Kitchen Improvements: Phase III

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

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

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....

...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.

Sunday's Hymn: Here From the World We Turn

Here from the world we turn, Jesus to seek;
Here may his loving voice tenderly speak!
Jesus, our dearest Friend, while at thy feet we bend,
O let thy smile descend! 'Tis thee we seek.

Come, Holy Comforter, Presence Divine,
Now in our longing hearts graciously shine;
O for thy mighty pow'r! O for a blessed show'r,
Filling this hallowed hour with joy divine!

Saviour, thy work revive: here may we see
Those who are dead in sin quickened by thee;
Come to our hearts tonight, make ev'ry burden light;
Cheer thou our waiting sight; we long for thee.

Fanny J. Crosby, 1876
Tune: Cambria, Welsh hymn melody, from the Bristol Tune Book, 1876

Kitchen Improvements: Phase II

Phase II of the kitchen improvements had to be a way to increase counter top workspace. We had a small kitchen cart/island which helped some. You can see it in my Kitchen Improvements: Phase I post, but it simply wasn't big enough. And we had plenty of floor space for something bigger.

First, we measured and tried some different pieces of furniture in the spot to determine the appropriate dimensions. Then we did lots of research, mostly online, before deciding on a beautiful butcher block from the John Boos company. They have lots of different styles and sizes but we chose a Gathering Block III. And upon discovering through the very helpful Norbert at the factory store that we could save 40% if we went down to pick it up in Effingham, IL, which is about 5 and a half hours away, we decided that a weekend road trip was just the ticket.

Now, the Gathering Block III measures 24 X 48 inches and we have a Honda Ridgeline pick-up with a bed that is bigger than that so we figured it would be a piece of cake. We even thought the end gate would close and the tonneau cover would fasten over it!! Wrong!!!! It was kind of scary watching the forklift descend on the truck and I was too shocky to think of a picture at the factory but here it is in the pickup in the driveway.

We were a little concerned about the two of us getting it out of there when we got home but we managed by opening the box and bringing in the well-packed pieces one at a time.

Andy did have to get our gracious neighbor to help him bring in the 4 inch thick top though. I just could not manage an end of that!

Then it was on to assembling it which Andy did with just a little help from me and none from Charlie.
Then we kind of rolled it upright and slid it into place before putting in the basket drawers.

It was an adventure but we're very, very pleased with the results! Isn't it a beauty!

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for:

• A dear friend who listens
• A loving husband
• Sunshine
• Daffodil leaves poking up
• Progress on the kitchen project (separate blog post coming soon)
  
• But most of all, I'm thankful for God's sovereignty in all situations

Sunday's Hymn: Who Hath Believed

Who hath believed after hearing the message,
To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
He shall grow up as a plant new and tender,
And as a root out of a barren field.

He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement of our peace was upon him,
And with his stripes we are healed.

He was despised and by all men rejected,
Weighted with sorrows, acquainted with grief;
Smitten, afflicted, by God was forsaken,
He suffered alone; no one could bring relief.

Like as a lamb he was brought to the slaughter,
Speechless as sheep to the shearers was led;
He was cut off from the land of the living,
For our transgressions on Calvary bled.

From Isaiah 53:1-8
Richard J. Oliver
Tune: He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions, Richard J. Oliver

Thankful....

...Friday. Oops. Thankful Thursday flitted into my mind a couple of times yesterday but then I'd get busy again and the thought was gone. Not that I didn't have things to be thankful for, believe me. For one thing, it was a lovely sunny morning and Charlie and I had a delightful walk.

And then there was this lovely sight outside my kitchen window:
I know I've posted them other years but I just never can resist taking a new picture of these every spring.

And since it is Friday now, I'm going to tell you how thankful I am that Andy is working from home today! He normally works from home one day a week but that hasn't happened for the last few months because of big projects at work that necessitated his being present on site. So its nice to have him back with us.

Several of my thankful blogging friends are joining in praising God for His good gifts to us each Thursday. Please feel free to join us!

Quotable

The God of the law and the God of the Gospel is the same God--unchanged, unchangeable. His mercy beams forth more gloriously in the Gospel than in the law, but His holiness is not obscured by the effulgence of His mercy. No, the displeasure of God against sin is more strongly marked in the sacrifice of His Son, than in all the hecatombs of victims which bled on the Jewish altars; and we may rest assured, that "if he who despised Moses' law died without mercy, he will be accounted worthy of much sorer punishment, who treads under foot the Son of God, treats as unclean the sanctifying blood of the covenant, and does despite to the Spirit of grace." The Gospel despiser, the impenitent apostate, will find that there is no wrath like the wrath of contemned, abused mercy, and that it is indeed "a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." The belief of the infinitely energetic holiness of God, manifesting itself both in the sufferings of Christ and in the peculiarly sore punishment of the despiser and neglecter of the Gospel, is admirably fitted to produce that "which is in perfect harmony with that grateful love which arises from the faith of the truth as it is in Jesus.~John Brown, Hebrews, commentary on Hebrews 12:28-29

Sunday's Hymn: Arm of the Lord, Awake, Awake!

Arm of the Lord, awake, awake!
Put on thy strength, the nations shake,
And let the world, adoring, see
Triumphs of mercy wrought by thee.

Say to the heathen from thy throne:
"I am Jehovah, God alone."
Thy voice their idols shall confound,
And cast their altars to the ground.

Let Zion's time of favor come;
O bring the tribes of Israel home;
And let our wond'ring eyes behold
Gentile and Jews in Jesus' fold.

Almighty God, thy grace proclaim
In ev'ry clime of every name;
Let adverse pow'rs before thee fall,
And crown the Saviour Lord of all.

William Shrubsole, 1795
Tune: Truro, Psalmodia Evangelica, 1789

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for a bit of sunshine this afternoon in which to take Charlie for a short walk. It was a short one because the temperature was only 38 degrees F. and there was a little breeze to make it feel even cooler. Charlie is 15 now and old guys get cold in that kind of weather. But it was nice to get out in the fresh air for a quick trip around the block.

I'm even more thankful for this exhilarating reminder from our Hebrews passage for this week:

You have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.~Hebrews 12:22-24

I'm joining with Kim of The Upward Call and many others in posting my thanksgiving to God each Thursday of 2011. Here's your invitation to join in!

Sunday's Hymn: Awake, My Soul

Awake, my soul, stretch ev'ry nerve,
And press with vigor on;
A heav'nly race demands thy zeal,
And an immortal crown.

A cloud of witnesses around
Hold thee in full survey;
Forget the steps already trod,
And onward urge thy way.

'Tis God's all-animating voice
That calls thee from on high;
'Tis his own hand presents the prize
To thine aspiring eye.

That prize with peerless glories bright,
Which shall new lustre boast,
When victors' wreaths and monarch's gems
Shall blend in common dust.

Blest Saviour, introduced by thee,
Have I my race begun;
And, crowned with vict'ry, at thy feet
I'll lay my honors down.

Philip Doddridge, 1755
Tune: Christmas, George Frederick Handel, 1728

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful that its March. I do like all of the seasons but I am very ready for winter to be over and spring to arrive. That happens on Sunday, March 20th this year. At least, that's what the calendar says and I'm ready for warmer days, robins and daffodils!

I'm also thankful for leftovers for dinner tonight.

And my warm, soft Charlie sleeping in my lap.

And that Andy will be home in less than an hour.

I am thankful.

Sunday's Hymn: Like a River Glorious

Like a river glorious
Is God's perfect peace,
Over all victorious
In its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth
Fuller ev'ry day,
Perfect, yet it groweth
Deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah,
Hearts are fully blest,
Finding, as he promised,
Perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow
Of his blessed hand,
Never foe can follow,
Never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry,
Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry
Touch the spirit there.

Ev'ry joy or trial
Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial
By the Sun of Love.
We may trust him fully
All for us to do;
They who trust him wholly
Find him wholly true.

Frances R. Havergal, 1878
Tune: Like a River, James Mountain, 1844-1933

Quotable

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.~Isaiah 41:10

Thankful Thursday

Andy is in Corsicana, TX this week for his job. I miss him and I'm thankful that he comes home on Saturday. That's the day after tomorrow!

Like Rosemary, it seems that things often go awry when Andy is out of town. We had the furnace in one of the rentals repaired last week and I was feeling so thankful that that happened while Andy was still here. Well, the tenant called yesterday to say it wasn't working again. I was out and by the time we spoke, he had talked to someone else who had suggested turning the thermostat completely off and waiting a half hour to restart the furnace. It worked! At least for now, and I'm so thankful for that.

Still, its been a long week and I'm especially thankful for a dear friend who has invited me to join her family for dinner tomorrow night.

Oh, and one more thing I'm thankful for...snowdrops peeking up through the snow! They keep getting buried again by another inch or two of snow that then recedes in time for the next batch but I know they are there!

I intend to post my thankful thoughts each Thursday along with Kim of The Upward Call and others. Please join in!

Sunday's Hymn: Amazing Grace

Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found—
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Thro' many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

And when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

John Newton, 1779
Tune: Amazing Grace, traditional American melody, Arr. by Edwin O. Excell, 1851-1921

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful to be just about over the flu. I faithfully got my flu shot back in October but I know that those shots are a mix of the strains that people in the know think will be the problem ones in a particular year. At least for me, they guessed wrong this year. It was not pleasant but I was so thankful for this promise from the passage of Isaiah which was part of last week's study:

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.~Isaiah 41:10

Kim from The Upward Call and several others of us are posting our thanksgiving to our great God each Thursday. Please join in!

Kitchen Improvements: Phase I

Field Stone Cottage dates to the 1930's. The kitchen has been redone, probably multiple times, since then. The latest upgrades predate our ownership of the cottage which is now into its seventh year. My best guess would be late 1980's or early 1990's. The kitchen is really lovely but it is lacking in both usable cupboard space and working countertop space.
Andy and I debated on how to proceed on improvements and came up with a four point plan. Phase One: We decided that the two lower corner cupboards just had to have lazy susans installed! I was sick of having to get down on the floor, flashlight in hand, to try to find anything in the far reaches of those chasms!
So we visited our local big box home improvement centers and Andy searched for retrofit lazy susans online. We decided on these models.
After some emails back and forth between Andy and Allen to get the sizing right, we ordered four of these lazy susans on February 2nd. They arrived this past Friday, the 11th and Andy installed them on Saturday. He was really pleased with how quickly and easily the project went! I wasn't much help since I had the flu. Andy even took the pictures! But I'm really pleased with the outcome!

Sunday's Hymn: Jesus, Saviour, Pilot Me

Jesus, Saviour, pilot me
Over life's tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach'rous shoal;
Chart and compass came from thee:
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boist'rous waves obey thy will
When thou sayest to them, "Be still."
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea,
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore,
And the fearful breakers roar
'Twixt me and the peaceful rest,
Then, while leaning on thy breast,
May I hear thee say to me,
"Fear not, I will pilot thee."

Edward Hopper, 1871
Tune: Pilot, John E. Gould, 1871

Thankful Thursday

I hurt my back on Saturday, moving a piece of furniture around...I know....dumb, dumb, dumb. Anyway, I am so thankful that my back is just about back to normal today. I am thankful that God healed my back even though it was totally my fault that it got hurt. I'm thankful that He also heals my spiritual condition when I turn to Him in repentance for sins that are totally my doing, my disobedience.

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

What are you thankful for today? Please join in the thanksgiving started by Kim from The Upward Call!

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

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, Unknown, probably 18th century

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful that Emily is making lasagna for dinner tonight. I had a doctor's appointment late this afternoon so not having to rush home to fix dinner was especially appreciated. We're all hungry now plus lasagna is a favorite of every one of us so we're smelling that delicious aroma with eager anticipation! Can't wait!

What are you thankful for tonight? Kim of The Upward Call and several others of us are posting our thankful thoughts each Thursday. Please join in!

Blizzard: The Clean-up

It starts with Andy raking the snow off the roof edges as far up as he can reach with the roof rake. We have to get the heavy accumulation off so it doesn't slide off when the sun comes out and hurt someone. Snow is heavy! I didn't think of taking a picture of that part today but it was the first time Andy ever wore his snowshoes to do it!

Then he uses the snow blower to get around the cars as best he can and get to the sidewalk to do that around the corner to the second driveway. Living on a corner has pros and cons. But one pro is the second drive to move the cars between when removing snow. When the smaller drive and the front walk and Charlie's area are clear, we move the cars over to that drive and Andy does the big drive. We do have a two car garage on the side with the big driveway but we have three vehicles and a boat so the truck and the boat get the garage.

With this much snow, its taken some time and we had a lunch break in the middle but Andy is finishing it up now. That means its time for some hot chocolate!

Blizzard: The Morning After

View out the window.
The local newspaper says its 18 inches.

Looking up the street.

I love Charlie's reaction!

Evening Snow

You may have heard that our part of the country is getting a pretty good storm tonight and tomorrow. In fact, they are calling it a blizzard...and it is blowing and snowing mightily out there! But it sure did make for some nice pictures earlier this evening!

Sunday's Hymn: Gracious Saviour, Gentle Shepherd

Gracious Saviour, gentle Shepherd,
Our little ones are dear to thee;
Gathered with thine arms and carried
In thy bosom may they be
Sweetly, gently, safely tended,
From all want and danger free.

Tender Shepherd, never leave them
From thy fold to go astray;
By thy look of love directed,
May they walk the narrow way;
Thus direct them, and protect them,
Lest they fall an easy prey.

Let thy holy Word instruct them:
Fill their minds with heav'nly light;
Let thy love and grace constrain them,
To approve whate'er is right,
Take thine easy yoke and wear it,
And to prove thy burden light.

Cleanse their hearts from sinful folly
In the stream thy love supplied;
Mingled streams of blood and water
Flowing from thy wounded side:
And to heav'nly pastures lead them,
Where thine own still waters glide.

Jane E. Leeson, 1842
Tune: Dismissal, William L. Viner, 1845

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for good medical care. I'm thankful for Andy's job which provides good insurance coverage for that medical care and I'm thankful for the good doctors, hospitals and other health care providers that we have in Chicagoland. Andy and I do make use of them. But overall, our health is good and for that I am most thankful to our gracious God.

What are you thanking Him for today?

Quotable

Indeed, every earthly inclination--every earthly pursuit, however innocent in itself, when it interferes with the cultivation of Christian dispositions and the practice of Christian duties, becomes a weight which must be laid aside. There are certain habits in reference to religion itself which form great encumbrances to the persevering discharge of Christian duty. A fondness for what is curious and new in religion--a disposition to "intrude into things not seen," because not revealed--a giving heed to doctrines which minister questions rather than godly edifying--a turning aside unto vain janglings,--this appears to me one of the weights which Christians of the present as well as of the apostolic age need to lay aside, if they would so run as to obtain. The great enemy of our souls does not care much what it is that keeps us from prosecuting our Christian course, if we are but kept from prosecuting it; and when he can so far delude us as to make us believe that we are prosecuting that course when we are either standing still or proceeding in another direction, he considers his object as gained in the best possible way.~John Brown, Hebrews, on Hebrews 12:1

Sunday's Hymn: When Peace, Like a River

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul;
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And has shed his own blood for my soul.

My sin—O the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
"Even so"—it is well with my soul.

Horatio G. Spafford, 1828-1888
Tune: It is Well, Philip P. Bliss, 1876

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for bright sunshine this afternoon. Its only 17 frigid degrees out there and the forecasted low for tonight is -6 degrees Fahrenheit but sunshine right now makes up for a lot of those missing degrees.

So does Bible study with Kim and Carol. I am thankful for the encouragement around the table in refocusing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Wow! Overwhelmingly thankful to our most gracious Savior!

What are you thanking our God for this day?

Sunday's Hymn: O Lord, By Thee Delivered

O Lord, by thee delivered,
I thee with songs extol;
My foes thou hast not suffered
To glory o'er my fall.
O Lord, my God, I sought thee,
And thou didst heal and save;
Thou, Lord, from death didst ransom
And keep me from the grave.

His holy Name remember,
Ye saints, Jehovah praise;
His anger lasts a moment,
His favor all our days;
For sorrow, like a pilgrim,
May tarry for a night,
But joy the heart will gladden
When dawns the morning light.

In prosp'rous days I boasted,
Unmoved I shall remain,
For, Lord, by thy good favor
My cause thou didst maintain;
I soon was sorely troubled,
For thou didst hide thy face;
I cried to thee, Jehovah,
I sought Jehovah's grace.

What profit if I perish,
If life thou dost not spare?
Shall dust repeat thy praises,
Shall it thy truth declare?
O Lord, on me have mercy,
And my petition hear;
That thou mayst be my helper,
In mercy, Lord, appear.

My grief is turned to gladness,
To thee my thanks I raise,
Who hast removed my sorrow
And girded me with praise;
And now, no longer silent,
My heart thy praise will sing;
O Lord, my God, for ever
My thanks to thee I bring.

From Psalm 30
The Psalter, 1912
Tune: Ellacombe,
Wurttemberg, Gesangbuch, 1784

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who take my concerns and requests to our perfect High Priest as though they were their own. I thank God upon every remembrance of them.

Sunday's Hymn: Glory be to Jesus

Glory be to Jesus,
Who in bitter pains
Poured for me the life-blood
From his sacred veins!

Grace and life eternal
In that blood I find;
Blest be his compassion,
Infinitely kind!

Blest through endless ages
Be the precious stream
Which from endless torments
Did the church redeem!

Abel's blood for vengeance
Pleaded to the skies;
But the blood of Jesus
For our pardon cries.

Oft as earth exulting
Wafts its praise on high,
Angel hosts rejoicing
Make their glad reply.

Lift we, then, our voices,
Swell the mighty flood,
Louder still and louder
Praise the precious blood!

Italian, 18th century, cento
Tr. by Edward Caswall, 1857
Tune: Wem In Leidenstagen, Friedrich Filitz, 1847

Thankful....

...Friday. Again. But I am so very thankful for this:

In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.~Ephesians 1:7-8

Quotable

All who would live godly must make sacrifices, and expose themselves to hazards. Faith, and nothing but faith, can enable persons cheerfully to make such sacrifices, to expose themselves to such dangers. Faith can do it; and, in the deliverance from the destruction which awaits the unbelievers, will in due time obtain for them a rich recompense for all they have hazarded and all they have lost in the cause of Christ.~John Brown, Hebrews, p. 577

Sunday's Hymn: As With Gladness Men of Old

As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious God, may we
Evermore be led to thee.

As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly cradle bed,
There to bend the knee before
Him whom heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek thy mercy-seat.

As they offered gifts most rare
At that cradle rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure, and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to thee, our heav'nly King.

Holy Jesus, ev'ry day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds thy glory hide.

In the heav'nly country bright
Need they no created light;
Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown,
Thou its Sun which goes not down;
There for ever may we sing
Alleluias to our King.

William C. Dix, 1861
Tune: Dix, Arr. from Conrad Kocher, 1838

Thankful Thursday

This has been Emily's week off from her playing and teaching responsibilities so she and I have done some relaxing together and its been fun. I'm thankful for my daughter and the good times we have together whether its visiting a museum, enjoying a quiet lunch or just watching a movie at home. I even enjoy the times we work together but that's not been on the schedule much this week. The key is in the word together. I'm thankful that God gave me Emily.

I'm also thankful for Kim of The Upward Call who initiated these Thankful Thursday posts. This is the last Thursday of 2010 but I'm not about to stop giving thanks to our gracious God for all of His gifts to us. There's blessing in the discipline of giving thanks but I'm blessed by hearing all of your reasons to thank Him too. So I'm planning to continue my Thankful Thursday posts in 2011 and I'm hoping that you will join in as well.

Sunday's Hymn: Silent Night

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heav'n afar,
Heavenly hosts sing: Alleluia,
Christ, the Saviour, is born!

Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

Joseph Mohr, 1818
Tune: Stille Nacht, Franz Gruber, 1818

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours the peace and joy that comes from celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus on a mid-winter's night so long ago in Bethlehem.

Thankful Thursday

I'm so thankful that Andy has had this week off from work and we've had the opportunity to spend some time together just hanging out over coffee (tea for me), doing a little shopping, watching a movie at home, even doing a few chores. But we've been together and that's the part that I love.

I'm glad Emily has been around most of the time too. And Charlie, of course. Its been a nice, homebody sort of relaxing week as we look forward to our simple Christmas celebration.

Each Thursday of 2010, I've joined with Kim of The Upward Call and several other friends in thanking our God for His gracious gifts to us. Please join in!

Sunday's Hymn: Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

Comfort, comfort ye my people,
Speak ye peace, thus saith our God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
Mourning 'neath their sorrow's load.
Speak ye to Jerusalem
Of the peace that waits for them;
Tell her that her sins I cover,
And her warfare now is over.

Yea, her sins our God will pardon,
Blotting out each dark misdeed;
All that well deserved his anger
He no more will see or heed.
She hath suffered many a day
Now her griefs have passed away;
God will change her pining sadness
Into ever-springing gladness.

For the herald's voice is crying
In the desert far and near,
Bidding all men to repentance,
Since the kingdom now is here.
O that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way;
Let the valleys rise to meet him,
And the hills bow down to greet him.

Make ye straight what long was crooked,
Make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble,
As befits his holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord
Now o'er earth is shed abroad;
And all flesh shall see the token,
That his word is never broken.

Johannes Olearius, 1671
Tr. by Catherine Winkworth, 1863
Tune: Thirsting, Louis Bourgeois, 1551

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for this promise in Isaiah 26:3-4:

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

This passage was part of the lesson in our study of Isaiah for last week but I am still pondering it. I find such comfort in it. One aspect of our study for the last 12 weeks has been focused on understanding God's grace alongside His wrath and judgment. Isaiah is conveying God's judgment to the sinful people of Judah and surrounding nations in his prophesy but I am struck by how his compassion for those who will suffer comes through in his words. I can sense his real grief over those who do not trust in the Lord all these many years later. But Isaiah's words are God's words. He is bringing God's word to the people of his time and to us. So its God's compassion and grief that is so palpable to me. And what greater expression of grace and love is there than to warn people of the judgment and death to come and tell them how to be saved from it, even how to have peace in the midst of it?

And so in this advent season, in a world of uncertainty and chaos where death and destruction are as far away as a click on the internet, my goal is to keep my mind steadfast on the Prince of Peace. I thank God for His infinite grace and compassion in sending Him to accomplish the salvation by His death on the cross of all who would trust in Him. I thank Him for the privilege of sharing this very good news with those around me too. Merry Christmas, indeed!

Sunday's Hymn: To Us a Child of Hope is Born

To us a child of hope is born,
To us a son is giv'n,
Him shall the tribes of earth obey,
Him all the hosts of heaven

His name shall be the Prince of Peace,
For evermore adored,
The Wonderful, the Counsellor,
The great and mighty Lord;

His power, increasing, still shall spread,
His reign no end shall know;
Justice shall guard his throne above,
And peace abound below.

To us a Child of hope is born,
To us a Son is giv'n,
The Wonderful, the Counsellor,
The mighty Lord of heaven.

John Morison, 1781, alt.
Tune: Zerah, Lowell Mason, 1837

Thankful Thursday

Its bitterly cold out today and it been snowing since just about 3 this afternoon. But I've got warm clothes, a warm house and right now I've even got a warm little dog in my lap. Plus I'm drinking a nice, hot cup of tea! I am blessed! I thank God for all this warmth surrounding me on a cold and snowy day!

Each Thursday of 2010, I'm joining my friend, Kim at The Upward Call, and several others in thanking our God for His gracious provisions to us. Won't you join us?

Sunday's Hymn: Behold, a Branch is Growing

Behold, a Branch is growing
Of loveliest form and grace,
As prophets sung, foreknowing;
It springs from Jesse's race
And bears one little Flow'r
In midst of coldest winter,
At deepest midnight hour.

Isaiah hath foretold it
In words of promise sure,
And Mary's arms enfold it,
A virgin meek and pure.
Through God's eternal will
This Child to her is given
At midnight calm and still.

The shepherds heard the story,
Proclaimed by angels bright,
How Christ, the Lord of Glory,
Was born on earth this night.
To Bethlehem they sped
And in the manger found him,
As angel heralds said.

This Flower whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God;
From sin and death he saves us
And lightens every load.

O Saviour, Child of Mary,
Who felt our human woe;
O Saviour, King of Glory,
Who dost our weakness know,
Bring us at length, we pray,
To the bright courts of heaven
And to the endless day.

German author unknown, c. 1500
Tr., st. 1-4, Harriet R. Spaeth, 1875
Tr., st. 5, John C. Mattes, 1914
Tune: Es Ist Ein' Ros' Entsprungen, Traditional German melody
har. by Michael Praetorius, 1609, alt.

Thankful Thursday

Its Thursday and Kim, Carol and I gathered this afternoon for our Hebrews study. Actually, we were in the book of Judges today, studying Samson. We're technically in Hebrews 11 in verses 32-38 but we've divided up the heroes of the faith mentioned in those verses to study them individually in a bit more depth and then report back to the group placing those men on the grid of that passage. Its been so fascinating to do it this way! I'm thankful for all I've learned throughout the study of Hebrews and the way this book has allowed me to see the entire Word of God (and God Himself) with an expanded view. I'm also so very thankful for Kim and Carol and the way God has knit us together through this study. Thank you, Lord!

I'm returning to my Thankful Thursday posts, initiated by Kim of The Upward Call. I wouldn't want to give up the blessings of shared thanksgiving to our gracious God now...or ever!

November of Thanksgiving-Day Thirty

I just got home a few minutes ago and there were snow flurries falling out there! I'm thankful for that because Andy gave me some lovely snowflake jewelry for Christmas last year and I've been anxious to wear it again but felt kind of silly to do so when there was no hint of snow yet. Now I'm going to wear it proudly with my pink sweater! Thank you, Lord, and thank you for the loving husband you gave me too.

Today is the last day to join in Rebecca's November of Thanksgiving. Its been a blessing to me to focus on God's good gifts to me each day and then read about yours as well. Thank you for hosting this annual festival of praise to our gracious God, Rebecca!

November of Thanksgiving-Day Twenty-Nine

I am thankful for the Holy Spirit because:

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.~Romans 8:6

Tomorrow is the last day to join in the November of Thanksgiving at Rebecca Writes. Please do!

November of Thanksgiving-Day Twenty-Eighth

What temperature constitutes warmth outside is decidedly relative to the season. Today it is sunny and 44 degrees F. and for late November, that's warm! So this afternoon, I'm thanking God for the blessing of sunshine and warmth. It enhanced a lovely walk with Charlie.

Only two more days of Rebecca's November of Thanksgiving! Please join in the praising of our good God for the gifts He gives us.

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

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

November of Thanksgiving-Day Twenty-Seven

Today I am thankful that I can:

Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.~Isaiah 26:4

Each day of November, Rebecca is gathering our grateful thoughts that honor and glorify our gracious God. Won't you join in the thanksgiving?

November of Thanksgiving-Day Twenty-Six

What a nice day I've had with Emily today! Sadly, Andy was at work, but Emily and I hung out and watched some Masterchef on hulu this morning. We waited until the Black Friday rush was dying down and slipped out to get a few things that we wanted to shop for together this afternoon. So I am thankful for Emily, a loving daughter who is fun to be with and also willing to help when needed. (She did her share of the cooking and clean-up yesterday too!)

What are you thankful for today? Only a few more days left to share in Rebecca's November of Thanksgiving. Please do!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
² Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
³ Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

November of Thanksgiving-Day Twenty-Four

I'm anticipating tomorrow's celebration with thankfulness for the time that Andy, Emily, Charlie and I will have to relax together and reflect on God's goodness to us. Well, okay, Charlie won't be doing much of that reflection but he'll enjoy the being together part. And his presence is one more reminder of God's lavish provisions for us...not only every thing we need but so much more besides! What a great God we have!

Each day of this month, there is a gathering of thankfulness going on over at Rebecca's. Won't you join in?

November of Thanksgiving-Day Twenty-Three

Yesterday was rainy; in fact, we even had a big thunderstorm! But the temperature was in the lower 60's...Fahrenheit, that is...and, except for the stormy period, it really wasn't too unpleasant out there. Today is sharply colder, topping out at 32 degrees. And its windy; the biting, blustery kind of wind. I was so thankful to come home from my Bible study commitment for today and the few errands I had on the way home to a warm, snug cottage. So today, I'm thanking God for central heat and automatic thermostats. I'm thanking Him that I don't have to do a thing when I get home to warm it up in here...no starting a fire, no shoveling coal, no nothing like what people had to do to warm their homes in the not so distant past or even now in other parts of the world. And I don't have to worry about my Charlie getting cold while I'm gone either!

Each day of November, Rebecca is gathering our thought of gratitude to our gracious God. Won't you join in?

Quotable

Forty is the old age of youth; fifty is the youth of old age.--VICTOR HUGO

November of Thanksgiving-Day Twenty-Two

I'm especially thankful for a very good friend who listens when I need her to. I do thank God for her.

What are you thanking Him for today? Please share over at Rebecca's November of Thanksgiving.

November of Thanksgiving-Day Twenty-One

Today I am thankful for an excellent sermon on Jonah 3 which followed a very thought-provoking Sunday School on the same subject. Actually, I am very thankful for all of the teachings on Jonah that we as a church have been blessed by this month.

Rebecca is hosting her annual November of Thanksgiving. Won't you share your thankfulness today?

Sunday's Hymn: How Good it is to Thank the Lord

How good it is to thank the Lord,
And praise to thee, Most High, accord,
To show thy love with morning light,
And tell thy faithfulness each night;
Yea, good it is thy praise to sing,
And all our sweetest music bring.

O Lord, with joy my heart expands
Before the wonders of thy hands;
Great works, Jehovah, thou hast wrought,
Exceeding deep thine ev'ry thought;
A foolish man knows not their worth,
Nor he whose mind is of the earth.

When as the grass the wicked grow,
When sinners flourish here below,
Then is there endless ruin nigh,
But thou, O Lord, art throned on high;
Thy foes shall fall before thy might,
The wicked shall be put to flight.

The righteous man shall flourish well,
And in the house of God shall dwell;
He shall be like a goodly tree,
And all his life shall fruitful be;
For righteous is the Lord and just,
He is my Rock, in him I trust.

From Psalm 92:1-9, 12-15
The Psalter, 1912
Tune: St. Petersburg, Dimitri Bortniansky, 1752-1825

November of Thanksgiving-Day Twenty

Right now, I am very thankful to be able to say that we are finished raking leaves in our yard! They finally all came down so we could finish the job. I'm also thankful that Andy and I are able to do the work of raking and bagging all those leaves. Praise God!

This November, as usual, Rebecca is hosting her annual November of Thanksgiving. Won't you join us in thanking God for His many blessings?

November of Thanksgiving-Day Nineteen

Charlie had a big health check-up today and he got the all clear on his bladder stone situation and his heart situation! That's great news for us who love him! So I'm thankful today for Charlie and God's protection of his health. I'm thankful for every moment of the 15 years (plus) that Charlie has been a part of our family.

How about you? What are you thanking God for today? Please share with us at Rebecca's November of Thanksgiving.

November of Thanksgiving-Day Eighteen

Its Thursday, the day for my dear friends Kim and Carol and me to gather and share in the study of the book of Hebrews. We're in our fourth year of this study now and I thank God for each and every time we've gathered and all He's taught me through it. Its been a wonderful study!

Oh, and I thank Him for Carol and Kim too! Studying His Word together has brought us close in a way no other pursuit ever can. Thank you, Lord.

What are you thanking Him for today? Please share over at Rebecca's!

November of Thanksgiving-Day Seventeen

We've sung A Mighty Fortress is Our God both yesterday and today in my Isaiah Bible study and its still playing in my mind. I love the rousing tune of it but even more, I love the words. I love the truths Martin Luther states with no equivocation; that our God is a mighty fortress to us, that Christ Jesus is on the side of His own, and that He will fell the prince of darkness, our ancient foe, with one little word. There is such vast comfort in this hymn for the people of God because its true that we can never accomplish that victory in our own striving.

But this is not the only hymn I love. There are so many, many hymns that speak of the precious truths of our faith in ways that stir my soul to thanksgiving; so for all of them and the men and women that wrote them, I am giving thanks today.

What thankful thoughts are on your mind today? Please share with us all at Rebecca's November of Thanksgiving.

November of Thanksgiving-Day Sixteen

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.~Ephesians 2:10

I am thankful for the work God gives me to do...caring for my family and home, the women He gives me to shepherd, my ministry of availability to those who cross my path, serving at my church. But in all areas of my life the most important task He gives me is to bring the light of Christ, the life-giving light of Christ to all. What a privilege that is!

Rebecca is holding her annual November of Thanksgiving. Won't you join in?

November of Thanksgiving-Day Fifteen

I've been thinking while I work around the cottage this morning and what I'm thinking is just exactly how thankful I am for my washer and dryer. I'm thankful that I can just put the clothes in the washer, add the detergent and walk away knowing the clothes will be clean when I move them over to the dryer about 40 minutes later. Then, in about 40 more minutes, I can take them out of the dryer, fold or hang them and viola! I am finished with laundry! I can only imagine the backbreaking work that previous generations of women endured to clean the family's clothing...and that some women in the world still endure. I am blessed.

What blessing are you thanking God for today? Do tell and share over at Rebecca's November of Thanksgiving!

November of Thanksgiving-Day Fourteen

Today I've been thanking God for good friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and the way we are able to encourage each other in faith through the struggles, big and small, that we face in our daily lives. What a precious gift is the spirit of unity through Christ that comes with the most precious gift of faith in Him! Thank you, God!

Each day of November, Rebecca invites us to share our thanksgiving thoughts. Its been such a blessing to me to focus on the good gifts that God gives us by reading all of your thoughts as well as posting my own. Don't stop now! Please!

Sunday's Hymn: Safe in the Arms of Jesus

Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on his gentle breast,
There by his love o'ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! 'tis the voice of angels,
Borne in a song to me,
Over the fields of glory,
Over the jasper sea.

Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on his gentle breast,
There by his love o'ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world's temptations,
Sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow,
Free from my doubts and fears,
Only a few more trials,
Only a few more tears.

Jesus, my heart's dear Refuge,
Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages
Ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience,
Wait till the night is o'er,
Wait till I see the morning
Break on the golden shore.

Fanny J. Crosby, 1870
Tune: Safe in the Arms of Jesus, William H. Doane, 1870

November of Thanksgiving-Day Thirteen

Right now, its just about 50 degrees F. outside and raining lightly. But this morning when Andy and I got up, it was several degrees warmer and just cloudy, although you could see what was coming. We decided to use the time before it did come to work on the continual fall clean-up. Andy decided on cleaning the gutters and I set out to trim back the roses in preparation for blowing their protective winter robes of leaves around them. I have 12 rose bushes whose blooms are a very deep pink that sometimes steps over into red. They are gorgeous! And if I dead-head them regularly (which I am pretty good about doing), they keep producing those outrageously beautiful flowers all the way from early June well into November. So as I pruned them back, I thanked God for those magnificent roses...and every beautiful flower in my yard, all sleeping now, but ready to bloom again when God turns the seasons to meet their needs. And I'm thankful too, that God turns the seasons of my life to meet my needs, not my wants, giving me times to rest, times of pruning and dead-heading, and times of blossoming.

Rebecca is gathering our thankful thoughts each day of this November. Please join in!

November of Thanksgiving-Day Twelve

I'm thankful for the ease and relative inexpense with which I can keep in touch with extended family members. Oh, and I'm thankful for those family members too...each one of them!

What are you thanking God for today? Please share your thankful thoughts at Rebecca's Thanksgiving Celebration and bless us all in our praise to our gracious God.

I've Been Tagged....

twice!! Both Rosemary and Kim from Hiraeth have tagged yours truly for the Crazy Eights meme. Here's how it goes:

Answer eight questions posed by the person who tagged you, come up with eight more questions and tag eight more people to answer your questions.

Does that make it the Crazy Sixteens Meme for me? Well, I'll answer the sixteen questions but I'm not going to tag anyone. If you want to do the meme, just pick any of these 16 questions and have at it! I like to rebel against the rules every now and then. Don't you?

Rosemary's Questions:

1. What is your earliest childhood memory? Pushing my sister, Mary, around the living room in a porta-crib.

2. Do you usually wear an apron when you cook or clean your home? I wear an apron when I cook but not when I clean.

3. With what do you top your hot cocoa: marshmallows, marshmallow crème, whipped cream, nothing at all? Nothing at all. But I do sometimes swirl a candy cane around in it to get a bit of peppermint going.

4. Will you have a fresh or artificial Christmas tree this year? Artificial.

5. Colored lights or clear? Clear, right now. But I do vacillate on this one.

6. Tell us about your favorite piece of furniture in your home. My bed because I love finally reclining there at the end of each busy day to read a few pages and gain the restoration that sleep gives.

7. If you could spend six months anywhere in the world, expenses paid, where would you choose to go and what would you be doing? Ireland and I'd just soak up living there.

8. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Just kidding. Couldn’t resist throwing that in…Pink Dogwood. I love pink!

9. If you were given a million dollars, tax free, what would you do with it? Find a way to glorify God with it.

Kim's Questions:

1. Did you have a favorite Aunt or Uncle growing up and if so, what made them so special to you? My Aunt Agnes. She's still my favorite Aunt because we laugh together and she thinks I am someone important.

2. Carpet or hardwood floors; what is your preference? Hardwood.

3. Do you remember your dreams upon awaking? Sometimes.

4. How many different churches have you attended in the past decade? Three.

5. Do you prefer to do your shopping in stores or online? Online. Except for shoes.

6. Do you label and date the back of family photos? No. I always mean to, but I don't.

7. What is your least favorite household task? Dusting. Its just too tedious.

8. Do you stroll the aisles in the library for interesting books to bring home or search the online catalog to reserve the specific book you are looking for? Both. But I must say that I love strolling the aisles of the library for interesting books and some of the best I've ever read I discovered that way!

November of Thanksgiving-Day Eleven

I'm so thankful for the robe of righteousness with which I'm covered by Christ through His atoning work so that my sins are completely covered before my Heavenly Father.

I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.~Isaiah 61:10

I'm celebrating Thanksgiving every day this month and sharing my thanks in Rebecca's November of Thanksgiving. Please join in!

November of Thanksgiving-Day Ten

I'm thankful for an unplanned afternoon spent with my dear daughter, Emily, and that she still wants me to cut her hair. I consider that a high compliment.

I'm also thankful for TWO lovely walks with my sweet Charlie in the warm, November sunshine today. At fifteen years old, he doesn't walk as far or as fast as he used to but he still loves his walks!

What are you thankful for today? Please share in Rebecca's November of Thanksgiving. Its a blessing to praise God together for His good gifts to us.

November of Thanksgiving-Day Nine

This is part of the passage that was covered today in my study of Isaiah:

In that day you will say:

“I will praise you, LORD.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.~Isaiah 12:1-3

What reasons to give praise to our Mighty God! In this day, I sing this song with thanksgiving and joy!

Blessings shared are blessings increased. Please share in Rebecca's November of Thanksgiving and bless us all.

November of Thanksgiving-Day Eight

As I've worked and meditated on my study of Isaiah today, I am thankful:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.~Hebrews 4:12-13

Rebecca is hosting a November of Thanksgiving gathering at her place. Please come and share your thanks too!

November of Thanksgiving-Day Seven

I am thankful that God created dogs. Anyone who has read my blog much at all knows that I am crazy about our little Charlie. But the truth is I like most dogs. Last night, Andy and I took our neighbor's dog for a walk while they went to a wedding and I'm still thinking about how much fun we had! Cody is a yellow lab, about as far from our little Maltese as you can get. Cody was happy to see us as we opened his door and ready to go as soon as we said walk. And go he did! He's very well trained and we took him the same route as we walk with Charlie but we were home again in half the time! And breathless too! Once returned to his house, we fed Cody and were ready to go home but Cody made it clear that he wanted us to stay a while and visit with him. I love that about dogs! If you like them, they like you and they are not shy to show it. Uncomplicated affection. What's not to like about that!

What are you thankful for today? Please join in the November of Thanksgiving festivities going on over at Rebecca's.

Sunday's Hymn: Peace, Perfect Peace

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.

Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found.

Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus' keeping we are safe and they.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.

Peace, perfect peace, death shad'wing us and ours?
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.

It is enough: earth's struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus call us to heav'n's perfect peace.

Edward H. Bickersteth, 1875
Tune: Pax Tecum, Alt. from George T. Caldbeck by Charles J. Vincent, 1876

November of Thanksgiving-Day Six

I love spending time with my family! It doesn't matter if we're working together or playing together or just relaxing together. I just love the feeling of togetherness. Today we got in two of the three and by my calculations, that's a good day! We started out by relaxing over tea/coffee and bagels together while we waited for the day to warm up a bit. Then we switched to leaf raking and other yard work...still together. And the plan for the evening is to watch Dr. Who on DVD together over more tea and a snack. In my book, it doesn't get much better than this! Thank you, God, for a lovely day with my family!

Rebecca is hosting a whole month of Thanksgiving over at her place. Won't you join in the celebration?

November of Thanksgiving-Day Five

I've been out and about with various commitments and errands for most of today and that's not the way I like to spend my days! I am your basic garden variety homebody so I sighed a huge sigh of relief when I backed in the garage and closed the door about 2:30 this afternoon. Yes, I am very thankful for my home...every day but I'm especially appreciative of it this day. And its such a sweet, comfy home too! That's an extra blessing that I'm thanking God for today.

What are you thanking Him for right now? Blessings shared reflect even more glory to our gracious God so please share yours over at Rebecca Writes.

By Popular Request...

Barbequed Spoonburgers!

4 tablespoons oil
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onions
half of a green pepper, diced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup water
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard

Brown beef in oil in fry pan. Drain. Saute onions and green peppers. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. Serve on buns.

So you see spoonburgers are basically Sloppy Joe's with a bit of BBQ tang. I hope your families love them as much as mine!

November of Thanksgiving-Day Four

This afternoon, I'm thankful for leftovers. I was thinking that I might save them for tomorrow when I might be even more tired but I decided to go with them for dinner tonight. Its barbequed spoonburgers, a family favorite and no one will be disappointed. Least of all, me!

What are you thankful for today? Please share in Rebecca's November of Thanksgiving.

November of Thanksgiving-Day Three

I am thankful for God's grace to me:

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.~Romans 3:22-24

What are you thanking our gracious God for this day? Each day in the month of November, Rebecca is gathering our thankful posts in a celebration of Thanksgiving. Please join in!

November of Thanksgiving-Day Two

On this Election Day, I am thankful that:

The king's heart (and the senator's and the judge's and the governor's and the sheriff's) is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.~Proverbs 21:1

Rebecca invites us to join with her in giving thanks to our good God each day of this November of Thanksgiving. Please do!

November of Thanksgiving-Day One

This weekend has been a whirlwind of things to give thanks for! As I sit here at my computer, I hardly know where to begin. Here are a few of my thankful thoughts:

• We finally found tenants for our little rental home! We had been praying that God would allow us to use that house to bless someone else as well as the blessing that it is to us to have it rented and occupied. The details were worked out Saturday morning, the lease was signed Saturday afternoon and our new tenants began moving in on Saturday evening. Praise God for His provisions all around in this situation!
• Yesterday we had the joy of attending a performance by our daughter, Emily, and her fellow musicians in their chamber ensemble. Praise God for the gift of music and that He gave it to Emily and her friends!
• We attended that performance and enjoyed the afternoon with some good friends including Kim from Hiraeth and her family. Praise God for the gift of friendship!

Its a Thanksgiving Festival at Rebecca Writes! Please join in!

A Tradition

Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday and there is a tradition associated with it that I've been especially blessed by participating in for the last couple of years. Its the November of Thanksgiving postings hosted by Rebecca and she always invites abundant participation. Here are the ways we can join in the festivities.

• Mention something you’re thankful for in the comments of her posts. She’ll include your comment in one of her thanksgiving posts.
• Email her to tell her what you’re thankful for and she’ll include it in a post.
• Post your thankful thought(s) on your own blog, send her the link(s), and she’ll link to your post(s). If you plan to post something daily during the month, let her know that, too. That way you won’t need to send her your daily links.

I'm excited to know just how our good God is blessing you and to share the ways He blesses me! Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday's Hymn: I'm But a Stranger Here, Heav'n is My Home

I'm but a stranger here,
Heav'n is my home;
Earth is a desert drear,
Heav'n is my home;
Danger and sorrow stand
Round me on ev'ry hand;
Heav'n is my fatherland,
Heav'n is my home.

What though the tempest rage,
Heav'n is my home;
Short is my pilgrimage,
Heav'n is my home;
And time's wild wintry blast
Soon shall be over past;
I shall reach home at last,
Heav'n is my home;

There, at my Saviour's side,
Heav'n is my home;
I shall be glorified,
Heav'n is my home;
There are the good and blest,
Those I love most and best;
And there I too shall rest,
Heav'n is my home;

Therefore I murmur not,
Heav'n is my home;
Whate'er my earthly lot,
Heav'n is my home;
And I shall surely stand
There at my Lord's right hand;
Heav'n is my fatherland,
Heav'n is my home

Thomas R. Taylor, 1836
Tune: St. Edmund, Sir Arthur S. Sullivan, 1872

Thankful....

Friday, again. Whew! I'm thankful that God is my strength these days...every day, in fact. Its through His power that I am able to do anything ever but some days that's more obvious than others. Its been a hectic Fall around the cottage!

Yesterday was my annual thyroid check-up and I am so thankful to report that all is well on that front. This year's Thanksgiving Day should be much different from last year's and I'm praising Him for that!

And this morning I'm thankful for a hot cup of tea and a warm little dog in my lap as I study God's Word and thank Him for His promises to me.

Each Thursday (or Friday) of 2010, I'm joining my friend, Kim of The Upward Call and others in thanking God for His blessings. Won't you join us?

Sunday's Hymn: My God, Is Any Hour So Sweet

My God, is any hour so sweet,
From blush of morn to evening star,
As that which calls me to thy feet,
The hour of prayer?

Then is my strength by thee renewed;
Then are my sins by thee forgiv'n;
Then dost thou cheer my solitude
With hope of heav'n.

No words can tell what sweet relief
There for my ev'ry want I find,
What strength for warfare, balm for grief,
What peace of mind!

Hushed is each doubt, gone ev'ry fear;
My spirit seems in heav'n to stay:
And e'en the penitential tear
Is wiped away.

Lord, till I reach yon blissful shore,
No privilege so dear shall be
As thus my inmost soul to pour
In prayer to thee.

Charlotte Elliott, 1836
Tune: Eudora, James R. Murray, 1841-1905

Thankful Thursday

I am thanking God today for His sovereignty. No matter what is going on in my life and my corner of the world, I can rest in this promise:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.~Jeremiah 29:11

What are you thanking our gracious God for today? Please join Kim of The Upward Call, myself and many others in giving Him praise for all the good gifts He gives to us each Thursday of 2010.

Fall Color

There's a park just a block or so from the cottage and we headed that way on our Charlie walk this evening. Shamefully, I forgot my camera but Andy rescued me with his Blackberry. This is the eastern end of the park with the setting sun shining from the west causing that glow in the trees in the background. Talk about fall color! I just had to share it!