Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Jesus, Lord at Thy Birth

Psalms 72:11 
May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!
Isaiah 9:6  
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting  Father, Prince of Peace.

I uploaded a version of "Silent Night" by Zach Williams that is very much a tender lullaby.  As much as I like the song, I missed the declaration that Jesus was Lord from his birth, a newborn who always has been and always will be Lord of all.  
Silent Night - Zach Gill

Tenth Avenue North - Sparrow (Under Heaven's Eyes) (Audio)

Sunday, December 17, 2017

I Still Like Cows...

...barn cats too.  It takes me back to not so silent but still calm and bright nights.  

It's Sunday!

Isaiah 1:18 New English Translation (NET Bible)

18 Come, let’s consider your options,” says the Lord.
“Though your sins have stained you like the color red,
you can become white like snow;
though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet,
you can become white like wool.
Come together to worship the One who has made our sins white as snow.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

He's Home!

James 1:17 English Standard Version (ESV)

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.[a]

There is contentment tonight in this house of the level path.  That young man who doesn't want to be blogged about has graduated from college and returned home at least for a time.  I'm a happy mom, grandmother to a happy dog.  My husband is pretty pleased too.  Right now he and our son are praying together before retiring for the night.  It's not The Holy Night but it's still a holy night.

"O Holy Night" Ernie Ford and Gordon MacRae

Paul Baloche - Joy To The World / Our God Saves

Sunday, December 3, 2017

It's First Advent Sunday!

We are the people with hope!

Romans 15:12-13 New English Translation (NET Bible)

12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, and the one who rises to rule over the Gentiles, in him will the Gentiles hope.” 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

“The Advent season is a season of waiting, but our whole life is an Advent season, that is, a season of waiting for the last Advent, for the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth.” 
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God Is In the Manger

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Because It's Still Sunday...

We sing praise!
Folliett Sandford Pierpoint

1 For the beauty of the earth, 
for the glory of the skies, 
for the love which from our birth 
over and around us lies. 
Refrain: 
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise 
this, our hymn of grateful praise. 
2 For the wonder of each hour 
of the day and of the night, 
hill and vale and tree and flower, 
sun and moon and stars of light, [Refrain ]
3 For the joy of human love, 
brother, sister, parent, child, 
friends on earth, and friends above, 
for all gentle thoughts and mild, [Refrain] 
4 For yourself, best gift divine, 
to the world so freely given, 
agent of God's grand design: 
peace on earth and joy in heaven. [Refrain]
Psalter Hymnal, 1987 

For the Beauty of the Earth - Sara Groves


It's Sunday!

I'm thankful for Fall.

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Traveling Mercies Redux

Proverbs 3:23-26 The Message (MSG)

Never Walk Away
21-26 Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life;
    don’t for a minute lose sight of them.
They’ll keep your soul alive and well,
    they’ll keep you fit and attractive.
You’ll travel safely,
    you’ll neither tire nor trip.
You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry,
    you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.
No need to panic over alarms or surprises,
    or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner,
Because God will be right there with you;
    he’ll keep you safe and sound.
Sometimes snow isn't funny, although I do like this Peanuts cartoon.  I don't always read The Message Bible, although I do like this passage from it.  Last weekend we were at the young man who doesn't want to be blogged about's university.  As he was driving his mom and dad, the snow started falling in earnest.  Then a car going the opposite direction on the highway suddenly slid in front of us!  I remember saying, "This is happening," as we slid off the road and down an embankment.  I think it was about 20 feet down but I do know it was far enough down for me to pray, "Lord help us!" four times over before we came to a stop in a farmer's field.  
Our young man took control of the car and the situation.  (All his years of playing Mario Kart really paid off!)  He wanted to first know if we were alright.   (We were except for maybe an overload of adrenaline with me.)  He spoke with the other driver, upset but alright, who was calling down to us from the highway.  He called 911 as he hiked out looking for a mile marker for the dispatcher; and, in doing so, found us a way out of the field.  Then after reporting in with the state patrol officer, he got back in the driver's seat and drove us over that rutted, snow covered path onto the highway.  Because we were not at fault,  the officer returned my son's license and the car's registration and sent us on our way.  He said it was lucky we didn't roll, I think it was God and it was God working in the life of our young man.  
I may have to stop calling him a young man because I know now he's a fully grown, mature adult.  And I'm his mom, who may need a good nap.

Traveling Mercies - Lost Dogs

It's Sunday!

Praying for those who suffered such a great loss just last week in Sutherland Springs, Texas.  We weep with those who weep.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Flawless From the Beginning

Proverbs 30:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 “Every word of God is flawless;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

John 1:1New International Version (NIV)
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Casting Crowns - Gloria/Angels We Have Heard on High (Official Lyric Video)

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Even If Life Disappoints...

Proverbs 23:17-18 English Standard Version (ESV)

17 Let not your heart envy sinners,
    but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.
18 Surely there is a future,
    and your hope will not be cut off.


Numbers 23:19 English Standard Version (ESV)

19 God is not man, that he should lie,
    or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
    Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

Zechariah 9:12English Standard Version (ESV)

12 Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;
    today I declare that I will restore to you double.

...we can still hope.  God has not forgotten his prisoners of hope and will yet fulfill His plans for us.  So go ahead we Charlie Browns and keep knocking on doors, keep collecting rocks, because there is, if not a treat in your future, at least a pretty good party.  Also don't forget to keep kicking the football.

It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown Part 2 of 7

Ghost - MercyMe

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Who's Your Father?

1 John 5:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Overcoming the World
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.

1 John 5:4New English Translation (NET Bible)

4 because everyone who has been fathered by God conquers the world.

Testimony About the Son
This is the conquering power that has conquered the world: our faith.

1 John 5:19 New English Translation (NET Bible)

19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

This morning I awakened to a call from my son's campus security warning of a shooting near the school. Not the way I want to wake up, but I didn't fear for my son.  He belongs to God and lives as his good son. (I did Mom-text him later that day though just be sure all was well.)   There is evil in this world as well as good.  There is wrong and there is right.  There is sin and there is obedience.  We are either children of God or children of Satan.  The most recent mass shooting in Las Vegas has had me thinking about the existence of evil.  There's been such a search for the killer's motive because we want to understand what can't be understood.  Was he insane?  Was he a terrorist?  Did he have an agenda?  I believe he was just evil.   The world wants an diagnosis for sin but rejects the antidote, Jesus, God's only begotten Son given to this sin sick world.  

John 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.



Shots Were Fired - John Tibbs

It's Sunday!

Psalm 122:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Let Us Go to the House of the Lord
A Song of Ascents. Of David.

122 I was glad when they said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Because My Husband Loves Thanksgiving...

Psalm 118:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Thanksgiving for the Lord’s Saving Goodness.

118 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

...and Glen Campbell, I uploaded a Thanksgiving song for him today.  He is right about how we go from Halloween straight into Christmas and too often overlook Thanksgiving.  Driving home from church tonight, I was amazed at how many homes were decorated with lights and Halloween decorations.  It's a bit spooky out there to say the least, it's terribly satanic out there to say the most.  I'll try not to be too judgmental because I've eaten more than my share of Halloween candy through the years, but I do find myself looking forward to Thanksgiving.  (Also the young man who now lives in a dorm but still doesn't want to be blogged about will be coming home for the holiday.)  Yes, I am thankful.

Come Harvest Time - Glen Campbell


Saturday, October 7, 2017

Because I'm Thinking About My Husband...

...who just took our granddog for his second walk in the last hour, even though it's late and he just worked an eight hour shift.  He's a good man, Charlie Brown.  


Pitter Patter Goes the Rain - Christy Nockels
Hosea 6:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

3 “So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord.
His going forth is as certain as the dawn;
And He will come to us like the rain,
Like the spring rain watering the earth.”

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Free Indeed

Hurricane Harvey - 08-25-2017 - "While some dishonor and desecrate her, APPD Ofc. Jack McCarty will stop at nothing to honor and save her." - Aransas Pass Police Department Texas

John 8:36 New International Version (NIV)
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Hebrews 13:14 English Standard Version (ESV)
14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

This past weekend I was putting together a Youtube video and found this image of a police officer saving our flag during Hurricane Harvey.  Since NFL football and our president had most of the country thinking about our flag, this picture made me pause.  I don't have any issue with those who take a knee instead of standing during the playing of the National Anthem, since the flag represents our right to do either; and if one cares enough to stand or kneel, such passion demonstrates patriotism and freedom.  As for me, I will stand; I will always stand for my country.  As for me, I will also kneel; but I will always, only kneel for my God.  True freedom comes through Christ alone.

Eye of the Storm (feat. Gabe Real) - Ryan Stevenson

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Amen! Thank God!

2 Corinthians 5:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!

Luke 15:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

I've always enjoyed baptismal services, so when an unexpected one was announced from church this morning, that a hospice patient, a brand new brother in Christ, needed baptizing tonight, I was ready to be a witness.  And it was such a privilege to see this man, a babe in Christ, with the help of his grown sons step into the waters of baptism.   Then as somewhere in the church the piano chords where played, "This is my story, this is my song," he was followed into the water by a precious grandson.  I told my husband afterwards, "I think we were sitting with the angels."  
I like this new song by Matthew West. 
Matthew West - Amen (Lyric Video)

It's Sunday!

The ladies look great!

Sunday, August 27, 2017

It's Sunday!

"Hamilton Methodist Church, CA 1960" Church Ladies and their 'Crowns.'
The church ladies are lovely!

Monday, August 21, 2017

The Sky Proclaims His Handiwork

Psalm 19:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Law of the Lord Is Perfect
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

19 The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above[a] proclaims his handiwork.

Nehemiah 9:6 English Standard Version (ESV)

6 [a] “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

One Light in a Million

Isaiah 40:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
    Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
    and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
    not one of them is missing.

I'm pretty sure there's no one in America who doesn't know a solar eclipse is coming tomorrow.  I won't be looking, though, because I don't have the glasses!  That's okay, I'm sure I'll see the coverage of it.  I wonder what God thinks of all the excitement over one star in his creation.   I pray that we will be considering the Creator tomorrow as well as his creation.  Dominion and awe belong to Him.

A Million Lights - Michael W. Smith 


It's Sunday!

Bacon, Henry (b,1839)- Pay Attention
Pay attention!

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

He Will Return

Luke 21:34-36 New English Translation (NET Bible)

Be Ready!
34 “But be on your guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day close down upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will overtake all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that must happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Revelation 19:6-9 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
    the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult
    and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
    and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
    with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

9 And the angel said[a] to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

What will be left on earth after Christ calls His Bride, the church, to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?  That thought was the inspiration for my latest Youtube upload.  Christ will return.  Are you ready?

Gather Round Now - Third Day 



Sunday, August 13, 2017

It's Sunday!

Art and Design Blog: Desert Realty: Photos by Ed Freeman

Even in the desert, church can be found.

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Nobody Loves Like Jesus

Ephesians 3:18-19 New English Translation (NET Bible)

18 you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

Nobody Loves Me Like Jesus

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Because We Have a Big, Big God

John 16:33 New English Translation (NET Bible)

33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.”

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 New English Translation (NET Bible)

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Romans 8:37 New English Translation (NET Bible)

37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!

Philippians 4:13New English Translation (NET Bible)

13 I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.

I had to go to physical therapy again today.  I don't like to think of myself as a weenie but weenie I am.  I needed some overcoming Bible verses and thankfully God supplies.  It's a big mountain but God is bigger.

Great God Almighty - Third Day