field stone cottage

Thankfulness

2012-01-27T06:42:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-22T06:30:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-21T12:25:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-20T20:16:00.001-06:00

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

Thankfulness

2012-01-20T14:38:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-15T12:39:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-13T06:29:00.000-06:00

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?

Sunday's Hymn: I Lay My Sins on Jesus

2012-01-08T12:29:00.000-06:00

I lay my sins on Jesus,
The spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all, and frees us
From the accursed load:
I bring my guilt to Jesus,
To wash my crimson stains
White in his blood most precious,
Till not a spot remains.

I lay my wants on Jesus;
All fullness dwells in him;
He heals all my diseases,
He doth my soul redeem:
I lay my griefs on Jesus,
My burdens and my cares;
He from them all releases,
He all my sorrows shares.

I rest my soul on Jesus,
This weary soul of mine;
His right hand me embraces,
I on his breast recline.
I love the Name of Jesus,
Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
Like fragrance on the breezes
His Name abroad is poured.

I long to be like Jesus,
Meek, loving, lowly, mild;
I long to be like Jesus,
The Father's holy Child;
I long to be with Jesus
Amid the heav'nly throng,
To sing with saints his praises,
To learn the angels' song.

Horatius Bonar, 1848
Tune: Miriam, Joseph P. Holbrook, 1865

New Year's Eve Report

2012-01-06T12:37:00.000-06:00

Emily and I have been attending a performance of the Jim Brickman Holiday Tour each Christmas season for the last couple of years. This year we enjoyed the show on New Year's Eve at Rockford, IL and it was excellent, as usual. Jim Brickman, America's Romantic Pianist, was joined again by vocalist Anne Cochran and electric violinist Tracy Silverman. New to the show was Benjamin Utecht, NFL star recently turned vocalist. After a fun, relaxing evening, we were walking out when we realized that Anne Cochran, Ben Utecht and Tracy Silverman were available in the lobby so we circled back to see what was going on. To make a long story short, we ended up getting our picture taken with Ben Utecht displaying his Super Bowl ring. Now this struck both of us as extremely funny because we are about the least sports-oriented people you can imagine...unless you count fishing as a sport, I guess. But at that point, we had never heard of Ben Utecht before, even related to music. So we got the picture and headed home to google him. For those of you in our category of sports knowledge, it turns out he was part of the winning team from Indianapolis, IN in the 2006 Super Bowl. And for those of you who are dying to see it, here's the picture...

That cute blond in the background is Ben's wife, Karyn, who was Miss Minnesota in 2005. We recognized her from his website.

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-05T16:20:00.001-06:00

It was 49 sunny degrees here in Crystal Lake this afternoon! And it wasn't even windy! So Murphy and I set out for a nice long walk. An hour later, he is now sleeping in his little bed and I'm enjoying a nice hot cup of tea. I'm thanking God for this lovely weather and the fun walk with Murphy but maybe I'm even a little bit more thankful to have this peaceful moment right now. A one year old puppy is a lot different from a senior citizen canine.

I'm also thankful for God's provision of everything we really need and a few extra things as well.

And finally, much as I enjoyed the celebration of Christmas and extra time with my family, I am also thankful for the return to a routine. I know I'm a little boring that way but I really do better with a regular routine for my life. How about you?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday's Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful

2012-01-01T08:55:00.001-06:00

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him
Born the King of angels;

O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.

God of God, Light of Light;
Lo, he abhors not the Virgin's womb:
Very God, Begotten, not created;

Sing, choirs of angels;
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God in the highest;

Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
Born this happy morning:
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father,
Late in flesh appearing;

Anon., Latin, 18th century
Tr. by Frederick Oakelery, 1841
St. 1, lines 1 and 2, alt.
Tune: Adeste Fideles, unknown: probably 18th century

Thankfulness

2011-12-30T07:01:00.000-06:00

I'm not even going to call it "Thankful Thursday" this time. But surely I do have so many things to be thankful for. I'm thankful for extra time spent with my family this week and that includes the new boy, the canine member of this family, Murphy, who has brought so much joy in the wake of some tough times.

I'm thankful for His righteous right arm that upholds us in those tough times. I'm thankful for His refining in trials too.

And I'm thankful for God's more than adequate provision for us, His provision materially on this earth, yes, but more importantly, His provision spiritually, now and forever, through that glorious Savior Jesus Christ whose birth we just celebrated.

I am thankful.

Sunday's Hymn: Angels, From the Realms of Glory

2011-12-25T05:30:00.000-06:00

Angels, from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation's story,
Now proclaim Messiah's birth;

Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Shepherds in the fields abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the infant light:

Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen his natal star:

Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In his temple shall appear;

All creation, join in praising
God the Father, Spirit, Son;
Evermore your voices raising
To th'eternal Three in One:

James Montgomery, 1816
Doxology added
Tune: Regent Square, Henry Smart, 1867

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-22T17:38:00.001-06:00

I'm thankful that my Christmas preparations are just about complete and I can relax in anticipation of the glorious event of the anniversary of our Savior's birth.

I'm thankful as well that Andy can enjoy these next couple of days of anticipation with us at home.

And finally, I am thankful that Murphy will be part of the joy of Christmas with us this year too!

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Sunday's Hymn: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night

2011-12-18T05:32:00.000-06:00

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.

"Fear not," said he—for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind—
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.

"To you in David's town this day,
Is born of David's line,
The Saviour, who is Christ, the Lord,
And this shall be the sign.

"The heav'nly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song:

"All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace:
Good will henceforth, from heav'n to men,
Begin and never cease!"

Nahum Tate, 1700

Tune: Christmas, George Frederick Handel, 1728

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-16T10:45:00.004-06:00

Oops, its Friday again. I was so busy enjoying the reason for my thankfulness...a day off for Andy that we got to spend together...that I didn't remember to post about it! We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with Emily at a local restaurant called, appropriately enough, Andy's before doing some browsing and light shopping. We then returned home to take Murphy for a walk and catch up a few things we wanted to do around here...nothing high pressure though. After a supper of chicken and rice soup and salad, we broke into the cookies that one of the ladies in my group at Bible study gave me for Christmas. Mmm, mmm!

So I'm thanking God for some time to relax and regroup together and be reminded of what really matters in this hectic time leading up to the celebration of Christmas. It was a lovely day!

Sunday's Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

2011-12-11T07:20:00.000-06:00

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, thou Lord of might,
Who to thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave.

O come, thou Dayspring from on high
And cheer us by thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.

O come, thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Latin antiphone, 12th century. Latin hymn, 1710

Tr. by John Mason Neale, 1851

Tune: Veni Emmanuel, Ancient plain song, 13th century

Adapted by Thomas Helmore, 1856

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-08T18:06:00.003-06:00

At the top of my list of things to be thankful for today is these four verses from chapter 10 of the book of Hebrews:

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."

Further down the list but in full recognition that they are gifts from our most gracious God are my family, including the new little canine member, Murphy.

And may I say that I am enjoying the Christmas hymns even more than usual this year?! I'm not sure of why but its true.

How's that for a random list of thankful thoughts on this second Thursday of December?

Sunday's Hymn: How Firm a Foundation, Ye Saints of the Lord

2011-12-04T08:24:00.000-06:00

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?

"Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed;
I, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

"When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

"When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

"E'en down to old age all my people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in my bosom be borne.

"The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no, never, no, never forsake."

"K" in Rippon's Selection, 1787

Tune: Adeste Fideles, Unkown: probably 18th century

Thankful Thursday

2011-12-01T15:28:00.002-06:00

How could I not continue to thank our gracious God for this lovable little bundle of joy? He's settling in well and wrapping himself around all of our hearts.

I am also very thankful for the new tenants in the other rental house. They are a particular blessing, coming as they have, just at the start of winter weather.

And I'm thankful for a detour into Hebrews in the study of Acts that I am privileged to participate in this year. I do love the book of Hebrews!

Sunday's Hymn: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

2011-11-27T09:40:00.000-06:00

Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear Desire of ev'ry nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
Born a child, and yet a King,
Born to reign in us for ever,
Now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By thine all-sufficient merit
Raise us to thy glorious throne.

Charles Wesley, 1744

Tune: Hyfrydol, Rowland Hugh Prichard, 1855

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T18:32:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving has been as happy as ours with many, many reasons to thank our God. This precious gift is my biggest reason to thank Him today.

Meet Murphy, who arrived last evening. He's a ten month old bundle of energy and affection who occasionally looks like this:

What a perfect reminder that "weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5b).

Sunday's Hymn: God, in the Gospel of His Son

2011-11-20T07:57:00.001-06:00

God, in the gospel of his Son,
Makes his eternal counsels known;
Where love in all its glory shines,
And truth is drawn in fairest lines.

Here sinners of a humble frame
May taste his grace, and learn his Name;
May read, in characters of blood,
The wisdom, pow'r, and grace of God.

The pris'ner here may break his chains;
The weary rest from all his pains;
The captive feel his bondage cease;
The mourner find the way of peace.

Here faith reveals to mortal eyes
A brighter world beyond the skies;
Here shines the light which guides our way
From earth to realms of endless day.

O grant us grace, Almighty Lord,
To read and mark thy holy Word;
Its truths with meekness to receive,
And by its holy precepts live.

St. 1-2, Benjamin Reddome, 1787

St. 3-5 alt. by Thomas Cotterill, 1819

Tune: Germany, William Gardiner's Sacred Melodies, 1815

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-17T18:25:00.003-06:00

Today I've been thinking about how thankful I am for:

a loving husband who shares my sorrows and joys
a thoughtful daughter who helps me
a sister who understands
dear friends who encourage me
and most of all, a Savior who redeemed me!

I am blessed.

Sunday's Hymn: O Splendor of God's Glory Bright

2011-11-13T07:24:00.000-06:00

O Splendor of God's glory bright,
From light eternal bringing light,
Thou light of light, light's living Spring,
True Day, all days illumining:

Come, very Sun of heaven's love,
In lasting radiance from above,
And pour the Holy Spirit's ray
On all we think or do today.

And now to thee our prayers ascend,
O Father, glorious without end;
We plead with sovereign grace for pow'r
To conquer in temptation's hour.

Confirm our will to do the right,
And keep our hearts from envy's blight;
Let faith her eager fires renew,
And hate the false, and love the true.

O joyful be the passing day
With thoughts as pure as morning's ray,
With faith like noontide shining bright,
Our souls unshadowed by the night.

Dawn's glory gilds the earth and skies,
Let him, our perfect Morn, arise,
The work in God the Father one,
The Father imaged in the Son.

Ambrose of Milan, 340-397

Tr. compiled by Louis F. Benson, 1910

Tune: Winchester New, Musikalisches Handbuch, Hamburg, 1690

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-10T19:55:00.004-06:00

Recent days have been difficult at Field Stone Cottage. We've had to say good-bye to a beloved member of our family, our sweet, loving Charlie. But in the midst of our grief, God is still so faithful and there is much to thank Him for. In the hard times of the last ten days, in His sovereignty, God has graciously guided us through the difficult decisions that had to be made. He gave, and continues to give, us much comfort through the most loving of friends and we are oh, so grateful to Him for that too. Finally, we thank Him for the sixteen years that we had Charlie to love and enjoy. We wouldn't trade that for anything!

Sunday's Hymn: When Israel Out of Egypt Went

2011-11-06T10:04:00.001-06:00

When Israel out of Egypt went,
From people of a speech unknown,
The lord among his people dwelt,
And there he set his royal throne.

The sea beheld and fled away,
The Jordan's waters backward turned,
The lofty mountains and the hills
With trembling awe our God discerned.

What aileth thee, O troubled sea?
Thou Jordan, why thy riven tide?
Ye mountains and ye little hills,
Why thus dismayed on ev'ry side?

O tremble, earth, before the Lord,
In presence of Jehovah fear,
Beneath whose touch the flinty rock
Became a fount of waters clear.

Psalm 114, The Psalter, 1912
Tune: Abschied, Wenzel Mueller

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday's Hymn: Rock of Ages

2011-10-30T05:46:00.000-05:00

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Cleanse me from it's guilt and pow'r.

Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to thee for dress,
Helpless, look to thee for grace;
Foul, I to the Fountain fly;
Wash me Saviour, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyelids close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee.

Augustus M. Toplady, 1776
Tune: Toplady, Thomas Hasting, 1830

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thankful Thursday

2011-10-27T20:02:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for Andy's day off from work today. Well, let me clarify that. I am thankful for Andy's day off from his paid employment today. We both worked very hard today and are feeling satisfied with all we accomplished. I am thankful that God gives us the strength and abilities to do all sorts of jobs around the house.

Fall is a busy time in Northern Illinois as we prepare for freezing temps and snow but it's a beautiful time too. I am thankful for the beauty of the changing leaves against the blue sky but I'll be thankful for the beauty of winter when it comes too. How wonderful that our God surrounds us with the beauty of creation all year long!

And finally, I am thankful for the comfortable bed and the restoration of sleep that await me in a couple of hours...not to mention the clean sheets I put on that bed today!

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Sunday's Hymn: Ye Christian Heralds, Go Proclaim

2011-10-23T07:40:00.000-05:00

Ye Christian heralds, go proclaim
Salvation through Emmanuel's name!
To distant climes the tidings bear,
And plant the Rose of Sharon there.

God shield you with a wall of fire,
With flaming zeal your breasts inspire,
Bid raging winds their fury cease,
And hush the tempests into peace.

And when our labors all are o'er,
Then shall we meet to part no more;
Meet with the blood-bought throng to fall,
And crown our Jesus Lord of all.

Bourne H. Draper, 1803
Tune: Missionary Chant, Heinrich C. Zeuner, 1832

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thankful Thursday

2011-10-21T06:06:00.002-05:00

A day late again but all week I've been so thankful that our God is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us" so "to Him be all glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."~Ephesians 20-21

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Sunday's Hymn: How Beautiful the Sight

2011-10-16T07:56:00.001-05:00

How beautiful the sight
Of brethren who agree
In friendship to unite,
And bonds of charity;
'Tis like the precious ointment, shed
O'er all his robes, from Aaron's head.

'Tis like the dews that fill
The cups of Hermon's flow'rs;
Or Zion's fruitful hill,
Bright with the drops of show'rs,
When mingling odors breathe around,
And glory rests on all the ground.

For there the Lord commands
Blessings, a boundless store,
From his unsparing hands,
Yea, life for evermore:
Thrice happy they who meet above
To spend eternity in love!

From Psalm 133, James Montgomery 1771-1854
Tune: St. Godric John B. Dykes, 1823-1875

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thankful Thursday

2011-10-13T16:01:00.002-05:00

I'm thankful for a good check-up by my endocrinologist today. My thyroid cancer is well under control! I'm also thankful for my endocrinologist. He's a wonderfully competent doctor and a very caring man. What more could I ask?

I'm thankful for a nice hot cup of tea when I got home. My endocrinologist is about an hour and 15 away, as they say in these parts, and it's been steadily raining all day. That tea was very welcome!

I'm thankful for a soft, warm little dog...Charlie...in my lap as I drank the tea. And while I'm on the subject of Charlie, I'm going to mention that tomorrow is his 16th birthday! I'm thankful for every moment of his life and that he belongs to us!

I'm thanking God for a warm and comfortable home to return to as well. I'm a homebody and am always thankful for my cozy refuge, whether I've been gone a few weeks or a few hours.

Of course, I'm most thankful for the refuge and strength that is my God, an ever-present help in trouble.

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Sunday's Hymn: Father of Mercies

2011-10-09T09:07:00.000-05:00

Father of mercies, in thy Word
what endless glory shines;
Forever be thy Name adored
For these celestial lines.

Here may the wretched sons of want
Exhaustless riches find;
Riches above what earth can grant
And lasting as the mind.

Here the Redeemer's welcome voice
Spreads heav'nly peace around;
And life and everlasting joys
Attend the blissful sound.

O may these heav'nly pages be
My ever dear delight;
And still new beauties may I see,
And still increasing light.

Divine Instructor, gracious Lord,
Be thou forever near;
Teach me to love thy sacred Word,
And view my Saviour there.

Anne Steele, 1760
Tune: Beatitudo, John B. Dykes, 1875

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Thankful Thursday

2011-10-06T19:14:00.002-05:00

I'm thankful for a lovely day spent with my dear husband, Andy, today.

I'm thankful for this bit of Indian summer we're having this week. 79 sunny degrees today!

And I'm thankful for the health and strength God has given us to do the work we did in the yard today...especially since Andy is still recovering from his recent back injury.

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Sunday's Hymn: I Waited for the Lord Most High

2011-10-02T05:54:00.000-05:00

I waited for the Lord most high,
And he inclined to hear my cry;
He took me from destruction's pit
And from the miry clay;
Upon a rock he set my feet,
And stedfast made my way.

A new and joyful song of praise
He taught my thankful heart to raise;
And many, seeing me restored,
Shall fear the Lord and trust;
And blest are they that trust the Lord,
The humble and the just.

O Lord my God, how manifold
Thy wondrous works which I behold,
And all thy loving, gracious thought
Thou hast bestowed on man;
To count thy mercies I have sought,
But boundless is their span.

Psalm 40:1-5, The Psalter, 1912
Tune: Dunstan, Sir Joseph Barnby, 1838-1896

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Thankful Thursday

2011-09-29T16:38:00.002-05:00

This week has been a jumble of mixed emotions mostly related to my sweet little Charlie. He's only two weeks shy of 16 and we've known about an underlying problem with his heart for the last two and a half years. It's just been in the "keep an eye on it" stage though, and we've been instructed to bring him into the vet at the first sign of coughing. Well, he had a slight, intermittent cough last week but it turned into an ugly "keep all three of us awake" sort of thing in the early morning hours on Saturday. So Saturday morning we were at our regular vet's office and she confirmed my suspicions that it was indeed a cardiac cough and started him on some Lasix. She was reluctant to do any more without consulting Charlie's cardiologist, however. So Tuesday afternoon, he and I headed over there. The cardiologist confirmed that he is in early congestive heart failure and added enalapril to his drug routine. She also reassured me that Charlie could be made comfortable and enjoy a good quality of life for a while longer...maybe even another couple of years. And that's a big reason to be thankful for me this week! I do thank God for caring vets and advances in veterinary medicine but I am also very grateful for God's provision of the resources to spend on a beloved pet like this. We won't do anything extraordinary but a couple of drugs seem like a small thing compared to the joy of Charlie's presence in our lives for another while. Thank you, God.

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Sunday's Hymn: Thy Way, Not Mine, O Lord

2011-09-25T07:01:00.000-05:00

Thy way, not mine, O Lord,
However dark it be!
Lead me by thine own hand,
Choose out the path for me;
Smooth let it be or rough,
It will be still the best;
Winding or straight, it leads
Right onward to thy rest.

The kingdom that I seek
Is thine; so let the way
That leads to it be thine,
Else I must surely stray.
I dare not choose my lot;
I would not if I might:
Choose thou for me, my God,
So shall I walk wright.

Take thou my cup, and it
With joy or sorrow fill
As best to thee may seem;
Choose thou my good and ill.
Not mine, not mine the choice
In things or great or small;
Be thou my Guide, my Strength,
My Wisdom, and my All.

Horatius Bonar,1857
Tune: Invitation, Frederick C. Maker, 1881

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Thankful Thursday

2011-09-22T18:27:00.002-05:00

Today my thankful thoughts are focused on:

continued healing and improvement in Andy's back

a good time of fellowship with a dear sister

the gift of the Holy Spirit

the peace of God, that transcends all understanding and that guards our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

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Sunday's Hymn: Now May He Who From the Dead

2011-09-18T09:04:00.000-05:00

Now may he who from the dead
Brought the Shepherd of the sheep,
Jesus Christ, our King and Head,
All our souls in safety keep.

May he teach us to fulfill
What is pleasing in his sight;
Perfect us in all his will,
And preserve us day and night.

To that dear Redeemer's praise,
Who the cov'nant sealed with blood,
Let our hearts and voices raise
Loud thanksgiving to our God.

John Newton, 1779
Tune: Mercy, Arr. from Louis M. Gottschalk,1867

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Thankful Thursday

2011-09-15T19:20:00.002-05:00

I'm thankful for this week's very fall-like weather....cool and clear.

I'm thankful for the start of another year of Bible study. Its the book of Acts this year and I'm already being convicted and challenged.

I'm thankful for the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit who testifies that I am a child of God.

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Thankful Thursday

2011-09-08T14:53:00.002-05:00

I'm thankful today for the weekend stay in Minocqua, WI that I won last spring at an outdoor show. Andy and I (and Charlie too) are heading out tomorrow morning for a much needed bit of relaxation. It's supposed to be a lovely weekend, weather-wise, and we plan to relax with some lackadaisical fishing (no boat this time) and checking out of local shops and tourist spots.

I'm thankful too that our heavenly Father provides for all we need here on this earth but He promises that our real treasures are in heaven. What a loving Father He is!

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Sunday's Hymn: The Lord Will Come and Not Be Slow

2011-09-04T08:15:00.000-05:00

The Lord will come and not be slow,
His footsteps cannot err;
Before him righteousness shall go,
His royal harbinger.

Truth from the earth, like to a flow'r,
Shall bud and blossom then;
And justice, from her heav'nly bow'r,
Look down on mortal men.

Rise, God, judge thou the earth in might,
This wicked earth redress;
For thou art he who shall by right
The nations all possess.

For great thou art, and wonders great
By thy strong hand are done;
Thou in thine everlasting seat
Remainest God alone.

John Milton, 1608-1674
Tune: St. Magnus, Jeremiah Clark, 1670-1707

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Thankful Thursday

2011-09-01T16:45:00.001-05:00

I am so very thankful for:

my dear friend, Kim...for so very many reasons.

that we have new tenants in the rental...and I think we are going to have a very good relationship with this family.

that God is healing Andy's back...and that its in His timing, not mine, because I know His ways are perfect...despite my impatience.

that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."~1 John 1:9

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Sunday's Hymn: O God of Truth

2011-08-28T08:15:00.000-05:00

O God of truth, whose living Word
Upholds what're hath breath,
Look down on thy creation, Lord,
Enslaved by sin and death.

Set up thy standard, Lord, that we
Who claim a heav'nly birth,
May march with thee to smite the lies
That vex thy groaning earth.

Ah! would we join that blest array,
And follow in the might
Of him, the Faithful and the True,
In raiment clean and white!

Then, God of truth for whom we long,
Thou who wilt hear our pray'r,
Do thine own battle in our hearts,
And slay the falsehood there.

Thomas Hughes, 1859
Tune: Mirfield, Arthur Cottman, 1872

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Thankful Thursday

2011-08-25T16:04:00.002-05:00

Today my thankful thoughts have turned to....flowers!

I'm so glad God made them a part of our world...especially the pink ones!

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Sunday's Hymn: We Praise Thee, O God

2011-08-21T05:27:00.000-05:00

We praise thee, O God, our Redeemer, Creator
In grateful devotion our tribute we bring.
We lay it before thee, we kneel and adore thee,
We bless thy holy Name, glad praises we sing.

We worship thee, God of our fathers, we bless thee;
Through life's storm and tempest our Guide hast though been.
When perils o'er take us, escape thou wilt make us,
And with thy help, O Lord, our battles we win.

With voices united our praises we offer,
To thee, great Jehovah, glad anthems we raise.
Thy strong arm will guide us, our God is beside us,
To thee, our great Redeemer, forever be praise.

Julia Cady Cory
Tune: Kremser, Old Netherlands melody in The Collection, Adrianus Valerius, 1625

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Thankful Thusday

2011-08-18T16:22:00.002-05:00

Thanking God for:

Emily's willingness to mow the lawn while Andy is still suffering with his water skiing injury

God's healing of a very young family member of a dear friend of mine

Good times celebrating our birthdays together (Andy, Emily and I all have our birthdays within three weeks during the summer)

"...the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."~Ephesians 1:3

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Sunday's Hymn: My God and Father, Day by Day

2011-08-14T04:38:00.002-05:00

My God and Father, day by day,
Far from my home in life's rough way,
O teach me from my heart to say,
"Thy will be done."

Though dark my path and sad my lot,
Let me be still and murmur not,
Or breathe the prayer divinely taught,
"Thy will be done."

What though in lonely grief I sigh
For friends belov'd, no longer nigh,
Submissive still would I reply,
"Thy will be done."

If though shouldst call me to resign
What most I prize, it ne'er was mine;
I only yield thee what was thine,
"Thy will be done."

Let but my fainting heart be blest
With thy sweet spirit for its guest,
My God, to thee I leave the rest:
"Thy will be done."

Charlotte Elliott, 1834
Tune: Almsgiving, John B. Dykes, 1823-1876

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Thankful Thursday

2011-08-11T20:18:00.002-05:00

Andy hurt his back last week. It happened water skiing, of all things, but he was limping around and quite uncomfortable for a few days. He's still not 100% but he is much, much better and I'm so grateful to our gracious God for that. But I'm also thankful for the things He's (re)taught me through this injury of Andy's. (I'm a forgetful person, you know.) He's reminded me of just how frail our health is and how quickly the physical abilities we have, the very ones we take for granted, can be lost, and that makes me much more grateful for those abilities! He's also shown me again how dependent we are on each other, Andy and I, as I've done so many tasks that are usually Andy's, and that knitting together in marriage is another reason to praise God.

I'm also thanking God this week for some of the nicest weather we've had all summer! Highs in the 70's and low humidity! It doesn't get much better that that!

What are you thanking our loving God for this week? Please do join in the thanksgiving!

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Sunday's Hymn: None Other Lamb, None Other Name

2011-08-07T09:07:00.000-05:00

None other Lamb, none other Name,
None other Hope in heav'n or earth or sea,
None other Hiding place from guilt and shame,
None beside thee!

My faith burns low, my hope burns low;
Only my heart's desire cries out in me
By the deep thunder of its want and woe,
Cries out to thee.

Lord, thou art Life, though I be dead;
Love's fire thou art, however cold I be:
Nor heav'n have I, nor place to lay my head,
Nor home, but thee.

Christina G. Rossetti, before 1893

Tune: Rossetti, William Jeater, 1907

Thankful Thursday

2011-08-04T19:49:00.002-05:00

I'm thankful for the renewed sense of comfort that God has given me in Psalm 73. I was reminded of that Psalm in our Sunday School last Sunday and as we read it, memories washed over me of a time a number of years ago, a very painful time, when I clung to those words of truth and love from our gracious God. He knows how forgetful I am and how much I needed to be reminded of those words again and for that, I am grateful.

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Sunday's Hymn: Jesus, Master, Whose I Am

2011-07-31T07:41:00.000-05:00

Jesus, Master, whose I am,
Purchased thine alone to be
By thy blood, O spotless Lamb,
Shed so willingly for me,
Let my heart be all thine own,
Let me live to thee alone.

Jesus, Master, I am thine:
Keep me faithful, keep me near;
Let thy presence in me shine
All my homeward way to cheer.
Jesus, at thy feet I fall,
O be thou my all in all.

Jesus, Master, whom I serve,
Though so feebly and so ill,
Strengthen hand and heart and nerve
All thy bidding to fulfill.
Open thou mine eyes to see
All the work thou hast for me.

Lord, thou needest not, I know,
Service such as I can bring;
Yet I long to prove and show
Full allegiance to my King.
Thou an honor art to me;
Let me be a praise to thee.

Frances R. Havergal, 1865
Tune: Wells, Adapted from Dimitri Bortnianski, 1752-1825

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Thankful Thursday

2011-07-28T16:50:00.002-05:00

I'm thankful for the fellowship that I enjoy with the women of our church. Our church has grown some but its still pretty small by most people's standards. One of the benefits of that as far as I'm concerned is that it's easier to get to know everyone. And among those I've gotten to know more recently is a delightful young woman who invited all the women of the church to her house for lunch today.

That's another advantage to being fairly small. We can still gather comfortably in someone's home! Well, all the women at least.

Not every woman of the church was able to come but many did and most age brackets and stages of adult womanhood were represented. That caused me to reflect on my thankfulness for that aspect of being small as well. We're not all broken into groups of peers! I appreciate and enjoy the fellowship of women in various ages and stages of life! Each one brings something special to the group and to me personally. Each one gives me a particular reason to thank God for her. And so I do!

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Its always...

2011-07-27T16:48:00.002-05:00

...tea time at the Centerville Tea Room in Woodstock, Illinois!

Emily and I enjoyed a lovely luncheon there yesterday.

We shared a pot of Black Forest Tea with our sandwiches.

Those china tea cups make the tea taste even better!

What a delightful way to spend a bit of time together!

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Sunday's Hymn: How Gentle God's Commands

2011-07-24T04:29:00.000-05:00

How gentle God's commands,
How kind his precepts are!
Come, cast your burdens on the Lord,
And trust his constant care.

While Providence supports,
Let saints securely dwell;
That hand, which bears all nature up,
Shall guide his children well.

Why should this anxious load
Press down your weary mind?
Haste to your heav'nly Father's throne,
And sweet refreshment fine.

His goodness stands approved,
Down to the present day;
I'll drop my burden at his feet,
And bear a song away.

Philip Doddridge, 1755
Tune: Dennis, Arr. from Hans G. Nageli by Lowell Mason, 1845

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Thankful Thursday

2011-07-21T15:08:00.002-05:00

I have a list of things to thank God for this week. The first is His timing. Last week was the week we were without electricity for four days. It was warm but nothing like this week where temperatures are topping out at over 95 degrees and the humidity is very high. I am so thankful that God did not orchestrate the storm that knocked out our power and caused so much damage and the high heat and humidity for the same week! And I am very grateful for air conditioning too!

My second reason to thank God today is for my husband, Andy, whose birthday is tomorrow. I am very grateful for this good man that I've shared over 35 years of marriage with! Happy Birthday, Andy!

The third reason for gratitude today is for the fun day that Andy, Emily and I shared yesterday. A fishing outing was planned a couple of weeks ago but it was much too hot for that. So we made sure we were on the lake (Crystal Lake is only about two blocks from our house) at 8 AM when wake time started for a bit of water skiing and tubing as well as swimming off the boat before things heated up too much. And wonder of wonders, we were the only ones enjoying those activities at that time of the morning!

That was followed up by lunch at a local pizza place to celebrate the aforementioned birthday. Emily treated us to that and a good time was had by all. Thank you, God, for a thoughtful, loving daughter.

So what are your reasons for praising and thanking God today? Please do join in and share them!

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Sunday's Hymn: Children of the Heavenly King

2011-07-17T04:37:00.000-05:00

Children of the heav'nly King,
As ye journey, sweetly sing;
Sing your Saviour's worthy praise,
Glorious in his works and ways.

We are trav'ling home to God
In the way the fathers trod;
They are happy now, and we
Soon their happiness shall see.

Shout, ye little flock and blest;
You on Jesus' throne shall rest;
There your seat is now prepared,
There your kingdom and reward.

Lift your eyes, ye sons of light,
Zion's city is in sight;
There our endless home shall be,
There our Lord we soon shall see.

Fear not, brethren; joyful stand
On the borders of your land;
Jesus Christ, your Father's Son,
Bids you undismayed go on.

Lord, obediently we go,
Gladly leaving all below;
Only thou our Leader be,
And we still will follow thee.

John Cennick, 1742
Tune: Pleyel's Hymn, Arr. from Ignaz J. Pleyel, 1790

Power is Back!

2011-07-14T18:25:00.002-05:00

Just had to share the good news with my bloggy friends! My thankful list now includes things like air conditioning and the freedom to use the washer and dish washer. Plus the miracle of the electric garage door opener! And its so quiet around here too! We're happy campers tonight!

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Thankful Thursday

2011-07-14T06:57:00.002-05:00

Its Thursday morning and we are still without power since the big storm on Monday. Most people in Chicagoland have had theirs restored but we are among the approximately 100,000 whom the utility company says should be up and running "by the weekend."

Andy, Emily and I have been so very thankful this week for our generator! Andy bought it about five years ago when we lost power for three days and he had the foresight to have it wired into the electrical panel when we had to replace the service entrance and breaker box last year. Its not the huge kind of generator that makes it so you can forget its not the real thing. No, we can't run the air conditioning or the washer or dish washer or the oven. We can only use one heat producing appliance at a time, one burner on the electric stove or the coffee maker for those that imbibe, for example, but we can have a few lights or fans and the router for internet. But most importantly, we can keep food in the freezer and refrigerator and we can have the hot water heater on too! Sometimes it feels downright decadent to have this blessing from God but we do praise Him and thank Him for it!

We are also so very grateful for God's protection in the storm. And isn't that what He does for us every day in so many ways, ways we might not even be aware of at the time? We do have an awesome God!

For He will hide me in His shelter
in the day of trouble;
He will conceal me under the cover of His tent;
He will lift me high upon a rock.~Ps. 27:5

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Summer Storm

2011-07-11T20:23:00.002-05:00

It's been quite the eventful day at the cottage. Violent thunderstorms blew through Chicagoland this morning knocking out power to over 600,000 people and we were among them. Many, many trees were downed and our big, beautiful spruce was sprawled across the driveway early in the storm.

The storm came out of the north and apparently put some twisting force on our poor tree.

Not only was our driveway blocked but the entire street was impassable on this end because of our tree.

Also on the other end because of a neighbor's tree!

We were fortunate, however, in that the spruce was actually on the city right of way so they removed it. And not only that but, because it did block the road, it was removed by noon!

We're also very thankful for God's protection in that no one was hurt and nothing was even damaged. Even our recycling container emerged unscathed, much to our amazement!

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Sunday's Hymn: A Shelter in the Time of Storm

2011-07-10T05:07:00.001-05:00

The Lord's our Rock, in him we hide,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land,
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night,
A shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes affright,
A shelter in the time of storm.

The raging storms may round us beat,
A shelter in the time of storm;
We'll never leave our safe retreat,
A shelter in the time of storm.

O Rock Divine, O Refuge dear,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Be thou our helper ever near,
A shelter in the time of storm.

Vernon J. Charlesworth, arr. by Ira D. Sankey, 1840-1907
Tune: A Shelter in the Time of Storm, Ira D. Sankey, 1840-1907

Thankful Thursday

2011-07-07T19:59:00.001-05:00

I'm thanking God today for slightly cooler temperatures. The humidity seemed less intense too.

I'm also thankful for a lovely lunch with the women of my church today. I was seated next to a woman who is fairly new to our church and this was my first opportunity to get to know her a bit better. What a pleasure that was!

Yesterday, I had coffee (well, she had coffee and I had tea) with an old friend, a true kindred spirit, that I hadn't seen for a while. Catching up with her was a joy too.

And finally, I am thankful to be caught up with my weeding at last. They got so far ahead of me while we were on vacation but, with some much appreciated help from Andy, they are finally under control...for the moment. Weeds are an awful lot like dust, you know.

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Kitchen Improvements: Post Script

2011-07-06T13:41:00.004-05:00

I'm really thrilled with all the improvements to our kitchen but...there is always a but, isn't there? Well, mine was the desire to add curtains to the windows. We already had cell-type blinds but there is such a softness to curtains on kitchen windows. Especially lace curtains. I love the sun filtering in through them! And I had this length of lace from a swag that Emily had on her dorm room window in college so...here's how I spent my "extra" time over the Fourth of July weekend.

I couldn't be more please with the results! The plants are happier having their sun filtered too!

Sunday's Hymn: Shine Thou Upon Us, Lord

2011-07-03T05:12:00.000-05:00

Shine thou upon us, Lord,
True Light of men, today,
And through the written Word
Thy very self display,
That so from hearts which burn
With gazing on thy face
Thy little ones may learn
The wonders of thy grace.

Breathe thou upon us, Lord,
Thy Spirit's living flame,
That so with one accord
Our lips may tell thy name.
Give thou the hearing ear,
Fix thou the wandering thought,
That those we teach may hear
The great things thou hast wrought.

Speak thou for us, O Lord,
In all we say of thee;
According to thy Word
Let all our teaching be,
That so thy lambs may know
Their own true Shepherd's voice,
Where'er he leads them go,
And in his love rejoice.

Live thou within us, Lord;
Thy mind and will be ours;
Be thou belov'd, adored,
And served with all our powers,
That so our lives may teach
Thy children what thou art,
And plead, by more than speech,
For thee with ev'ry heart.

John Ellerton, 1881
Tune: Leoni, Arr. from a Jewish melody

Thankful Thursday

2011-06-30T16:04:00.002-05:00

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.~Hebrews 13:20-21

These are the verses I'm especially thanking God for today. This afternoon, Kim, Carol and I finished up our long-standing study of the book of Hebrews and for me, these two verses bring to mind so much of the content of that book. I have so, so much to be thankful for in them...that I am at peace with our God through the blood of Christ who bore my sins on the cross, that our Lord Jesus Christ is my great Shepherd, that God will equip me and sanctify me to do every good work that He plans for me in His will making me pleasing to Him through Christ Jesus. There's more imbedded in these words of Scripture too but this is more than enough to make me overflow with gratitude to Him!

Sunday's Hymn: Blest be the Tie that Binds

2011-06-26T12:33:00.003-05:00

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love:
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims, are one,
Our comforts and our cares.

We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear,
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way,
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.

From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free;
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.

John Fawcett, 1782
Tune: Dennis, Arr. from Hans G. Nageli by Lowell Mason, 1845

Thankful Thursday

2011-06-24T05:59:00.003-05:00

Its Friday again and I'm just posting my gratitude to God this morning for the fun day Emily and I spent together yesterday. We had originally planned to do something outdoors like visiting the Japanese Gardens that are about an hour from our house. 80% chance of rain changed that so we visited the community of Naperville, IL which is about an hour away in a different direction to browse some shops and enjoy a relaxing lunch. We agreed that it didn't matter exactly what we did, that the important thing was being together and we had a wonderful day of it! So wonderful that I forgot all about my Thankful Thursday post until this morning!

Sunday's Hymn: Now May He Who From the Dead

2011-06-19T06:37:00.000-05:00

Now may he who from the dead
Brought the Shepherd of the sheep,
Jesus Christ, our King and Head,
All our souls in safety keep.

May he teach us to fulfil
What is pleasing in his sight;
Perfect us in all his will,
And preserve us day and night.

To that dear Redeemer's praise,
Who the cov'nant sealed with blood,
Let our hearts and voices raise
Loud thanksgiving to our God.

John Newton, 1779
Tune: Mercy, Arr. from Louis M. Gottschalk, 1867

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Thankful Thursday

2011-06-16T18:31:00.004-05:00

I am thankful for:

our snug and welcoming home...weeds and all...as we returned from vacation
strength for the work accomplished this week...lots of weeding included
FaceTime on my iPad that allows me to see my sister in Oregon when I talk to her
my sister in Oregon
our church and our time of prayer together last evening
the book of Hebrews
God's sovereignty over all despite things that don't always make sense

What are you thanking our gracious God for this day? Please share!

Sunday's Hymn: Father, Again in Jesus' Name We Meet

2011-06-12T11:14:00.004-05:00

Father, again in Jesus' Name we meet,
And bow in penitence beneath thy feet:
Again to thee our feeble voices raise,
To sue for mercy, and to sing thy praise.

O we would bless thee for thy ceaseless care,
And all thy works from day to day declare:
Is not our life with hourly mercies crowned?
Does not thine arm encircle us around?

Alas, unworthy of thy boundless love,
Too oft with careless feet from thee we rove;
But now, encouraged by thy voice, we come,
Returning sinners to a Father's home.

O by that Name in whom all fullness dwells,
O by that love which ev'ry love excels,
O by that blood so freely shed for sin,
Open blest mercy's gate, and take us in.

Lady Lucy E. G. Whit more, 1824
St. 3, line 2; st. 4, line 4, alt.
Tune: Longwood, Sir Joseph Barnby, 1872

Thankful Thursday

2011-06-09T18:22:00.001-05:00

On this second Thursday of our vacation in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, I am thankful for:

God's provision of safety, especially on the water but also on our trips to town and sightseeing

the fish we've caught

the refreshment and relaxation that Andy and I (Charlie too) have experienced together

WiFi coverage and my iPad which has allowed me to stay in touch with those from whom it is hard to be separated

a home and a life that I'm glad to return to

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday's Hymn: Great God of Wonders!

2011-06-05T07:34:00.003-05:00

Great God of wonders! all thy ways

Are worthy of thyself divine;

And the bright glories of thy grace

Among thine other wonders shine:

Who is a pard'ning God like thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Pardon from an offended God!

Pardon for sins of deepest dye!

Pardon bestowed through Jesus' blood!

Pardon that brings the rebel nigh!

O may this glorious matchless love,

This God-like miracle of grace,

Teach mortal tongues like those above,

To raise this song of lofty praise;

Samuel Davies, 1723-1761

Tune: Pater Omnium, Henry J.E. Holmes, 1875

Thankful Thursday

2011-06-02T11:54:00.001-05:00

We're on vacation in the beautiful Northwoods of Northern Wisconsin this week and next. Its good to spend time relaxing together with Andy and Charlie in God's beautiful creation! I'm so thankful for His provision of this place and the resources that allow us to be here. But today I am especially thankful that He allowed Andy to catch this impressive 40 inch musky right off the dock of our cabin yesterday afternoon! I'm also thankful that He provided the granddaughter of a neighbor at just the right time to hear Andy calling me to come quick with the camera! She ran up to the cabin and got me before that big fish got away so Andy has this snap to prove his story.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sunday's Hymn: There is a Green Hill Far Away

2011-05-29T00:05:00.001-05:00

There is a green hill far away,
Without a city wall,
Where the dear Lord was crucified,
Who died to save us all.

We may not know, we cannot tell,
What pains he had to bear;
But we believe it was for us
He hung and suffered there.

He died that we might be forgiv'n,
He died to make us good,
That we might go at last to heav'n,
Saved by his precious blood.

There was no other good enough
To pay the price of sin;
He only could unlock the gate
Of heav'n, and let us in.

O dearly, dearly has he loved,
And we must love him too,
And trust in his redeeming blood,
And try his works to do.

Cecil Frances Alexander, 1848
Tune: Meditation, John H. Gower, 1890

Thankful Thursday

2011-05-26T11:46:00.001-05:00

Andy gave me the gift of an iPad this past Saturday! Can you believe it? I'm still incredulous myself! I've got a long ways to go on the learning curve but, wow! That about sums it up! Maybe that's too many exclamation marks...no, I don't think so.

And, listen to this. I normally use my laptop to post to my blog but there is a major, multiple day problem going on for some Blogger users including me. But here I am, posting from my iPad, using an app called Blogpress and smiling all the time.

And Charlie is smiling too because he's so much more comfortable sleeping on my lap without my continual effort to reach over him to use the laptop.

So, yes, today I am thankful for this fun, new gadget but even more I am thankful for a loving husband who persisted in telling me how much I would enjoy it. Need I say he was right?

What good gift are you thanking our gracious God for today? Please do share!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

2011-05-23T09:35:00.007-05:00

1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon each: lemon zest, poppy seeds
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, beaten
8 oz. lemon yogurt (I used 8 oz. vanilla yogurt plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine flour, sugar, lemon zest, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Make a well in the center of dry ingredients and set aside.

Stir together beaten egg, yogurt, vegetable oil and vanilla in medium bowl. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients mixing only until just moistened. Batter will be lumpy.

Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin tins, filling each 2/3 full. Bake until muffins are golden brown, about 18-20 minutes. Cool in pan for 5 minutes.

Mix 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar with 3 teaspoons lemon juice in a small bowl to make a glaze. Remove muffins to cooling rack and drizzle with glaze. Serve warm.

Sunday's Hymn: Teach Me, O Lord, Thy Holy Way

2011-05-22T13:18:00.005-05:00

Teach me, O Lord, thy holy way
And give me an obedient mind;
That in thy service I may find
My soul's delight from day to day.

Guide me, O Saviour, with thy hand,
And so control my thoughts and deeds,
That I may tread the path which leads
Right onward to the blessed land.

Help me, O Saviour, here to trace
The sacred footsteps thou hast trod;
And, meekly walking with my God,
To grow in goodness, truth, and grace.

Guard me, O Lord, that I may ne'er
Forsake the right, or do the wrong:
Against temptation make me strong,
And round me spread thy shelt'ring care.

Bless me in ev'ry task, O Lord,
Begun, continued, done for thee:
Fulfil thy perfect work in me;
And thine abounding grace afford.

William T. Matson, 1866
Tune: Penitence, St. Albans Tune Book, 1875

Thankful Thursday

2011-05-19T18:41:00.005-05:00

I'm thankful that today was warmer and sunnier than its been but definitely not too hot. I think I'm in that stage of life where my comfortable temperature range varies by only a degree or two either way and today was practically perfect in that regard.

I'm also thankful for my "new" kitchen. I'm thankful for Andy's willingness to help redesign it and then acquire and install the upgrades. Its a joy to work in now!

And I'm thankful for this truth spoken by our God to His people in Isaiah 49:16a:

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands

It makes His promise to never leave me nor forsake me penetrate my heart with even deeper meaning.

Kitchen Improvements: Phase IV

2011-05-18T17:01:00.000-05:00

Phase IV, the final phase of the kitchen improvement project is now complete! Here is the unveiling of a beautiful stainless steel pot rack hanging over the Boos Block!
What a difference it makes! The pots and pans are so much easier to grab as needed. Now I just have to decide how to utilize the new found cabinet space to its maximum advantage.

The entire kitchen improvement project cost about $2500.00. That's not cheap but its still a fraction of what an actual kitchen remodel would have cost and I know I'm happier with the outcome. My kitchen went from looking nice but not so workable to very comfortable to work in and I really love how it looks too! I am so pleased!

A View of Mt. Hood

2011-05-15T20:06:00.005-05:00

As seen through the window of the plane on my recent trip to Oregon

Sunday's Hymn: How Precious is the Book Divine

2011-05-15T13:45:00.003-05:00

How precious is the book divine,
By inspiration given,
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine,
To guide our souls to heav'n.

It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts,
In this dark vale of tears;
Life, light and joy it still imparts
And quells our rising fears.

This lamp, through all the tedious night
Of life, shall guide our way,
Till we behold the clearer light
Of an eternal day.

John Fawcett, 1782
Tune: Belmont, Arr. from William Gardiner, 1812

Sunday's Hymn: Shout, For the Blessed Jesus Reigns

2011-05-08T13:26:00.005-05:00

Shout, for the blessed Jesus reigns;
Through distant lands his triumphs spread;
And sinners, freed from endless pains,
Own him their Saviour and their Head.

He calls his chosen from afar,
They all at Zion's gates arrive;
Those who were dead in sin before
By sovereign grace are made alive.

Gentiles and Jews his laws obey;
Nations remote their off'rings bring,
And unconstrained their homage pay
To their exalted God and King.

O may his holy church increase,
His Word and Spirit still prevail,
While angels celebrate his praise,
And saints his growing glories hail.

Loud hallelujahs to the Lamb,
From all below, and all above!
In lofty songs exalt his Name,
In songs as lasting as his love.

Benjamin Beddome, 1769
Tune: Truro, Psalmodia Evengelica, 1789

Thankful Thursday

2011-05-05T14:49:00.003-05:00

I'm still here in Oregon thanking God for this very special time that He arranged for me and Mary to be together. I'm also thankful for the graciousness of Andy and Emily and my dear friend, Kim, who have each stepped in to take over various aspects of my day to day work at home so I could be here. And although this trip has been primarily one of "sister time," I've seen so many other precious members of my family and I do thank God for each one of them. I am blessed!

Sunday's Hymn: Who is This That Comes from Edom

2011-05-01T08:19:00.000-05:00

Who is this that comes from Edom,
All his raiment stained with blood;
To the slave proclaiming freedom;
Bringing and bestowing good:
Glorious in the garb he wears,
Glorious in the spoils he bears?

'Tis the Saviour, now victorious,
Trav'ling onward in his might;
'Tis the Saviour, O how glorious
To his people is the sight!
Jesus now is strong to save,
Mighty to redeem the slave.

Why that blood his raiment staining?
'Tis the blood of many slain;
Of his foes there's none remaining,
None the contest to maintain:
Fall'n they are, no more to rise,
All their glory prostrate lies.

Mighty Victor, reign for ever,
Wear the crown so dearly won;
Never shall thy people, never
Cease to sing what thou hast done:
Thou hast fought thy people's foes;
Thou wilt heal thy people's woes.

Thomas Kelly, 1809
Tune: Edom, Albert L. Peace, 1885

Thankful...

2011-04-29T08:47:00.002-05:00

...Friday. But this time I have a good reason for not getting my thankfulness posted on Thursday. I was flying out to visit my sister, Mary, and other family members in Portland, Oregon!

So today I am thankful for God's protection of my travels as well as my family members here, each one of them. Of course, Andy and Emily and Charlie are on my mind too! I miss them! And that sense of separation from them makes me ever so thankful for them too!

Cowboy Coffee Cake

2011-04-26T20:23:00.003-05:00

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups brown sugar
2/3 cup softened butter
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup sour milk
2 well-beaten eggs

Combine flour, salt, sugar and butter; mix until crumbly. Reserve 1/2 cup mixture.

To remaining crumbs, add baking powder, baking soda and spices; mix thoroughly. Add milk and eggs; mix well. Pour into 9 X 13 inch greased pan. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Chopped nuts or cinnamon may be sprinkled over crumbs.

Bake in 375 degrees Fahrenheit oven for approximately 30 minutes. Test for doneness with toothpick.

Sunday's Hymn: How Calm and Beautiful the Morn

2011-04-24T05:34:00.000-05:00

How calm and beautiful the morn
That gilds the sacred tomb,
Where Christ the crucified was borne,
And veiled in midnight gloom!
O weep no more the Saviour slain;
The Lord is ris'n; he lives again.

Ye mourning saints, dry ev'ry tear
For your departed Lord;
Behold the place, he is not here,
The tomb is all unbarred;
The gates of heath were closed in vain:
The Lord is ris'n; he lives again.

Now cheerful to the house of prayer
Your early footsteps bend;
The Saviour will himself be there,
Your Advocate and Friend:
Once by the law your hopes were slain,
But now in Christ ye live again.

How tranquil now the rising day!
'Tis Jesus still appears,
A risen Lord to chase away
Your unbelieving fears:
O weep no more your comforts slain;
The Lord is ris'n; he lives again.

And when the shades of evening fall,
When life's last hour draws nigh,
If Jesus shine upon the soul,
How blissful then to die!
Since he has ris'n that once was slain,
Ye die in Christ to live again.

Thomas Hastings, 1831
Tune: Hastings, Thomas Hastings, 1831

Thankful Thursday

2011-04-21T15:57:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful for the truth of this passage from Hebrews 10:

⁸ First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them” (although the law required them to be made). ⁹ Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. ¹⁰ And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

More April Snow

2011-04-18T07:15:00.004-05:00

April 18, 2011

Sunday's Hymn: Arise, O God, and Shine

2011-04-17T06:39:00.000-05:00

Arise, O God, and shine
In all thy saving might,
And prosper each design
To spread thy glorious light:
Let healing streams of mercy flow,
That all the earth thy truth may know.

Bring distant nations near
To sing thy glorious praise;
Let ev'ry people hear
And learn thy holy ways:
Reign, mighty God, assert thy cause,
And govern by thy righteous laws.

Send forth thy glorious pow'r,
That Gentiles all may see,
And earth present her store
In converts born to thee:
God, our own God, thy church O bless,
And fill the world with righteousness.

To God, the only wise,
The one immortal King,
Let hallelujahs rise
From ev'ry living thing:
Let all that breathe, on ev'ry coast,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

William Hurn, 1813, alt.
Tune: Lischer, Arr. from F.J.C. Schneider by Lowell Mason, 1841

April Snow

2011-04-16T16:41:00.005-05:00

See that white stuff in front of our neighbor's fence?

And Andy thought it would be safe to put the snow blower away after the 15th!

Bloggers Meet!

2011-04-15T06:40:00.010-05:00

What a wonderful evening we had with Kim and Neil and Kim and Tom last night!!! The gathering fully met my expectations and more!! Kim of Hiraeth was the perfect hostess (no surprise there) and the conversation flowed as we talked and laughed our way through the evening. I couldn't believe how fast the time went! We did manage to get a few pictures but I think we were all more interested in talking and visiting and maximizing our time together in that way than capturing the moment visually. All three of us gave our cameras to our hubbies and they caught a few snaps while we sat on the couch with Kim's Ivy...who was not going to be left out of the fun! I'm anxious to see the pictures Kim and Kim post but I love the way these shots capture the dog lover in all three of us.

We were out later than usual, especially for a week night, and Andy and I were dragging this morning at 5:00 but it was well worth it...for both of us! I didn't think to take any pictures of the guys but I did notice that the conversation didn't lag at their end of the table or side of the living room either. Neil's parting words were an invitation to visit them in Ontario. Now wouldn't that be fun!!!

Thankful Thursday

2011-04-14T10:27:00.005-05:00

I'm so thankful for the opportunity to meet friend and fellow blogger Kim of The Upward Call today!!!! She is in Chicago this week for the Gospel Coalition Conference and tonight we're having dinner with Kim and her husband, Neil, at the home of my real-life, dearest friend, Kim from Hiraeth. I'm so excited!!! God is so gracious to give us friends with whom we can share our thoughts and joys and disappointments in life. I've been blessed with both real-life and cyber-friends in abundance but today I am especially thankful to Him for the Kims in my life.

Apricot Preserve Filled Whole Wheat Muffins

2011-04-11T10:29:00.000-05:00

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 beaten egg
1 8-oz. carton sour cream
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/4 cup apricot preserves (peach is yummy too)

Line muffin pan with 12 muffin papers. Set aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

In medium bowl, stir together all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make a well in center of dry mixture.

In another medium bowl, combine egg, sour cream and oil. Add all at once to dry mixture. Stir until just moistened. Fold in pecans, if desired.

Spoon about half of the batter into prepared muffin pan, filling each cup 1/3 full. Top each with one teaspoon of apricot preserves. Then top with remaining batter, filling each cup 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden. Cool muffin pan on wire rack for five minutes. Remove muffins from pan. Serve warm. Lovely with a nice hot cuppa!

Sunday's Hymn: O Day of Rest and Gladness

2011-04-10T07:59:00.000-05:00

O day of rest and gladness,
O day of joy and light,
O balm of care and sadness,
Most beautiful, most bright;
On thee the high and lowly,
Through ages joined in tune,
Sing Holy, Holy, Holy,
To the great God Triune,

On thee, at the creation,
The light first had its birth;
On thee, for our salvation,
Christ rose from depths of earth;
On thee our Lord, victorious,
The Spirit sent from heav'n;
And thus on thee, most glorious,
A triple light was giv'n.

Thou art a port protected
From storms that round us rise;
A garden intersected
With streams of Paradise;
Thou art a cooling fountain
In life's dry, dreary sand;
From thee, like Pisgah's mountain,
We view the promised land.

Today on weary nations
The heav'nly manna falls;
To holy convocations
The silver trumpet calls,
Where gospel light is glowing
With pure and radiant beams,
And living water flowing
With soul-refreshing streams.

New graces ever gaining
From this our day of rest,
We reach the rest remaining
To spirits of the blest.
To Holy Ghost be praises,
To Father and to Son;
The church her voice upraises
To thee, blest Three in One.

Christopher Wordsworth,1862
Tune: Mendebras, Arr. from a German melody by Lowell Mason, 1839

Kitchen Improvements: Phase III

2011-04-08T11:09:00.013-05:00

We've completed Phase III of our kitchen improvement project and I'm ready for the unveiling!

But first, the "before" pictures. The kitchen has this pale striped wallpaper on the wall between the counter top and the cabinets as well as under the window and on the soffit above the cabinets.
Its been here from before we moved in but I like it...all except for the part between the kitchen sink and the window. Why would anyone put wallpaper in that back splash area? Must have been someone who never washed dishes. Predictably, the wallpaper was peeling back there and the sheet rock underneath was in danger from the moisture.

Because I like the wallpaper and because of the complications involving the shape of the molding under the window sill and the book shelves to the left of the window, we decided that only the part between the window and the sink area had to be redone. After several visits to the big box home improvement stores, we decided to go with a thermoplastic material made to look like metal. The brand name is Fasade. It comes in a number of patterns and finishes. Our choice is called hammered and its in a brushed nickel finish. Naturally, it was not available in our local stores, not even as a special order. But we found it online from this site. It came quickly and I stripped that area of wallpaper in a couple of hours just one week ago today. The next morning, it took a few hours for Andy and me to formulate a plan of action and get the pieces fastened up with Liquid Nails but we enjoyed gazing at the result of our labors over lunch.

Thankful Thursday

2011-04-07T09:45:00.007-05:00

I'm thankful for so many things today!

I'm thankful for a quiet walk this morning. I'm thankful for extra time to pray and think and reflect on God's goodness.
I'm thankful for my kind and loving husband, Andy.
I'm thankful for my thoughtful daughter, Emily.
I'm thankful for our sweet little Charlie.
And God's provision of unexpected patches of sunshine too.
I am thankful.

Sunday's Hymn: My Soul in Silence Waits for God

2011-04-03T07:22:00.000-05:00

My soul in silence waits for God,
My Saviour he has proved;
He only is my Rock and Tow'r;
I never shall be moved.

My honor is secure with God,
My Saviour he is known;
My Refuge and my Rock of strength
Are found in God alone.

On him, ye people, evermore
Rely with confidence;
Before him pour ye out your heart,
For God is our defense.

For God has spoken o'er and o'er,
And unto me has shown,
That saving pow'r and lasting strength
Belong to him alone.

Yea, lovingkindness evermore
Belongs to thee, O Lord;
And thou according to his work
Dost ev'ry man reward.

From Psalm 62, The Psalter, 1912
Tune: Howard, Wilson's Selection of Psalm Tunes, 1825

Thankful Thursday....

2011-04-01T07:22:00.004-05:00

...a day late again. But I'm still thankful.

I'm thankful for sunshine and warmer temperatures yesterday.

I'm thankful for family, both what the world considers family and my family through Christ.

And I'm thankful for the truth in these words from Isaiah 55:

⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

I am thankful.