Thankfulness - day 17

I’m so thankful for online shopping and UPS delivery. Being very rural, there have been innumerable times we’ve been able to purchase items online that we couldn’t get locally and there have also been times when we couldn’t get the store, but UPS was able to deliver what we needed to us.

Thankfulness - day 16

Today I’m thankful for my fireplace. It’s now working so much more efficiently and is keeping the living room very pleasant. I’m also very thankful for the neighbors/friends who told us about the fix to make it more efficient.

Thankfulness - Day 15

Today I’m so very thankful that
“ . . . we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

So, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Lord of Glory, Come Among Us! - Sunday Hymn

Lord of glory, come among us;
hear us as we sing your praise!
For your mercy is enduring,
God of kindness, King of grace!

Let the world embrace this wonder:
in Christ Jesus love abounds!
Alleluia, sweet Hosannas,
let the joyful news resound!

To the sinner Christ grants mercy,
to the lost He shows the Way.
Lift your hearts and sing His praises
for He comes again today.

Praise and glory to the Father,
laud and honor to the Son,
power and blessings to the Spirit:
ever three and ever One.

Draw us close, Lord, by your Spirit;
make us faithful, strong and pure.
Come and work your re-formation,
in our sinful hearts, your cure.

Send us out renewed, awakened,
grant that faithful we may be,
doing justice, loving kindness,
walking in humility.

BEECHER

Thankfulness - Day 14

Today I’m thankful for the many and varied forms of communication - words, art, music, touch, a look, a sigh, a smile, a frown, expressive eyes, a hug, a sniffle, silence.

Thankfulness - day 13

Today I’m thankful for fellow homeschooling moms and all of their wonderful advice, time tested ideas, and resource recommendations.

Thankfulness - day 12

Each day of this month I’ve been thankful to Rebecca for keeping me focused on thankfulness.

Thankfulness - day 11

Today I’m thankful for our continued pleasant weather, the beautiful colors of fall, the sound of birds, the beauty of butterflies, red squirrels, waves on the lake, sunrises and sunsets.

Thankfulness - day 10

Today I’m thankful for all of the wonderful free books and audiobooks that we have been blessed to find on the internet.

Thankfulness - day 9

Today I’m grateful for my “servants” - coffee maker, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, vacuum, stove, oven, microwave, etc.

It’s too easy to take these conveniences for granted. I want to be ever mindful of how blessed I am to have these things and to be careful to use the time that they save me profitably.

Thankfulness - day 8

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from . . . the Father.” James 1:17

I’m so thankful for Him, for His creation and for His gift of music - to be able to express my thankfulness through hymns, psalms, the doxology -

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Sunday Hymn - Let Us Raise Our Alleluias!

Let Us Raise Our Alleluias!                                                      EBENEZER

Let us raise our alleluias, sing our joy and lift our praise!
For in Christ we see God’s blessings; at the cross we meet His grace!
Kissed with mercy, drawn by kindness, marked with Christ’s own boundless love;
called to give our heartfelt service to the Lord who reigns above!

On this day of gathered worship, take O Lord, our hearts we pray;
mold and turn us into servants, as the potter shapes the clay.
Fire our minds with strong conviction, grant us passion for your Way;
let your Kingdom come, Lord Jesus, further it through us, today!

“Come!” says Christ, “Invest your efforts; come and give your very best!”
So He sends us into action, and we must not fail the test.
Blest we are to be a blessing, called to serve the sad and poor;
bringing home the lost and broken, serving Christ forevermore!

Thankfulness - day 7

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—*

I’m thankful today for the opportunity to make requests, pray, intercede, and give thanks for everyone.

*1 Timothy 2:1

Thankfulness - day 6

Today I’m thankful for -
more beautiful weather
books
family, friends, neighbors
computers and internet
paying work
a friendly, honest car dealership/service department
our local grocery store
being able to help a friend

Thankfulness - day 5

Today I’m thankful for -
brave folks willing to stand up and speak the truth
folks to share the journey with
life

Thankfulness - day 4

Today I’m thankful for -
The many and varied ways I have access to God’s Word - my Bible, online, CD’s, podcasts
All of the different personalized ways and means God uses to speak to me, to teach me, to change me

Thankfulness - day 3

Today I’m thankful for-
community
inspirational, edifying web sites and blogs
the Doctrines of Grace

Thankfulness - day 2

Today, I’m thankful for-
God’s grace and mercy
my family
another beautiful day
freedom to worship

Thankfulness

It’s November again and Rebecca is once again asking, “What are you thankful for today?”
I am so thankful for Rebecca and her blog and for all of the ways God has and continues to use her in my life. Her blog post today was an especially timely one for me. Thank you, Rebecca.

I have so much to be thankful for. Today is a beautiful fall day, warm enough to open the windows and let fresh air in. We are studying the book of John, one of my favorite books of the Bible, with our church. My family is all healthy.

Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above

Sing praise to God Who reigns above, the God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.

What God’s almighty power hath made His gracious mercy keepeth,
By morning glow or evening shade His watchful eye ne’er sleepeth;
Within the kingdom of His might, Lo! all is just and all is right:
To God all praise and glory.

The Lord is never far away, but through all grief distressing,
An ever present help and stay, our peace and joy and blessing.
As with a mother’s tender hand, God gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

Thus, all my toilsome way along, I sing aloud Thy praises,
That earth may hear the grateful song my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart, both soul and body bear your part:
To God all praise and glory.

Let all who name Christ’s holy Name give God all praise and glory;
Let all who own His power proclaim aloud the wondrous story!
Cast each false idol from its throne, for Christ is Lord, and Christ alone:
To God all praise and glory.

Words: Johann J. Schütz

Conquering Kings Their Titles Take

There is no other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Conquering kings their titles take,
From the lands they captive make;
Jesus, Thine was given Thee
For a world Thou madest free.

Not another name is given
Power possessing under heaven,
Strong to call dead souls to rise
And exalt them to the skies.

That which Christ so hardly wrought,
That which He so dearly bought,
That salvation, mortals say,
Will ye madly cast away?

Rather gladly for that Name
Bear the cross, endure the shame;
Joyfully for Him to die
Is not death but victory.

Jesus, if Thou condescend
To be called the sinner’s Friend,
Ours the joy and glory be
Thus to make our boast of Thee.

Glory to the Father be,
Glory, virgin born, to Thee,
Glory to the Holy Ghost,
Ever from the heavenly host.

Words: Unknown author, in the Paris Breviary, 1736, for the Feast of the Circumcision at Second Vespers; translated from Latin to English by John Chandler in his Hymns of the Primitive Church, 1837.
Music: Innocents, The Parish Choir, 1850; harmony by William H. Monk, 1861

O Love divine, what hast thou done!

O Love divine, what hast thou done!
The immortal God hath died for me!
The Father’s co-eternal Son
Bore all my sins upon the tree.
Th’immortal God for me hath died:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Is crucified for me and you,
To bring us rebels back to God.
Believe, believe the record true,
Ye all are bought with Jesus’ blood.
Pardon for all flows from His side:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Behold and love, ye that pass by,
The bleeding Prince of life and peace!
Come, sinners, see your Savior die,
And say, “Was ever grief like His?”
Come, feel with me His blood applied:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Then let us sit beneath His cross,
And gladly catch the healing stream:
All things for Him account but loss,
And give up all our hearts to Him:
Of nothing think or speak beside,
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Words: Charles Wesley,1742.

Rejoice, the Lord is King!

Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore;
Mortals give thanks and sing, and triumph evermore;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Jesus, the Savior, reigns, the God of truth and love;
When He had purged our stains He took His seat above;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

His kingdom cannot fail, He rules o’er earth and Heav’n,
The keys of death and hell are to our Jesus giv’n;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

He sits at God’s right hand till all His foes submit,
And bow to His command, and fall beneath His feet:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

He all His foes shall quell, shall all our sins destroy,
And every bosom swell with pure seraphic joy;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Rejoice in glorious hope! Jesus the Judge shall come,
And take His servants up to their eternal home.
We soon shall hear th’archangel’s voice;
The trump of God shall sound, rejoice!
Words: Charles Wesley, 1744.  Music: John Darwall

This Day is Holy

They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.

Then he said to them, “Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!”

When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight.

Nehemiah 8:8,10 • Jeremiah 15:16 (New Living Translation)

Sing Praise

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will give thanks to your name
because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
You stretch out your hand;
your right hand saves me.
The LORD is with me to the end.
LORD, your love endures forever.
“How great is the glory of the LORD!”
from Psalm 138

The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
the decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
By them your servant is instructed;
obeying them brings much reward.
Though your servant is careful of them,
very diligent in keeping them,
Yet who can detect failings?
Cleanse me from my unknown faults!
From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant;
let it not rule over me.
Then shall I be blameless and innocent
of serious sin.
Let the words of my mouth meet with your favor,
keep the thoughts of my heart before you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
from Psalm 19

O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.

He speaks, and, listening to His voice,
New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
The humble poor believe.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

In Christ your Head, you then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,
And own that love is heaven.

Glory to God, and praise and love
Be ever, ever given,
By saints below and saints above,
The church in earth and heaven.

On this glad day the glorious Sun
Of Righteousness arose;
On my benighted soul He shone
And filled it with repose.

Sudden expired the legal strife,
’Twas then I ceased to grieve;
My second, real, living life
I then began to live.

Then with my heart I first believed,
Believed with faith divine,
Power with the Holy Ghost received
To call the Savior mine.

I felt my Lord’s atoning blood
Close to my soul applied;
Me, me He loved, the Son of God,
For me, for me He died!

I found and owned His promise true,
Ascertained of my part,
My pardon passed in heaven I knew
When written on my heart.

Look unto Him, ye nations, own
Your God, ye fallen race;
Look, and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

See all your sins on Jesus laid:
The Lamb of God was slain,
His soul was once an offering made
For every soul of man.

Awake from guilty nature’s sleep,
And Christ shall give you light,
Cast all your sins into the deep,
And wash the Æthiop white.

Harlots and publicans and thieves
In holy triumph join!
Saved is the sinner that believes
From crimes as great as mine.

Murderers and all ye hellish crew
In holy triumph join!
Believe the Savior died for you;
For me the Savior died.

With me, your chief, ye then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,
And own that love is heaven.

Words: Charles Wesley, 1739. Music: Azmon, Carl G. Gläser, 1828; arranged by Lowell Mason, Modern Psalmist, 1839

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.

Words: Henry J. van Dyke, 1907 Music: Hymn to Joy, from the 9th Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven; adapted by Edward Hodges, 1824

My Resting Place

My soul finds rest in God alone; my peace depends on Him
And in that place of quiet rest, He fills me from within
He pours on me His holy oil, Spirit of the living God
Then He takes me by His hand and comforts me with His love
He comforts me with His love

Those who wait upon the Lord, new strength He gives to them
He gives them wings like the eagle, so they might soar with Him
He weaves His strength into their lives, Spirit of the living God
Then He gives them all of this peace, to guard their hearts and their minds
Guarding their hearts and minds

Come my soul and take your rest, and find your peace in Him
The holy presence of the Lord, that fills you from within
Oh pour on me your holy oil, Spirit of the living God
Fill my cup, Lord I lift it up, until I overflow*
*Resting Place ~ Paul Wilbur

Joy - getting practical

Do you ever have a “duh” moment? When you think, “Wow . . . yeah . . . of course . . . I can’t believe I didn’t see that before . . . it was right there in front of me!”? Well that happened to me this week.

Thanks to Linda, I’ve found Holley’s Joy Challenge. On Thursday, Holley wrote, “I've learned when the practical part of my life gets out of line it makes it so much harder to keep a strong relationship with God and live in joy.”

As I read her list of practical things like eating well, rest, exercise, etc., I had the “duh” moment. I realized that even though I have purposefully been looking for and seeing the sacred in the “ordinary” for some time, until I read and reread her post I had not really been making the connection between the “practical,” as she put it, and the sacred.

It really made me stop and think when she then asked, “What’s your favorite practical tip or trick for keeping your joy?”

As I reread her essentials list, I saw how important those things are and how they do effect my spiritual life. So, in addition to the things that Holley listed, some of my favorite practical tips or tricks for keeping my joy are:
~keeping things simple
~keeping first things first
~routine
~a peaceful, restful home
~stopping to really listen and engage when someone is talking to me
~keeping in touch with extended family
~getting outside
~opening the windows, letting fresh air in
~reading
~listening to hymns and worship music
~a clean home
~walking

I’m so grateful for Linda and Holley and for this new way of looking at and seeing the spiritual side of the practical.

Consider joining the Gratitude Community!

I Surrender All

Words: Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1896
Music: Winfield S. Weeden, 1896

All to Jesus, I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

Refrain:
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessèd Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
Refrain

All to Jesus, I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
Refrain

All to Jesus, I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
Refrain

All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!
Refrain

Praise Him!

Hallelujah! You who serve God, praise God!
Just to speak his name is praise!
Just to remember God is a blessing—
now and tomorrow and always.
From east to west, from dawn to dusk,
keep lifting all your praises to God!
God is higher than anything and anyone,
outshining everything you can see in the skies.
Who can compare with God, our God,
so majestically enthroned,
Surveying his magnificent
heavens and earth?
He picks up the poor from out of the dirt,
rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash,
Seats them among the honored guests,
a place of honor among the brightest and best.
Hallelujah!
Psalm 113 (The Message)

My Refuge

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.
I have no good apart from you.”
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart instructs me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
from Psalm 16

In Your Word I Hope

Dear Heavenly Father, please open my mind to the understanding of Your word. Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in me. In Your word I hope. Amen

(Luke 24:45 • Colossians 3:16 • Psalm 119:114)

Let Us Pray

Dear Sisters,
I ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

I also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light. For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Amen

from Colossians 1:9-14

Every Wednesday, we Walk with Him, posting a spiritual practice that draws us nearer to His heart.

Hope and Trust

On this Multitude Monday, I am grateful for His most gracious gifts of:
Hope~
Only in God be at rest, my soul,
for from Him comes my hope.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed.
In God is my safety and my glory.

and Trust~
I will trust in Him at all times,
Pour out my heart before him;
God is my refuge!
from Psalm 62:6-9

Consider joining the Gratitude Community.

I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art

I greet Thee, who my sure Redeemer art,
My only trust and Savior of my heart,
Who pain didst undergo for my poor sake;
I pray Thee from our hearts all cares to take.

Thou art the King of mercy and of grace,
Reigning omnipotent in every place;
So come, O King, and our whole being sway;
Shine on us with the light of Thy pure day.

Thou art the life, by which alone we live,
And all our substance and our strength receive;
Oh comfort us in death's approaching hour,
Strong-hearted then to face it by Thy power.

Thou hast the true and perfect gentleness,
No harshness hast Thou and no bitterness;
Make us to taste the sweet grace found in Thee
And ever stay in Thy sweet unity.

Our hope is in no other save in Thee;
Our faith is built upon Thy promise free;
Oh grant to us such stronger help and sure,
That we can boldly conquer and endure.

listen

So Much

This week has been another amazing kaleidoscope of grace.

“Rush,” safely arrived and happily settled in

a serendipitous Sunday afternoon with friends

a closed door opened for “Mona”

savings on utility bills and insurance

rain

cooler weather

windows open to fresh air

great book bargains

a new evening reading routine - daddy and son

“Oliver” safely returned home

met a “kindred spirit”

many hours spent in the “school of Grace”

hours spent playing cards, laughing, sharing

sale on a favorite food item 

fresh fruits and vegetables

a friend shopping for me

jelly and cookies from a neighbor

a full rainbow (oh, it was beautiful)

a hummingbird bathing in the rain

a neighbor who cares about me, my yard and sprinklers

 

endless list #72-91

Sunday Hymn

May we all know and rely fully upon the sure foundation, Christ, the head and cornerstone.

Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone,
chosen of the Lord, and precious,
binding all the Church in one;
holy Zion's help for ever,
and her confidence alone.

All that dedicated city,
dearly loved of God on high,
in exultant jubilation
pours perpetual melody;
God the One in Three adoring
in glad hymns eternally.

To this temple, where we call thee,
come, O Lord of Hosts, today;
with thy wonted loving-kindness
hear thy servants as they pray,
and thy fullest benediction
shed within its walls alway.

Here vouchsafe to all thy servants
what they ask of thee of gain;
what they gain from thee, for ever
with the blessèd to retain,
and hereafter in thy glory
evermore with thee to reign.

Laud and honor to the Father,
laud and honor to the Son,
laud and honor to the Spirit,
ever Three, and ever One,
consubstantial, co-eternal,
while unending ages run.

Words: Latin, seventh century;
trans. John Mason Neale, 1851

Joy and delight

I waited, waited for the LORD; who bent down and heard my cry, drew me out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud of the swamp, set my feet upon rock, steadied my steps, and put a new song in my mouth, a hymn to our God.

Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud, who turn not to idolatry or to those who stray after falsehood.

O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.

You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
 Now that you have made me willing to listen [given me ears open to obedience], I finally understand —
 you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.


And so, I said, “Here I am.
 As is written about me in the Scriptures:
 ‘To do your will, O my God, is my delight. Your teachings are within my heart!’”

I have told the whole community of those who worship you that what you do is right. Lord, you know that I haven’t kept quiet. I have spoken about how faithful you were when you saved me. I haven’t hidden your love and truth. You, LORD, never fail to have pity on me; your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me and keep me secure.

Psalm 40:1-11 - photo taken by p. fogg in israel 2007

How to keep on the “Pilgrimage into Prayer”. . .

His Promise: Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you.•

Even before sunrise, I pray for your help, and I put my hope in what you have said. I lie awake at night, thinking of your promises.• In heaven I have only you, and on this earth you are all I want.• Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.

James 4:8• Psalm 119:147-148 • Psalm 73:25 (CEV)• Psalms 25:4-5• Psalm 130:5• Psalm 62:1

On Wednesdays, I join with Ann & others, as we Walk with Him,
posting a spiritual practice that draws us nearer to His heart.

Indescribable Blessings

Since last Monday, I’ve been “hanging out” at the (in)courage site, reading, weeping, laughing, praying, following links, meetings lots of new people, and being indescribably blessed.


On the front page it says, “Come in and make your heart at home . . .,”
Been doin’ that.
It goes on to say, “. . . help yourself to whatever is in the fridge . . .”
Been doin’ that.
“and hear God’s voice more clearly than perhaps anywhere else.”
Wonderfully, incredibly, amazingly been doin’ a lot of that!

Sunday Hymn

MY HOPE IS BUILT (The Solid Rock)
Words: Edward Mote, circa 1834; first appeared in Mote’s Hymns of Praise, 1836.
Music: Solid Rock, William B. Bradbury

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
Refrain

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain

The name of Edward Mote does not often rest on the lips of the Church today in the same fashion as Fanny J. Crosby, B. B. McKinney, Ira Sankey, or other greats in hymnody. However, the testimony of his life is one that should inspire all Christians. Mote was not brought up in a godly home and did not have the advantage of early exposure to Scripture. In fact, his parents managed a pub in London and often neglected young Edward, who spent most of his Sundays playing in the city streets.1 Of his theological upbringing, he said "So ignorant was I that I did not know that there was a God."

Eventually Mote became exposed to the Word of God, and was baptized at the age of 18. This event, however, did not send Mote immediately into the ministry. He was apprenticed to become a cabinetmaker, a career which he successfully conducted for another 37 years. Eventually, at the age of 55, he became pastor of a Baptist church in Horsham, Sussex, where he did not miss a Sunday in the pulpit for the next 21 years.3 He resigned from this pastorate in 1873 due to ill health, and died the following year at the age of 77.

It was with this background that Mote wrote the hymn we have today, "The Solid Rock." It was during his career as a cabinetmaker that the hymn came into being. One morning in 1834 as he was walking to work, it entered his mind to write a hymn. By the time he got to work, he had the chorus. He wrote four more verses over the course of that day and two additional verses before he was finished.
from: THE SOLID ROCK

Bursting with God-news

Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
I’m bursting with God-news;
I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.

Luke 1:46-50 (The Message ~ NLT in italics)

Pilgrimage in Prayer - Lord, Teach Us to Pray

O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise.
O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me.

We were new. New to the area, new to this church, new to these people, this style of worship, and this mission field. I enthusiastically embraced it all. (What we didn’t know at the time, but were soon to learn, was that we were also embarking on a new, deep relationship with the Lord.) When it was announced that folks were needed to pray for an upcoming mission trip, I was one of the first in line to sign us up for a time slot. At the designated time, Henry and Peter and I gathered together in the living room, Bible in hand and, well, we just looked at each other. What were we supposed to do? Yes pray, but for what exactly and how? It was an astonishing revelation to us that we didn’t know how to pray, not really. It turns out that we only had an inkling of how true that was.

That morning, that essentially started with, “Lord, teach us to pray,” was the beginning of an incredible spiritual journey and the beginning of our learning the many layered truths in the verse,

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness.
We do not know what we ought to pray for,
but the Spirit himself intercedes for us.*”

Psalm 51:15 • Psalm 70:1 • *Romans 8:26 (NIrV)

Multitude Monday

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Giving intentional thanks . . .

69. for this day

70. for prayers answered that were never even truly formed,
but were more of a hope, a wish, a yearning

71. that His ways are far beyond anything I could imagine

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A Hearing Ear

“This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” ~Mark 9:7

Father, deepen my faith
and improve my spiritual hearing as I read, pray, and live Your word.
Amen

Sunday Hymn

Theme: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. . . The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw His true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From Him all the kindness and all the truth of God have come down to us. John 1:1-3, 14

Of the Father’s Heart Begotten
The text is by Roman poet Aurelius Prudentius
Translation by Roby Furley Davis, for the English Hymnal (1906).

Of the Father’s heart begotten,
Ere the world from chaos rose,
He is Alpha, from that Fountain
All that is and has been flows;
He is Omega, of all things,
Yet to come the distant Close,
Evermore and evermore.

By His word was all created
He commanded and 'twas done;
Earth and sky and boundless ocean,
Universe of three in one,
All that sees the moon's soft radiance,
All that breathes beneath the sun,
Evermore and evermore.

He assumed this mortal body,
Frail and feeble, doomed to die,
That the race from dust created,
Might not perish utterly,
Which the dreadful Law had sentenced
In the depths of hell to lie,
Evermore and evermore.

O how blest that wondrous birthday,
When the Maid the curse retrieved,
Brought to birth mankind's salvation
By the Holy Ghost conceived,
And the Babe, the world's Redeemer
In her loving arms received,
Evermore and evermore.

Sing, ye heights of heaven, his praises;
Angels and Archangels, sing!
Wheresoe’er ye be, ye faithful,
Let your joyous anthems ring,
Every tongue his name confessing,
Countless voices answering,
Evermore and evermore.

This is he, whom seer and sibyl
Sang in ages long gone by,;
This is he of old revealed
In the page of prophecy;
Lo! he comes the promised Saviour;
Let the world his praises cry!
Evermore and evermore.

Hail! thou Judge of souls departed;
Hail! of all the living King!
On the Father's right hand throned,
Through his courts thy praises ring,
Till at lest for all offences
Righteous judgement thou shalt bring,
Evermore and evermore.

Now let old and young uniting
Chant to thee harmonious lays
Maid and matron hymn thy glory,
Infant lips their anthem raise,
Boys and girls together singing
With pure heart their song of praise,
Evermore and evermore.

Let the storm and summer sunshine,
Gliding stream and sounding shore,
Sea and forest, frost and zephyr,
Day and night their Lord alone;
Let creation join to laud thee
Through the ages evermore,
Evermore and evermore.

Christ, to Thee with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving,
And unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory,
Evermore and evermore! Amen.

alternate version: Of the Father’s Love Begotten

More gifts

67. where I live

68. and some of my neighbors

What he said

“My ideas flow so rapidly that I have not time to express them -- by which means my letters sometimes convey no ideas at all to my correspondents.”*

This is so me. When I read it the other day, I thought, yes!, that’s me, and I just knew that I had to put it on the blog. Sometimes I worry that I’m the only one that understands some of the things I’ve written. I know what I meant, but does anyone else? Or I wonder whether what I’ve written is polished enough, or I worry about the grammar. A lot of times, I just don’t even post what I’ve written. And that’s something I’ve really been thinking about.

I have to confess that blogging stresses me. Not the quick “just a thought” type posts, but the ones with lots of writing and/or about “deep” things. I tend to type or write quickly as I hurry to get my thoughts down, more focused on getting the thoughts/ideas recorded while they’re still fresh in my mind or heart than about grammar or the way something sounds to someone else. Then I feel like I need to edit and edit some more to make sure that what I’m saying is just what I meant to say and that it will be understood the way I meant it. (know what I mean?) (smile)

So, what to do? Relax and just write, stop blogging (again), keep stressing and editing? Stick to the short, pithy posts? Not sure, but an idea that I have been mulling over is to think of this blog as more of a chat with friends over a cup of coffee (or tea), sometimes mundane, sometimes deep, sometimes a mixture. Relaxed, no airs, just sharing what’s on my mind with my very tolerant, understanding, forgiving friends. ;-)

*Mr. Bingley - Pride and Prejudice

More gifts

61. a very good doctor’s report for very good friends
62. wind, clouds, and a bit of cooling
63. first one and then another and then another new book resource
64. godly playmates
65. games for little guys to play with Dad
66. time spent together - Dad and son

The Living Word

All Scripture is God-breathed . . .*
The word of God is living and active.**
In the beginning was the One who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created received its life from Him, and His life gave light to everyone. The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out. . . The Word was in the world, but no one knew Him, though God had made the world with His Word. . . . some people accepted Him and put their faith in Him. So He gave them the right to be the children of God. They were not God’s children by nature or because of any human desires. God himself was the one who made them His children. The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw His true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From Him all the kindness and all the truth of God have come down to us.***
“My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine” [says the Lord].
 . . “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
 and stay on the ground to water the earth.
 They cause the grain to grow,
 producing seed for the farmer
 and bread for the hungry.
 It is the same with my word.
 I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
 It will accomplish all I want it to,
 and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”****
The Word that gives life was from the beginning, and this is the One our message is about.*****

* 2 Timothy 3:16
** Hebrews 4:12
*** John 1:1-5, 9-10,13-14 (CEV)
**** Isaiah 55:8, 10-11 (NLT)
***** 1 John 1:1 (CEV)

Small Beginnings

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin . . .” Zechariah 4:10

Small beginnings, little things, small successes, whatever we want to call them, last week I had a gentle reminder of how easy they are to overlook and not recognize as being as important. So in the spirit of taking note of these small beginnings and their importance, here goes:

1. Over the weekend I decided it was time to get back to a more purposeful (but very relaxed and personalized) learning environment. So yesterday morning we got started and it went really well, not too much, relaxed, high interest, lots of praise. I’m an unschooler at heart, I also know my child and know that he’s happiest with routine and some structure so . . . well that’s a blog for another time (smile).

2. I started journaling again, don't know why I ever stop, I’m always so blessed by it.

3. I’ve been making some big changes in our my diet and we’ve been sticking with it (despite some very big temptations).

Each of these “small beginnings” is another blessing from the Lord, more gifts from the One Who loves me for which I am so very grateful.

Multitude Monday

41. quiet time with my family
42. movies I feel safe letting my children watch
43. books on cd
44. sales on desired books
45. free wonderful old books and audio books online
46. movies I feel safe letting my children watch
47. wonderful thought provoking conversations with my 12 year old
48. new “family favorite” recipes from friends
49. scented candles
50. water
51. cool clothing for hot weather
52. delicious, nutritious, salads
53. wonderful, trustworthy book reviews
54. ointments and salves that sooth
55. plants and herbs that relieve and heal
56. watching enjoyment and laughter
57. watching little ones’ “firsts”
58. remembering some of my own “firsts”
59. healthy days
60. folks to share with and be loved by on the healthy and not so healthy days

Sunday Hymn

He Leadeth Me

Words: Jo­seph H. Gil­more, 1862.
Music: Wil­liam B. Brad­bu­ry

He leadeth me, O blessèd thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain

He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.

Refrain

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.

Refrain

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

Refrain

Lessons from nature photograghy

Shift a bit, re-frame, and refocus. I’m learning . . .
Not~ pack up everything, pull up stakes, and move.
Just shift a bit, re-frame, and refocus.
Not~ throw it all out and start over completely with something or somewhere new.
Just shift a bit, make a small adjustment, see how that looks/works, see how the image, the perspective changes. I chose to do this today. It was amazing. I’m learning . . .

A gentle reminder

I thought that I should do a little domestic engineering before sitting down at the computer, again. As I grabbed a couple of plastic grocery bags to use as trash can liners I noticed on one the words “Thank You” over and over and over. I smiled at the gentle reminder that as I’m thinking about all of the great and wonderful and marvelous gifts on my Gratitude list I need to remember the so-called little things, the often overlooked gifts that just get taken for granted . . . like plastic grocery bags.

Wooed

Maybe because the Gratitude List was so fresh in my mind, my first thoughts while considering~ How your Soul’s Lover has wooed you with His Love Letter ...~ were of a list of means.

He woos me in so many different, amazing, and surprising ways. Sometimes it takes my breath away . . . the intimacy, something that would only mean something to me. Or the timing, just the right Word at just the right time. And the myriad means He uses to get my attention, to pull me in, to get me to dig deeper, sometimes so extraordinary, sometimes seemingly mundane~
* in a regular morning Bible reading, seeing something in a way I’ve never seen it before
* hearing a long familiar verse in a different translation causing me to stop and ponder it anew
* while explaining a Bible passage to my kids, I see something a little differently this time
* listening to a hymn I start to wonder about the story behind it
* watching a youtube video of a beautiful hymn, seeing/hearing/feeling it in a new way
* reading a provocative blog~ maybe at the time it was written or maybe months later~ and having it be just what I needed at the time that I read it
* listening to a sermon, hearing something that gives me a new perspective on an issue
* reading a devotion or prayer that evokes deep emotions of love, gratitude, joy
* in conversation with a friend or a total stranger, hearing “something” meant for me
* a scripture coming to mind in a time of need (mine or someone else’s)
* “just happening” to pick up that book, click on that blog, tune into that message, turn to that particular scripture, see that article or advertisement, pray that particular prayer . . .

The Word, His love letter, contains His life-giving, life-sustaining words. Scripture is His living, active, powerful Word. He knows I need it, need to feed on it and because He loves me, He woos me.

‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ Acts 17:28 (NIV)

One Thousand Gifts List~ continued

21. anniversaries ~ 30 years together
22. rain
23. cooler weather
24. opportunities for intercession
25. returning hummingbirds
26. butterflies
27. really good coffee
28. lifestyle witnessing opportunities
29. a quiet talk with someone who "gets it"
30. an unexpected chance to be mentored
31. the view out my kitchen window
32. a birthday party for a 6 year old
33. a gift of blueberries
34. the thing I need "on sale"
35. someone to share a book with
36. someone to snuggle with
37. deer sightings
38. Canadian geese
39. an unexpected gift of fishing lures for a special little guy
40. a lake and ponds and friends to fish with

Multitude Monday

1 (again)~ New beginnings~ Beginning afresh~

As I thought about rejoining the Gratitude Community, trying to find my previous list and picking up the numbering from there, the words ~his mercies begin afresh each morning. *~ kept running through my mind, so I decided to begin afresh this truly, wonderfully endless gift list.

1. the Lord’s great love and mercy
2. His word and the many and varied ways He brings it to me
3. my family
4. the shelter of my home
5. the surprising ways He provides
6. the ways He creates beauty from ashes
7. old friends
8. new friends
9. nature
10. fresh fruits & vegetables from a neighbor
11. a gift of wonderful smelling cleaning supplies
12. the beautiful peace lily in my kitchen
13. music~ especially hymns
14. books, books, and more books
15. folks to share the books & music with
16. electricity & the appliances it powers
17. summer jobs for a 12 year old boy
18. telephones, cellphones, internet, mail~ staying connected to family & friends
19. opportunities (and the ability) to help
20. discernment


*Lamentations 3:23 (NLT)

Sunday Hymn

My Song is Love Unknown
Words: Samuel Crossman, The Young Man’s Meditation, 1664.

My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me;
Love to the loveless shown,
That they might lovely be.
O who am I, that for my sake
My Lord should take, frail flesh and die?

He came from His blest throne
Salvation to bestow;
But men made strange, and none
The longed for Christ would know:
But O! my Friend, my Friend indeed,
Who at my need His life did spend.

Sometimes they strew His way,
And His sweet praises sing;
Resounding all the day
Hosannas to their King:
Then “Crucify!” is all their breath,
And for His death they thirst and cry.

Why, what hath my Lord done?
What makes this rage and spite?
He made the lame to run,
He gave the blind their sight,
Sweet injuries! Yet they at these
Themselves displease, and ’gainst Him rise.

They rise and needs will have
My dear Lord made away;
A murderer they saved,
The Prince of life they slay,
Yet cheerful He to suffering goes,
That He His foes from thence might free.

In life, no house, no home
My Lord on earth might have;
In death no friendly tomb
But what a stranger gave.
What may I say? Heav’n was His home;
But mine the tomb wherein He lay.

Here might I stay and sing,
No story so divine;
Never was love, dear King!
Never was grief like Thine.
This is my Friend, in Whose sweet praise
I all my days could gladly spend.

Sunday Hymn

O Breath of God, Breathe On Us Now
Words: Alfred H. Vine, The Doom of Saul, 1895.
Music: Maryton, H. Percy Smith, in Church Hymns with Tunes (London: 1874).

O breath of God, breathe on us now,
And move within us while we pray:
The Spring of our new life art Thou,
The very light of our new day.

O strangely art Thou with us, Lord,
Neither in height nor depth to seek:
In nearness shall Thy voice be heard;
Spirit to spirit Thou dost speak.

Christ is our Advocate on high;
Thou art our Advocate within.
O plead the truth, and make reply
To every argument of sin.

But ah, this faithless heart of mine,
The way I know, I know my Guide:
Forgive me, O my Friend divine,
That I so often turn aside.

Be with me when no other friend
The mystery of my heart can share;
And be Thou known, when fears transcend,
By Thy best name of Comforter.

Sunday Hymn

God of All Power and Truth and Grace
Words: Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1742.
Music: Von Himmel Hoch, from Geistliche Lieder, by Valentin Schumann (Leipzig, Germany: 1539); harmony by Johann S. Bach.

God of all power, and truth, and grace,
Which shall from age to age endure,
Whose Word, when Heaven and earth shall pass,
Remains and stands for ever sure;

That I Thy mercy may proclaim,
That all mankind Thy truth may see,
Hallow Thy great and glorious Name,
And perfect holiness in me.

Thy sanctifying Spirit pour,
To quench my thirst, and make me clean;
Now, Father, let the gracious shower
Descend, and make me pure from sin.

Purge me from every sinful blot;
My idols all be cast aside;
Cleanse me from every sinful thought,
From all the filth of self and pride.

Give me a new, a perfect heart,
From doubt, and fear, and sorrow free;
The mind which was in Christ impart,
And let my spirit cleave to Thee.

O take this heart of stone away!
Thy sway it doth not, cannot own;
In me no longer let it stay,
O take away this heart of stone!

O that I now, from sin released,
Thy Word may to the utmost prove,
Enter into the promised rest,
The Canaan of Thy perfect love!

Sunday Hymn

My Jesus, I Love Thee
Words: William R. Featherston, 1864; Featherston was only 16 years old at the time.
Music: Gordon, Adoniram J. Gordon, 1876

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

Sunday Hymn

This song is sung at our house a lot. What I found so interesting when I went to look for the lyrics for today's blog is that the verses that our family knows so well aren't "official" verses. Even the youtube videos I found had verses I hadn't heard before and aren't "official" verses. Official or not we now have so many more verses to learn and sing and enjoy!

JESUS LOVES ME
Words: Stanza 1, Anna B. Warner, 1860. Stanzas 2-3, David Rutherford Mc­Guire

Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak, but He is strong.

Refrain

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! This I know,
As He loved so long ago,
Taking children on His knee,
Saying, “Let them come to Me.”

Refrain

Jesus loves me still today,
Walking with me on my way,
Wanting as a friend to give
Light and love to all who live.

Refrain

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Refrain

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.

Refrain

This stanza from the original is commonly omitted in hymnals:

Jesus loves me! Loves me still,
Though I’m very weak and ill,
That I might from sin be free
Bled and died upon the tree.

Sunday Hymn

MY SHEPHERD WILL SUPPLY MY NEED
Words: Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719

My Shepherd will supply my need:
Jehovah is His Name;
In pastures fresh He makes me feed,
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back
When I forsake His ways,
And leads me, for His mercy’s sake,
In paths of truth and grace.

When I walk through the shades of death
Thy presence is my stay;
One word of Thy supporting breath
Drives all my fears away.
Thy hand, in sight of all my foes,
Doth still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
Thine oil anoints my head.

The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days;
O may Thy house be my abode,
And all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger, nor a guest,
But like a child at home.

Sunday Hymn

“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
Words: Walter C. Smith

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, thy great Name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light,
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render; O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!

Sunday Hymn

“O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus”
S. Trevor Francis, 1875

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!
’Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

Sunday Hymn

“HALLELUJAH! THINE THE GLORY”
William P. MacKay

We praise thee, O God!
For the days of our youth,
For the bright lamp that shineth—
The Word of thy truth.

Hallelujah! thine the glory,
Hallelujah we sing;
Hallelujah! thine the glory,
Our praise now we bring.

We praise thee, O God!
For the Son of thy love,
For Jesus who died
And is now gone above.

We praise thee, O God!
For thy Spirit of light,
Who has shown us our Saviour
And scattered our night.

All glory and praise
To the Lamb that was slain,
Who has borne all our sins and
Has cleansed ev'ry stain!

Sunday Hymn

“My Master From a Garden Rose”
Gordon Young

Sunday Hymn

“God Moves in a Mysterious Way”
William Cowper, 1774

God moves in a mysterious way
his wonders to perform:
he plants his footsteps in the sea,
and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines,
with never-failing skill,
he treasures up his bright designs,
and works his sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
in blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust him for his grace;
behind a frowning providence
he hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding every hour:
the bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
and scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
and he will make it plain.

Sunday Hymn - Palm Sunday

“All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
Words: Theodulph of Orleans (ca. 750-821), ca. 820

Refrain:
All glory, laud, and honor
to thee, Redeemer, King!
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel,
thou David's royal Son,
who in the Lord's Name comest,
the King and Blessed One. Refrain

The company of angels
are praising thee on high;
and mortal men and all things
created make reply. Refrain

The people of the Hebrews
with palms before thee went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before thee we present. Refrain

To thee before thy passion
they sang their hymns of praise;
to thee, now high exalted,
our melody we raise. Refrain

Thou didst accept their praises;
accept the prayers we bring,
who in all good delightest,
thou good and gracious King. Refrain

Sunday Hymn

“Hallelujah! What a Savior”
Words & Music: Philip P. Bliss, 1875

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Sunday Hymn

“What Can Wash Away My Sin?”
Words & Music: Robert Lowry

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain

This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain

Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain

Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain

Sunday Hymn

The Day is Past and Over
Anatolius, probably 6th Century

The day is past and over;
All thanks, O Lord, to Thee!
We pray Thee that offenseless
The hours of dark may be.
O Jesus, keep us in Thy sight,
And guard us through the coming night.

The joys of day are over;
We lift our hearts to Thee,
And call on Thee that sinless
The hours of dark may be.
O Jesus, make their darkness light,
And guard us through the coming night.

Lord, that in death I sleep not,
And lest my foe should say,
“I have prevailed against him,”
Lighten mine eyes, I pray:
O Jesus, keep me in Thy sight,
And guard me through the coming night.

The toils of day are over;
We raise our hymn to Thee,
And ask that free from peril
The hours of dark may be.
O Jesus, keep us in Thy sight,
And guard us through the coming night.

Be Thou our souls’ Preserver,
O God, for Thou dost know
How many are the perils
Through which we have to go.
Lord Jesus Christ, O hear our call
And guard and save us from them all.

Perfect timing

Isn't it great when things just jell? When you're wondering what to do about something or maybe haven't even gotten to the wondering stage yet and you click or turn a page and there is the answer. Someone writes an article or blog that is just exactly what you need, just when you need it. That has happened at least once a day this week and it is so cool and so much fun.

Faith's Check Book - C. H. Spurgeon

Set Apart

Ye shall be named the priests of the Lord. (Isaiah 61:6)

This literal promise to Israel belongs spiritually to the seed after the Spirit, namely, to all believers. If we live up to our privileges, we shall live unto God so clearly and distinctly that men shall see that we are set apart for holy service and shall name us the priests of the Lord. We may work or trade as others do, and yet we may be solely and wholly the ministering servants of God. Our one occupation shall be to present the perpetual sacrifice of prayer, and praise, and testimony, and self-consecration to the living God by Jesus Christ.

This being our one aim, we may leave distracting concerns to those who have no higher calling. "Let the dead bury their dead." It is written, "Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers," They may manage politics, puzzle out financial problems, discuss science, and settle the last new quibbles of criticism; but we will give ourselves unto such service as becomes those who, like the Lord Jesus, are ordained to a perpetual priesthood.

Accepting this honorable promise as involving a sacred duty, let us put on the vestments of holiness and minister before the Lord all day long.

Do I really believe in that?

Another question that I’ve been asking a lot lately: Do I really believe in that? Is that really my thought/belief or is it something that I've just accepted as being the correct way to think or believe? Do I know whatever claim someone is making is true or have I just been hearing it so long that I have just accepted it as true? Have I really thought it out or studied it for myself? 

Do I really understand what it is that I'm agreeing with or conversely what I'm railing against? 

A reason to blog

I’ve been giving the topic of blogging a lot of thought lately. Over the years I have gained so much from reading other people’s blogs. But I’m not really sure what I’ve gained, or more especially, contributed by my own blogging. As I was thinking about this today, I “happened” upon (through Tim Challie’s A La Carte) David Porter’s A Boomer in the Pew blog. As I was reading through some of his recent posts and generally looking around, I noticed a button on his nagivation bar entitled “Mission Statement.” It was one of those “aha” moments.

David writes:
“It is a interesting fact that millions of people start a blog each year. Another interesting fact, is that millions of people give up on blogging each year as well.

Just as in starting a business, building a successful marriage, or any other enterprise one might endeavor, at the root you must ask, and answer, an all important question: Why?

Here, the question is: why am I blogging?

Here, therefore, is this blog's mission statement:” (You can read the rest here.)

As I was reading through his Statement, I noted that much of what he wrote were reasons I had started blogging in the first place and had lost sight of, (no doubt in large part due to the fact that I didn’t have a mission statement) leading to my recent questioning of why I’m blogging.

So how cool is that? Because David decides to give away a beautiful calfskin ESV Study Bible, Tim writes about it, and I (who would really dearly love to have one) go to David’s site and find direction.