Goodnight!

Psalm 4:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;

    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

It's Sunday!

We can still learn from those who have gone before us.

My God, My Night Watchman

The Night Watchman

Psalm 121:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 122:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 May there be peace within your walls

    and security within your citadels.”

Sometimes there just seems to be way too much drama in life and today feels like one of those days.  I needed to stop and remind myself that I have a God who doesn't sleep.  He's my night watchman.  

Jesus King of Angels - Fernando Ortega

Of Baby Steps and Push Starts

Proverbs 4:12 Good News Translation (GNT)

12 Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run.

James 1:2 English Standard Version (ESV)

Testing of Your Faith

2 Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds,

Philippians 4:13 English Standard Version (ESV)

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

I've been thinking about feet , especially my feet.  They hurt, rheumatoid arthritis hurt.  At the same time, I've been mildly impressed by what these painful feet have endured today.  The young man who once lived in our house but now lives in a dorm needs to return to that dorm this weekend.  Unfortunately, his car has not been cooperating.  In fact it is something of a miracle that the car got him here at all.  The car is fixable, but can we fix it in time?  My husband had to work Black Friday, leaving me as the one at home who could help the young man.  So the day found me out on the street with him running and pushing his car so he could push start it.  So, tonight I'm hurting, but impressed enough with myself that I'm wanting to stop and shout, "Did you see me?  Did you ever believe I could do it?"  It has me wondering if God is applauding each step I take in my walk of faith, each time I chose to trust Him, chose to believe that He'll do what He says He will do; because, frankly, my doubts and fears leave me often taking cautious little baby steps.  I need a push start, my clutch popped, so to speak, so I can move on with God; and if God is the only one applauding that is more than enough.  

Rend Collective - Shining Light

A Psalm for Thankful People

Psalm 103 New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 103

Of David.

1 Praise the Lord, my soul;

    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the Lord, my soul,

    and forget not all his benefits—

3 who forgives all your sins

    and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit

    and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things

    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The Lord works righteousness

    and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,

    his deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

    slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse,

    nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve

    or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

    so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,

    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

14 for he knows how we are formed,

    he remembers that we are dust.

15 The life of mortals is like grass,

    they flourish like a flower of the field;

16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,

    and its place remembers it no more.

17 But from everlasting to everlasting

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

    and his righteousness with their children’s children—

18 with those who keep his covenant

    and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,

    and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,

    you mighty ones who do his bidding,

    who obey his word.

21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,

    you his servants who do his will.

22 Praise the Lord, all his works

    everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

Thanksgiving Song - Mary Chapin Carpenter

[Official Video] Mary, Did You Know? - Pentatonix

For All of Us Going Over the River and Through the Woods

Romans 8:34 English Standard Version (ESV)

34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.[a]

We have a mighty intercessor in Jesus our Lord.  May God grant you traveling mercies.

Traveling Mercies - Lost Dogs

CHILDREN'S ILLUSTRATION: Adrienne Adams

The Digital Age - Rehearsals - "Take Me Home"

To Celebrate Autumn!

James 5:7 English Standard Version (ESV)

Patience in Suffering

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers,[a] until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

Deuteronomy 11:14 English Standard Version (ESV)

14 he[a] will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil.

Psalm 103:5New International Version (NIV)

5 who satisfies your desires with good things

    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

It's good to pause and be thankful to the God who gives us what we need in its season, especially before the holiday shopping begins.  For those of you who've already begun, it's okay.  Finding a holiday savings could be considered good stewardship, and another reason to be thankful!  God is gracious.  He has colored our world with joy and satisfies us with good things.  

Give Him praise.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness - Fernando Ortega

Ginny Owens | Be Thou My Vision (LIVE)

Pray for Ferguson

Mary Englebreit

Matthew 5:4 English Standard Version (ESV)

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

John 11:35English Standard Version (ESV)

35 Jesus wept.

Pray for the people of Ferguson, Missouri.  Pray for those who hurt.  Pray for those who are angry.  Pray for those who are afraid.  Pray for those in authority.   Pray for Officer Darren Wilson.  Pray for the family of Michael Brown, especially his parents.  God truly knows it's hard to lose a child.  

Mary - Patty Griffin

Rend Collective - Joy to the World (You are my Joy

They've Arrived!

Psalm 50:14 English Standard Version (ESV)

14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,[a]

    and perform your vows to the Most High,

The holidays are here, ready or not.  Little did the pilgrims know what they started.  There were no Black Friday sales, ones that even preceded Thanksgiving for them.  They did know something we too easily forget, the need to stop and thank God for all He has blessed us.  There are some of us who even want to be thankful without bringing God into it.  If we don't thank God, then who?  Thanksgiving was never intended to be a secular celebration.  It's more than a big turkey dinner and football.  It is a day to remember all that we have and will have is from God and be grateful.  Should we need proof, the following is George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation:

Thanksgiving Proclamation

Issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favor, able interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other trangressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go. Washington

GREAT I AM | New Life Worship

It's Sunday!

Yes, Jesus saves.

God Will Take Care of You

Psalm 127:3 English Standard Version (ESV)

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

    the fruit of the womb a reward.

I've had sufficient reason to pray today, because the young man who now lives in a dorm was driving home for Thanksgiving; and I saw the state of the snowy mountain pass he'd have to drive across in a car that seen three decades.   He's home now, well not exactly home.  He dropped his stuff off, ate a meal from my crockpot, and went off to see his friends with a promise not to be gone long.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  I am a happy mom.  The same God who has raised my child thus far is still on the job.  

God Will Take Care of You -Plumb

I Liked This

Ephesians 4:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

A Rock to Fall On

Psalm 18:31 King James Version (KJV)

31 For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?

Bow Down O Zion - Ginny Owens

I Can't Keep From Singing

Psalm 104:33 New International Version (NIV)

33 I will sing to the Lord all my life;

    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

I've been listening today to Eva Cassidy's rendition of the old hymn, "How Can I Keep From Singing."  It's beautiful.  I think I prefer the original lyrics that were penned prior to Pete Seeger's version.  Now I've also listened to Chris Tomlin's modern version of the hymn.  It's good too, but I do love the original arrangement.  Regardless, I want to hear and sing God's song as long as I am able.  Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, so how can I keep from singing?

My life flows on in endless song;

Above earth's lamentation,

I hear the sweet, tho' far-off hymn

That hails a new creation;

Thro' all the tumult and the strife

I hear the music ringing;

It finds an echo in my soul—

How can I keep from singing?

What tho' my joys and comforts die?

The Lord my Saviour liveth;

What tho' the darkness gather round?

Songs in the night he giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm

While to that refuge clinging;

Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,

How can I keep from singing?

I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;

I see the blue above it;

And day by day this pathway smooths,

Since first I learned to love it,

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,

A fountain ever springing;

All things are mine since I am his—

How can I keep from singing?

Chris Tomlin "How Can I Keep From Singing"

Ginny Owens | "No Borders" | Official Lyric Video

Alan Jackson - 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

Evidence of the Divine

Romans 1:20  New International Version (NIV)

20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Romans 10:13-15 King James Version (KJV)

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

These two passages from Romans seem to contradict each other but they don't.  They tell me that God has planned for all to hear His voice.  What is evidenced in creation as divine points us to a Creator; yet, we are all sheep in need of a Shepherd, and, as Jesus told Peter, sheep need to be fed.  If you love Him, feed them.  

I enjoy the patterns that I see in nature, the evidence of God repeated.  It is what is behind the images I chose for this song by The Digital Age.

Hallelujah - The Digital Age

He Touched Me [Live]

Because I Still Like Cows...

Happy Birthday!

You know who you are!

Happy Birthday Polka - The Sons of the Pioneers

Standing on Holy Ground

Matthew 6:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

10 Your kingdom come,

your will be done,[a]

    on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 10:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’

All the Earth is Holy Ground - Tenth Avenue North

"All The Earth Is Holy Ground"

All the earth is holy ground

All the earth is holy ground

Every single breath

Every single sound

I can feel You with me now

All the earth is holy ground

All the earth is holy ground

I don’t believe in secular things

Just a world waiting to be redeemed

I was lost but I was found

Now all the earth is holy ground

Wherever I go

I see light, I see Your light

Wherever I go

The sacred’s inside of the sacred inside

Oh, what a mystery

Your life and breath alive inside of me

Unworthy to be Your son

But somehow You reached down

And made me Your own

Your mercy has remade

This house I burned down to the grave

Your spirit filled my lungs

Now wherever I go

I bring the kingdom come

Let my song resound

All the earth is holy ground

Holy ground

All the earth is holy ground

All the earth is holy ground

Wherever I go

I see light, I see Your light

Wherever I go

There’s sacred inside

It's Sunday!

Russell Sambrook

Dad, Wake up!

Thankfully, Too Old to Die Young

2 Corinthians 4:16 English Standard Version (ESV)

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self[a] is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

Psalm 92:12-14English Standard Version (ESV)

12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree

    and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

13 They are planted in the house of the Lord;

    they flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They still bear fruit in old age;

    they are ever full of sap and green,

Psalm 71:18 English Standard Version (ESV)

18 So even to old age and gray hairs,

    O God, do not forsake me,

until I proclaim your might to another generation,

    your power to all those to come.

I like this picture of this young lady because she looks like someone I'd know from school.  I hope she's had a happy and fruitful life, because like me, she'd now be too old to die young.  I qualify for senior discounts, for pete's sake!  When did we all get so old?  It's all good, really, because I find myself focused on making God famous rather than me, as was the hope of my youthful dreams.    (I've never driven that red sport convertible nor had the income to hire a maid.  Sigh.)  The older I've gotten the more I want God to be known now and to the generations that follow.  I found a video of Evie Karlsson, formerly Evie Tornquist, singing.  She's not the little blonde sweetheart I remember from my youth, as she's all grown up, a beautiful, mature woman of God.  It's nice to see her again.  We may be too old to die young, but not too old to bear fruit.  

I Shall See You Soon Again [Live]

The Digital Age - Rehearsals - "Never Grow Old"

One Lord, Only One

Matthew 7:13-14 New International Version (NIV)

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Galatians 1:6-8New King James Version (NKJV)

Only One Gospel

6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

John 8:58 English Standard Version (ESV)

58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

Ephesians 4:5New International Version (NIV)

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

The Washington National Cathedral hosted the first ever Muslim Prayer Service today.  In 1893, the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation of the District of Columbia was granted a charter from Congress to establish the cathedral.  The Rev. Gina Campbell, the cathedral's director of liturgy and a co-organizer of the service said a prayer in the name of God but did not mention Jesus Christ.  She also stated that we approach the same God.  So as far as muslims are concerned this iconic national church has now been conquered for Islam, as well-meaning Christians continue to make tolerance an idol.    Yes, Rev. Campbell we do have the same God, but there is only one God and His name is not Allah.  God remains God whether we worship Him or not.  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and the only avenue to the Father.  Don't trample underfoot the precious blood shed for the remission of sins.  

Return to Me - Brian Doerksen

Rooted And Grounded

Colossians 2:5-7 New International Version (NIV)

5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Mighty Faith in a Mighty God

Hebrews 11:1-6 King James Version (KJV)

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

My husband and I visited our loved one again in the nursing home tonight.  His affliction has seemed almost cruel because it has robbed this man who served his whole adult life as a preacher of the gospel of much of his ability to communicate.  But God knows him, who has loved the Lord his God with all his heart, soul, strength and mind, and yet keeps him.   After my husband read the first verses from Hebrews 11, he responded with a clear, strong voice four times: "Please Him.  Please Him.  Please Him.  Please Him," followed by "Faith.  Faith.  Faith.  Faith."  I knew then that I had just heard a deeply profound sermon.  We even had music, as my husband then broke into singing the chorus of the Charles Wesley hymn, "Father of Jesus Christ My Lord."   So we both sang to this man of mighty faith.

Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees,

And looks to God alone;

Laughs at impossibilities,

And shouts, It shall be done!

And shouts, it shall, it shall be done!

Laughs at impossibilities, 

and shouts it shall be done.

The hymn ends with these final two verses:

To Thee the glory of Thy power

And faithfulness I give;

I shall in Christ, at that glad hour,

And Christ in me shall live.

Obedient faith that waits on Thee,

Thou never wilt reprove;

But Thou wilt form Thy Son in me,

And perfect me in love.

Battlefield Shepherds

Chaplain William E. King baptizes Pvt. Leo Daniel Fagan, on the Anzio beachhead in Italy during World War II. Both were members of the 45th Infantry Division.

Psalm 143:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV)

8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,

    for in you I trust.

Make me know the way I should go,

    for to you I lift up my soul.

9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!

    I have fled to you for refuge.[a]

10 Teach me to do your will,

    for you are my God!

Let your good Spirit lead me

    on level ground!

Because I found myself with time to do so today, I uploaded a song, a prayer really, from Les Miserables sung by Michael Phelps, "Bring Him Home."  It seemed good to honor our military chaplains this Veterans Day.  For every soul these shepherds of the battlefield lead to the Savior does come home, home to Jesus.  So until that day when there are no more wars, we pray to God to bring them home.  

Bring Him Home - David Phelps

Twila Paris - What Did He Die For

Unwounded Yet Wounded

2 Timothy 2:4 English Standard Version (ESV)

4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

Psalm 144:1English Standard Version (ESV)

My Rock and My Fortress

Of David.

144 Blessed be the Lord, my rock,

    who trains my hands for war,

    and my fingers for battle;

2 Timothy 2:3 English Standard Version (ESV)

3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

I've been thinking about Veterans Day tomorrow.  It should be more than a day off from work.  My father, a WW2, veteran, who rarely spoke about the war, didn't join any veterans associations or march in any parades.  He came home and life went on; but I think the war marched with him whether he wanted it to or not.  I know he wasn't the only one.  Honor those quiet veterans who fly under the radar by flying quietly beside them with all due respect.  Listen to their hearts if not their stories.  Their scars may not be visible, but there are no unwounded warriors.  

John Michael Montgomery - Letters from Home Official Music Video

Goodnight...

Psalm 42:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 By day the Lord directs his love,

    at night his song is with me—

    a prayer to the God of my life.

...His song will be with you.

The Digital Age - Captured [Official Lyric Video]

It's Sunday!

Let's go back to Mayberry.

 Andy Griffith Show - Sunday Church

It Is Good to Remember...

Deuteronomy 31:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;

    never will I forsake you.”[a]

Joshua 1:5 New International Version (NIV)

5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

...that he has given His word on this, and His word can be trusted.

Isaiah 55:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

    It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Never Let Go - The David Crowder Band 

"Because He Lives": The Song Sessions - MATT MAHER

One Thing!

Unlike the David, the Psalmist, I have more than one thing that I'm seeking from the Lord.  Yes, I want to dwell in His house but I also want things, mostly stuff and nonsense, that get in the way of simply beholding the beauty of the Lord.  Since I just finished a Skype chat with the young man who's now living in a dorm, I could say that I want God and Skype.  Then there are things I don't want like Rheumatoid Arthritis and financial stress.  So I want God, Skype, financial security, restored health; and I'll have to add m&m's because it's always good to have m&m's.  What am I willing to surrender to God so that God becomes my one thing?  Again this week we visited our loved one who's has had most of what we treasure in this life taken away from him.  Yet, He still has God and always will.  I know this terrible disease is not something he would have chosen, but he does seem to have accepted it as another of God's refining fires. God is making him into a man of one thing, and it is  beautiful to witness.  

I'm Still Yours - Kutless

Goodnight...

...it's time to sleep.

Blessed Be the Tie

Psalm 115:12-15 English Standard Version (ESV)

12 The Lord has remembered us; he will bless us;

    he will bless the house of Israel;

    he will bless the house of Aaron;

13 he will bless those who fear the Lord,

    both the small and the great.

14 May the Lord give you increase,

    you and your children!

15 May you be blessed by the Lord,

    who made heaven and earth!

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13New International Version (NIV)

12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 7:14 New Living Translation (NLT)

14 Enjoy prosperity while you can,

    but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God.

    Remember that nothing is certain in this life.

More and more I find myself turning to Facebook to find out the status of a loved one.  So I liked this old image of someone's family.  They had no need of Facebook, even though they had photos on their wall, because they were all together under the same roof.  They look blessed, content and strong.  Times have changed but a family with God at their core can still be good even if we have to use social media to connect with one other.  The ties that bind are blessed indeed.  

Sara Groves - Blessed Be the Tie

Where His Love Ran Red

Chris Tomlin "At The Cross (Love Ran Red)" - LIVE at K-LOVE

"At The Cross"

There's a place where mercy reigns and never dies,

There's a place where streams of grace flow deep and wide.

Where all the love I've ever found,

Comes like a flood,

Comes flowing down.

[Chorus:]

At the cross

At the cross

I surrender my life.

I'm in awe of You

I'm in awe of You

Where Your love ran red

and my sin washed white.

I owe all to You

I owe all to You Jesus.

There's a place where sin and shame are powerless.

Where my heart has peace with God and forgiveness.

Where all the love I've ever found.

Comes like a flood,

Comes flowing down.

[Chorus]

Here my hope is found

Here on holy ground

Here I bow down

Here arms open wide

Here You save my life

Here I bow down

Here I bow down

[Chorus]