Free Vintage Thanksgiving Graphics

I will praise the name of God with a song,

And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:30

I have some free Thanksgiving vintage graphics for you today.  Hope you enjoy them.  Click on the image for a larger size, right click, and then save to your computer.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Hymn by T.O. Chisholm 1923  

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

 

Scripture Thursday ~ Prayers for America

If My people who are called by My name
will humble themselves,
and pray and seek My face,
and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin
and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

free for personal use or sharing

This verse has been on my mind given the upcoming Presidential election on November 6th.   It is our privilege and right to vote and I'm asking you to join me in exercising that freedom and vote on November 6th.  In the days leading up to the election, it is imperative that we PRAY every day for the outcome.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)

If you're not sure what to pray for, or how to pray, I've shown some prayers below which came from the book Pray for Our Nation (Scriptural Prayers to Revive Our Country). 

Prayer is a freedom guaranteed to us by our Constitution, and a God-given right to all humanity.  The opportunity to pray is a privilege, honor and sacred duty. (Pray for Our Nation)


Father, I desire to vote intelligently in all elections.  I pray that you will bring to light the things I need to know so I may vote in line with Your plan, will and purpose.


 
I pray for my Christian family (the body of Christ) that they would see the right to vote as a gift from Your hand and avail themselves of this opportunity. 

I pray Heaven bestow the best of blessings on this House and all that shall hereafter inhabit it.  May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.  John Adams ~ 2nd U.S. President

Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.
Peter Marshall  1902 – 1949 ~ Chaplain of the United States Senate

All history has proved that only those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.   ~ Abraham Lincoln ~

For those with some digital skills, I have made a png document for you with today's verse.   It can also be printed out.  Click for larger size, right click and save to your computer. 

png file ~ free for personal use or sharing

For more information on this topic, you can click the link below.
Does God Expect Christians to Vote?

Don't forget to PRAY and VOTE.

This post is linked to: Word Art Wednesday,   Monday Musings, Deep Roots at Home, Fellowship Fridays ,   Titus Tuesdays, Hearts4Home Whatever you want Wednesday Faith Filled Friday  Wholehearted Home   

Scripture Thursday ~ A Sweet Smelling Aroma

Now thanks be to God who always
 leads us in triumph in Christ,
and through us diffuses the fragrance
of His knowledge in every place.
2 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV

Do you have a favorite smell?  I enjoy the smell of cinnamon, cloves, balsam trees, and lemons.  I often simmer a combination of some of these things. 

Another way to have a pleasant smell in your home is with a diffuser.  If you’ve never seen one, it looks like this:

They are decorative air fresheners that work with scented oils and reeds.  The oil travels up the reeds to release the fragrance into the air around them.  No sprays, candles or plugin air fresheners ~ the smell is released naturally. (photo from tip nut)
 
As Christian women, who spend quiet time with the Lord, we are the reed that soaks up the oil (Jesus) and become a vessel for the fragrance of Him to emit from us.   We may be the only bible that some people read.

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.  Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV

I know some dear Christian women whom the light of God shines through.  Their life reflects Him.  They give off the fragrance of Him by showing love to others, sharing an encouraging word, a note, a phone call, a scripture, praying for others.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV

Another way to “diffuse” fragrance is through clay pots.  The scented oil or perfume is put into the pot and permeates the clay; it naturally emits and diffuses the fragrance into the air.

2 Corinthians 4:7 refers to a treasure in jars of clay.  WE are the jars of clay, or earthen vessels as the KJV translation states and the treasure is the fragrance of Jesus.

If we spend time with him, growing in the knowledge of him, we become transformed into his likeness.  He chooses the clay pots (us) which are flawed, cracked, easily broken, weak, and fragile as His choice vessels to house this wonderful treasure.

What kind of reed or clay pot are you? 

Are you allowing the fragrance to flow through you?

Is there a barrier preventing your fragrance from being diffused?

Open up the channels of your diffuser by:

Reading your bible

praying

attending church

participating in a Bible study

Asking God to show you how

You have a choice to make a difference in someone’s life.

I’ve put a link below on how to make your own diffuser from the Tip Nut.  If you’re making it as a gift, you could attach a tag with today’s scripture to it.   If this post has spoken to you today, please leave me a comment.  I'd love to hear from you.   The vintage images in this post are from my personal collection and are free for you.   Click on each image for a larger size, right click and save to your computer.

Tip Nut ~ DIY Reed Diffusers


This post is linked to: Word Art Wednesday,   Monday Musings, Deep Roots at Home, Fellowship Fridays ,   Titus Tuesdays, Hearts4Home Whatever you want Wednesday Faith Filled Friday  Wholehearted Home  

Scripture Photo Collage

From the rising of the sun
unto the going down of the same
the Lord's name is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3

Have you ever watched a sunrise or sunset on the water.  It's a magnificent sight to see.  In the home I used to live in, the ocean was directly across the street and I watched the most beautiful sunrises so many mornings.  It was if the sun literally rose up out of the ocean.  

The photo on the right in this collage was a picture I took of a sunset.  The same happens, only in reverse.  The sun just seems to slowly disappear into the ocean.  It's breathtaking. 

free for personal use or sharing

I am linking this to Vee's October Notecard Party, where we link up four photographs that would make good notecards.  I chose these particular four photos that I took, as they reminded me of fall and the colors that it brings.  

The first photo is a yellow begonia.  I edited this to make just the begonia have color so it would "pop" out of the photo.  What do you think? 

This photo was taken at sunset in a warm summer evening in Maine

At the Botanical Gardens in Boothbay Maine.  The women in my family gathered there at the end of August to celebrate my mother's birthday.  I was able to capture this butterfly on the daisies.

Just a patch of big daisies.  Beauty in the simple things.

That's all for today.  Thanks Vee for hosting the note card party.    Hope you all enjoy this display of God's creation.  

Free Scripture Graphic ~ God Has Plans for You

The timing of your life is unique.
You are a woman handmade by God
to fulfill wonderful plans of His.
~ Anne Ortlund ~

Digital Photo and Grapic I made for you ~ free for personal use or sharing
Click for larger image ~ right click and save to your computer

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11  (NIV)

Just think..... of all the millions of people on this earth, you are unique and like none other.  God made you that way, and He does not make mistakes.  He has specific plans for your life, you need only to ask Him to show you what it is, and ask Him to help you follow His plan.  

He's the only one that knows the future and sees the whole plan laid out ahead.  How better to leave our day to day plans in the one who knows our future, than to try to get through it on our own strength.  

I hope you enjoy the graphic I made for you to help you remember this promise.  

Have a wonderful day my friends.

Scripture Thursday ~ Appreciating Your Pastor

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you,
who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 
Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.
Live in peace with each other.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NIV

The month of October is recognized as Pastor Appreciation Month.  To appreciate – means to be thankful or show gratitude for.  I can tell you that I appreciate my pastor very much.  You see… my pastor, is also my husband.

Last Sunday our church held a special dinner in his honor (and mine).  Along with my husband, I share in his ministry at a beautiful church, nestled on a hill, in a small fishing village on the coast of Maine. 

Being a pastor is a labor of love – love for the Lord and His people.  There is a lot of behind the scenes things a pastor does that his congregation never sees, nor is he able to share with them.   I’m sure you realize, it’s more than just a Sunday morning message. 

I asked my husband, specifically what the desire of his heart was for his congregation.  He said there were two things –

1.     Make God a priority over anything else!

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:25

Your church attendance not only will benefit you by helping you grow spiritually, but it encourages your pastor, and lifts up the rest of your church family.   

2.     That the people would have a desire to grow spiritually by reading/studying their bibles, and praying. 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!  2 Peter 3:18

No matter where you are in your spiritual walk, there is always room for growth.  I call my husband “The Bible Answer Man”.  There is no one that I know personally that knows more about the Bible than him.  He will however, be the first to tell you that he’s always learning.

I used to ask God to help me.
Then I asked if I might help Him.
I ended up by asking Him
to do his work through me.
James Hudson Taylor (1832-1905)
English missionary and founder
of China Inland Mission

Don’t take your pastor for granted, he needs encouragement as some days are really hard for him and you don’t know what he’s been through.  There is a lot that he holds in and keeps between himself and God. 


The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.  1 Timothy 5:17

What are some ways you can encourage your pastor and his wife?

Praying for him and his family and letting him know that you do
A simple note of appreciation when a particular message spoke to you.
Ask questions about the bible or his message, it shows him you are interested.
Helping when you see a need within your church or otherwise
Vegetables from your garden.
A food item that you enjoy making
Being faithful in your church attendance
Visiting the older people in your congregation

pray for your pastor and his family

If you are a Pastor’s wife or a wife of someone in ministry – here are some suggestions I have learned for supporting my husband.

Praying for him, praying with him
Respecting his study time by not interrupting
Keep peace in your home (especially Saturday evening and Sunday morning)
Give him a good breakfast Sunday morning
Be his helpmate, ask him what can do to help
Be his biggest supporter and cheerleader
Talk to him about his message, ask questions, give feedback, show you were listening
Respect his hobbies and need for personal down time


This is my husband’s prayer for his congregation, found in Philippians 1:9-11
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,  so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

What are some ways you encourage your pastor?  If you are a pastor’s wife, what are some ways you show support for your husband?

Linked to:  A Sheltering Tree

Poem & Free Hydrangeas

Adversity can Distress Us or Bless Us
by Helen Steiner Rice

The way we use adversity is strictly our own choice,

For in God's hands, adversity can make the heart rejoice,

For everything God sends to us, no matter in what form,

Is sent with plan and purpose; for by the fierceness of a storm.

free hydrangeas ~ click for larger size ~ save to computer

The atmosphere is changed and cleared, and the earth is washed and clean,
And the high winds of adversity can make restless souls serene.

And while it's very difficult for mankind to understand
God's intentions and His purpose and the workings of His hand,

free white hydrangeas background ~ click for larger size

If we observe the miracles that happen every day,

We cannot help but be convinced that in His wondrous way,

God makes what seemed unbearable and painful and distressing

Easily acceptable when we view it as a blessing.

May you find encouragement within the words of this poem by Helen Steiner Rice.  The hydrangea photos are free for you.  Enjoy!

A Very Special Gift

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, 

and it will be the sign of the covenant 

between me and the earth.
Genesis 9:13 (NIV)

My friend Donna is a school teacher.  As she was leaving school one day last week, she received a very special gift.  She saw a double rainbow over the school.

My friend Donna's School

A real blessing indeed to be there at the precise moment and capture this photograph.  I look at this photo and see God's protection over the children.  What do you see, or what does this remind you of?  

Have a wonderful day friends.

Scripture Thursday ~ Times and Seasons

And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
Daniel 2:21 NKJV
New England is defined by its colorful fall foliage.  I live in Maine and the magnificence of the fall season is shown when the leaves of the trees turn shades of reds, yellows, gold, and even purple, before they fall to the ground.

I have recently been anticipating a visit from my sister and brother in law who I haven’t seen in a year.  They are traveling from New Mexico and picked this time of year so my brother in law could photograph some of the spectacular foliage. 

free scripture printable

Obviously, it’s God’s creation that changes the colors of the leaves and bares the trees before the winter season, but not surprisingly, there is a scientific explanation for why the leaves change color in the fall.  I like to visualize it as the hand of God creating another masterpiece for the entire world to enjoy.

I vaguely remember from high school science class that it had something to do with the chlorophyll in the leaves.  I decided to research the subject and here’s what I found out:

Chlorophyll is a green pigment in the leaves that absorbs red and blue light from the sun. The shortening days and cooler nights that fall brings, interfere with the process and cause the chlorophyll to break down.  When this happens, the green colors of the leaves fade, causing some to turn yellow, others red, purple or maroon.

free scripture printable

As this verse tells us, God is in control of the times and seasons.  There’s a reason for everything He does, even if it’s just for our pleasure. We’re also told that he is sovereign, which means he is in total control of everything happening in this universe. 

No matter what may happen in this world, He is in ultimate control. As you witness every day, the creation functions as God intended, with the exception of mankind and that is because we have a free will. God wants us to use our free will to accept and follow his plan for our lives.  Just look at how well it works out for the creation and all its interdependent relationships.  We serve an awesome and wonderful God worthy of our wholehearted devotion and trust.

Free vintage postcard ~ Catherine Klein

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;

His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.

Hymn ~ This is My Father’s World

Maltbie D. Babcock, 1901

Have a wonderful day my friends.  Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog and leave your thoughts.   If you didn't see last week's Scripture Thursday post, I have a new page on my blog which has many of the Scripture Thursday devotions in one place.  You can find it here:   SCRIPTURE THURSDAY DEVOTIONS or by clicking the page at the top of the blog. 

 

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This post is linked to: Word Art Wednesday,   Monday Musings, Deep Roots at Home, Fellowship Fridays ,   Titus Tuesdays, Hearts4Home Whatever you want Wednesday Faith Filled Friday  Wholehearted Home