Norman, Take Me Back

A Boy And His Dog by Norman Rockwell

Ecclesiastes 7:10 New English Translation (NET Bible)

10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?”

for it is not wise to ask that.

Romans 8:18 English Standard Version (ESV)

Future Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

James 1:2-4 English Standard Version (ESV)

Testing of Your Faith

2 Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Isaiah 41:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

10 fear not, for I am with you;

    be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

In these troubled times, I find myself longing for the"Good Old Days," even though I know those days weren't necessarily good.  Sigh.  I want the world to look like a Norman Rockwell painting, but it can't be.  Reality is tough, but the God of this reality is tougher.  Is your world shaking?  Stand on God's firm foundation. 

Still, It's probably okay to enjoy an occasional Norman Rockwell break especially at bedtime.

How Firm A Foundation - Michael Card 

Because It Is Good Friday

O Sacred Head Now Wounded - Michael Card

Come Ye Sinners

The Return of the Prodigal Son (Rembrandt)

Luke 15:18-20 King James Version (KJV)

18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

If Rembrandt had wanted his life story and his gratitude towards the rich mercy he received from our Heavenly Father's hands to be depicted in one painting, he succeeded, so much so that it has been described as the greatest painting ever painted.  In this age of moral relativism where sin is described as "mistakes" or "lapses in judgment" this profound truth about God's forgiveness is being lost.  I  don't know if there is anything sweeter than forgiveness given or forgiveness received; and, when it comes from the Savior, it is a comforting balm, a blessed sustenance to the starving soul.   Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy, a hymn written by Joseph Hart and also known as I Will Arise and Go to Jesus, is in essence the story of the prodigal son set to verse.  

I Will Arise and Go to Jesus/Musical Priest - Michael Card

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,

Weak and wounded, sick and sore;

Jesus ready stands to save you,

Full of pity, love and power.

Refrain

I will arise and go to Jesus,

He will embrace me in His arms;

In the arms of my dear Savior,

O there are ten thousand charms.

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,

God’s free bounty glorify;

True belief and true repentance,

Every grace that brings you nigh.

Refrain

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,

Lost and ruined by the fall;

If you tarry till you’re better,

You will never come at all.

Refrain

View Him prostrate in the garden;

On the ground your Maker lies.

On the bloody tree behold Him;

Sinner, will this not suffice?

Refrain

Lo! th’incarnate God ascended,

Pleads the merit of His blood:

Venture on Him, venture wholly,

Let no other trust intrude.

Refrain

Let not conscience make you linger,

Not of fitness fondly dream;

All the fitness He requireth

Is to feel your need of Him.

Refrain

The Time of Singing

Spring Song by Mabel Rollins Harris

Song of Solomon 2:11-12

English Standard Version (ESV)

11 for behold, the winter is past;

    the rain is over and gone.

12 The flowers appear on the earth,

    the time of singing[a] has come,

and the voice of the turtledove

    is heard in our land.

It's warming up a little.  Buds are appearing on our bushes outside our front door.  Today the pets wanted to go outside and take in some sun.  My body's clock is still suffering from Daylight Savings Times, but I think I could get used to this and even like it.  Maybe it's time to scour the house and make sure all Christmas decorations are finally put away.  I don't know what other people's Spring rituals are but this one needs to be done.  The bucket of straw that made do as our blow mold Baby Jesus cradle is still out front.  Perhaps my husband is waiting to put Easter eggs in it, so I can admire his foresight instead of begging him to carry it out of sight.  All is well.  It's time to sing of Spring.

Morning Has Broken - Michael Card