Daughters for His Glory

Scripture & Creation

I share some pictures of my week...along with some of God's Word.

I have enjoyed watching these roses which are in a pot near the door. They are different everyday. In fact they only last a few days anyway...then they are gone. Which reminds me of this verse.

"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
(1 Peter 1:24-25)

The roses looked particularly beautiful in the early morning dew.

They're perfect, aren't they?

A pretty roadside "weed".

"Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments."

(Psalm 112:1)

I found this little skink in this container when I went to work in the garden. Of course I set him free.

Fresh homegrown strawberries we were given.

Delicious mangoes and yoghurt from Costco.

There were many cockatoos at the feeder the other week (excuse the rough video as I was holding my niece. You can hear the snake repeller at the end).

And a few older pics...

These birds are called Apostlebirds.

This is a bandicoot we saw in the rainforest once. He came right up to us.

Praise God for all His creatures...flowers, animals, and everything else.

"Blessed be the Lord for evermore. Amen, and Amen."

(Psalm 89:52)

Food - Physical & Spiritual

As I am doing keeper at home duties, I might share recipe and food posts from time to time on my blog here. It is essential to eat in order to live of course but I am aware of the great importance of spiritual food also.

"And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live."

(Deuteronomy 8:3)

"Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."

(John 6:26-27)

I am also reminded of the account of Mary and Martha and so obviously we keepers at home have to find a balance in all that. We women should not be so fully focused on our home duties which are essential and God-ordained nonetheless, but to the neglect of the Lord and His Word.

"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

(Luke 10:38-42)

All I am trying to say in this rambling post is that I am sure we could get caught up in the actual processes of things like cooking, sewing, cleaning or other home care duties to the neglect of the spiritual life...even if we don't realize it.

As I do a lot of grocery shopping for my family, I notice all the great variety and brands of things which are way more than is necessary so I see it as certainly catering to the lusts of the flesh, let alone a temptation to the sin of gluttony and the abuse of our bodies. I see it also of course in many other areas of life and all the luxuries and this and that which tempt people into discontentment etc.

I'm sure things were much simpler in older times. Well Jesus fed the multitudes with just fish and bread:-)

Of course we all have different circumstances but if we strive to live a simpler life and are not consumed with the things of this life then we will have a lot more time for that which is most important. If a woman has a lot of young children to care for then that will be a large part of her life of necessity as they are so dependent on her. I am not saying that we should be slack in our job but not obsessed with the things that the world offers nor to put too much emphasis on the physical.

A holy woman will also not have the added distractions and stress of all the things that come with someone who is living for this life (sports, music, parties, christmas/easter, or other holidays and on and on) so she will have time to do as Mary and "listen" to the Words of our Lord.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me."

(John 6:23-24)

I cannot serve you online readers in the physical food but I can share the more important spiritual food and how that Christ is our bread. Are you in Him today? See the good news to eternal life through Christ here. The physical shall surely come to an end but the spirit will remain forever. It will be eternal life or eternal condemnation. Which shall it be for you?

"Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

(John 6:32-35)

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:25-34)

Slow Cooker Meal - Ham & Lentil Soup

Slow Cooker Ham and Lentil Soup

I originally made this from an online recipe but modified it for what I had so this is what I did and it worked out great!

6 cups of water

1 cup of dry lentils

1 large onion, chopped

3 carrots, chopped

1 cup of celery, chopped

Aprox 200g bacon or ham, chopped and fried

1 tsp each basil and oregano (or whatever herbs you have or like)

1 tsp garlic

2 tbsp tomato sauce

1 tsp stock powder

2 bay leaves

Half tsp salt

pepper

I also added half a capsicum, but that's optional.

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, stir, and cook on high for 5 hours (at least that's what I did and it worked and was well cooked.)

Serves 4-6

Scripture and Creation

I share a little more of our Father's Creation from my week. We never can run out of marvellous works that we can see all around us...even in so called everyday things. It certainly instills in you a sense of awe when you think of the infinite variety and complexity from the smallest to the largest thing our Lord created.

Though I am rather confined and busy, yet I still find time to marvel at the Creation. What a mighty God with whom we have to do. Not one tiny thing is hidden from His eyes...including our hearts, thoughts, and motives. What a wonderful thought that those of us who are redeemed can have fellowship with our Creator. And that the uncreated eternal God came as a created man in order to save us! Surely we are not worthy of such love after what we did in sinning against Him. Nevertheless, His mercy and grace is great for those who repent and follow Him. His saints can look forward to a new heaven and earth free from all ills and iniquity.

"And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

(1 John 3:3)

"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."

(2 Peter 3:14)

A little ladybug on a broad bean pod. There's been lots of aphids around on the nearby roses...so I guess he might be eating them.

A stunning spring morning walk I took with my little niece. And a reminder on what is to come for those who endure righteous to the end (thank you to a saint for reminding me of that scripture.).

And we watched the chickens.

This flowering tree looked spectacular against the blue sky.

Indeed what a great variety God has created.

To God be the glory for ever and ever!

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."

(2 Corinthians 13:11)

The Narrow Road

...it doesn't have many travellers on it for sure...

...but when you find a fellow traveller, it is a joy!

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
(James 1:17)

If we endure, we shall all meet at the end of the road...with all the saints worldwide from the beginning of time to this present age and whatever time is left to come.

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

(Matthew 25:21)

Glory to God!

Praise Him for sending us a wonderful Saviour!

"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

(Hebrews 7:25)

"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever." (Revelation 5:6-14)

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

If you are a fellow saint travelling on this narrow road following after Christ, much love to you.

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

(John 13:35)

...if not I still care about you and I pray you will repent and follow Christ. See the gospel to eternal life here.

A Simple Meal - Potato Salad

Here is another quick post containing a keeper at home meal suggestion (and even a reminder for myself in years to come if I forget:-)

It's a potato salad.

Again I have no set ingredient amounts but share rough ideas which can certainly be varied.

Chop and steam/boil potatoes (for a starting idea I believe I used 2.5kg of these)

Fry some bacon.

Chop some boiled eggs and a red onion. Add mayonnaise and cream. I also added a chopped apple and a bit of cucumber.

And it will look something like this. Don't forget the salt...and pepper:-)

Serve with other veggies.

Leaving All in God's Hands

This is a general post with a reminder and encouragement to trust in our God and to be content in our place as godly women.

First I believe our focus should be on making sure our own life is fully biblical...and getting to work if it is not. This will involve studying God's Word for what the Lord has for us to do and getting strong in that so we are not carried away when the enemy plants seeds of doubt. As an example, think of Christ using scripture to overcome the evil temptation of satan in the wilderness.

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"

(Ephesians 4:14-15)

But I want to say that in so many situations in life women think we should step in and take control of situations that we should stay out of. Or perhaps we want to "help" in such situations but in so doing we are stepping outside of God's order for women...and not minding our own business in many cases as well.

This is no doubt a lack of trust in the Lord especially if we know better.

Certainly women think they can take things into their own hands and it will prosper. I have learned it will not...because it isn't the right way. I do believe God can use us for His purposes no doubt but only when we are walking in line with His Will from His Word. And only He can make any good come out of our past mistakes. Praise God when we know better and for godly women who want to obey God in all things.

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"
(Romans 6:1-2)

I have had experience in doing what seems to be right at the time but only turns out to be wrong in the end. I'm sure we all have but I do know I want to make sure to be doing the will of the Lord and striving to grow in that.

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
(Proverbs 14:12)

God is greater than us. We are to love Him first and others second so if we see a situation where we think we have to step in or teach and lead either through ignorance or rebellion then we no longer love God first. We are perhaps committing idolatry I suppose as the person we might be trying to help might get our "help" but we ourselves are disobedient to our Lord's commands. It shall not prosper...and the Lord is not glorified.

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
(Luke 9:23)

Yes us godly women are to shine our lights by being obedient to the Father in all He has commanded us to do which includes giving an answer for the hope we have in Christ.

For sure we ought to have a meek and quiet spirit and not usurp authority from the men. But at the same time I am striving to be a strong woman of God who is not pushed around because I don't know what His Word says or by not being willing to obey it.

"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."

(Proverbs 28:1)

May we be Christ's living witnesses to His power and of His wonderful gospel to eternal life. See that here.

And our lives of truth might be what a seeker is looking for and will be drawn to. The world is full of bad examples...may we be shining lights of purity and truth for our Lord, watching and waiting for His return that we may be found faithful as His women.

"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them."

(Luke 12:35-37)

At the end of the day, things are not in our hands...the Lord is in control of His own world and so may we mind our own business and let the Lord work in the hearts of men and women around us.

It's about letting go and letting God direct people and situations for His own glory. Godly women step back and let God and the men lead and guide and direct. Yes we can and should do our part and study to find what that is but may we be content and joyous to be created as women and the role we have in that.

Our God whom we serve is fully able to control all things. May we who are striving to be godly obedient women rest and trust and have faith in Him, leaving all in His hands.

Scripture and Creation

God's creation pics from my week...all to the glory of God. He has not left us without much evidence of Him before our very eyes. To Him alone be glory and praise...for He has done all things well!...unlike us.

And praise Him for a wonderful Saviour who is mighty to save us from our sins!

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."
(Hebrews 13:15)

These awesome flowers are called "bottlebrush"...and I can see why too (perhaps I can try them out when I am cleaning the baby's bottles:-)

A rose...

...and a dandelion with an insect of some kind.

Some peaceful sheep...and a reminder that the Lord is our Shepherd, and we the sheep of His pasture.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"

(John 10:27)

Spot the city in this pic. Seeing it reminds me of Sodom and Gomorrah and also the tower of Babel. It is a work of man and the world and is full of wickedness. Lest they repent, they too shall perish no doubt...but isn't our God so longsuffering and merciful? But as in the scripture I added to it we, the Lord's people, don't need to fear man.

.......love to all the holy brethren.......

See the gospel/good news to eternal life through Christ here.

Looking Forward

For us godly women, may we be focusing on our Lord and serving in what is in front of us today rather than looking back at who we once were or to things that we don't understand or things that we want to be different...and especially not looking back to a more comfortable life. In those moments of weakness, we take our eyes of faith off of Christ and we will not prosper and it is not pleasing to our Lord. I find much encouragement in scripture in what we ought to be focused on.

I don't want to stop growing in the Lord and in the knowledge and understanding of this life we have in Him. I rejoice greatly for all I have been given in Him. How easy it is to think where I could be without the Lord, as I am sure all those who are new creations in Christ think about at times, so I am very grateful that I can know His truth and grow in that. May the grace the Lord has bestowed upon me not be in vain. I strive to labour for God's glory and living for the next life.

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

(Matthew 5:6)

I want that to be me...hungering and thirsting after righteousness...and I shall be filled. I am just reminded that Christ is the bread of life and we know that we are not to only labour for the meat that perishes and also to live by all of God's Words. I know we women are to have different roles to the godly men but I am sure we can do well to remember and not be fussed about that which does not matter. It is a whole mindset where the things that do not truly matter like our cooking, gardening, sewing or other housekeeping do not cause us stress if they are not perfect though we do our best.

Yes we praise the Lord for leading us to the light and truth and freedom in Him but may our focus be forward. Yes it can be wonderful to see how we have grown in the Lord and it is something worth praising Him for, but may we be continuing to strive forward until the end. In Christ our past has been forgiven so while of course we all have regrets from it may that not cause us to stumble.

Praise God for this truth!

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

(1 John 1:9)

So we know we can move on in the Lord as His promises are true!

Young though I be, there are already quite a few things in my life that at the time weren't what I wanted but now I rejoice in them. The Lord knows what He is doing with us, His faithful saints, and I know all things work together for good for those of us who love Him.

"Not my will but Thine be done."

That is my prayer also.

I need His strength...not my own.

Press on and grow strong in the Lord, sisters. The end is near! I hope all these verses encourage you to do just that. They encourage me especially when we see people all around us living for this world.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

(Colossians 3:1-2)

^"Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."

(2 Peter 3:12-14)

Scripture and Creation

I share a little more of God's Creation from my week, along with a few scriptures from God's holy Word. I hope and pray you all are striving on as obedient women of God in the things the Lord has in front of you in accord with this passage.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

(Philippians 4:8)

"Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding."

(Psalm 47:6-7)

"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death."

(Psalm 48:14)

A beautiful sunrise...though the picture doesn't really show that, it was:-)

I found this sweet underground bird nest in a hanging basket...then I saw the parents feeding the young a few days later. You can see one below.

"And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."

(Matthew 8:20)

And a few kangaroos...

God be praised for His many different works!

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."

(1 Peter 1:13-25)

Overcoming the Comforts of Our Flesh

"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)

When a woman is born again by the Spirit via the biblical gospel, she will want to obey God's Word in all things. Yes there will be a journey to get to that full maturity in obedience as we fight to overcome our flesh for the Lord, but we ought to grow the more we study to see the Lord's will through His commands.

If something is true in the Word, I want to fight for it even if it is hard for me. Christ is worthy of all glory and I do not want to give Him anything but my best.

"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."

(1 Timothy 6:11-12)

All of God's daughters, once sinners, were not the same in character and nature and disposition etc before being born again. And neither will we all be identical as sisters in Christ, though we ought to be united and known to all by our love for one another. Yes indeed we will be very similar in Christ, but each one will have had (or have) their own areas of sin and character, flesh, to overcome. What is one sister's strength will be another's weakness and vice versa.

We know the Spirit gives different gifts in the body also and so we ought to use them for His glory and the edifying of the body...the women in their proper order of course. So in the body of Christ we can all help each other to grow and pray for one another.

The comforts of our flesh; just sitting where you were and not growing in the Lord because it's hard to step out of your "comfort zone". It is lack of love for God and others and is selfishness. It is not wanting to be pushed out of our fleshly life of ease for the Lord or to serve others. A true woman of God will, if she knows something is true, do it and fight to overcome in the Spirit. If we are unsure then we compromise so we must study the Word and IF we are willing to obey in all things God will give us understanding and guidance and the strength to perform it all. This is spiritual growth and good fruit and not the false passive Christianity we see all around us.

Perhaps a few examples for a woman might be

not worrying what people think about dressing biblical and headcovering
keeping on serving others joyfully even if she is exhausted and weak
submitting to her husband even if she thinks differently on things that are not sin
not compromising in order to be accepted by other people rather than going alone, fearing God not man
speaking boldly on the Word when needed and also to share the gospel but yet not teaching and preaching like the godly men
not having a perfectionist mindset on things that do not really matter like housekeeping, cooking, or sewing etc
not telling someone the truth because we think it might hurt or offend them
and many other areas we may need to overcome our flesh in

All for the glory of God!

With Him.............all things are possible.

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8:37)

Strive on hard for the Lord all you godly women! The Spirit will convict us if we fail and next time we will strive to do better being strengthened by the Word and by faithfully doing what is well pleasing in His sight according to His Word.

A Simple Meal - Caesar Salad

I thought I might as well share what I was cooking for dinner the other night. It may not be very helpful to anyone but I'll just share it anyway...in the interests of our keeper at home roles:-) Perhaps I will share more like this over time.

This was a simple Caesar Salad I was making anyway so I took a few pics along the way. I do not have a real recipe for it so it's basically just throw in whatever quantities that look right.

I cubed some gluten-free bread, drizzled on some olive oil and seasoned with pepper. Baked in the oven to make croutons.

Chop some lettuce.

Add some mayo (It's meant to be Caesar dressing but it was just fine without.)

Chop some tomatoes and boiled eggs.

Fry and chop some chicken

(Season with salt and pepper and anything you want to before cooking.)

And the finished product...a quick and easy meal.

See the good news of Jesus Christ here.

Nothing New Under the Sun

(A sunset I took last evening.)

"All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us."

(Ecclesiastes 1:8-10)

I was reminded of that verse in Ecclesiastes as I was just reading in Jeremiah and this passage I share here stood out to me. Although it is so long ago, I was reminded that there is nothing new really; sin is sin and people are people.

Praise God for Christ and the Holy Spirit so we can live victorious as godly redeemed women!

This reminded me of the battle we are in as true saints in this evil and deceived generation. Even though it isn't addressed to us, I thought it might encourage you. Perhaps you can relate to some of these things sisters and take courage in our mighty Lord who changes not. He will give us the victory if we strive on and faithfully trust in Him. (The rest of the chapter is similar too.)

"Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!
Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.
And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the Lord.
Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.
And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the Lord.
Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people?
Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.
Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?"

(Jeremiah 9:1-9)

And some more of God's creation from my week.

There's something interesting about a dead tree...

(I didn't notice the birds in it till now.)

Saw this cockatoo at the feeder today.

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

(1 Corinthians 15:57-58)