Happy To Be One of God's Trophies

Child at Prayer (ca 1873)

Colossians 4:2

New Living Translation (NLT)

An Encouragement for Prayer

2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Ephesians 2:10

King James Version (KJV)

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Psalm 90:12

New International Version (NIV)

12 Teach us to number our days,

    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

I really like a Stuart Townsend song, "Blessed Spirit (Puritan Prayer), but it's taken me about a year to upload it to Youtube, struggling to do it justice.  I It's is just so good that I'd hope to see it one day become one of the hymns of our faith.  Well, I don't know if I've done it justice but it's now uploaded.  When I read the lyrics and hear the song I pray that, in all the days that are granted to me, my life will be a monument to God's mercy. May others see how great my God truly is.  May I not long for trophies in this life but be content to be a trophy for my King.

It looks like the song cannot be yet uploaded to this blog but it can be watched as my latest upload on Youtube.   

Blessed Spirit (Puritan's Prayer.)

Lyrics

Blessed Spirit of the King,

Of grace and love the Author,

Work repentance deep within,

And bend me at Your altar.

Melt my heart with majesty,

Then show my ruined self to me;

Teach me to more clearly see

Your might and will to save me.

Here I place without reserve

My soul in faith and meekness,

Trusting in Christ's power and love

To flourish in my weakness.

Cause my days on earth to be

Through time and through eternity

A trophy of His victory,

A monument to mercy.

Teach me to behold my God,

And trust His power to save me,

Arms outstretched in constant love,

Whose strength will never fail me.

Help me to commune with Him,

Depend and follow after Him,

That through my life His peace will reign,

And joy be my companion.

Stuart Townsend

Copyright © 2006 Thankyou Music

Let God Arise

Psalm 68:1-3

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Glory of God in His Goodness to Israel

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song.

68 Let God arise,

Let His enemies be scattered;

Let those also who hate Him flee before Him.

2 As smoke is driven away,

So drive them away;

As wax melts before the fire,

So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

3 But let the righteous be glad;

Let them rejoice before God;

Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.

I hate pornography.  I hate that pornographic sites spam or bomb my blog to improve their own search engine ratings.  It's wrong and it will never be right, so I question whether I should continue.  The internet is a source for both great good and terrible evil.  I do know that God is in control and He will scatter His enemies.  Let the righteous be glad.

"Let God Arise" - Chris Tomlin

A Small Salute...

...to the season.  May you fix your eyes on God even though the world celebrates Him naught.  May your light shine in darkness.  May a child at your door be delighted by your giving.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band,All Prayed Up with Vince Gill (+playlist)

The Creator Calls

Psalm 65:8

New International Version (NIV)

8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;

    where morning dawns, where evening fades,

    you call forth songs of joy.

We took our dogs down to the water again tonight and were blessed with a most wondrous sunset.  You can't look upon such beauty and not see the Creator's hand in it.  It's such a gracious gift too!  The seagulls and the seals, the boats and ships, the righteous and the unrighteous all received it.  It was undeserved and glorious.  The Creator calls to all and we cant help but lift our heads.  The name of the Lord is to be praised.  

"Rising" by Paul Baloche

.

Vince Gill - Go Rest High On That Mountain

It's Sunday!

It's time to go to church and be the church!

Sleep Like a Hummingbird

Psalm 46:10

New International Version (NIV)

10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

    I will be exalted among the nations,

    I will be exalted in the earth.”

Isaiah 26:3

New International Version (NIV)

3 You will keep in perfect peace

    those whose minds are steadfast,

    because they trust in you.

Even a hummingbird sleeps.  While they may have the highest metabolism of all animals to support their rapidly beating wings, they do have the ability to go into a Torpor, a state of metabolism suppression, when sleep is needed or food is scarce.  God has provided for their rest.  This leads me to believe that what He provides for a tiny hummingbird, he'll provide for me.  When problems mount and anxieties threaten to breach my walls of faith; however, I can find it exceedingly hard to be still and at peace.  I want to solve problems immediately too impatient to wait for God's timing, not wanting to wait.  Yet He says, "Be still."  Anxieties only give sleepless nights.  God gives perfect peace.  It's time to place all of my worries at God's feet and sleep like a hummingbird.  

Be Still and Know (feat. Caleb Chapman) - Steven Curtis Chapman

Just a Smile...

...or two!

Third Day and Brandon Heath - Creed

Taking The High Road

Deuteronomy 32:13

New International Version (NIV)

13 He made him ride on the heights of the land

    and fed him with the fruit of the fields.

He nourished him with honey from the rock,

    and with oil from the flinty crag,

Isaiah 58:14

King James Version (KJV)

14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Psalm 18:3

English Standard Version (ESV)

3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,

    and I am saved from my enemies.

“This hill though high I covent ascend;

The difficulty will not me offend;

For I perceive the way of life lies here.

Come, pluck up, heart; let's neither faint nor fear. ” 

― John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress

I was reminded of the hymn, "Higher Ground," tonight.  I uploaded a version of it by the lovely singer, Claire Holley, to Youtube; but it's been some time since doing so and a long time since I last listened.  It was good to hear it again, since I'm so prone to do what's easy.  I once went hiking in the mountains with my then very small nephew who decided halfway up a switchback trail that he had had enough.  He sat down by the side of the trail and refused with firm resolve to go no further.  As I was pleading with him, a group of hikers stopped on the way and embarrassed him by their comments.   I don't think he felt as cute as they thought he looked.  He decided on his own to get up and finish the hike, discovering the fortitude he didn't know he had.  I love the memory of that hike.  My nephew is a grown man now with a wife and children and has never not made me proud of him.  As tempting as it is to give up, we all must still press on; and sometimes a little child shall lead us.  

'Higher Ground" - Claire Holley

I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Amazing Grace - Doc Watson & Chris Thile, MerleFest 2002

Thank a Teacher

These three images were found on the Pinterest boards of Colleen Ritzer, the young math teacher who was murdered this morning.  She was allegedly killed by her 14-year-old student this morning.  She was the second math teacher killed by a student in two days in this country.  Michael Landsberry was the first,  killed by a middle school student whom he was trying to persuade to put down his gun.  Our children's teachers need our support and our prayers.  

John 15:13

King James Version (KJV)

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

"I Won't Back Down" - Johnny Cash

My God, The Masterpiece Painter

Head of a young woman, c. 17th century by an unknown Dutch artist-slashed from a larger canvas.

Psalm 147:3

English Standard Version (ESV)

3 He heals the brokenhearted

    and binds up their wounds.

Isaiah 53:5

King James Version (KJV)

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

It's a little sad that this beautiful young girl's painting was so damaged, but it also seems that someone thought her worth keeping.  Our scars are our proof of life, we've been hurt and we have healed, much like Jesus, who redeemed us at the cross.  His scars have made us whole; and we find our identity in Him.  In this life we may not be remembered beyond our great-grandchildren's memories, but we have a God who will remember us for eternity.  We are, after all, masterpieces cut from a larger canvas, and our artist is not unknown.  

JesusPainter "By His Wounds" Glory Revealed

My God of My Personal Space

Revelation 3:20

English Standard Version (ESV)

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

1 Peter 1:8

English Standard Version (ESV)

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

Where I once to worked in a large lobby, I now work in a basement room.  Where I once had a work office I now have a cubicle.  I'm closer to my coworkers than I ever thought possible; and as lovely as they are, I'm closer than what I would have chosen.  I miss my office located next to the front door and its window with a view of the parking lot.    Sigh.  I'm adjusting, and it's always, always good to be employed.  I hang dearly onto my little job as I know that a woman of my age with rheumatoid arthritis and other ailments is not normally considered a good job candidate.  So it goes.  I may use hand sanitizer and cringe at my coworkers' coughs and sneezes, since rheumatoid arthritis compromised my immune system.  Still I still want to be there for the people God has put in my path, and He never promised me an inviolate personal space. 

I'm so glad I won't need a resume and impressive qualifications to get into Heaven; because I'd never even get an interview.  My Jesus sought me, saved me and continues to love me.  He has knocked at the door of my cubicle and I've let Him in.  We have a close and personal relationship.  I can dine at His lunch table.  He loves me even on the days I don't feel lovely or loving.  He loves me even when I play the slacker.  May His will for me always override my desire to control.  May His love be infectious and His joy spill over my barricades.  

Bill & Gloria Gaither - "My Jesus, I Love Thee [Live]"

Consider the Works of His Hands

Psalm 8:3-9

New International Version (NIV)

3 When I consider your heavens,

    the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

    which you have set in place,

4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,

    human beings that you care for them?[a]

5 You have made them[b] a little lower than the angels[c]

    and crowned them[d] with glory and honor.

6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;

    you put everything under their[e] feet:

7 all flocks and herds,

    and the animals of the wild,

8 the birds in the sky,

    and the fish in the sea,

    all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 Lord, our Lord,

    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

"Doxology" - David Crowder Band

Rich Mullins - Here In America

MISSISSIPPI JOHN HURT Lonesome Valley (1965)

It's Sunday!

The Amen Corner won't be the same without you.

Just As I Am - Willie Nelson

Just As I Was, Just As I Am

Billy Graham's First Crusade in Los Angeles 1949

Romans 5:6-8

New International Version (NIV)

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Timothy 1:15

New International Version (NIV)

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

Hebrews 12:1

King James Version (KJV)

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

A Billy Graham Crusade was required viewing in my childhood.  In my memory they were usually televised in the summer, which meant those long summer nights were cut short as we were called in to listen and watch the service.  I remember that George Beverley Shea sang, Cliff Barrows lead the choir, and Billy Graham looked you squarely in the eye through the wonders of television and preached.  Then there was the invitation to come forward to receive Christ, when the song, "Just As I Am, " was indelibly printed in my mind along with the images of people, so many people, getting up out of their seats to answer God's call on their hearts.  It was amazing to watch.  I think I thought of Dr. Graham as some sort of Super Christian.  If he wore a cape under his suit I wouldn't have been surprised.  

We do come to Jesus just as we are.  Thankfully He doesn't leave us in that state.  We repent and are forgiven.  We are given a brand new life and we are to live it, not returning to the sins that brought us broken to the altar.  Yet we still will sin and yet Jesus still forgive.  This is truly amazing grace, holy and unmerited grace that saves a wretch like me.

Grace When Grace Is Needed

Ephesians 4:2

English Standard Version (ESV)

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Romans 15:5

English Standard Version (ESV)

5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

Luke 9:23

English Standard Version (ESV)

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Sometimes we have to live for another's happiness instead of our own.  Sometimes we have to give ourselves away for someone who can't return in kind.  Sometimes we have to let the world revolve around another because they need it more than us.  

Sometimes Me Time is actually God's time; because the time spent at the feet of Jesus strengthens me to live in this world for Him.  It's not about me, it's all about Jesus; and He asks me to love the ones he brings into my life, even the unlovely. even the unappreciative, even the energy drainers; because He alone is my strength and song.  He fills up what has been spilt out.  He asks nothing of me that He hasn't already done, and He gives far beyond my expectations.

Isaiah 40:31

New International Version (NIV)

31 but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.

Gaither Hymns He Giveth More Grace

Ethel Waters - His Eye Is On The Sparrow ( 1965 )

Thankful In All Circumstances

My Party Dress: February 1939. "Child of migrant worker ironing in tent camp near Harlingen, Texas." 35mm negative by Russell Lee for the FSA.

Acts 24:3

English Standard Version (ESV)

3 in every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

English Standard Version (ESV)

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I hate ironing.  I've just been thinking how I need to get off the computer and get my clothes ready for work tomorrow. when I remembered this picture of a migrant child ironing her party dress.  I still hate ironing but I'm thankful I have clothes to iron and a dryer that means clothes may not even need ironing.   Sometimes I have to be nudged into an attitude of gratitude and sometimes I have to be pushed.  So tonight I'm thankful for my clothes washer and dryer, my iron and my ironing board, my abundant wardrobe, shoes for my feet, and this lovely house of the level path.  I'm also thankful that I'm no longer living in Texas with the heat and the bugs, especially the fire ants, chiggers too, and cockroaches!  It's really hard to be thankful for chiggers, fire ants, and cockroaches, which is probably why God had to write to be thankful in all circumstances.  (Excuse me while I shudder about the gigantic cockroach that landed on me in the middle of the night.)  Some things just don't make me naturally thankful.  

Early in my marriage my husband tried to make a point as he conversed with someone on the phone.  I heard him say something like, "Before I was married, my clothes were cleaned but not ironed.  Not that I'm married, my clothes are cleaned and ironed!"  This left me pondering who was ironing his clothes, because I surely wasn't.  He now knows his bride hates ironing.  He also knows where the iron and the ironing board are.  I wonder if he considers it an opportunity to be thankful in all circumstances, as he irons his own clothes.  Maybe I should surprise him and iron something for him...maybe.

Tenth Avenue North - Losing

Michael W. Smith - I give You my heart

I Liked This...

Proverbs 23:26

New International Version (NIV)

Saying 18

26 My son, give me your heart

    and let your eyes delight in my ways,

Until We Meet Again

Romans 10:13

English Standard Version (ESV)

13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

2 Peter 3:9

English Standard Version (ESV)

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,[a] not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart

    and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him,

    and he will make your paths straight.[a]

There are people I'm looking forward to seeing in Heaven someday.  I know they'll be there.  There will also be those I hope will be there, like the two in these pictures, whom I suspect are unclaimed family members, preparing for calamity which may or may not come. We can make life so hard and salvation even harder, when it's as simple as calling on the name of the Lord.  Jesus did all that was needed at the cross.  He has made the way.  He will hear the prayers of the repentant and will make you His own.  Please don't find yourself safe for anything but eternity.  I really, really want to see you there.

"God Be With You" - Selah

God Sees Me

Psalm 139:1-6

New King James Version (NKJV)

God’s Perfect Knowledge of Man

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

139 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;

You understand my thought afar off.

3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,

And are acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word on my tongue,

But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.

5 You have hedged me behind and before,

And laid Your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

It is high, I cannot attain it.

Hebrews 4:13

New International Version (NIV)

13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

I was around a little boy this past week who seemed to have no fear of authority, while seeming to think he was the authority, his life was his to control.  I've been around grownups who think the same thing.  A little holy awe and fear of fathers for children and adults for God is a good thing.  That I am never out of God's sight is a terrible wonder, scary but also freeing.  I never have to be my own pitiful god, a captain of sinking soul.  I am watched over, protected, and also held accountable for my actions by a merciful, perfect, and just Father.  He lets me run but He doesn't let me hide.  I am blessed, indeed.  

What I'm Reading...

“The one who forgives never brings up the past to that person's face. When you forgive, it's like it never happened. True forgiveness is complete and total.” 

“I'd made it this far and refused to give up because all my life I had always finished the race.” 

― Louis Zamperini, Devil at My Heels: A Heroic Olympian's Astonishing Story of Survival as a Japanese POW in World War II

I'm not through with it yet, but it's an astonishing story, truly, truly astonishing. Maybe I shouldn't be so astonished, because Louis Zamperini belongs an amazing God.  He's received God's amazing grace; and has forgiven as the Lord forgave him.

Colossians 3:13

New International Version (NIV)

13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

2 Timothy 4:7

New International Version (NIV)

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

louie Zamperini cbs 8-2012

Louis S. Zamperini - Unbroken by author Laura Hillenbrand

It's Sunday!

Curl your hair or shave your beard.  It's time to go to church!

Jesus Loves Me...

Yes, He does.

John 3:16

New International Version (NIV)

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 John 3:1-3

New King James Version (NKJV)

3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God![a] Therefore the world does not know us,[b] because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

When the young man who lives in our house but doesn't want to be blogged about was a small boy we used to put him to bed by singing together three songs: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," "Happy Birthday to Jesus," and, of course, "Jesus Loves Me."  Since then he has played ball, yearly celebrated the birth of Jesus, and grown in the knowledge that Jesus does love him; as he continues to read the Bible that tells him so.

1979 Willa Dorsey ● Jesus Loves Me (Halifax)

Jesus Gives the Right Word

Ecclesiastes 12:9-10

New International Version (NIV)

The Conclusion of the Matter

9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.

1 Peter 3:15

21st Century King James Version (KJ21)

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man who asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.

I stumbled upon a blog the other day.  The writer's words flowed across her blog like a river after the snow melt.  (Yes, I tried real hard to write that last sentence with a smidgin of poetic finesse.)  Wow, how did she do that?  How did she bare her soul with such beauty?  I pretty much come to my blog every night with a shrug and a "I've got nothin' Lord."   It's a little embarrassing to be a blogger with so little to say.  There is much that doesn't make it past my head and onto this blog; but, that's okay.  Some things should just be between me and my Savior.  Yes, I'm too shy, even on the internet; however, I pray that I may always have a good word and a ready answer for anyone who wants to know about my Jesus.  For now, I'll just sing along with Christine, "Jesus is All the World to Me."

Page CXVI - Jesus Loves Me

Corrie Ten Boom on Forgiveness

Working On A Building

Haggai 1

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Command to Rebuild the Temple

1 In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest: 2 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.” 3 Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, 4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? 5 Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. 6 You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.

7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. 8 Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord. 9 You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the Lord of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house. 10 Therefore the heavens above you have withheld the dew, and the earth has withheld its produce. 11 And I have called for a drought on the land and the hills, on the grain, the new wine, the oil, on what the ground brings forth, on man and beast, and on all their labors.”

The People Obey the Lord

12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke to the people with the Lord's message, “I am with you, declares the Lord.” 14 And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, 15 on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.

Working On A Building - Trace Adkins, T. Graham Brown, Jimmy Fortune, Marty Raybon

My God With Arms Wide Open

Proverbs 14:26

English Standard Version (ESV)

26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence,

    and his children will have a refuge.

Galatians 4:6

English Standard Version (ESV)

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! 

Father!”

Matthew 11:28-30

New International Version (NIV)

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

It's so easy to see in this picture who is the little girl's father.  He's the one with open arms and a face full of delight.  Such it is our Heavenly Father.  I need to remember this when I've had a bad day.  I can run to my Father's arms and rest in His love.  

"Feet of Jesus" - Steven Curtis Chapman

Johnny Cash Hurt

Battle Hymn of the Republic - Page CXVI

A House Divided

Mark 3:24-25

New International Version (NIV)

24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Isaiah 30:18

New International Version (NIV)

18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;

    therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice.

    Blessed are all who wait for him!

When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer 'Present' or 'Not guilty.'
Theodore Roosevelt

America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.

Abraham Lincoln

     I do get dismayed by seeing all the infighting in our Capitol in the news; and then, because I live with a national park at my back door, I find that I really hate seeing my country shut its doors.  I don't want to place blame, but I do want to see it fixed.  My husband just spoke about a student who cannot attend his federally funded after school program.  How is he going to learn fair play on the playground when the grownups can't play fair?

     I am thankful to live in this great nation, and obligated to those who have sacrificed so much to make it great.  There have been, however, some chipping away at the foundations this country was built on; and our own moral centers have gone askew.  We are becoming less grieved by and even prone to rationalize sin.  God has been patient with us thus far and always forgiving to those who seek forgiveness; but there will be a day when He no longer forbears judgment.  He is a just God and will see justice done.  I pray that when this happens He will find there are righteous yet living and will have mercy on our country.  May He find us faithful.

Isaiah 40:23-31

New International Version (NIV)

23 He brings princes to naught

    and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.

24 No sooner are they planted,

    no sooner are they sown,

    no sooner do they take root in the ground,

than he blows on them and they wither,

    and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.

25 “To whom will you compare me?

    Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.

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.

27 Why do you complain, Jacob?

    Why do you say, Israel,

“My way is hidden from the Lord;

    my cause is disregarded by my God”?

28 Do you not know?

    Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

    the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

    and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary

    and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,

    and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.