Free Vintage Graphics - Missionary Quotes

I have a lovely new printable for you to download if you'd like. It features three different quotes by three missionaries - Hudson Taylor, Corrie Ten Boom, and Elisabeth Elliot. You'll see an example below of what the printable looks like, it's in pdf format and the link is available at the end of this post.

Hudson Taylor (1852-1905) was a missionary to China and founded China Inland Mission (CIM). Hudson trusted God completely for all aspects of his mission work. The featured quote is:

When I cannot read,

when I cannot think,

when I cannot even pray, 

I can trust. 

~ Hudson Taylor ~

Corrie Ten Boom - Corrie, her father and other family members helped many Jewish people escape the Holocaust during WWII. Corrie and her sister were sent to a concentration camp, where he sister died and she was later released due to a clerical error. She continued to serve the Lord. One of  history's greatest women of faith. The featured quote is:

When God allows extraordinary trials for his people,

He prepares extraordinary comforts for them. 

~ Corrie Ten Boom ~ 

Elisabeth Elliot - Missionary, author and so much more. One of the top influential Christian women in history. Her first husband, Jim Elliot was killed in 1956 along with other missionaries while attempting to make contact with the Auca people. The featured quote is:

Help me to receive grace, 

to keep a quiet heart,

sure that I am, in this very moment,

held in the everlasting arms. 

~ Elisabeth Elliot ~

My friend Michele, who blogs at Living Our Days, has probably read every one of Elisabeth books and frequently write about her. Here is one of her posts about Elisabeth's new book Suffering is Never for Nothing. 

Knowing God in the Midst of Our Pain
 

You can download your free printable here:

http://bit.ly/lbbmissionaryquotes

You can find other free printables here on my blog by going to my freebies page:  bit.ly/lbbfreebiespage

Thanks so much for visiting my blog. If you're viewing this via email, you can find the blog here: https://littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.com/

God Looks on the Inside

For the Lord does not see as man sees;
for man looks at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7b

There are probably very few of us who actually see ourselves as beautiful, stunning specimens that God created, just so others could gaze on our beauty. I think as women, for the most part there are sections of our bodies we feel may need more of this or less of that.

Having worked in a school system for many years in the past, and having 10 grandchildren. I've been exposed to lots of innocent comments about personal features I have that might be a little different to them. It's not that I have two heads, however if there's an imperfection, they will most likely point it out. A recent encounter was with two of my youngest grandchildren who apparently had never seen me with wet hair. Turns out, they didn't like it. In fact, after sitting on my lap and staring at me for a bit, my 2 1/2 year old grandaughter climbed down and said "Nana, your hair . . . is so very wet".  Yes indeed it was.

By the same token, children notice when there is something they like about us that's new or different. For example - "I like your new skirt Nana, is that what you wear to birthdays?"

Regardless of how we appear to others; tall, short, thin, plump, skin imperfections, big feet, pretty or plain. God made us exactly as He wanted us to be. He looks at our heart and searches it, knows the motives for what we do and why we do it.

Obviously we all probably make an attempt to be presentable in our appearance, but more important than that is putting time into making sure our hearts are pleasing to the Lord.

I love the section of this verse from Daniel 1:8  that says "Daniel purposed in his heart" ~ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; He decided to do what he thought would be most pleasing to the Lord.

For the Lord does not see as man sees;
for man looks at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7b

Have a blessed day my friends. 

Thanksgiving Poem

Thank you, God, for everything,

The big things and the small.

For "every good gift comes from God"...

The giver of them all.

And all too often we accept, without any thanks or praise,

The gifts God sends as blessings, each day in many ways.

And so at this Thanksgiving Time, we offer up a prayer...

To thank you, God, for giving us a lot more than our share.

First, thank you for the little things

That often come our way,

The things we take for granted

But don't mention when we pray,

The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful, kindly deed,

A hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need.

Oh, make us more aware, dear God, of little daily graces

That come to us with "sweet surprise"

From never-dreamed-of places.

Then, thank you for the "Miracles"

We are much too blind to see,

And give us new awareness of our many gifts from Thee,

And help us to remember that the Key of Life and Living

Is to make each prayer a Prayer of Thanks

And every day Thanksgiving

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

A very happy Thanksgiving to you all. May this day be filled with joy, hope, love and thankfulness.
 

Free Valentine Images

With Valentine's Day just two weeks away, I thought I should get some Valentine freebies posted for you.  This first one features a verse from Colossians 3:14. Of course there has to be some pink in it, and a little birdie. 

This next digital graphic features a verse from Proverbs 3:3

Here is the above graphic as a plain heart. 

Lastly, here are some vintage Valentine images.

The vintage images are from my personal collection. You may use them on your blogs, webpages, or print them out for your own papercrafting. If you use them online, a link back is always appreciated.

If you are using a computer, click on image for largest size, right click and save to your computer. For mobile devices such as ipads, or phones, hold finger down on screen to save to your device.

I hope you've enjoyed these fun images. If you make something with them, I'd love to see it, email me your projects at: littlebirdieblessings@gmail.com 

You can find me on facebook here: Little Birdie Blessings

My facebook page is growing faster than my grandchildren, and am at 20,000+ followers. It's amazes me what God has done with that page. If you're on facebook, I'd encourage you to "like" my page. I post 1-2 x day.


Lastly, I've been having fun on Instagram, and you can find me here:
Little Birdie Blessings - Instagram
I usually post 1x day and share some papercrafting, sewing, digital graphics, vintage images, photos I've taken or other snippets of life that I find interesting.

Thanks so much for visiting today. You are loved and appreciated. Have a blessed day.

VOTE

Today, November 8, 2016 - the polls open and U.S. citizens can cast their vote for the next President of the United States. It is our right to vote, our privilege and our duty. 

Feel free to use this graphic on your pages, or you can share from my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/littlebirdieblessings/

Thank you my friends, have a blessed day.

Rest for the Weary

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.   Matthew 11:28-30

The definition of REST is: to refresh oneself, as by sleeping, lying down, or relaxing. To relieve weariness by cessation of exertion or labor, and to be at ease; have tranquility or peace. 

Sounds good, doesn’t it? We all need rest, and when we’re very tired, we look forward to it. Even my little grandson enjoys his rest. He doesn’t have the words yet to express it but will point to his crib, and when he lies down, will smile and wave bye-bye.

This scripture talks about rest for our souls; relief from the trials, stress, tribulations, burdens, and sin that can weigh us down. Remember Christian, in the book Pilgrim’s Progress? He was weighed down by a heavy load and longed for relief as he journeyed to the Celestial City. He found his rest when he reached the foot of the cross. The straps that bound the load to him broke and he was free from the oppressive weight.

We don’t have to bear the weight of our burdensome load. Jesus promises us in this scripture passage to come to Him and he will give us rest. Are you tired? Are you weary? Are you burdened? Leave it at the foot of the cross and find rest for your soul.

My husband’s grandmother wrote the poem below.  I never had an opportunity to meet her, but know she would have been pleased to have me share it with you.

Rest in the Lord, O tired heart

And wait patiently for him

He’ll lift your cares and light your path

When everything looks dim.

He knows your need for daily strength

The problems that you face

He’ll give you courage and supply

His boundless love and grace

Rest in the Lord, O tired heart

There is no better way

To find refreshment, joy and peace

O rest in him today.

by Violet Elwell

This post is linked to:
What Joy is Mine, Home Making Mondays

Valentine Freebies

A kind and thoughtful deed
Or a hand outstretched in a time of need
Is the rarest of gifts, for it is a part,
Not of the purse but a loving heart.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~ 

Hello my friends. I've missed being here on the blog, so thought I'd pop in and say hello. Here are some vintage Valentine freebies for you. Feel free to print them out for crafting, pin them, or use on your blogs or websites. A link back is always nice but not required. To save to your computer, click on image for largest size, right click, and save.

Here's a tip that I do when saving images from sites that have free graphics - I have a specific folder on my computer for each site I save from. That enables me to easily know the source. Enjoy!

I think the last vintage postcard is particularly amusing as my husband has white hair and I have a "lame gait".

Here are a few verses regarding LOVE.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:2

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

Colossians 3:14

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

Psalm 143:8

Have a blessed day.

25 Days of God Given Gifts - Day 25 - Merry Christmas

Day 25 - Merry Christmas.

Today's gift is the gift of Jesus. 

And the angel said unto them, Fear not:
for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.
 For unto you is born this day in the city of David
a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11

I hope you've enjoyed this series on 25 Days of God Given Gifts.
You can find the series here:

25 Days God Given Gifts on Blog

25 Days God Given Gifts on Facebook25 Days God Given Gifts on Pinterest

Merry Christmas my friends. ~ 

The Night Before Christmas

My friend Donna Munro is gifted in many ways, one of those gifts is writing. It seems to flow from her effortlessly.  She has graciously given me permission to share a beautiful piece of writing she wrote last Christmas season.  Please consider reading with your family in this very important time of year as we celebrate the reason for the season - Jesus!

The Night Before Christmas

by donna h. munro

Twas the night before Christmas, And out on the road 

The donkey was carrying a very special load.

To pay taxes, Joseph and Mary were Bethlehem bound, 

‘Neath the moon and stars and quiet night sounds.

Mary was wondering where they would stay, 

For she was due to have a child – maybe today!

Joseph knocked at each Inn to find a warm room,

He knew that the baby would come very soon.

The innkeepers paused and nodded their heads.

All rooms were filled; there were no extra beds.

Then one innkeeper said, “There’s a barn out that way,

Perhaps you’ll be able to sleep in the hay.

Mary and Joseph were not sure this was the best,

But they needed to stop, they needed some rest.

They did what they could to make a warm, cozy place,

For this important babe to shine his sweet face.

And as they waited and prayed in their plight.

The stars twinkled above in the dark, chilly night.

Pondering all that had brought them this far

To have God’s son born out under the stars.

The animals must have wondered with questioning awe.

To have these folks make their beds in their straw.

They may have made room seeing the need.

And offered their manger empty of feed.

As night carried on into early morn’s dawn,

A miracle birth, God’s son would be born.

They gazed on with love at the baby’s sweet smile,

And knew God had blessed the world with this child.

They wrapped him in swaddling cloths that they had,

And kissed the fair cheeks of their new little lad.

They called him the name that the angel proclaimed,

Jesus - the Savior, God’s son was his name.

Mary cradled him long before laying him down,

In a hay-filled manger while she cooed him sweet sounds.

Animals laid by the child quietly lowing,

Bowing to the tiny king - perhaps without knowing.

Out in the fields the shepherds were keeping,

Their sheep safe from harm while they were sleeping.

When up in the sky there arose such a loud clatter,

They stood up in shock to see what was the matter!

Angels were singing of the new savior’s birth,

How God in His mercy had brought peace to the earth.

A star would lead them to see this small boy.

They left their hillside filled with wonder and joy.

The stars beamed down on a small cattle shed,

Could a king be born on a manger bed?

But the shepherds bowed the moment they saw,

The tiny babe cradled upon the soft straw.

They knew what Mary and Joseph knew, too.

This babe was sent with God’s work to do. 

With reverence and honor they worshipped this king.

And knew in their hearts what love he would bring.

We, too, gaze on Jesus – the babe born this night,

And celebrate how He came to make right,

The hurts and the wrongs the world gives us now,

With loving kindness and grace, so we humbly bow.

May this Christmas give you reason to pause,

And consider this great gift of God.

Perhaps with the shepherds and wise men you’ll bring,

The gift of your life to this tiny child king.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Please keep Christ in Christmas and follow His light.

donna h. munro, 2014

25 Days of God Given Gifts - Day 18

Day 18
MERCY

Let us then approach God’s
throne of grace with confidence,
 so that we may receive mercy and find grace
to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

You can follow this Advent series

by clicking on the links below:

25 Days God Given Gifts on Blog

25 Days God Given Gifts on Facebook
25 Days God Given Gifts on Pinterest

I truly appreciate all the comments and emails, both here on the blog and my facebook page. It's wonderful that this series has been so well received. I haven't been able to respond to as many as I'd like, but please know they are read and appreciated.   ~ Abby

The Advent Season

The Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen branches representing eternity.   On the wreath, five candles are arranged.   Each candle represents an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Set on the branches of the wreath are four candles: three purple candles and one pink candle. In the center of the wreath sits a white candle. Together, these candles represent the coming of the light of Christ into the world. 

Week 1 - On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is usually called the "Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. This candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah. 

Week 2 ~ A  candle symbolizing God’s LOVE ~ This is sometimes called the Bethlehem Candle, symbolic of the manger.  God sent His only Son to earth so save us, He loved us that much. 
(see John 3:16-17)

Week 3 ~ A   candle is lit, symbolizing JOY  ~ This is sometimes called the Shepherds candle.  When Jesus was born, the angels brought “good tidings of great joy”.  
(see Luke 2:7-11)

Week 4 ~ A   candle symbolizing PEACE, sometimes called the Angels candle. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and through Him, peace is found.  
(see Isaiah 9:6)

Christmas Eve – The center candle, called the Christ Candle.  The color white represents Jesus, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God, sent to take away our sins. Those who receive Him as their Savior are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow.   

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:29

If you have children, or work with them, here is a good Advent lesson to use:
Advent Lessons - Teaching Through the Nativity


Have a blessed week my friends.

Thoughts that Feed our Souls

The things we think
are the things that feed our souls.

 If we think on pure and lovely things, 

we shall grow pure and lovely like them;

 and the converse is equally true. 
~ Hannah Whitall Smith ~ 

The above quote by Hannah Whitall Smith and the verse from Philippians 4:8 are a perfect combination to help us keep our thoughts focused away from negativity that we don't even know to be true. I'm pretty good at creating scenarios in my mind that haven't even happened. This little post has helped me today, and I pray it helps you as well. 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8 NKJV

Many blessings to you on this day.

Sunday Scripture

Show me your ways, Lord,

    teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me,

    for you are God my Savior,

    and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

I hope you have a blessed day.

Poem Little Birds of God ~ Free Graphics

Her name was Annie Johnson Flint (1866 - 1932), the author of the poem below. She knew of burdens, the need for courage, she knew of just asking the Lord for the strength for the day.  Her Poetry and Hymns were written from her own experiences and adversities.  

Annie was known as the “poet of helpfulness”, and often gave her poetry as gifts to friends.  As her poems became more widely known, many were set to music.   I have previously written about Annie, and you can find that here:  Annie Johnson Flint

THE LITTLE BIRDS OF GOD

by Annie Johnson Flint

I HEAR them at my window in the late, gray winter dawn,
The little birds of God, the farthing sparrows of His care;
They ask of me, as I of Him, His gift of daily bread.
With soft, impatient twitterings they voice their morning prayer.


The heavenly Father feedeth them, the little birds of God,
Though ’tis my hand that scattereth the food within their reach;

I do but share His bounty when I give the crumbs to them.
doubting heart and anxious heart, what lessons they can teach!

They sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns,
Content if but each day shall bring the day’s supply of food;
No question whence it comes, nor if the morrow bringeth more
Small optimists in feathers, who are sure that all is good!

God seeth when they fly or fall. Am I less worth than they?
I would not fail them in their need. Is He less true than I?
I would not mock their faith in me, nor hurt them, nor betray;
I answer to their trusting call, He to His children’s cry.

When sunset tints the fading light and dusk is falling fast,
The while I draw the curtains close and stir the hearth-fire bright,
I hear their cheerful chirping, the little birds of God,
And wonder to what shelter they are fleeing for the night.

But they, as I, shall rest secure beneath the wings of Love,
Though storm and darkness sweep the sea and cover all the land.
My life and theirs, so small and frail, God’s care of both the same;
My soul a nesting bird within the hollow of His hand.

A Good Decision & Free Graphic

There may be no trumpet sound
or loud applause when we make a right decision,
just a calm sense of resolution and peace. 

~ Gloria Gaither ~ 

I will instruct you and teach you
in the way you should go;

I will guide you with My eye.
Psalm 32:8

Gloria Gaither is a Christian songwriter, author and speaker. Together with her husband Bill Gaither, they have written over 700 songs.  One of my favorites Because He Lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

Have a blessed day my friends.

Contentment

Oh, what a happy soul I am, although I cannot see!
I am resolved that in this world, contented I will be. 

~ Blind Hymn-writer Fanny Crosby ~

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content.
 Philippians 4:11b

Have a blessed day my friends.

Lovely Victorian Graphic

When God allows extraordinary trials for his people, 
He prepares extraordinary comforts for them. 
Corrie Ten Boom

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,

Your comforts delight my soul.
Psalm 94:19

This beautiful Victorian graphic is from a lovely scrapbook of the Victorian era, given to me by my daughter.