Coming up in the spring.


 




 

Lily

     It is no wonder that Jesus compares Himself to the lily.  The fragrance and beauty are certainly a small representation of what heaven will be like in all its perfection. 

 













        









 

           







 

     This lily was a gift to us from our second daughter many years ago and it was planted by the juniper tree next to the house.  It dies away for the winter and in the spring up comes the two hefty stalks that put forth all the buds that soon share their sweetness.  The petals are thick and creamy feeling with their speckles mixed with pink and white.

 

 

     Of course there are many kinds of lilies.  Another one of an orange color is planted in the same flowerbed at the far end toward the driveway.

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 




 




This lily plant did not bloom for some years,

 but this year it has produced larger and more beautiful flowers than it had years ago.



 






 

 






  "The plant grows by receiving that which God has provided to sustain its life. It sends down its roots into the earth. It drinks in the sunshine, the dew, and the rain. It receives the life-giving properties from the air. So the Christian is to grow by co-operating with the divine agencies. Feeling our helplessness, we are to improve all the opportunities granted us to gain a fuller experience. As the plant takes root in the soil, so we are to take deep root in Christ. As the plant receives the sunshine, the dew, and the rain, we are to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. The work is to be done "not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 4:6. If we keep our minds stayed upon Christ, He will come unto us "as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Hosea 6:3. As the Sun of Righteousness, He will arise upon us "with healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2. We shall "grow as the lily." We shall "revive as the corn, and grow as the vine." Hosea 14:5, 7. By constantly relying upon Christ as our personal Saviour, we shall grow up into Him in all things who is our head."  




COL 66 



 



  "The pure religion of Jesus requires of its followers the simplicity of natural beauty and the polish of natural refinement and elevated purity, rather than the artificial and false. . . .  

     The religion of the Bible has nothing in it which would jar upon the finest feelings. It is, in all its precepts and requirements, as pure as the character of God and as elevated as His throne.   

     The Redeemer of the world has warned us against the pride of life, but not against its grace and natural beauty. He pointed to all the glowing beauty of the flowers of the field and to the lily reposing in its spotless purity upon the bosom of the lake. . . .  

     A disposition in you to dress according to the fashion, and to wear lace and gold and artificials for display, will not recommend to others your religion or the truth that you profess. . . . Simple, plain, unpretending dress will be a recommendation to my youthful sisters. In no better way can you let your light shine to others than in your simplicity of dress and deportment. You may show to all that, in comparison with eternal things, you place a proper estimate upon the things of this life.   

     Now is your golden opportunity to form pure and holy characters for heaven. You cannot afford to devote these precious moments to . . . beautifying the external to the neglect of the inward adorning. . . ."  




LHU 305


 



 


 Fashion Character by Little Attentions, Often Repeated.



"Parents, in the training of your children, study the lessons that God has given in nature. If you would train a pink, or rose, or lily, how would you do it? Ask the gardener by what process he makes every branch and leaf to flourish so beautifully, and to develop in symmetry and loveliness. He will tell you that it was by no rude touch, no violent effort; for this would only break the delicate stems. It was by little attentions, often repeated. He moistened the soil and protected the growing plants from the fierce blasts and from the scorching sun, and God caused them to flourish and to blossom into loveliness. In dealing with your children, follow the method of the gardener. By gentle touches, by loving ministrations, seek to fashion their characters after the pattern of the character of Christ.    

     Give Attention to Little Things.--What a great mistake is made in the education of children and youth, in favoring, indulging, and petting them! They become selfish and inefficient, and lack energy in the little things of life. They are not trained to acquire strength of character by the performance of everyday duties, lowly though they may be. . . .   

     No one is qualified for great and important work, unless he has been faithful in the performance of little duties. It is by degrees that the character is formed, and that the soul is trained to put forth effort and energy proportionate to the task which is to be accomplished."  





CG 36, 37