Author Topic: Lilies  (Read 6354 times)

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Mimi

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Lilies
« on: October 09, 2010, 08:47:43 AM »
What lessons from nature may we learn from observing these magnificent lilies?


The Stargazer - 7" diameter


The Casablanca - 7" as well


A closer look.
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #1 on: October 14, 2010, 07:21:02 AM »
Considering these lilies, all lilies and all flowers, we cannot but marvel at their continued beauty even after six thousand years of the effects of sin upon nature. We wonder, "How can it be?" Consider the following ...

A Lesson of Trust

     "Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: . . . and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee." "Go to the ant; . . . consider her ways." "Behold the birds." "Consider the ravens." Job 12:7, 8; Proverbs 6:6; Matthew 6:26, R.V.; Luke 12:24.  {Ed 117.2}  
     We are not merely to tell the child about these creatures of God. The animals themselves are to be his teachers. The ants teach lessons of patient industry, of perseverance in surmounting obstacles, of providence for the future. And the birds are teachers of the sweet lesson of trust. Our heavenly Father provides for them; but they must gather the food, they must build their nests and rear their young. Every moment they are exposed to enemies that seek to destroy them. Yet how cheerily they go about their work! how full of joy are their little songs!  {Ed 117.3}  
     How beautiful the psalmist's description of God's care for the creatures of the woods--
          "The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats;
           And the rocks for the conies." Psalm 104:18.
He sends the springs to run among the hills, where the birds have their habitation, and "sing among the branches." Psalm 104:12. All the creatures of the woods and hills are a part of His great household. He opens His hand, and satisfies "the desire of every living thing." Psalm 145:16.  {Ed 118.1}
     The eagle of the Alps is sometimes beaten down by the tempest into the narrow defiles of the mountains. Storm clouds shut in this mighty bird of the forest, their dark masses separating her from the sunny heights where she has made her home. Her efforts to escape seem fruitless. She dashes to and fro, beating the air with her strong wings, and waking the mountain echoes with her cries. At length, with a note of triumph, she darts upward, and, piercing the clouds, is once more in the clear sunlight, with the darkness and tempest far beneath. So we may be surrounded with difficulties, discouragement, and darkness. Falsehood, calamity, injustice, shut us in. There are clouds that we cannot dispel. We battle with circumstances in vain. There is one, and but one, way of escape. The mists and fogs cling to the earth; beyond the clouds God's light is shining. Into the sunlight of His presence we may rise on the wings of faith.  {Ed 118.2}  
     Many are the lessons that may thus be learned. Self-reliance, from the tree that, growing alone on plain or mountainside, strikes down its roots deep into the earth, and in its rugged strength defies the tempest. The power of early influence, from the gnarled, shapeless trunk, bent as a sapling, to which no earthly power can afterward restore its lost symmetry. The secret of a holy life, from the water lily, that, on the bosom of some slimy pool, surrounded by weeds and rubbish, strikes down its channeled stem to the pure sands beneath, and, drawing thence its life, lifts up its fragrant blossoms to the light in spotless purity.  {Ed 119.1}  
     Thus while the children and youth gain a knowledge of facts from teachers and textbooks, let them learn to draw lessons and discern truth for themselves. In their gardening, question them as to what they learn from the care of their plants. As they look on a beautiful landscape, ask them why God clothed the fields and woods with such lovely and varied hues. Why was not all colored a somber brown? When they gather the flowers, lead them to think why He spared us the beauty of these wanderers from Eden. Teach them to notice the evidences everywhere manifest in nature of God's thought for us, the wonderful adaptation of all things to our need and happiness.  {Ed 119.2}  
     He alone who recognizes in nature his Father's handiwork, who in the richness and beauty of the earth reads the Father's handwriting--he alone learns from the things of nature their deepest lessons, and receives their highest ministry. Only he can fully appreciate the significance of hill and vale, river and sea, who looks upon them as an expression of the thought of God, a revelation of the Creator.  {Ed 119.3}  
     Many illustrations from nature are used by the Bible writers, and as we observe the things of the natural world, we shall be enabled, under the guiding of the Holy Spirit, more fully to understand the lessons of God's word. It is thus that nature becomes a key to the treasure house of the word.  {Ed 120.1}  
     Children should be encouraged to search out in nature the objects that illustrate Bible teachings, and to trace in the Bible the similitudes drawn from nature. They should search out, both in nature and in Holy Writ, every object representing Christ, and those also that He employed in illustrating truth. Thus may they learn to see Him in tree and vine, in lily and rose, in sun and star. They may learn to hear His voice in the song of birds, in the sighing of the trees, in the rolling thunder, and in the music of the sea. And every object in nature will repeat to them His precious lessons.  {Ed 120.2}  
     To those who thus acquaint themselves with Christ, the earth will nevermore be a lonely and desolate place. It will be their Father's house, filled with the presence of Him who once dwelt among men.  {Ed 120.3}  
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #2 on: October 14, 2010, 07:28:47 AM »
Christ sought to draw the attention of His disciples away from the artificial to the natural: "If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Why did not our heavenly Father carpet the earth with brown or gray? He chose the color that was most restful, the most acceptable to the senses. How it cheers the heart and refreshes the weary spirit to look upon the earth, clad in its garments of living green! Without this covering the air would be filled with dust, and the earth would appear like a desert. Every spire of grass, every opening bud and blooming flower is a token of God's love, and should teach us a lesson of faith and trust in Him. Christ calls our attention to their natural loveliness, and assures us that the most gorgeous array of the greatest king that ever wielded an earthly scepter was not equal to that worn by the humblest flower. You who are sighing for the artificial splendor which wealth alone can purchase, for costly paintings, furniture, and dress, listen to the voice of the divine Teacher. He points you to the flower of the field, the simple design of which cannot be equaled by human skill (RH Oct. 27, 1885).
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Vicki

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #3 on: October 14, 2010, 07:40:33 AM »
The quote from Education is beautiful. We spend a lot of time outside - I can see God's call to make it a deeper experience.

Quote
The mists and fogs cling to the earth; beyond the clouds God's light is shining. Into the sunlight of His presence we may rise on the wings of faith.

What hope - what joy!

Mimi

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #4 on: October 14, 2010, 07:46:24 AM »
Amen! That little book, Education, is packed with instruction fit for a classroom, elementary to university level. I purposed to read it a few years ago and was astounded at its contents!  
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Vicki

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #5 on: October 14, 2010, 08:11:15 AM »
I've read bits & pieces. So much to read in so many books! I should go over it all this winter - class is in process.  ;)

(I love that pink lily on top. Beautiful avatar.  :) It really brightened my day when you posted it.  :))

Mimi

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #6 on: November 04, 2010, 10:16:14 PM »
Of course, the lilies died and in death they are woefully unattractive. The house sat without them and I missed them - missed the incredible beauty and the aroma. The grocery has them so there came about a trade for something that was not so necessary for another batch of these incredible Casablancas. Am not so sure my home needs to be without them. They are a constant reminder of faith and His creative power that calls them forth every year, and respond, they do!
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Vicki

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #7 on: November 05, 2010, 08:00:17 AM »
Every home should have a bouquet of flowers year round if possible. Our house is too cold during long winter nights so I'm probably on my last vase-full for the year. The lilies, though they seem to be among those which live long when cut, just died and have left me with dark red mums and a yellow-daisy type flower.

Studies show those who have flowers in the house live longer.  :) Money spent on flowers is not wasted.

Richard Myers

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #8 on: November 05, 2010, 09:24:17 AM »
Especially if picked from the garden!!  :)   The money is well spent in buying the rose bush!  I know, women don't see it that way. It is the thought behind the flower. And, for many that means just buying the flowers not the plant. But, that is sad.  It not only cost me more for the plant, but I had to go buy it. Then I had to dig the hole. Then I had to plant it. Then I had to water and feed it. Then I had to weed it. And if it gets sick, I have to tend to it. So, by the time I pick it, think of all the care that has been expended, and for what purpose? For my wife!   But, she would rather have the flowers from the store.  Believe me when I say this men.  There is a large difference between men and women!  :)   Just accept it and life will be much more pleasant.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Mimi

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #9 on: November 05, 2010, 10:13:04 AM »
Well said. You understand the situation very well. You and my husband would have seen eye to eye on this very issue. God bless the men!   
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Sister Dee

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #10 on: November 05, 2010, 01:35:22 PM »
I must be an odd one then.  I'd much rather have the plant that keeps on producing the flowers!   :D

Mimi

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #11 on: November 05, 2010, 03:11:24 PM »
 ;)
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Vicki

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #12 on: November 06, 2010, 04:31:33 PM »
There is a large difference between men and women!  :)   Just accept it and life will be much more pleasant.


:D

Roses from the store are definitely better as a gift. But flowers in the garden are a must also. Both are necessities. Presenting a flower from the garden to your wife is like her serving left-over spaghetti on Thanksgiving Day; just not done. Her left-overs are delicious, but not appropriate.  ;)

Richard Myers

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #13 on: November 06, 2010, 09:50:45 PM »
Thank you, Sister Vicki.  I may not be very quick, but after a few years, I catch on!!  It is just life. That is the way things are in many cases. No use arguing, not use being rational, it is just an emotional thing. It would be disastrous for a woman to have control of the little red box in the White House!  :)    God made women different from women even before sin!  I am thankful! She surely is a more gentle creature than us tough men.  :)
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Mimi

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #14 on: November 07, 2010, 07:05:38 AM »
Quote
It would be disastrous for a woman to have control of the little red box in the White House!   :)

I know you intend this in the kindest of terms.  :-* It is true womankind was cursed with a curse from the beginning because of the actions of one; however, there are two women prophets I can immediately think of who would man-handle that little red box just fine if called upon to do so - that is, if there were not any men around who could be entrusted with it: Deborah and Mrs. White. With the Spirit controlling our thoughts and emotions, right decisions can be made. In this topic I believe we are speaking of preferences rather than convictions.

... which reminds me ... I was blest by having six exquisite flowers in my house yesterday. Each, perfect in themselves because Jesus lives in their hearts. Yes, friends are like flowers of sweetest fragrance, lifting the mind to higher ground wherein dwells peace. What an encouragement and blessing are Godly friends, yea more than the lilies of the fields or those cut to adorn and lift the spirits above the oppression of our sick rooms. They are faith-building agents of God's beautiful creation.    

  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Sister Dee

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #15 on: November 07, 2010, 09:27:26 AM »
Amen, Dear Sister!  Yesterday was such a joy!   :)

Vicki

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #16 on: November 07, 2010, 07:20:34 PM »
She surely is a more gentle creature than us tough men.  :)

It sounds like you are married to a beautiful flower.  :)

Mimi

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #17 on: November 07, 2010, 08:37:02 PM »
He is.
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #18 on: November 17, 2010, 06:53:23 PM »
I stand corrected. You are so right, Sister Sybil! Men and women have no excuse for not being able to handle whatever God allows to come to them. My thoughts were on the majority in which case we would not want male or female to have their hands on such a little red box!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Mimi

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Re: Lilies
« Reply #19 on: November 17, 2010, 07:01:00 PM »
Your heart was in the right place.  :)
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89