Sunday's Hymn: Tell Me the Old, Old Story

Tell me the old, old story
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and his glory,
Of Jesus and his love:
Tell me the story simply,
As to a little child,
For I am weak and weary,
And helpless and defiled.

Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
Of Jesus and his love.

Tell me the story softly,
With earnest tones and grave;
Remember, I'm the sinner
Whom Jesus came to save:
Tell me the story always,
If you would really be,
In any time of trouble,
A comforter to me.

Tell me the same old story,
When you have cause to fear
That this world's empty glory
Is costing me too dear:
Yes, and when that world's glory
Is dawning on my soul,
Tell me the old, old story,
"Christ Jesus makes thee whole."

Katherine Hankey, 1866; refrain added

Tune: Evangel, William D. Doane, 1869

Thankfulness

I've been pondering these words from 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 all week: "He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."  Then this morning in my study, I came across these words in 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

Isn't the mercy and grace of our God amazing!  He sends His Son our Lord not only to save us from the punishment for our own sins but to bring us into eternal fellowship with Him, keeping us strong and persevering with us until the day He returns to this world.  He keeps our temptations to a level we can bear and gives us the means to stand up under them.  What incredibly faithful love from a holy, holy God for a terribly sinful people!  I am humbled and thankful.

Sunday's Hymn: My Jesus, I Love Thee

My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;
For thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art thou;
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I love thee because thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree.
I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow;
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I'll love thee in life, I will love thee in death;
And praise thee as long as thou lendest me breath;
And say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore thee in heaven so bright;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.



William R. Featherstone, 1864
Tune: Caritas, Adoniram J. Gordon, 1894

Thankfulness

I am thanking God for the reunion of a lost little Maltese dog (not ours) with his mom and dad yesterday.  He had slipped away from them on Saturday afternoon and the next two nights were quite chilly with some snow before it warmed up again on Monday.  We have a population of wild critters that like domestic animals for snacking here in Crystal Lake too so, as a dog lover, I am thankful for God's protection of this one.

Reflecting on my thankfulness for Tully's safe return made me extra thankful for our Murphy too.  He is such a sweet little boy and wants so much to please us!  There is something so humbling about the love of a dog in one's life.

Okay, its safe for the non-dog lovers to read again now.  I am also thankful for warmer temperatures than normal these last couple of days as well as an unseasonably warm winter overall, one decidedly lacking in snow, for Chicagoland.  That's a big reason to thank God!

And finally, I am thankful for God's sovereignty and the ways in which He uses all things for the good of those who love Him!

What are you thanking Him for today?

Sunday's Hymn: The Sands of Time are Sinking

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

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

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

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



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

Thankfulness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

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

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

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

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

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

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

Murphy, the New Grad

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

Thankfulness

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

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

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

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

Sunday's Hymn: How Vast the Benefits Divine

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

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

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


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

Thankfulness

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

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

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

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

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?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

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!