante, passar tempo com o Senhor é bênção, o seu cantinho de oração e louvor é muito agradável, como é bom contemplar a natureza. Bela foto de Virginia, os momentos vividos são memórias que guardamos no coração. O meu genro está planejando uma viagem para o mês de agosto, se Deus quiser, um forte abraço.
Thank you for your kind words here, Lucinalva. Spending time with the Lord, no matter where we find ourselves, is a blessing, indeed. Virginia's photo brings back such sweet memories for me. May your son-in-law plan the perfect trip, too!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I enjoyed this post so much...I love your imagery and view from your deck and surrounding area of your home. I love that table, and especially because it was part of your family home, and now you have it as an important part of your home. I love that you have such sweet memories from around that table! Love the picture of young Virginia there with you. We do not have any special summer travel plans. Right now we are waiting on some answers regarding hubby's health, and until we know more about what that is and the prognosis, we really can't make any plans. He's not up to traveling right now anyway. But, like you, we enjoy being right here in our own home and surroundings and are very thankful for the beauty and joy that God has provided for us right here. I love that you and Danny are able to sing special music at your church. That is really wonderful. You are blessed that you can also play instruments to accompany yourselves. We used to do a lot of singing, but we relied on accompaniment TAPES. I still have them, but there's no cassette tape player equipment available at our church to play them over the sound system. So all those tapes are just sitting there going to waste. Can't afford to copy them to cd's. (no equipment!). And now our pianist at church is not able to play after having a mild stroke. So we either have to invest in some other form of accompaniment music, or sing acapella! So again, be thankful you can play and sing! What a blessing!!! Would love to hear you.
ReplyDeleteWe are so very grateful to be able to still sing (Danny plays the guitar) every other week at our church. I'm so sorry to hear about your pianist at church, Pamela - not only a loss to her, but to your entire congregation. I do know how much John and you cherish your home and its surroundings deeply, so staying right where you are is a blessing in its own right. Know I pray every day for the both of you and for John's doctors. May you all hear some positive news soon!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Your words paint a beautiful picture of finding peace in God’s presence right at home It is a comforting reminder to cherish the everyday blessings.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words here, Melody. That is exactly the sentiment that I wanted to convey with this post. Being at home can bring riches beyond measure when God is in the equation.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Nothing is better than finding contentment and joy in our own homes! Loved seeing the photos too. Blessings Martha!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Jean! I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the photos, too. I am so very grateful to the Lord to live where we do.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
"As for me, I'll be content to sit on our deck, and hear the birds singing along to the rhythm the rustling trees create as they clap their hands for joy." Love this, Martha! I'll be thinking of those trees clapping their hands now when I see a tree waving in the wind. :) We're kind of where you're at now with the traveling. Although we don't have as much nature surrounding us like you do, I'm still content to soak in the nature that I can. We have a birdbath and it's so fun to watch the robins taking a bath and others drinking. We have baby robins flying and hopping around now and those parents are keeping a good eye on them. Love and hugs and blessings of seeking out God's beauty wherever we're at!
ReplyDeleteOh, Trudy, seeing the robins and other birds at your birdbath sounds delightful! We tried having a birdbath in our yard, but we have to tilt it on its side during the warm months because the standing water breeds mosquitoes. Such a shame! I'm so glad you enjoyed envisioning your trees clapping their hands, too. This is a perfect Psalm imagery to express joy and contentment in the Lord.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Martha Jane, I love to sit in the yard and look way up into the trees and sometimes I take a picture. Guess from now on I will think of you and your sweet words.
ReplyDeleteAnd I so appreciate your sweet words here, Henny Penny. We simply can't get enough of the beauty of God's creation, can we?
DeleteGrace and blessings!
There’s something so peaceful about finding God’s presence in the quiet moments, whether outside in nature or in the comfort of a familiar space. Cherishing past memories while embracing new blessings is such a wonderful mindset. Wishing you continued peace and joy! 🙏✨
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Veronica, for your sweet comment here today. Wherever God plants us or our travels take us, may we find comfort in His enduring presence.
DeleteGrace and blessings!