Last Saturday my friend Julie and I went on our Annual Yamhill County Autumn Yarn and Fiber Pilgrimage. This has been a yearly tradition for several years now, and although two ladies in our group were missing, we had a good time.
Our first stop was in Dundee, only to find that one of the stores we always go to wasn’t there anymore. Auwe! But the persimmon tree that we usually get persimmons from (with permission) was still there, and loaded with fruit.
We had braved a couple of really heavy downpours on our way, but God blessed us with sunshine for picking the persimmons. The fruit was still kind of green, but with hearts hopeful for future ripening, we began picking it, knowing we wouldn’t be back till next year.
My sadness about my mom’s death has been compounded by several other losses lately, and though I was glad to be out and about, the gray skies and pouring rain matched the gray of my emotions. But as I picked another persimmon, I saw a sight that took my breath away. How like God to let me know in a way that only He could, that He understood my pain and wanted to bless me with something really special.
Psalm 4:8 has always had a special place in my heart, and has helped me get through some pretty rough times. And there it was, visually represented in the gift that He gave me. Holding the persimmon in my hand, my eyes filled with wonder, I saw three ladybugs, hibernating for the winter, snuggled down in the golden fruit.
I just stood there with tears in my eyes, thanking God for letting me know once again that my pain is important to Him. And just like these sleeping ladybugs, I can rest in His care, knowing that I too, dwell in safety during this winter season of my life.
A Mānoa Girl's Bloggie 
My heart goes out to you for the loss of your mom.
What a great WFW today!
Blessings to you!
I’m sorry about the loss of your mom. What a difficult time for you. I’ll be praying.
Your photo and verse are perfect. What great timing.
I am sorry for the loss of your mom. I too, have been comforted by the Lord in just such a way. When you need Him, He is always there.
So very sorry for the loss of your precious mom. Praying for God to give you much love and comfort.
Praying for you now. I am so sorry. God comfort you and bless you.
I am sorry for your loss – this verse is so comforting. I am glad you found and continue to find comfort in the Lord.
Sorry for your loss…
Holding you and your family in my prayers.
Hugs and blessings to you!
How beautiful and poignant! Our God is faithful, gentle and kind. He always gives us what we need right when we need it. So glad once again through His creation He was able to show you how much He cares for you!
Love and blessings today!
Jill
That is the verse God gave me when my husband left me in 1982.
And He has never failed to keep me safe.
Thank you for sharing. Such a beautiful expression of God’s love, but also such a testament of your ability to listen.
Oh, my heart is so stirred with emotion. I lost my mom a few years ago, and we also had several other close losses within a year. I remember the heart ache, as well as the spiritual growth that took place, and is still taking place actually. Your testimony here with the persimmon and how it goes with the verse and your story should be published so many more can be affected by it. It moved me.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your Mom and the other losses you’ve faced. I know your sorrow is great. I can only imagine losing mine – no – I don’t want to think of it. I’m praying for you, and so glad you shared the beauty of the Scripture with this verse. God is using you in the midst of your grief. Have a happy WFW, okay? Hugs & Love!
Thanks for sharing the comfort God gave you with us. My heart goes out to you for your loss, especially since I lost my Dad this and dear Aunt this past year, and know how sometimes the grief hits a person afresh at unexpected moments. How good of our God to also hide small comforts in equally unexpected times and places!
WOW! This is my favorite WFW. And thank you for sharing your tender moment. WFW Photo is all the more precious because of your personal story.
In our family, we literally share our home with the ladybugs in the Fall and Winter (We live one block from a grain elevator — they are like dust: EVERYWHERE and PLENTIFUL) They are God’s Creation and HE cares for them just like ALL of HIS Creation. I hope I don’t break any copyright laws — I copied this for my screensaver! IT IS SO PERFECT.
Thank you and Happy WFW!
GOD Bless YOU!
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother. Thank you for the beautiful object lesson in the picture and Bible text.
Thank you for sharing from your heart today – I know you’ve been through a really tough time and sometimes it seems that all the prayers in the world can’t take away the pain. God has plans for you and I love that you are noticing the signs he’s leaving in your path. I am so grateful that you shared one with us!!
Oh what a sweet person you are…I am so moved I can’t find the right words. You are so intune with the Lord and sensitive to His word applied to your life.
The picture is beautiful. I will treasure this post.
Love, Debra
I am with Debra. I know I don’t have the right words to comfort you, but I’m grateful that you and I have a Father God who does. Thank you for sharing from your heart today. It sounds like it was a special, if bittersweet, trip to collect your persimmons.
hugs and prayers my sweet friend. What a big loss for you. God is with you through this.
Oh what a beautiful picture! I’m still praying for you, my friend. May the Lord continue to comfort you and heal your heart. Remember it’s ok to let Him know how you honestly feel. Don’t keep it bottled up inside. He can handle it. He wants to handle it for you. Remember you are his lamb and He is your Good Shepherd. He is watching out for you. Take care, my friend!
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Your are such an inspiration to me, you’re always so full of aloha and I hope to meet you in person (at a future alohaworld gathering) so I can give you big hugs!