|
The Hidden Treasures By Natalie Stephans
Hello
gentle friends. I started on this and it just kind of went full speed
ahead! In the end I wrote it for all of you, I felt like God put it on
my heart whom to send it too! I love you each in a very special way..I
learn so much from each one of you..truly you are the very fragrance of
Christ! hugs, Natalie
I believe God gives us banner verses, kind of like the monuments the people in the Old Testament would put up in commemoration of what God had said or done for them. Verses in scripture truly are living and to me can be a sign of remembrance or as in the case of Philippians 4:8 a well spring of knowledge to come drink deeply from. I never tire of this verse it keeps speaking to me in different seasons of my life, like a wonderful old companion. It truly beholds many treasures!!
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Philippians 4:8
If you know me, you know my deep love for those words...much of what my life speaks about is straight from this verse. I love how Paul urges us to think on such things! I have taken this verse seriously and have come back to it many times over the years. I try and use this verse as a standard in my life. Good nutritious food makes the body strong and healthy, and it applies to our lifestyle as well. Pure and noble living makes us strong and healthy spiritually as well. Surround yourself with all that is lovely and good for you. You will become what you put into your heart and mind!
Have you met people that have a sweet peacefulness about them? You can just feel goodness about these precious women that have spent time getting to know Christ. They have a quiet confidence about themselves. They have a wonderful way of thinking about life and when they speak they speak with wisdom. They have the treasure of Philippians 4:8 in their heart. They know you must spend time learning and meditating on all that is good! You must spend time in the word of God.
I have a friend named Helen, she is a sweet gentle soul, and she is so meek, humble and caring. She puts the needs of her family and friends far above her own. This dear friend has such a sweet old fashioned way about her. She loves lavender and violets. My son and I came across a picture of a beautiful room decorated in a soft lavender floral wallpaper, pretty lavender bedspread and old fashioned accessories, right away we thought of this dear lady!! We both said she would love this! I know her goodness and she is drawn to goodness as well. When I see anything in a soft lavender color I think of my good kind friend. You leave an impression on others dear gentle friend, like my friend Helen does on our family. What a beautiful thought that others might also think so kindly of you! I want to be remembered for something so pure and good too!
There is so much hurt and pain in this world, so much brokenness everywhere and yet God has made so much beauty for us to behold. Now more then ever our minds must stop and meditate on everything pure, noble, righteous, excellent, praiseworthy and lovely! God bless you dear friend and I pray you will seek each of these wonderful traits in your life.
Blessings and love , Natalie
|