Sunday's Hymn: The Sands of Time are Sinking

The sands of time are sinking,
The dawn of heaven breaks,
The summer morn I've sighed for,
The fair sweet morn awakes;
Dark, dark, hath been the midnight,
But dayspring is at hand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel's land.

The King there in his beauty
Without a veil is seen;
It were a well-spent journey
Though seven deaths lay between:
The Lamb with his fair army
Doth on Mount Zion stand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel's land.

O Christ, he is the fountain,
The deep sweet well of love!
The streams on earth I've tasted
More deep I'll drink above:
There to an ocean fullness
His mercy doth expand,
And glory, glory dwelleth
In Emmanuel's land.

The bride eyes not her garment,
But her dear bridegroom's face;
I will not gaze at glory,
But on my King of grace;
Not at the crown he gifteth,
But on his pierced hand:
The Lamb is all the glory
Of Emmanuel's land.



Anne R. Cousin, 1857
based upon Samuel Rutherford, 1600-1661
Tune: Rutherford, Arr. from Chretien Urhan, 1834
by Edward F. Rimbault, 1867

Thankfulness

I started getting sick on Wednesday and yesterday I felt pretty yucky...sore throat, upset stomach, achy-ness, just yucky.  This morning I am thankful to be feeling better.  Not 100% but better, much better.

I am also thankful to be enjoying knitting, truly enjoying it!  I had to give up crocheting because of the stress on my aging wrists but I loved crocheting!   I thought knitting would be easier on them and it is but I loved crocheting!  Even though I learned to do both knitting and crocheting as a child, it took me a while to really learn to enjoy knitting and not think about how much I loved crocheting.  But I think I am there.  Knitting a baby blanket for my new great niece helped me turn the corner into really loving knitting!

Finally, I am thankful for God's sovereignty in all situations.  What a comfort that is when we face difficulties in life!  I can rest in Him...and I do.

Sunday's Hymn: God is Our Refuge and Our Strength

God is our refuge and our strength,
Our ever present aid,
And, therefore, though the earth remove,
We will not be afraid;
Though hills amidst the seas be cast,
Though foaming waters roar,
Yea, though the mighty billows shake
The mountains on the shore.

A river flows whose streams make glad
The city of our God,
The holy place wherein the Lord
Most high has his abode;
Since God is in the midst of her,
Unmoved her walls shall stand,
For God will be her early help,
When trouble is at hand.

The nations raged, the kingdoms moved,
But when his voice was heard
The troubled earth was stilled to peace
Before his mighty word.
The Lord of hosts is on our side,
Our safety to secure,
The God of Jacob is for us
A refuge strong and sure.

O come, behold what wondrous works
Jehovah's hand has wrought;
Come, see what desolation great
He on the earth has brought.
To utmost ends of all the earth
He causes war to cease;
The weapons of the strong destroyed,
He makes abiding peace.

Be still and know that I am God,
O'er all exalted high;
The subject nations of the earth
My name shall magnify.
The Lord of Hosts is on our side,
Our safety to secure,
The God of Jacob is for us
A refuge strong and sure.



Psalm 46, The Psalter, 1912
Tune: Materna, Samuel A. Ward, 1882

Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

Here's a quick, easy, delicious casserole recipe that I got off the package of Neufchatel cheese.  We really loved it and I am guessing that at least some of you may too.

1 1/2 cups multigrain penne pasta, uncooked
1 9 oz. package fresh spinach leaves
1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon basil leaves
1 jar (14.5 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
2 oz. Neufchatel cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Hear oven to 375 degrees F. Cook pasta as directed on package, adding spinach to the boiling water for the last minute.

Cook and stir chicken and basil in large skillet on medium-high heat 3 minutes.  Add spaghetti sauce and tomatoes; bring to boil.  Simmer 3 minutes to until chicken is done. Stir in Neufchatel cheese.

Drain pasta mixture; return to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.  Spoon into 3 quart baking dish.

Bake 20 minutes.  Sprinkle with remaining cheeses.  Bake 3 minutes.

Murphy, the New Grad

Murphy did very well in puppy school and we are so proud of him!

Thankfulness

its Friday.  I've given up calling these "Thankful Thursday" posts since its so often Friday before I get to posting them.  So...

Yesterday was very, very cold and today we have another snow storm raging outside.  But I'm in my cozy cottage with a warm little doggie on my lap.  I am so thankful for God's provision of the warmth of both.

I am also thankful for the safe delivery of a new little great niece!  Her name is Eleanor Mary, that middle name in honor of her grandma, my sister, Mary.

This week's Bible study lesson was on 1Thessalonians.  I love that letter of Paul's and am especially thankful for the reminder to "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands..." in verse 11 of chapter 4.  I am thankful for the way the ladies that I study with expanded my understanding of it in the ways they applied it to their own lives.  God's Word surely is living and active!

Sunday's Hymn: How Vast the Benefits Divine

How vast the benefits divine
Which we in Christ possess!
We are redeemed from guilt and shame
And called to holiness.
But not for works which we have done,
Or shall hereafter do,
Hath God decreed on sinful men
Salvation to bestow.

The glory, Lord, from first to last,
Is due to thee alone;
Aught to ourselves we dare not take,
Or rob thee of thy crown.
Our glorious Surety undertook
To satisfy for man,
And grace was given us in him
Before the world began.

This is thy will, that in thy love
We ever should abide;
That earth and hell should not prevail
To turn thy Word aside.
Not one of all the chosen race
But shall to heav'n attain,
Partake on earth the purposed grace
And then with Jesus reign.


Augustus M. Toplady, 1774
Tune: St. Matthew, William Croft, 1678-1727

Thankfulness

Here in Crystal Lake, we got about eight inches of snow yesterday and into last night.  Its our first major snowfall of the season.  Of course Andy had to work and so did Emily.  They both drive a considerable distance on Thursdays so I am thankful for God's protection and provision of safety for them.

I'm also thankful for the timing in the arrival of Murphy's new winter coat....yesterday!  He was wearing a hand-me-down from Charlie but his body is a bit longer and it didn't cover him well plus the velcro was not so sticky anymore.  So yesterday, when he had to go out in that white stuff, he was a much more well-protected doggy!  And how did he like the snow, you ask?  He loved it!  Wild and crazy loved it!

And this morning, I'm thankful that its NOT snowing!  There is a bit more in the forecast as a possibility later today and tomorrow but its not snowing now and for that I am grateful.

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?