The Master's Masterpiece

Great Smoky Mountains
(view from Clingmans Dome)

"The Lord has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything. (Psalm 103:19)

American Mountain Ash

"Our days on earth are like...wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone...but the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear Him. (Psalm 103:16-17)

Elkmont River Road Trail

"Splashed of red, yellow, and orange brushed over the green canvas of the Appalachian mountainsides. Goldenrods and black-eyed Susans lined the roads and flocks of birds migrating south for the winter filled the bright blue autumn skies." 

                               ~From The Schoolhouse~


Lord God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, the magnificent beauty of Your creation overwhelms me. The most fervent of praises pale in comparison to Your greatness! All blessing and honor and power and glory belong to You alone. Amen and Amen!

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A Thousand Conversations

My Phillip and me
1977

"O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret place of the steep pathway. Let me see your form, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet and your form is lovely...My beloved is mine and I am his..." (Song of Solomon 2:14-16)



Because my groom of practically forty years and I will be on a romantic get-away in the Great Smoky Mountains, there'll be no Wonderful Family Storybooks post tomorrow or Friday.



The Old Testament book, Song of Solomon, is sometimes called the Christian's love song. Not only is it a beautiful romance between King Solomon and his Shulamite bride, but also a story portraying the love of Christ for His bride, the church - a petition to every believing soul to commune with Him. 

Love relationships are nurtured and grown in time spent together and a thousand conversations with the one you adore. Beloved, have you communed with your first love today - the Lord Jesus Christ?

"This is the message from the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven gold lamp stands...'I know the things you do. I have seen your hard work and patient endurance...But I have this complaint against you. You don't love Me...as you did at first." (Rev. 2:1-4)

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Mountain Range, Mountain Road, and Busy Ants

Our 7-year-old grandboy
(photo by our Rebecca)

"Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, for He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care. If only you would listen to His voice today!" (Psalm 95:6-7)

Most often, the LORD speaks through His word, but sometimes He's heard through His breathtaking creation. When I began the book-making journey five years ago, I heard the Lord say, "Spend time with me everyday and do what I tell you to do." 

Recently, His sweet voice came loud and clear through a mountain range, a mountain road, and busy ants. (Okay, so I guess God may speak to strange people in peculiar ways.)

Mountain Range: 

"Jill, I am your strength. I, alone, make you surefooted and able." (Hab. 3:19) "The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread on the heights."

Mountain Road:

"Stay on the path, Jill, that I've given you to follow."

(Deut. 5:33) "Stay on the path that the LORD your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy."

Busy Ants:

"Work hard, Jill."

(Prov. 6:6-8) "Take a lesson from the ants. Learn from their ways and be wise! Though they have no...ruler to make them work, they work hard all summer, gathering food for the winter."

And the point of this peculiar story is? Listen for God's voice, and for confirmation, always compare what you hear with God's perfect, true word. He'll never contradict Himself. So, beloved, what's Jesus saying to you today?

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Don't be a Lazybones

Toddlergrand "driving" his family:
(Our Ben, sweet babygrand, and beautiful Gabbi)

"Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter." (Prov. 6:6-8)

Weekend get-togethers at the river cabin with kids and grandkids are tons of fun and bookoodles of work - but immeasurably worth every cooked meal, dirty dish, load of laundry, crumb under the table, and muddy speck on the floor.  

In his "Legacy" series, Pastor Chris says we have limited time but incredible opportunity. Work hard. Make a difference. We should enter heaven with our tongues hanging out.

Don't be a lazybones, beloved. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for people." (Col. 3:23)

Listen to "Legacy" series at:   www.churchofthehighlands.com

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Lessons from a Wild Goose Chase

Canadian Geese over the Coosa River

"We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through...We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it...But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God...And He did rescue us...We have placed our confidence in Him...And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety." (2 Cor. 1:8-11)

The six-week goose chase is over after trekking through chest and back X-rays, CT scan, 2 MRIs, bone scan, ultrasound, and PET scan, and the hunt found...NO CANCER!!!!!  Thank You, Lord Jesus! 

Valuable lessons from a wild goose chase:

• God is worthy to be trusted at all times.
• When you hear God's voice, stand on His promise.
• Beware of Satan's whisper, "Has God really said?"
• Every day of life is too precious to waste.
• Love and appreciate family and friends daily.
• Look to others' needs and not just your own.
• Make the most of the many opportunities each day presents to pour God's love and truth into others.
• What the enemy means for evil, God always works for good. Always.
• Don't let the enemy sit down at the table of God's presence.
• The source of peace is right standing with Jesus.
• Troubles evoke increased prayers to God - even from some that haven't talked to Him in a long time.
• Troubles offer opportunities to thank and praise God.
• No matter what happens, it all works out in the end for those who love the Lord. The Bible tells me so!
• Patience is fruit of the Holy Spirit.

In a season of trouble or uncertainty, beloved? Start your "Valuable Lessons" list and trust Jesus. 

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Honor a Teacher Day

My childhood home atop Lookout Mt.
(Ft. Payne, DeKalb Co., Alabama)





"Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you..." (1 Thess. 5:12)

No time to chat. Headed to Ft. Payne to speak to the DeKalb Co. Retired Teachers.

So thank a teacher today, beloved.

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Three Musketeers

L-R Betty, Verna (my mother), Imogene (Phillip's mother)

"And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world." (1 Cor. 15:19)

I just took the traditional birthday, homemade apple pie out of the oven.

It's Betty's 84th birthday tomorrow.

When we lived on Cherokee Circle in the 1990s, our mothers and neighbor, Betty, became fast friends and called themselves the three musketeers. Verna died in 2003, Imogene in 2008, and Betty is now afflicted with severe dementia and lives in a nursing home - a pitifully sad ending to a beautiful friendship? 

No way, Hosea! Their best days are yet to come!

For hear and know this, beloved: separation, pain, sorrow, and weeping last a mere moment in never-ending eternity, and what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory God will reveal to us (Rom. 8:18)! 

For eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the stupendously glorious things which God has prepared for them that love Him (2 Cor. 2:9) - a heavenly home where God wipes away every tear from our eyes, and there's no longer death or mourning or crying or pain (Rev. 21:4).

Therefore, rejoice, dear one! Be hopeful! Never give up! In Jesus, the best is yet to come.

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The Supper Bowl

Toddlergrand and "Jack"






"The LORD is my shepherd; I have all I need." (Psalm 23:1)

Yesterday, toddlergrand carried "Jack" and his "supper bowl" everywhere we roamed and time after time filled the puppy's dish to the brim with pebbles "cereal."

In King David's infamous 23rd Psalm, we're told of the never-ending care, guidance, restoration, protection, provision, and love of the Shepherd for His people.

By God's grace and your faith, do you belong to Jesus, the Great Shepherd, beloved? Then still your troubled soul. Lie down in His green pastures beside peaceful waters. For surely His goodness and unfailing love are pursuing you all the days of your life. 

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Just Geese, Memaw

Toddlergrand
Old Baker Farm




"If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 
(Romans 8:31)

Yesterday, when a wide "V" of Canadian geese flew over the river cabin, I jumped from the rocker and dashed inside for my camera - abruptly leaving toddlergrand and my Ben on the wrap-around porch. 

Toddlergrand looked at his dad. "Memaw scared." 

Then he called after me, "It's okay. Just geese, Memaw!"

Something frightening you, beloved? Remember, God is greater! 

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all." (2 Thess. 3:16)

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Patiently Waiting

Satsuma tree

"Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen." (James 5:7)

My Phillip planted satsuma trees at the river farm last spring, and six months later the succulent, deliciously sweet fruit is ripe for harvest.

Waiting on your prayers to bear fruit, beloved? Be patient. Jesus knows the perfect when for His sweet answer.


(And by the way, I am deeply grateful for every faithful, fervent prayer offered on my behalf. Today's MRI results were inconclusive. PET scan next week. The wild goose chase continues!)

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Christ be Exalted

photo by our Rebecca

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:20-21)

Because of misdiagnosed shingles, I was barraged with medical tests over that past month. And because an MRI and ultrasound discovered a lesion on my liver, I'll have another MRI tomorrow.

I eagerly expect and hope everything is A-OK, but no matter the outcome, I pray for sufficient courage to exalt my Lord Jesus in body, soul, and spirit.

Is your faith under fire, beloved? May Christ give you courage, peace, hope, and endurance to glorify Him!

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Everything that Breathes

Our older grands
Sycamore Land Trust
(Photo by our Rebecca)

"Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." 

(Psalm 22:3)

A young man growing leaps and bounds in the Lord recently said, "It really does work to praise God and not give up."

Praise the LORD!

Praise God in His sanctuary;

Praise Him in His mighty heaven!

Praise Him for His mighty works;

Praise His unequaled greatness!

Praise Him with a blast of the ram's horn;

Praise Him with the lyre and harp!

Praise Him with the tambourine and dancing;

Praise Him with strings and flutes!

Praise Him with a clash of cymbals.

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD!

Praise the LORD!

(Psalm 150)

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Full Potential

"Tool Shed" by award winning artist, Donny Finley
From Jill's book, Secrets of Shiloh

"If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise." (Proverbs 15:31 NLT)

A somewhat critical review of my second children's book, Secrets of Shiloh, appeared in The Alabama Baptist newspaper a few years ago:

"The book is well written with an engaging story. The problem is that it is too good a story for a book of this length. Read in only a few minutes, the story leaves the reader feeling cheated. The author has created a great setting with solid characters and an engaging plot, only to rush through in 44 pages. Too short...I hope for her next effort, the author will use her abundant talent in a book that realizes its full potential."

Yesterday, I believe the Lord said, "Okay, Jill. Now's the time to enlarge, stretch out, lengthen, and strengthen Secrets of Shiloh to it's full potential."

Reconstruction begins today.

Been slapped in the face with criticism, beloved? The destructive or constructive outcome of faultfinding depends on you. Let God work it toward your full potential!

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New Day

Toddlergrand in the sand

"Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then  He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day" and the darkness "night." And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day." (Gen. 1:3-4)

After church yesterday, toddlergrand and I played and played and played in a sand pile at the river cabin under a bright, blue October sky. O what a glorious day!

Each day, beloved, is God's new creation. Spend it with praise!

Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning

Born of the one light Eden saw play!

Praise with elation, Praise ev'ry morning,

God's recreation of the new day! 1

1 MORNING HAS BROKEN. Eleanor Farjeon, 1931. 

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To All Generations

Ernest, Imogene, and my Phillip Glassco
1955



Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the LORD Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.

(Psalm 100)

Have you praised Jesus today? 

Phillip Glassco Family 
2016

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Remade

"But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 'Can I not...deal with you as this potter does?' declares the LORD. 'Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hands.'" (Jeremiah 18:4-5) 



Because a misspelled word appears twice in the first printing of A Chancellor Ferry Tale, my publisher corrected the copy and resent it to the printer for round two. (Ahhhh, my meticulous, picky, fussbudget, perfectionist self can breath again.)

Made mistakes, beloved, that seem irreparable? Rest in the Master Potter's hands. Jesus is ready, able, and willing to reshape you into a vessel of honor for His good pleasure.

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In the Garden

Mary's fairy garden

"They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day..." (Gen. 3:8)

The "garden" where the LORD and I meet in the cool of the morning is my bedroom rocker. Have you met with Jesus today?

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the Voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God disposes.

And He walks with me,

And He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.1

(My daddy's favorite hymn.)

1 IN THE GARDEN. C. Austin Miles, 1912.

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Full Circle

First United Methodist Church, Fort Payne, AL
September 10, 1977 - my wedding day

"Thus says the LORD, 'Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls.'" (Jer. 6:16)

From birth day to wedding day, First United Methodist Fort Payne, Alabama was my church home, and Mary Igou was my best friend (the pretty, young lady pictured to my left - my maid of honor.) Tonight, I'm going back - traveling an old path to Mary's beautiful home atop Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne to meet with the Suzanna Wesley Women's Circle of the First United Methodist Church. 

Through the Old Testament prophet, Jeremiah, the LORD God beckoned His lost people to stop and return to the good way they once knew before wandering far away from Him. Sadly, they refused to listen and stubbornly walked into disaster.

Beloved, stop. Look around. Are you walking the narrow pathway with Jesus? No? Then get back on track and find rest for your soul!

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Heart's Desires

After Party
ReCreate Christian Women's Conference 2016





"Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 34:7)

Great promise!

Delight in the LORD, and He'll give me what I want! 

Right?

Hmmmmmmm...

Or 

Could it mean -

Delight in the LORD, and He will give, plant, put right desires into my heart.

Ah, now that sounds more like Him.

Great promise!

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