“And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God
than a whole flock of sparrows.”
Matthew 10:30-31
“More Than Many Sparrows”
by Andy Severyn
More than many sparrows
More than brightest gold
You’re worth more than people tell you
So much more than people know
Someone put a price on you
He said, “You’re worth dying for”
Yes, you’re precious in the eyes of the Lord…
ABCs of Jesus’ Love
Visit this page anytime and let me know if you’d like to add to the words describing Jesus’ love along with a verse supporting it. Remember, there is also a print-out of the original list.
This month I have added another “X” Word:
❤︎ eXemplary Love ❤︎
“Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
Books
I am not always able to keep up with the abundance of books that promote hope, healing, and freedom, so I haven’t always read every one I post here and on the Books Page. Though many are on my long wish list. 🙂 Many will be from recommendations of online friends. If you ever know of a book that is not listed and that supports this website’s mission, please let me know. 🙂
The book I’m highlighting this month is a fiction book from an online friend:
There are some books I can’t get into at first, but this is definitely not one of them. The main characters, and even all the characters, immediately got my full attention. I just HAD to find out more about their lives.
This is an amazing story of God’s love and plan in Petra and Tony’s lives. There are no Christian platitudes here. The author shows the characters’ deep, authentic emotions as they deal with real-life struggles. I love the growth in Petra and Tony as they learn to let go and let God. To trust God and to desire His will in their lives. It is not a fairy tale ending as in some books. They will continue to struggle with uncertainties in their futures, but God is on their side.
An added bonus are the vividly painted scenes of Hawaii the author describes. Scenery I longed to drink in as Petra loved to do.
I highly recommend this riveting story of the hope and strength God gives in the midst of real-life struggles.
Hope Harbor
💞 Links That Inspire Hope and Healing 💞
💞 Kintsugi: Beauty In the Broken Places by Lesley – “God takes our broken pieces and puts them back together in a way that displays his glory, because it is in the cracks and in the scars that we see evidence of healing and God’s power to restore.”
💞 Cloud Townsend Resources – Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend have been bringing hope and healing to millions for well over two decades, helping people discover solutions to life’s most difficult personal and relational challenges. These are free short videos that offer solid advice in the areas of relationships, dating, marriage, parenting, emotional struggles, spiritual life, goals and success, and leadership.
💞 When It Seems Impossible to Forgive by Dr. Julie Slattery – “When you have been deeply hurt or betrayed by someone—perhaps by a husband who is repeatedly unfaithful or a relative who is abusive—restoring that relationship can be complicated. While the Bible is clear that we are always to forgive people who harm us, forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean that we go back to relating as if nothing ever happened. A severe offense or a pattern of abusive behavior breaks trust, and a relationship cannot be close unless trust is rebuilt.”
Nature Retreat
“In God’s eyes, all creatures have value
whether we find them cuddly,
affectionate, beautiful or otherwise.”
~ Andrew Linzey
This month’s photos are all ones my brother in Arizona has shared with me.
They certainly make the long, cold winters in the Midwest more cozy.
Thank you, John. 🙂
🐾 Burrowing Owl Video – This video of burrowing owls from Cornell Lab is just so cute! I love it! Great message tied to it, too. We can learn so much from God’s creatures.
🐾 Macaulay Library of Birds – This is an extensive library of over 2 million photos of birds! You can search by location, date, or contributor.
🐾 Michael Libbe Photography – You’ll first see a slide show of breath-taking views of nature. If you scroll down, you can look at the photos by category.
Quotes
❤︎ “God is God. He sees and hears all our troubles, all our tears. Soul, forget not, in your pains, God over all forever reigns.” ~ Charles Spurgeon
❤︎ “We are not called to be perfectly awesome. We are called to be imperfectly faithful, because we have been perfectly loved, liberated, and highly esteemed by the Most High.” ~ Scott Sauls
❤︎ “A brook would lose its song if it had no rocks.” ~ Amish Proverb
Freed to Fly 
Love this basket of goodies, Trudy!
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“Basket of goodies.” I like that. Exactly what I want it to be, Linda. 🙂 Thank you. May our hearts be open to all the “goodies” God gives us!
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Oh Trudy, I always love your monthly gatherings, and this month is so great! I loved that little owl video–you were right, the message fit so perfectly with it. Recently, I referred a friend, who has been through a rough season, to your site, and I will be letting her know to check this post also. It’s filled with so many good thoughts. Blessings and Hugs to you, Dear Friend!
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I’m so glad you enjoy them, Bettie. I love gathering it together. 🙂 Yes, isn’t that owl video so cute? A good message, too. It makes me think of community. As we gather together to encourage each other in Christ.
I’m so sorry your friend has been having a rough season. I’m so glad she has you as a friend who cares and supports her. I’m honored that you referred her to my site. May God help us to bear one another’s burdens and point hurting souls to our only hope in Jesus!
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Your brother’s photos took my breath away, Trudy! So glad you shared them here.
Also, I’m intrigued by the book “No Tomorrow.” It sounds as if it’s right up my alley, as I’ve written Christian-themed novels myself. If you haven’t checked them out yet, you can do so at my website: http://www.gladetrilogy.wix.com/theglade
Blessings!
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I had no idea you wrote children’s books, Martha. They sound interesting. I could never find your site when I clicked on your name here. Thank you for giving me this link. I just googled your name and find you do have a blog, too. Your granddaughters are precious. 🙂
Yes, “No Tomorrow” is so intriguing. Very worth reading. 🙂
Thank you for your compliment of my brother’s photos. I love his nature photos.
May God lead us and guide us always!
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Trudy, I like to tell folks my books are meant for ages 9-99. No joke! Adults truly enjoy these adventures, too, and I’m so glad you checked on them and got in touch with my blog. What a joy to have you on board!
Blessings!
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Thank you, Martha. I know I enjoy adventures of children, and I’m 61. 🙂 I checked to see if they’re at our library, but they’re not. 😦
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Thank you so much for highlighting No Tomorrow, Trudy! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story! I used to live in Arizona, so your brother’s photos were a treat! Have a blessed week!
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You’re so welcome, June. I loved this story. The characters still sit in my heart in warm, comfy chairs. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed my brother’s photos. As you know, nature photos really refresh my spirit. I’m so glad he shares them, and that you do, too. May God keep our eyes on the Creator who is in control!
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This is a great collection, Trudy, and I’m honoured that my post is featured here. Your brother’s photos are amazing and I enjoyed the owl video too! Thanks for sharing these resources!
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Thank you, Lesley. I’m so glad you enjoyed my brother’s photos and the owl video. 🙂 Your article about the art of Kintsugi is such a great example of how God makes beauty out of our brokenness. It really touched my heart, and I’m sure it will with others as well. May God keep making beauty out of all our broken places!
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I love the Charles Spurgeon quote. So perfect for right now. Your brother takes stunning photos. Thank you for sharing them. And of course, June is a beautiful writer. What a blessing!
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Thank you, Mary. I’m glad you enjoyed my brother’s photos. I know you love nature, too. 🙂 And yes, June is a beautiful writer. 🙂 I love the Spurgeon quote, too. As you said, so perfect for right now. It comforts me to know God is still God and He reigns over all. He hears all our cries also concerning our country. I’m so grateful we can go to Him with all our sorrows and fears. May we rest in His loving, compassionate arms and show His attitude toward others!
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I too loved Lesley’s post. I must read June’s book! Thanks for sharing these awesome links!
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Thank you, Barbie. Isn’t it amazing how God makes beauty out of brokenness? You would love June’s book. I hope you are feeling better after the flu! May God heal our brokenness ever deeper!
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Hi Trudy,
No, the lizards are not cute (if you read my post today, you’ll see why!) 🙂 (and you know I’d give you a hard time about posting reptiles, no matter how small they are!) but the Mexican jay — gorgeous! I’ve never seen a bird like that and he is just stunning!
I’m grateful for the beauty and absolute creativity in God’s creation and that he lets us glimpse it to enjoy it (although I could stand a little less encountering with lizards and their ilk). Love you anyway, Trudy, my friend! xoxoxo
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Actually, Valerie, I thought of you when I wrote out that quote of Andrew Linzey about every creature having value. It’s not just the cuddly or beautiful ones. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the Mexican Jay. It’s the first time I ever saw one like that, too. Yes, he is stunning! I am sometimes hesitant to freak you out with frogs, lizards, and the likes. I’m glad you love me anyway! 🙂 I love you, too, my friend! xo back to you! May we always remember that we are of more value to God than many sparrows!
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Trudy, what a fun mix of posts, pics, and words to inspire hope within us. Lesley’s post on kintsugi was powerful, wasn’t it? I’ve been talking about this exact thing with a friend. I think I’ll forward her the link. :)]
Your brother’s photos are amazing! I love seeing all the different kinds of birds! God’s creating is truly amazing. That Mexican jay’s coloring is stunning. Have a beautiful day my friend!
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Thank you, Jeanne. I’m so glad this mix inspired hope within you. 🙂 Yes, Lesley’s post is powerful. I’m glad you’re sharing it with a friend. It’s sure something we need to remember, isn’t it? God makes our broken beautiful!
I’m glad you enjoyed my brother’s photos. I love getting them in my inbox. 🙂 Since he moved to Arizona, I have seen birds I never knew existed. Yes, God’s creating is truly amazing. 🙂
You have a beautiful day, too! May we open our eyes more and more to the beauty God surrounds us with!
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Those pictures your brother sent you are amazing, Trudy. I especially love the Mexican jay and the acorn woodpecker … so pretty! I always enjoy your monthly compilations … hugs, friend!
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Thank you, Lois. I’m glad you enjoy these monthly compilations. 🙂 I enjoy getting them together. Yes, my brother’s pictures certainly are amazing. 🙂 I love that he shares them. Since he moved to Arizona, I get to see all kinds of birds and animals I’ve never seen before. 🙂 Hugs back to you! May we rest and believe in the power and timing of our prayer-answering God! (God’s answer to your prayer still rests in my heart and encourages me!)
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Great tidbits for the month. Thank you!
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Thank you, Maree. I’m glad you enjoyed them. 🙂 May we daily rest in God’s all-sufficient grace to help us through whatever troubles come our way!
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Hi Trudy! Of course I have ‘met’ June in the blogging world. It’s wonderful that she’s written such a great book!
I also really enjoyed Lesley’s post on the Japanese art of repairing pottery. So interesting, and so meaningful too.
John is a wonderful photographer, I love looking at nature. It’s pure and beautiful reflections of God great creativity living around us.
It was a good January for you!
Ceil
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I’m glad you found enjoyment here, Ceil. I only learned recently that June is an author of more books. And yes, Lesley’s post is so meaningful. I agree my brother is a wonderful photographer even though he wouldn’t say that himself. 🙂 I love how you describe nature as “pure and beautiful reflections of God’s great creativity living around us.” So true. May we learn more and more to open our heart to what God has to say to us in it!
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Hi Trudy! Thanks for this- I love the resources you share-This is such a good idea to do at the end of the month! Thank you for sharing all this and being faithful to post! I am grateful! xo
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Hi Susie! I’m so glad you enjoy these resources. I love finding them and sharing them. 🙂 I am grateful you’re back to posting your hope-breathing poems and artwork. This week’s poem still lingers in my heart. I struggle, too, with thinking I have to “do” more, but He says to “Just rest.” May we learn more and more to lean into God’s unconditional love and free grace for us!
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Love everything here but especially too, the photographs! Wonderful capture of God’s creations and a great reminder, that even the sparrow knows of God’s love for all of us.
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Thank you, Lynn. I’m glad you enjoyed everything, especially my brother’s nature photos. Yes, even the sparrow knows of God’s love for us. Amazing! I hope you’re having a relaxing, rejuvenating time in Hawaii! I’m looking forward to photos. 🙂 May we open our hearts more and more to God’s love and plan for us!
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I love reading June’s blog so I’m sure her novel is good too! Thanks for sharing about it here. I keep seeing it pop up on blogs and it always makes me happy. I love your brother’s pictures, too. There’s something about seeing God’s moving, breathing creations that is good for our souls.
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Thank you, Lisa. Yes, seeing God’s moving, breathing creations truly is good for the soul. 🙂 I love June’s blog, too. I was surprised to learn she has written several novels. It’s always good to find good authors. 🙂 May God give us light, strength, and wisdom for the way!
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