Gaither Vocal Band - Alpha and Omega

And So It Begins...

Luke 2:14

King James Version (KJV)

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

My husband and I did a little of our own Black Friday shopping today, when we discovered that all donated items at the Goodwill store were half price.  For those who want to know, they'll also be half price tomorrow.  It's been lean times for us; and, judging by how busy the store was, it's been lean times for many people.  It must be harder on people forced into thriftiness that for those who consider thriftiness a virtue.  I fall into the former group and not the latter.  It will be interesting someday to compare the survivors of the great depression with the survivors of the great recession; but not tonight, since I'm growing sleepy.  I do doubt that those who lived through the depression have the same sense of entitlement that we recession survivors do.  They likely accepted their lot in life more readily when it had always been their lot as well as their neighbor's.  Lean times do have me searching out God more than I do in times of prosperity.   That's not an entirely bad thing.  

"Christmas Time Is Here" - Jars of Clay

Thanksgiving

Acts 2:42

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

I did enjoy sharing a Thanksgiving meal with family today.  I am thankful and blessed.  My heart is full as well as my belly.  God is good.

"Breaking Bread" - Johnny Cash

Breaking Bread, Breaking Bread

we are gathered here together to break bread

Breaking Bread, Breaking Bread

we are gathered here together to break bread

It's not the barley or the wheat

It's not the oven or the heat

That makes this bread so good to eat

It's the needing and the sharing that makes the meal complete

Breaking Bread, breaking bread

We are gathered here together to break bread

Breaking Bread, breaking Bread

We are gathered here together to break bread

Upon the water prayed his cast

The last is first, the first is last

For everyone who eats this bread

There are thousands maybe more that will be fed

Breaking Bread, breaking bread

We are gathered here together to break bread

Breaking Bread, breaking Bread

We are gathered here together to break bread 

Simple Gifts - Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss

An Encouraging Word

It Hurts!

Ephesians 4:32

English Standard Version (ESV)

32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Exodus 14:14

English Standard Version (ESV)

14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16

English Standard Version (ESV)

16 Rejoice always,

Last night I resolved to keep running.  Today I've let hurt feelings trump God's truth, running me over like a crazed shopper on Black Friday.  It isn't pretty, but sin never is.  So as I take this hurt once again to my Lord, I'll stop to praise Him that life isn't fair, to be thankful that I don't get what I deserve, and to rest in His perfect mercy and grace.  

MercyMe - "The Hurt & The Healer" Official Music Video

I Liked This...

Brandon Heath - The Day After Thanksgiving - Official Lyric Video

Keep Running!

Isaiah 48:10

King James Version (KJV)

10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

1 Peter 1:7

New International Version (NIV)

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.

Hebrews 12:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I'm still feeling the heat from yet another trip through the refiner's fire today.  Apparently God isn't through with me yet.  I must be a slow learner.  Sigh.  Tonight my husband has brought me an ice cream drumstick to lift my spirits.  Tomorrow will pick myself up and keep running.

A Pilgrim's Progress (Keep Runnin') - Matt Papa

There's Reason to Be Thankful...

Genesis 9:14-17

New International Version (NIV)

14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

17 So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”

...that God spared the animals in the flood.  He must know that a boy needs a dog.  

Loving dog takes care of little boy with Down syndrome

Father Knows Best

I'm old fashioned, but that's not bad since I've been fashioned after God's own heart.  I miss some of the television programs I watched growing up.  Maybe time has made them dearer and they weren't as good as I remember; but I'll keep viewing them through my rose colored glasses and enjoy the memories.  This is a lovely clip from the show, "Father Knows Best."  Watch and be thankful.  Our Heavenly Father does know best.

Thanksgiving Prayer from Father Knows Best

It's Sunday!

These two can't wait for the invitation to stand up and shake hands with your neighbor. . .

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Psalm 145:7

New International Version (NIV)

7 They celebrate your abundant goodness

    and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Thanksgiving, a holiday my husband greatly loves, is fast approaching, even as the pressures of the retail holiday season are already here.  We have been blessed from God's abundance.  May we stop, really stop, to give thanks.   

Jussi Björling sings "Prayer of Thanksgiving"

Lacey Sturm - Mercy Tree (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Let the Little Children Come

Ft. Worth school children laughing and smiling, as the wait for John F. Kennedy to drive by- Fort Worth Star Telegram

Matthew 19:14

New International Version (NIV)

14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Genesis 50:20

English Standard Version (ESV)

20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people[a] should be kept alive, as they are today.

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.

Today my son found me watching the History Channel's programs marking the anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.  He seemed to understand my interest when I explained that this date for my generation was similar to what 9/11 was for his.  They were both national tragedies that played out on television.  They were both days that would forever mark the children of those times.  

I could write more, but it's late.  Sleep peacefully, children, God's good always overcomes man's evil.  Aspire to be strong and courageous, honorable and virtuous.  Most of all love the Lord, you God, with all you heart, soul, and mind.

The President's Daughter

Psalm 68:5

New International Version (NIV)

5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,

    is God in his holy dwelling.

Fifty years ago tonight I went to sleep in all security in a world that didn't stretch much further than my family, my church, my little town.  Yes, I had progressed far enough in school to know that it did; but as I fell asleep in the upstairs bedrooms that held my dear sisters and brothers, I was a child most blessed.  Fifty years ago tomorrow, my grade school teacher came into our classroom shaken in a way that I did not know to tell us of the death of our President and then quickly lowered our classroom flag.  In the following days I watched along with everyone else this National tragedy playing out on our little black and white TV.   

The President and the First Lady had been such a glamorous couple, educated and stylish in a way my parents weren't, but what fascinated me most was their children, especially Caroline.  I may have even wanted to be her in my imaginings.   Fifty years ago tomorrow, however, I stopped wanting to be her.  It was the day I learned that father's could die.   

        Orphans of God

Sometimes...

And I'm So Happy!

Okay, I'm working on it.

Psalm 42:5

New International Version (NIV)

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?

    Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

    for I will yet praise him,

    my Savior and my God.

I find that singing helps!

This is another song learned in Sunday School.  Feel free to sing along.

I've got that joy... down in my heart

Trust and Obey

Psalm 56:3-4

New International Version (NIV)

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

4     In God, whose word I praise—

in God I trust and am not afraid.

    What can mere mortals do to me?

"Trust and Obey" is one of those hymns I learned in childhood that has served me well my life long.  I sing it alone but loudly whenever life throws me a curveball, writes a plot twist, or places a speed bump in the road.  Mostly I sing it when I'm afraid and need to remember God only asks me to trust and obey.

Trust and Obey

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will, He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,

But His smile quickly drives it away;

Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,

Can abide while we trust and obey.

Refrain

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,

But our toil He doth richly repay;

Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,

But is blessed if we trust and obey.

Refrain

But we never can prove the delights of His love

Until all on the altar we lay;

For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,

Are for them who will trust and obey.

Refrain

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.

Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.

What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;

Never fear, only trust and obey.

Refrain

Chelsea Moon w/ the Franz Brothers - Trust & Obey

My God of Promise and Hope

Isaiah 43:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

Israel’s Only Savior

43 But now, this is what the Lord says—

    he who created you, Jacob,

    he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,

    I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

    they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

    you will not be burned;

    the flames will not set you ablaze.

That God continues to stand by his imperfect rebellious children is a comfort to me.  I've liked this passage in Isaiah for a long time now.  Because of a song I uploaded to Youtube today, "You Are Mine" by Enter the Worship circle, I've been considering this passage again as well as the life of Moses, God's servant sent to lead the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt.  Anyone who has watched the annual showing of the movie, "The Ten Commandments," knows his story.  This imperfect man, sometimes fearful, sometimes tongue tied, sometimes angry, and sometimes disobedient, lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, a land he couldn't enter because he struck the rock at Meribah to bring water to the Israelites instead of speaking to it as God had instructed.  I think that Moses reason enough to be angry with the children of Israel, but by striking the rock he stole the honor that a holy God so rightly deserved.  Fast forward now to the Transfiguration of Jesus.  On a mountain the Son of God was revealed in all His glory to Peter, James and John, men who yet walked the earth.  Beside Jesus in the transfiguration there appeared Elijah and -drumroll- Moses.  What an honor it must have been for this now citizen of Heaven to return to the time when the prophesies of the Messiah were being fulfilled!   Yes, he sinned and suffered the consequence of that sin, but God was not through with him yet.  He, who was once shielded by God's own hand on Mount Sinai from the full radiance of His Glory, was able stand Jesus side bathed in His glory.  Such is our sure hope.    

Moses Viewing The Promised Land by Frederic Edwin Church

You Are Mine - Enter the Worship Circle

It's Sunday!

Reading the Bible in the "storefront" Baptist Church, Chicago, Illinois.

Matthew 18:20

English Standard Version (ESV)

20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

We gather in His name.

"Brethren We Have Met to Worship" - Bart Millard

Joyful Noises and Singing Stones

Psalm 150:1-6

English Standard Version (ESV)

Let Everything Praise the Lord

150 Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sanctuary;

    praise him in his mighty heavens![a]

2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;

    praise him according to his excellent greatness!

3 Praise him with trumpet sound;

    praise him with lute and harp!

4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;

    praise him with strings and pipe!

5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;

    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 100:1-2

English Standard Version (ESV)

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

A Psalm for giving thanks.

100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

2     Serve the Lord with gladness!

    Come into his presence with singing!

Luke 19:40

New International Version (NIV)

40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

I wasn't blessed with a good singing voice or a talent for instruments.  Still God calls me to come into his presence with singing and playing musical instruments.  Does playing songs on my iPad count?  I doubt it.  So I'll lift the voice God gave me up in song knowing that I'm in his presence, though still hoping that I'll be blessed with perfect pitch and a sense of rhythm in Heaven and dance even.  I'd really love to see a Heaven full of dancing church ladies and deacons.  

"Singing Stone" - Rhett Walker Band

My God Who Gives Rain

Psalm 72:6

English Standard Version (ESV)

6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,

    like showers that water the earth!

James 5:18

English Standard Version (ESV)

18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

Hosea 6:3

English Standard Version (ESV)

3 Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;

    his going out is sure as the dawn;

he will come to us as the showers,

    as the spring rains that water the earth.”

I would have trouble calling today a pretty day.  November rains before the holiday season just seem a little dark and dreary and gray, very gray.  Then again I like the sound of it on my roof tonight because I'm dry and warm with no reason to venture outside.  So my love/hate relationship with rain continues.  I don't always like it either when troubles rain down, but without the rain, I'd bear no fruit.  What God wants to do in my life is up to Him so it's better to just embrace the rain in spite of how I feel.  When rain falls, hope rises. We can trust the Giver of Rain.  

I like this song by Citizen Way, "Fall Like the Rain."

The lyrics:

(Verse) 

How do you deal with disaster? 

How do you cope with the pain? 

It's hard to move on with regret 

Like an anchor makes you feel like you're the one to blame 

(Verse) 

Why is healing so painful? 

It feels like I'm losing this war 

But I know You'll be there 

As we walk through the struggle 

Because You've always been there before 

(Chorus) 

There's a peace that's perfect, a hope that is real 

There's a plan and a purpose no matter how you feel 

Just hold on to the promise that we'll never be undone 

And when you fall like the rain, you're gonna rise like the sun 

(Verse) 

Though the joy of tomorrow 

Seems lost in the pain of today 

There is no death, fear or sorrow 

That Your love can't erase 

(Chorus) 

There's a peace that's perfect, a hope that is real 

There's a plan and a purpose no matter how you feel 

Just hold on to the promise that we'll never be undone 

And when you fall like the rain, you're gonna rise like the sun 

(Bridge) 

I fall on the grace You have given to us 

Rising as conqueror of the grace 

Remember forever when we say goodbye 

Oh, in Jesus love 

(Chorus) 

There's a peace that's perfect, a hope that is real 

There's a plan and a purpose no matter how you feel 

Just hold on to the promise that we'll never be undone 

And when you fall like the rain, you're gonna rise like the sun 

Just hold on to the promise that we'll never be undone 

And when you fall like the rain, you're gonna rise like the sun 

When you fall like the rain, you're gonna rise like the sun 

When you fall like the rain, you're gonna rise like the sun 

I'm gonna fall like the rain, so you can rise like the sun

The Battle Belongs to The Lord

Psalm 44:6-7

New International Version (NIV)

6 I put no trust in my bow,

    my sword does not bring me victory;

7 but you give us victory over our enemies,

    you put our adversaries to shame.

A Love that Comforts

Proverbs 3:15

English Standard Version (ESV)

15 She is more precious than jewels,

    and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 3:17

English Standard Version (ESV)

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

    and all her paths are peace.

 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

English Standard Version (ESV)

God of All Comfort

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.[a]

Tonight I'm feeling especially thankful for sisters after receiving a hand crocheted comfort shawl from my eldest sister.  I wrap it around my aching shoulders and it feels like love, a hug and a prayer.  I know that she has also made and given another one to my sister who shares in my affliction of rheumatoid arthritis.  I started to write that love like this is a counterweight to pain but that's not quite right.  It's really a love that overwhelms pain until it is small enough to be nearly insignificant.   None of us will get through life without pain.  I feel both sorrow and pity, however, for a soul who progresses through life without love, especially when there is a Savior who dearly wants to bestow His love on any who'd come to Him.  

He's holding out a comfort shawl and pleading, "Just come, child.  Just come."

"Come to Jesus" - Gaither Vocal Band

The God I Will See

This Matt Maher song, "Christ is Risen," came to mind tonight, probably because     it was sung during this past Sunday's worship service.  It's a glorious song of our resurrected Lord.  Artists have tried to paint what it must have looked like when Jesus appeared to his disciples on the third day after his crucifixion.  The pictures from my childhood Sunday School are so familiar: Jesus standing in the middle of the disciples as they all calmly examined the nail prints in his hands.  I wonder if it looked more like the artist William Blake's rendering with the disciples fallen prostrate at the feet of Jesus.  I'd like to think that this is where I'd be, overcome with the wonder of my risen Lord.  I'll get my chance in Heaven to kneel fall at his feet; and, unimpeded by sick joints, I'll be able to do so.  Glory!  I will have seen the Lord!

Matt Maher - Christ is Risen

My God of All Generations

Psalm 73:26

New International Version (NIV)

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever.

Psalm 100:5

English Standard Version (ESV)

5 For the Lord is good;

    his steadfast love endures forever,

    and his faithfulness to all generations.

Luke 1:50

English Standard Version (ESV)

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him

    from generation to generation.

Psalm 103:17

New International Version (NIV)

17 But from everlasting to everlasting

    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,

    and his righteousness with their children’s children—

This Veterans Day my husband and I drove out to the cemetery where my great-grandparents and grandparents are buried.  My grandfather, an experienced logger, served as a private in the United States Army during World War 1 felling trees for the production of airplanes.  It was an honorable service that thankfully kept him out of the trenches in Europe.  His only son, my dad, did serve in World War 2 and his grandsons served during the Vietnam War.  Grandpa experienced great tragedy as well as great joy during his lifetime; and as I walked the hill where his body is buried and thought about his life, I knew once again the faithfulness of our God from generation to generation.  The same God that walked with him also walks with me.  

I'm going to love seeing him again.

"God Walks the Dark Hills" - Iris Dement

Thank You to All Who've Served

We will remember.

It's Sunday!

Church in the Wildwood - Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, Robert Emhardt

Following Step by Step

Deuteronomy 29:5

English Standard Version (ESV)

5 I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet.

1 Peter 2:21

New International Version (NIV)

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

My husband met a man today wearing shoes he had purchased in 1971.  It was impressive, amazing, really in our disposable society.  It also demonstrated a difference between men and women, since I don't know of any woman who would wear the same shoe for 40 years.  My mother does have a pair of shoes that old from her first daughter's wedding; but they're kept in pristine condition in the original shoe box in her closet; and I doubt she's worn them since.  As for me, I must wear one style of sensible athletic shoes due to a poorly healed ankle injury and now rheumatoid arthritis, so I may yet become the first woman wearing the same shoe style if not the same shoes for 40 years.  My meandering thoughts on shoes has had me thinking about a Rich Mullin's song, "Sometimes, Step by Step."  It's really good.  My steps may be painful, but not as painful as the steps my Lord took to Calvary.  I will follow Him all of my days, and it would be sweet to enter Heaven with worn out shoes.  

Rich Mullins - Sometimes By Step — Fire By Nite, 1992

Sometimes Step by Step Lyrics

Sometimes the night was beautiful
Sometimes the sky was so far away
Sometimes it seemed to stoop so close
You could touch it but your heart would break
Sometimes the morning came too soon
Sometimes the day could be so hot
There was so much work left to do
But so much You'd already done

Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
And I will seek You in the morning
And I will learn to walk in Your ways
And step by step You'll lead me
And I will follow You all of my days

Sometimes I think of Abraham
How one star he saw had been lit for me
He was a stranger in this land
And I am that, no less than he
And on this road to righteousness
Sometimes the climb can be so steep
I may falter in my steps
But never beyond Your reach

Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
I will seek You in the morning
And I will learn to walk in Your ways
And step by step You'll lead me
And I will follow You all of my days

And I will follow You all of my days
And I will follow You all of my days
And step by step You'll lead me
And I will follow You all of my days
And I will follow You all of my days

(Sometimes the night was beautiful)
(And I will follow You all of my days)
Sometimes the night, it was beautiful
(Sometimes the night was beautiful)
(And I will follow You all of my days)
Oh no, so beautiful
(Sometimes the night was beautiful)
(And I will follow You all of my days)

(And I will follow You all of my days)
(And I will follow You all of my days)
Oh God, you are my God
(And I will follow You all of my days)
Oh God, you are my God
(And I will follow You all of my days)

(And I will follow You all of my days)
Sometimes the night was beautiful
(And I will follow You all of my days)
Sometimes the night
(And I will follow You all of my days)

Songwriters
MULLINS, RICHARD / STRASSER, DAVID

Shine Like A Star

Philippians 2:14-15

New International Version (NIV)

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

Matthew 5:16

King James Version (KJV)

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Oh snap, you mean I can't be a shining star unless I'm good?  Really, I can't argue or grumble?  It's hard to shine like a star when you feel like popping like a firecracker.  When I think about how long a star shines in comparison to a short-fused firecracker, I'd rather be a star.  I forget so easily that it's not all about me, but about my Jesus.  He made me for a purpose and that is to glorify Him.  Stars create and generate their own light and burn out when they run out of fuel.  In the same way we who have been saved by grace are required to do and not just be in order to keep our own lights shining.  Living the Christian life is not easy or effortless, but we are on the Victor's side.

  

Now I just need to take all my sinful, angry thoughts to the One who saved a wretch like me and leave them there; so this forgiven child can shine on. 

"This Little Light of Mine" - Addison Road