My thoughts for April


My thoughts for the coming month


The hymn below was written by Louisa Stead (1850-1917). One morning Louisa, her husband and her young daughter (Lily) were walking along Long Island Beach when they heard the cries of a child in distress. A boy was drowning, and Louisa's husband tried to rescue him. In the process, the boy pulled Mr Stead under water and they both drowned. 

Louisa and her daughter had no means of support and were in dire poverty, with no money to buy any food.  One morning Lousia opened her front door and found that someone had left food and money on her doorstep. As a consequence of this, she wrote the hymn "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus".  This story reminds us all that trusting in the Lord is paramount and whilst He many not answer all our prayers at once or in the way we expect, He does answer each and every one of our requests. He didn't pull Louisa or her daughter out of poverty — but through her poverty she learnt a valuable lesson of patience, faith, trust and knowing the God was watching over her. Not long after her surprise on the doorstep, she and her daughter travelled to South Africa where they became missionaries. 

In this month of April — keep trusting in the Lord, keep praying, keep having faith.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:43)

In this month of April, keep an eye out for anyone in need — someone who might need a surprise package on their doorstep. Many people are struggling financially and the numbers living in poverty is frightening. There are many people in need of help, don't forget to reach out and do your bit.



Quote of the month


I'VE LEARNED... a poem by Maya Angelou

I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.



Bible verse for the coming month

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

(John 14:1-3)



Hymn for the coming month

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.





Comments

  1. Great advice and love that you show here!!
    We make "Blessing Bags" for the people on the road, park benches or stop lights.
    We also invite neighbors over for a meal.
    People can be very lonely (a type of poverty).
    Reach out!
    Looking forward to reading all your posts for April!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So pleased to hear what you do to help those in need - just which that more people did it. Very true - loneliness is a particular problem for the elderly and we need to keep an eye out for those who are alone or feel alone.

      Thankyou :))

      Delete
  2. Good thoughts. That's a beautiful hymn - I didn't know the story behind it before. People live in so many different kinds of circumstances, it's important to remember that we don't really know what's going on "behind the scenes"... which makes it even more important when we KNOW someone is in need, that we help them in any way we can.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that is one of the things that too many blogs forget what is going on "behind the scenes" and try and steamroll people regardless. We really do need to get to know people to better understand them.

      Delete
  3. Love that poem by Maya Angelou and yes, how you handle tangled Christmas lights does say a lot about you. Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday Linkup. Tweeting your post with #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good morning,
    I found your lovely blog through Strangers and Pilgrims in Earth this morning and have enjoyed it so much.
    I am adding you to my side bar so I won't miss upcoming posts.
    Grace and peace to you as you journey through this week.
    Shirley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thankyou so much Shirley :)) you have come on the right day as I have a fab giveaway that you might enjoy :) Have a blessed week.

      Delete

Post a Comment