Advent Series ~ Day 11 ~ REST

25 Days of God Given Gifts

Come to me, all you who are weary 

and burdened, and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls. 

Matthew 11:28-29

The definition of REST is: to refresh oneself, as by sleeping, lying down, or relaxing. To relieve weariness by cessation of exertion or labor, and to be at ease; have tranquility or peace.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? We all need rest, and when we’re very tired, we look forward to it. Even my little grandson enjoys his rest. When he was a baby and lacked the words to express himself; he'd lay in his crib at nap-time or bedtime and wave bye-bye.

This scripture talks about rest for our souls; relief from the trials, stress, tribulations, burdens, and sin that can weigh us down. Remember Christian, in the book Pilgrim’s Progress? He was weighed down by a heavy load and longed for relief as he journeyed to the Celestial City. He found his rest when he reached the foot of the cross. The straps that bound the load to him broke and he was free from the oppressive weight.

We don’t have to bear the weight of our burdensome load. Jesus promises us in this scripture passage to come to Him and he will give us rest. Are you tired? Are you weary? Are you burdened? Leave it at the foot of the cross and find rest for your soul.

My husband’s grandmother wrote the poem below. I never had an opportunity to meet her, but know she would have been pleased to have me share it with you.

Rest in the Lord, O tired heart

And wait patiently for him

He’ll lift your cares and light your path

When everything looks dim.

He knows your need for daily strength

The problems that you face

He’ll give you courage and supply

His boundless love and grace

Rest in the Lord, O tired heart

There is no better way

To find refreshment, joy and peace

O rest in him today.

by Violet Elwell

PREVIOUS ADVENT DEVOTION LINKS HERE

Day 1 ~ ABUNDANT LIFE

Day 2 ~ COMFORT

Day 3 ~ DELIVERANCE

Day 4 ~ STRENGTH

Day 5 ~ GRACE

Day 6 ~ WISDOM

Day 7 ~ PRAYER
Day 8 ~ SALVATION
Day 9 ~ PEACE
Day 10 ~ LOVE

Two FREE printables that go with this series. You can find download links here:

http://bit.ly/FREEadventgraphics

These images are free for personal use, ministry use, or for gifting. Not to be sold. If you share the images on your blog, a link back would be appreciated. Please do not copy my entire posts to your blog. Thank you. 

I will be posting this until Christmas here on my blog. You can follow this series your favorite way. 

Links are below: 

Little Birdie Blessings by EMAIL

Little Birdie Blessings - FACEBOOK

Little Birdie Blessings INSTAGRAM

Free Inspirational Word Graphic - TRUST

This old postcard of winter birdies inspired me to add the inspirational word TRUST. This image and the word Trust fit perfectly with Matthew 6:26:

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

I can't claim to imagine what goes on in a bird's mind, but I know their creator does. I would think by instinct, they don't worry, but trust in the provisions of our heavenly Father. This verse tells me I don't have to be anxious.

Said the Robin to the Sparrow:

"I should really like to know

Why these anxious human beings

Rush about and worry so."

Said the Sparrow to the Robin:

"Friend, I think that it must be,

That they have no Heavenly Father,

Such as cares for you and me."

~ Elizabeth Cheney ~ 

Thank you friends for following this blog. You are prayed for and appreciated by me. Please feel free to print out this graphic and use in your personal artwork, you may also use it on your blogs or webpages. A link back is always appreciated. 

The Night Before Christmas

My friend Donna, a gifted writer, has graciously given me permission to share her poetry with you, "The Night Before Christmas". Please consider reading with your family as we celebrate the reason for the season - Jesus!

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by donna h. munro

Twas the night before Christmas, And out on the road
The donkey was carrying a very special load.
To pay taxes, Joseph and Mary were Bethlehem bound,
‘Neath the moon and stars and quiet night sounds.

Mary was wondering where they would stay,
For she was due to have a child – maybe today!
Joseph knocked at each Inn to find a warm room,
He knew that the baby would come very soon.

The innkeepers paused and nodded their heads.
All rooms were filled; there were no extra beds.
Then one innkeeper said, “There’s a barn out that way,
Perhaps you’ll be able to sleep in the hay.

Mary and Joseph were not sure this was the best,
But they needed to stop, they needed some rest.
They did what they could to make a warm, cozy place,
For this important babe to shine his sweet face.

And as they waited and prayed in their plight.
The stars twinkled above in the dark, chilly night.
Pondering all that had brought them this far
To have God’s son born out under the stars.

The animals must have wondered with questioning awe.
To have these folks make their beds in their straw.
They may have made room seeing the need.
And offered their manger empty of feed.

As night carried on into early morn’s dawn,
A miracle birth, God’s son would be born.
They gazed on with love at the baby’s sweet smile,
And knew God had blessed the world with this child.

They wrapped him in swaddling cloths that they had,
And kissed the fair cheeks of their new little lad.
They called him the name that the angel proclaimed,
Jesus - the Savior, God’s son was his name.

Mary cradled him long before laying him down,
In a hay-filled manger while she cooed him sweet sounds.
Animals laid by the child quietly lowing,
Bowing to the tiny king - perhaps without knowing.

Out in the fields the shepherds were keeping,
Their sheep safe from harm while they were sleeping.
When up in the sky there arose such a loud clatter,
They stood up in shock to see what was the matter!

Angels were singing of the new savior’s birth,
How God in His mercy had brought peace to the earth.
A star would lead them to see this small boy.
They left their hillside filled with wonder and joy.

The stars beamed down on a small cattle shed,
Could a king be born on a manger bed?
But the shepherds bowed the moment they saw,
The tiny babe cradled upon the soft straw.

They knew what Mary and Joseph knew, too.
This babe was sent with God’s work to do.
With reverence and honor they worshipped this king.
And knew in their hearts what love he would bring.

We, too, gaze on Jesus – the babe born this night,
And celebrate how He came to make right,
The hurts and the wrongs the world gives us now,
With loving kindness and grace, so we humbly bow.

May this Christmas give you reason to pause,
And consider this great gift of God.
Perhaps with the shepherds and wise men you’ll bring,
The gift of your life to this tiny child king.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
Please keep Christ in Christmas and follow His light.

donna h. munro, 2014

Thanksgiving Encouragement

Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 NIV

Praise, O praise our God and King;

Hymns of adoration sing;

For His mercies still endure

Ever faithful, ever sure.

Praise Him that He made the sun

Day by day his course to run;

For His mercies still endure

Ever faithful, ever sure.

~Henry Baker, 1861 ~

Feel free to use the above graphics in your artwork or on your blogs or webpages. A link back is appreciated but not required. Have a blessed day my friends.

Rest for the Weary

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.   Matthew 11:28-30

The definition of REST is: to refresh oneself, as by sleeping, lying down, or relaxing. To relieve weariness by cessation of exertion or labor, and to be at ease; have tranquility or peace. 

Sounds good, doesn’t it? We all need rest, and when we’re very tired, we look forward to it. Even my little grandson enjoys his rest. He doesn’t have the words yet to express it but will point to his crib, and when he lies down, will smile and wave bye-bye.

This scripture talks about rest for our souls; relief from the trials, stress, tribulations, burdens, and sin that can weigh us down. Remember Christian, in the book Pilgrim’s Progress? He was weighed down by a heavy load and longed for relief as he journeyed to the Celestial City. He found his rest when he reached the foot of the cross. The straps that bound the load to him broke and he was free from the oppressive weight.

We don’t have to bear the weight of our burdensome load. Jesus promises us in this scripture passage to come to Him and he will give us rest. Are you tired? Are you weary? Are you burdened? Leave it at the foot of the cross and find rest for your soul.

My husband’s grandmother wrote the poem below.  I never had an opportunity to meet her, but know she would have been pleased to have me share it with you.

Rest in the Lord, O tired heart

And wait patiently for him

He’ll lift your cares and light your path

When everything looks dim.

He knows your need for daily strength

The problems that you face

He’ll give you courage and supply

His boundless love and grace

Rest in the Lord, O tired heart

There is no better way

To find refreshment, joy and peace

O rest in him today.

by Violet Elwell

This post is linked to:
What Joy is Mine, Home Making Mondays

The Night Before Christmas

My friend Donna Munro is gifted in many ways, one of those gifts is writing. It seems to flow from her effortlessly.  She has graciously given me permission to share a beautiful piece of writing she wrote last Christmas season.  Please consider reading with your family in this very important time of year as we celebrate the reason for the season - Jesus!

The Night Before Christmas

by donna h. munro

Twas the night before Christmas, And out on the road 

The donkey was carrying a very special load.

To pay taxes, Joseph and Mary were Bethlehem bound, 

‘Neath the moon and stars and quiet night sounds.

Mary was wondering where they would stay, 

For she was due to have a child – maybe today!

Joseph knocked at each Inn to find a warm room,

He knew that the baby would come very soon.

The innkeepers paused and nodded their heads.

All rooms were filled; there were no extra beds.

Then one innkeeper said, “There’s a barn out that way,

Perhaps you’ll be able to sleep in the hay.

Mary and Joseph were not sure this was the best,

But they needed to stop, they needed some rest.

They did what they could to make a warm, cozy place,

For this important babe to shine his sweet face.

And as they waited and prayed in their plight.

The stars twinkled above in the dark, chilly night.

Pondering all that had brought them this far

To have God’s son born out under the stars.

The animals must have wondered with questioning awe.

To have these folks make their beds in their straw.

They may have made room seeing the need.

And offered their manger empty of feed.

As night carried on into early morn’s dawn,

A miracle birth, God’s son would be born.

They gazed on with love at the baby’s sweet smile,

And knew God had blessed the world with this child.

They wrapped him in swaddling cloths that they had,

And kissed the fair cheeks of their new little lad.

They called him the name that the angel proclaimed,

Jesus - the Savior, God’s son was his name.

Mary cradled him long before laying him down,

In a hay-filled manger while she cooed him sweet sounds.

Animals laid by the child quietly lowing,

Bowing to the tiny king - perhaps without knowing.

Out in the fields the shepherds were keeping,

Their sheep safe from harm while they were sleeping.

When up in the sky there arose such a loud clatter,

They stood up in shock to see what was the matter!

Angels were singing of the new savior’s birth,

How God in His mercy had brought peace to the earth.

A star would lead them to see this small boy.

They left their hillside filled with wonder and joy.

The stars beamed down on a small cattle shed,

Could a king be born on a manger bed?

But the shepherds bowed the moment they saw,

The tiny babe cradled upon the soft straw.

They knew what Mary and Joseph knew, too.

This babe was sent with God’s work to do. 

With reverence and honor they worshipped this king.

And knew in their hearts what love he would bring.

We, too, gaze on Jesus – the babe born this night,

And celebrate how He came to make right,

The hurts and the wrongs the world gives us now,

With loving kindness and grace, so we humbly bow.

May this Christmas give you reason to pause,

And consider this great gift of God.

Perhaps with the shepherds and wise men you’ll bring,

The gift of your life to this tiny child king.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Please keep Christ in Christmas and follow His light.

donna h. munro, 2014

Poem One Day at a Time

ONE DAY AT A TIME
by Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)

One day at a time, with its failures and fears,
With its hurts and mistakes, with its weakness and tears,
With its portion of pain and its burden of care;
One day at a time we must meet and must bear.

One day at a time to be patient and strong,
To be calm under trial and sweet under wrong;
Then its toiling shall pass and its sorrow shall cease;
It shall darken and die, and the night shall bring peace.

One day at a time - but the day is so long,
And the heart is not brave, and the soul is not strong,
O Thou pitiful Christ, be Thou near all the way;
Give courage and patience and strength for the day.

Swift cometh His answer, so clear and so sweet;
"Yea, I will be with thee, thy troubles to meet;
I will not forget thee, nor fail thee, nor grieve;
I will not forsake thee; I never will leave."

Not yesterday's load we are called on to bear,
Nor the morrow's uncertain and shadowy care;
Why should we look forward or back with dismay?
Our needs, as our mercies, are but for the day.

One day at a time, and the day is His day;
He hath numbered its hours, though they haste or delay.
His grace is sufficient; we walk not alone;

As the day, so the strength that He giveth His own.

You can read more about Annie Johnson Flint on a previous post I wrote **here**

What a dear woman of faith.  Through her pain and struggles, God gave her words of encouragement not only for herself, but for many others.

Have a blessed day.

As your days, so shall your strength be.
Deuteronomy 33:25B

Poem Little Birds of God ~ Free Graphics

Her name was Annie Johnson Flint (1866 - 1932), the author of the poem below. She knew of burdens, the need for courage, she knew of just asking the Lord for the strength for the day.  Her Poetry and Hymns were written from her own experiences and adversities.  

Annie was known as the “poet of helpfulness”, and often gave her poetry as gifts to friends.  As her poems became more widely known, many were set to music.   I have previously written about Annie, and you can find that here:  Annie Johnson Flint

THE LITTLE BIRDS OF GOD

by Annie Johnson Flint

I HEAR them at my window in the late, gray winter dawn,
The little birds of God, the farthing sparrows of His care;
They ask of me, as I of Him, His gift of daily bread.
With soft, impatient twitterings they voice their morning prayer.


The heavenly Father feedeth them, the little birds of God,
Though ’tis my hand that scattereth the food within their reach;

I do but share His bounty when I give the crumbs to them.
doubting heart and anxious heart, what lessons they can teach!

They sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns,
Content if but each day shall bring the day’s supply of food;
No question whence it comes, nor if the morrow bringeth more
Small optimists in feathers, who are sure that all is good!

God seeth when they fly or fall. Am I less worth than they?
I would not fail them in their need. Is He less true than I?
I would not mock their faith in me, nor hurt them, nor betray;
I answer to their trusting call, He to His children’s cry.

When sunset tints the fading light and dusk is falling fast,
The while I draw the curtains close and stir the hearth-fire bright,
I hear their cheerful chirping, the little birds of God,
And wonder to what shelter they are fleeing for the night.

But they, as I, shall rest secure beneath the wings of Love,
Though storm and darkness sweep the sea and cover all the land.
My life and theirs, so small and frail, God’s care of both the same;
My soul a nesting bird within the hollow of His hand.

Christmas Hymn ~ Our Day of Joy

Our day of joy is here again,
With love and peace and song;
Come, let us join th’angelic strain
With voices clear and strong.

Glory to our God, we sing,
Glory to our Lord and king;
Peace, goodwill with all abide
This holy Christmas tide.

When darkness lay upon this earth,
A glorious light did shine,
God sent a Gift of priceless worth
And showed His love divine.
~ Andrew Skoog 1892 ~

More info on this hymn can be found here:  Our Day of Joy is Here Again

Love Came Down at Christmas

Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and to all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.
~ Christina Georgina Rossetti  ~
1885



Source

This was originally published as a Christmas poem without a title in the book Time Flies: A Reading Diary in 1885.  It was later published in 1893 with the title, Christmastide.   Christina was an English Poet who wrote a variety of romantic, devotional, and children's poems.  This particular poem was set to music by a variety of composers. 

And we have known and believed
the love that God hath to us.
God is love;
and he that dwelleth in love
dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:16

A simple poem, with a huge message. 
Love Came Down at Christmas
God IS Love
He is the Perfect Definition of Love

The video below is a beautiful rendition of this Christmas Carol.  I could listen to it over and over and never tire of it.  Very moving!  If you can't view it below, you can find the link here:
Love Came Down at Christmas

Thanks for visiting today.  I hope you have been encouraged as much as I have by the message in this song. 

Pink Birthday Freebies

I said a Birthday Prayer for you -
And I asked the Lord above
To keep you safely in his care
And enfold you in his love -
I did not ask for fortune,
For riches or for fame,
I only asked for blessings
In the Savior's Holy name -
Blessings to surround you
In times of trial and stress,
And inner joy
To fill your heart
With Peace and Happiness.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

I attended a "Hello Kitty" 3 year old birthday party this weekend for my grand-daughter.  A wonderful time was had by all and she was very excited helping her mother plan the cake.  

My friend Lisa had a birthday and loves the color pink, I decided to make a card for her using one of the graphics I'd previously made.  Here's how her card came out.  

You can find the bleeding heart graphic that is pictured on the card above, **here**. 

Here's one more vintage birthday postcard freebie for you.  

Hope you have enjoyed this pink birthday post.  Have a wonderful day. 

This post is linked to:  Whatever you Want Wednesday, Pink Saturday,
Word Art Wednesday, 

Memorial Day ~ Decoration Day

Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

Memorial Day ~ a time of remembrance for those who died in service for their country.  It was originally called Decoration Day as the women would decorate the graves of the Civil War veterans.  This vintage postcard pictures a little girl doing just that.  I wrote this particular post last year but feel it is worth repeating again for this Memorial Day weekend.   

The caption on this next vintage postcard reads:
Let the Stars and Strips be waving o'er their generous sacrifice.

But his soul goes marching on.

My father was a veteran, and my husband is as well.  I am proud of their service to our country.  Our town celebrates Memorial Day with a small parade.  They stop at one point on their route and throw a floral wreath into the ocean to remember those whose lives were lost at sea. 

The following poem was written during World War I, by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, who was a soldier, physician, and poet.  It is written from the point of view of the dead, and spoke of their sacrifice and served as their command to the living to press on.  You can read more about this poem **here**

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.

This post is linked to:  Anything Blue Friday,

Project Ideas with Labels & More

Do not be anxious, said our Lord,

Have peace from day to day -
The lilies neither toil nor spin,
Yet none are clothed as they.
The meadowlark with sweetest song
Fears not for bread or nest
Because he trusts our Father's love

And God knows what is best.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

A new start to the week brings rain from my corner of Maine.  I have a few things to share with you today.  The first, is a birthday card I made for my daughter.  I like to add bling to my cards in the form of tiny rhinestone stickers, pearls, or whatever is in my stash that seems to go well with the card.  A pair of craft tweezers makes this a breeze. 

My friend Karen from Papercraft Memories offers free WORDart on her blog and also designs for Word Art Wednesday each week.  I had the idea to try and paste her WORDart into a label document.  Here's the finished product.

Here's how I did it: 

I visited Avery's page that had templates **here**, put in the specific label template I was looking for and downloaded it free to Word.  It downloads easy and opens right up in Word. 

I then cut/pasted Karen's WORDart from the files I had downloaded from her blog.  After pasting it in the label, I was able to resize it to fit, by dragging the little handles that appear after you paste. 

Once I had one label the way I wanted it, I could cut/paste that particular label in the template. 

You can save the blank template to your computer before adding any info to it, that way it's available for future use.  Save after you get your info in and you're ready to print whenever you need to. 

These labels happen to be clear, but you could print on white labels, or even cardstock, and cut. 

The site World Label has a lot of templates as well that can be downloaded for free. 

 

So... with my freshly printed labels (thank you Karen), my friend Judy and I made magnets to give out in church on Mother's Day.  Judy did all the cutting on her Cricut, and we assembled them, added a magnet to the back and packaged in clear cello bags.   They were a big hit. 

This week, I received the most delightful package of happy mail.  Angela from "Angela's Sewing for Sanity", sent me a blessings journal that she'd made from graphics on my blog.  A mason jar tag with buttons hand sewn to it, a beautiful pink rose vintage card, and a tiny card tucked into a brown envelope.  Thank you Angela for your kindness. 

Please check out Angela's blog when you have an opportunity, she has tons of sewing projects that will inspire you, as well as her latest post of how to make Strawberry Lemon Marmalade.  Angela has 6 children, including a baby and home-schools.  A busy mom who has a generous heart. 

That's all for now, hope some of these ideas have inspired you today.  Remember to count your blessings, they ARE there, sometimes you just need to look harder to find them.

If you are receiving this via email and would like to visit my blog, you can find it here. 
Little Birdie Blessings.

This post is linked to:  Mondays Musings,Clever Chicks,Whatever you want Wednesday,

Free Facebook Covers and More

There is grace to help in our time of need,
For our Friend above is a Friend, indeed;
We may cast on Him every grief and care;
There is always a blessing, a blessing in prayer.
~ Eliza E. Hewitt ~

The quote on the beautiful graphic today is a verse from a hymn by Eliza E. Hewitt.  You can read more about her **here** on a previous blog post.   Her trials definitely made her faith stronger, and through them she wrote some beautiful, comforting, soul stirring hymns.   This particular hymn is titled A Blessing in PrayerI've made a couple of facebook covers for you.  I've left one blank so you can add what you'd like.  The graphics featured in this post are yours free for personal use or sharing.  I designed them using some of the beautiful graphics generously offered at The Graphics Fairy.  Click on each image to get the largest size, right click, and save to your computer.

There is perfect peace tho’ the wild waves roll,
There are gifts of love for the seeking soul,
Till we praise the Lord in His home so fair,
There is always a blessing, a blessing in prayer.
~ Eliza E. Hewitt ~

Thanks for stopping by today friends.  If you are receiving this via email you can view my blog here:  Little Birdie Blessings.


This post is linked to:  Monday's Musings, The Graphics Fairy, Clever Chick Blog Hop,
Make it Pretty Monday,  Return to Loveliness,