Life is Still Beautiful

“In almost everything that touches our everyday life on earth, God is pleased when we’re pleased. He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our maker’s praise without anxiety.” ~A.W. Tozer

Yes, life is beautiful.  It is also sacred, a divine blessing, even when circumstances and feelings tell us otherwise.  Even if you can't find a reason for living, live anyway.  If you're in a depression so deep you can't climb out, then worship him in the the trenches. He is present wherever you are and dearly wants a relationship with you.  Live on.

"Life is Beautiful" - The Afters

Prayer For The End of the Day

"God Leads Us Along" - Forbes Family

My God of Rest

God knows all the that troubles my heart as I lie down to rest.  I have to give them over to Him and give them over again.  I can't be the sheep telling the shepherd how to do his job.  I can't shepherd myself.  I may not be the smartest sheep in the fold, but he loves me still.  I can trust the One who knows  me better than I know myself. 

I Enjoyed This

"He Reigns" (From PandaMania)

My God Who Comforts

In the dark night of your soul remember Jesus.  He understands out pain  because He lived it all the way to the cross.  My Lord, O Man of Sorrows, make me willing to suffer for You, and by sharing in your suffering, may I also see others as you see them, so that I may comfort them in the way you have comforted me.  Trouble comes to all.  Hope is found in Christ.  Persevere.  

"Bound To Come Some Trouble" - Rich Mullins

My God the Giver of Beauty and Meaning

I was saddened to learn of someone who took his own life this week.  I didn't know him well, but I did know that he mattered to one I love, so his life mattered to me.  God's plans are for our good and He desires to fulfill them.  Life is truly beautiful.  Don't reject the gift.  

"Life Is Beautiful" - The Afters

My God The Keeper of My Inheritance

1 Peter 1:3-12

New International Version (NIV)

Praise to God for a Living Hope

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Last night I listened to a young woman, fervent in faith and radiant through redemption, speak of what angels long to look into.  She thought that they must marvel at those who believe in Jesus whom they have never seen, who remain faithful in serving an invisible God.   For those beings, living beyond the veil in the full light of God's glory, are also charged with serving the children Christ redeemed.  Knowing how weak and puny we are, they must indeed wonder at the depth of our Savior's love and mercy.  I wonder at this myself, but sometimes it's a sullen wonder.  When troubles come I wonder why God doesn't treat me any better than He does.  I get a little put out and my faith becomes small.  Why do I expect better treatment that Jesus, Himself, received upon this earth?  My inheritance is in Heaven.  A little grief here is a good grief.

"Farther Along" - The Grascals

A Verse For the Morning

Hillsong Chapel - "Mighty to Save"

My God Who Plants

It's been a strange day, both good and bad.  Car troubles always are a challenge to my faith, but it did give a chance for the young man who lives in my house but doesn't want to be blogged about an opportunity to display godly manhood.  It's lovely for a mother to have a caring son.  A faithful life forms our character and it's growth must be beautiful, indeed, to our Maker.

"I Am a Seed" - David Crowder Band

My God Who's Preparing My Place

John 14:3

New International Version (NIV)

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

I know this doesn't look like a heavenly mansion, but still I'm hoping in mine for a back porch with kittens and a dog; because my grandma's back porch always seemed a little like heaven to me. 

"That Where I Am There You May Also Be" - Rich Mullins

Rich Mullins Concert #10

Charles Spurgeon

Paid In Full

"Jesus Paid It All (O Praise the One)

My God of the Heroes

Hebrews 13:1 - Let brotherly love continue.

Psalm 121:2-3

New International Version (NIV)

2 My help comes from the Lord,

    the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—

    he who watches over you will not slumber;

Isaiah 41:10

New International Version (NIV)

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The news has been full of evil and tragedy but also of great courage.  I remain tonight thankful for first responders, those in Boston, West, Texas, and also in Newtown.    I've watched news reports over what causes people to run to help in spite of the danger.  I believe it is God.  He makes heroes, whether the heroes know this or not.  The goodness of God always trumps evil.  

"The Love of God" - Rich Mullins

Praying For Boston

Remembering George Beverly Shea

George Beverly Shea

February 1, 1909 - April 16, 2013

"I'd Rather Have Jesus"

I'd Rather Have Jesus

Rhea F. Miller, 1922

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name
He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead

The Wisdom of Mr. Rogers' Mom

John 15:13

New International Version (NIV)

13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Luke 10:33

"But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion,

Romans 12:15

New International Version (NIV)

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

The news of the terror attack in Boston, a city I associate with America's liberty,  is hard to watch, almost too hard, if it weren't for the helpers, those who thought first of the injured, the innocents and ran to their aid.  I am comforted that should I or one of my loved ones be victims of such horror that I can trust my fellow Americans to help.  It's part of our history and is instilled into our character.   Despite any evidence to the contrary, we are a Christian nation and I pray that we will remain so.  I also pray for Christians around the world who are called on to be brave in the face of horrors unfamiliar and unimaginable to those who are blessed to live in this country.  

And I'm thankful for Mr. Roger's mom.

"Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)" - Chris Tomlin

Stand With Boston

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" - Chris Rice

Because This Painting...

Edwin Henry Landseer,  Old Shepherd's Chief Mourner

...Touches my soul.

"I Will Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 212) - Brian Doerksen

My God's Home Plate

In backyard and school lot baseball games, I was always the last one picked for a team; and that unfortunate team then would be granted first ups to help level the playing field. My usual position was so far out in the outfield that I could see Russia from there, such as it was.    Still, I love the game, because I love people who love the game.  I know too that there will a day, some glorious day, when I will cross home plate and claim my victory in Jesus!  Amazing grace, He picked me for His team!

"The Ball Game" sung by Sister Wynona Carr played at the end of "42," the Jackie Robinson movie.

"The Ball Game" - Sister Wynona Carr

My Sporting God

Galatians 3:28

English Standard Version (ESV)

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[a] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

My husband and I went tonight to the movie, "42," about Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball.  It was good!    I'd very much recommend it others.  

"42" Movie Trailer

My God of The Martyrs

1 Peter 2:9

New International Version (NIV)

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

2 Timothy 3:12

King James Version (KJV)

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

It's morning, time to get ready for work and I'm still tired after a day of travel yesterday to see my rheumatologist.  I thought I'd post these two pictures of Christian martyrs should I start feeling too sorry for myself.

Gone Home

Philippians 1:20-21 (NIV)

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

Dad,

You've been gone home now three years!  You're still loved and missed by your family, but I know you must be enjoying the fellowship of the saints in Heaven. Our loss was your gain.  Have you run into any of your old army buddies?   I hope so.  I found myself wishing you could have been around earlier this week when an old town landmark was demolished.  It didn't go down easily, apparently it was designed to last.  I think most of your generation were made that way as well.  Thanks again for serving.  We'll be seeing you.

"Gone Home" - Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

What I'm Listening To...

Proverbs 4:23-26

New International Version (NIV)

23 Above all else, guard your heart,

    for everything you do flows from it.

24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;

    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead;

    fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Give careful thought to the[a] paths for your feet

    and be steadfast in all your ways.

"Slow Fade" - Casting Crowns

My God Who Is My Home

Army, US Troops Coming Home 1917

John 14:2

King James Version (KJV)

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Philippians 3:20-21

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Although I've wandered, I am now living once again in my hometown, even on the street of my childhood.  I read that in Korea a person's true home is where their father was born.  I find I like that idea because it translates so well to where a Christian's true home is, in our Father's house.  As much as I love this house of the level path and as much as I appreciate my hometown, I look forward to when my Father calls me home.  Until that day I want to point the way Home for those who are still lost.

"Ready to Fly (Prelude)" - Jamie Grace

My God Who is Mighty To Save

"Mighty To Save" - Hillsong

My God of All the Peoples of the World

Psalm 90:2

New International Version (NIV)

2 Before the mountains were born

    or you brought forth the whole world,

    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

I've been reading this book today and it has absorbed much of my time and thoughts.  When Kim ll-sung died in 1994 it was as if the people's god died.  How terrible that must have been for his true believers, how tragic!  Still, they are not without God even if that God is outlawed, even if Kim ll-sung's body lies enshrined and is yet worshipped.  God is still the God of all.  There is an underground church in North Korea, whose members if discovered may be sentenced to a prison camp and even executed.  Yet they continue on.  The light of God can never be extinguished.  We, who worship in safety and comfort, should be praying for these faithful and courageous brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Great Suffering of the Underground Church in North Korea

"Everlasting: - Brian Doerksen

My God of Many Treasures

I was at an estate sale today for some dear soul that never met a pretty thing she didn't like.  I'd like to say I walked away from the sale virtuously empty-handed but I didn't.  I like pretty things too.  It still cautioned me over what's important in life as I looked at a collection of honeypots that could have been my honeypots sold long ago in my own sale.  Maybe they were.  I sure didn't need them anymore; and, if there's honey in Heaven, I'm know my Lord will have His own pots.  So now I have a hat that actually fits my overly large head, a box  that reminds me of my father, and a 50-year old pin that gives me one vote as a centennial queen.  A girl always wants a crown.  I will be crowned too one glorious day and not for a century but for an eternity.  My Savior gave me His vote on the cross.  

"Kingdom Come" - JJ Heller

My God of Everything Glorious

Reflection of God - Morgan Weistling

Isaiah 43:7

New International Version (NIV)

7 everyone who is called by my name,

    whom I created for my glory,

    whom I formed and made."

Psalm 139:14

New International Version (NIV)

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

Genesis 1:27

New International Version (NIV)

27 So God created mankind in his own image,

    in the image of God he created them;

    male and female he created them.

The same God that spread the stars across the heavens, spread the freckles across your nose.  The same God that rolled the hills across the land formed the curve of your cheeks.  The same God that created waters of great depths also created the pools in your eyes.  We are marvelous works of God created for His glory.  Features that often dissatisfy me actually bring God pleasure.  I need to remember that when tired, shadowed eyes often look back at me in the mirror.  The pain and illness that mars my visage is but a whisper of what marred my Lord's. 

"Everything Glorious" - David Crowder Band

For the Love of Cows... Again...

My Coming Back God

Mark 16:7

New International Version (NIV)

7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

The young man who lives in our house but doesn't want to be blogged about has a one-man dog, that man being him.  Whenever he has to leave him behind, this faithful dog climbs onto the end of the couch and begins his vigil for his master's return.  Sunday night, like many, we were watching "The Bible" series on the History Channel, while this young man was away at work.  When Peter joyously announced to those who believed Jesus was yet dead, "He's back!" this little dog leapt off the couch to meet his master at the door.  Unfortunately, he wasn't back, the TV fooling him much like it does when it sounds the ring of a doorbell.  

If Jesus was at my door would I run to meet Him?  Would I be prepared for His return?  Would my house be in order?  I pray that it would be so.  For He is coming again.

"Before This Time" - Big Stuf

What I'm Listening To...

"Nothing Is Wasted (Official Music Video)" - Jason Grey

My Resurrection God

Easter Sunrise Service Aboard USS Duane 1944

1 Peter 1:3-9

New International Version (NIV)

Praise to God for a Living Hope

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Because the young man who lives in our house but doesn't want to be blogged about likes our town's Easter Sunrise Service, we attended yesterday as a family.  It was an unusually lovely morning with the sun rising just as the service began.  Still we were dressed in layers of clothing and wrapped in blankets against the cold.  There's something about sacrificing sleep for worship that can lead my thoughts down the sanctimonious rabbit trail, imagining myself extra spiritual for simply getting up in the morning.   Oh, my, how conceited is that, when my Jesus had suffered the cross for me!  

As the service continued, memories of the sacrifices that members of the body of Christ have made came to mind.  My youth group once met in a cow pasture for the Easter sunrise, and while we were soulfully singing, "Morning Has Broken," women were back in the church kitchen preparing a lovely breakfast for us.  I didn't appreciate then as much as I appreciate it now, not the sacrifice of attending a service, but rather the sacrifice of service.  My youth pastor,  standing with crutches, because of childhood polio, preached while a horse read over his shoulder and we giggled.  He is now dealing with both post polio syndrome and cancer.  The woman who filled my orange juice glass that morning walks bent over with age and pain as she faithfully enters the House of the Lord.  What a resurrection celebration there will be when those two saints march into Heaven!

I'd like to be in their number.

"Morning Has Broken" - Michael Card