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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

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

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

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

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

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

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

Murphy, the New Grad

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

Thankfulness

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

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

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

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

Sunday's Hymn: How Vast the Benefits Divine

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

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

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


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

Thankfulness

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

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

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

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

Sunday's Hymn: I Lay My Sins on Jesus

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

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

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?

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Sunday's Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Sunday's Hymn: Rock of Ages

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


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Thankful Thursday

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

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


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Thankful Thursday

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

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


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Thankful Thursday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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