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O love of God, how strong and true!
Eternal, and yet ever new;
Uncomprehended and unbought,
Beyond all knowledge and all thought.
O love of God, how deep and great!
Far deeper than man's deepest hate;
Self-fed, self-kindled like the light,
Changeless, eternal, infinite.
O heavenly love, how precious still,
In days of weariness and ill,
In nights of pain and helplessness,
To heal, to comfort, and to bless!
O wide embracing, wondrous love!
We read thee in the sky above,
We read thee in the earth below,
In seas that swell, and streams that flow.
We read thee best in him who came
To bear for us the cross of shame;
Sent by the Father from on high,
Our life to live, our death to die.
We read thy power to bless and save,
Even in the darkness of the grave;
Still more in resurrection light
We read the fulness of thy might.
O love of God, our shield and stay
Through all the perils of our way!
Eternal love, in thee we rest,
For ever safe, for ever blest.
Horatius Bonar, 1861
Tune: Brookfield, Thomas B. Southgate, 1855
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Thankfulness
I am thankful for the good time of fellowship that I had with the ladies of our church today! One of our sisters who happens to be from Taiwan invited us to her home to make Chinese dumplings and eat them for lunch. Working in her kitchen together was so much fun and our lunch was delicious!
I am also thankful for a long-distance sister in Christ who shared her very delicious recipe for ginger crackle cookies! I brought them to our lunch today and they were a hit! But of course, I sampled them yesterday right after I made them so I wasn't surprised.
I am also thankful for a beautiful sunshiny day even though its a bit windy and cool. Murphy and I took a nice walk with our neighbor Dashshunds and their walker after I got home. It wasn't the plan for us to walk together. It just happened but I enjoyed getting to know the woman who walks those dogs and the dogs had a grand time walking together!
I am thankful for this day and every day, even the ones that are not so pleasant by earthly standards. The Lord God made them all.
I am also thankful for a long-distance sister in Christ who shared her very delicious recipe for ginger crackle cookies! I brought them to our lunch today and they were a hit! But of course, I sampled them yesterday right after I made them so I wasn't surprised.
I am also thankful for a beautiful sunshiny day even though its a bit windy and cool. Murphy and I took a nice walk with our neighbor Dashshunds and their walker after I got home. It wasn't the plan for us to walk together. It just happened but I enjoyed getting to know the woman who walks those dogs and the dogs had a grand time walking together!
I am thankful for this day and every day, even the ones that are not so pleasant by earthly standards. The Lord God made them all.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Sunday's Hymn: Lord, With a Glowing Heart I'd Praise Thee
Lord, with glowing heart I'd praise thee
For the bliss thy love bestows,
For the pard'ning grace that saves me,
And the peace that from it flows;
Help, O God, my weak endeavor;
This dull soul to rapture raise;
Thou must light the flame, or never
Can my love be warmed to praise.
Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee,
Wretched wand'rer far astray;
Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee
From the paths of death away;
Praise, with love's devoutest feeling,
Him who saw thy guilt-born fear,
And, the light of hope revealing,
Bade the blood-stained cross appear.
Praise thy Saviour God that drew thee
To that cross, new life to give,
Held a blood-sealed pardon to thee,
Bade thee look to him and live;
Praise the grace whose threats alarmed thee,
Roused thee from thy fatal ease,
Praise the grace whose promise warmed thee,
Praise the grace that whispered peace.
Lord, this bosom's ardent feeling
Vainly would my lips express;
Low before thy footstool kneeling,
Deign thy suppliant's prayer to bless:
Let thy love, my soul's chief treasure,
Love's pure flame within me raise,
And, since words can never measure,
Let my life show forth thy praise.
Francis Scott Key, 1817
Tune: Ripley, Arr. from a Gregorian chant by Lowell Mason, 1839
For the bliss thy love bestows,
For the pard'ning grace that saves me,
And the peace that from it flows;
Help, O God, my weak endeavor;
This dull soul to rapture raise;
Thou must light the flame, or never
Can my love be warmed to praise.
Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee,
Wretched wand'rer far astray;
Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee
From the paths of death away;
Praise, with love's devoutest feeling,
Him who saw thy guilt-born fear,
And, the light of hope revealing,
Bade the blood-stained cross appear.
Praise thy Saviour God that drew thee
To that cross, new life to give,
Held a blood-sealed pardon to thee,
Bade thee look to him and live;
Praise the grace whose threats alarmed thee,
Roused thee from thy fatal ease,
Praise the grace whose promise warmed thee,
Praise the grace that whispered peace.
Lord, this bosom's ardent feeling
Vainly would my lips express;
Low before thy footstool kneeling,
Deign thy suppliant's prayer to bless:
Let thy love, my soul's chief treasure,
Love's pure flame within me raise,
And, since words can never measure,
Let my life show forth thy praise.
Francis Scott Key, 1817
Tune: Ripley, Arr. from a Gregorian chant by Lowell Mason, 1839
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thankfulness
This week, I am thankful that I've almost got the income taxes ready to go! I don't like that job!
On a happier note, I am thankful for the warmer walks Murphy and I took the last couple of days, especially since more snow and colder temperatures are on the way tonight. Its been such an interesting winter, weather-wise.
And finally, I am thankful for a good and stable marriage. Yes, we have our disagreements but we both know that the other is always faithfully there. That's a blessing!
And finally, I am thankful for God's grace which is sufficient for me and made perfect in weakness. I have got plenty of weaknesses and I am so thankful for Christ's power resting on me and making me strong in them. His all-surpassing faithfulness to give me His strength in every situation is amazing!
On a happier note, I am thankful for the warmer walks Murphy and I took the last couple of days, especially since more snow and colder temperatures are on the way tonight. Its been such an interesting winter, weather-wise.
And finally, I am thankful for a good and stable marriage. Yes, we have our disagreements but we both know that the other is always faithfully there. That's a blessing!
And finally, I am thankful for God's grace which is sufficient for me and made perfect in weakness. I have got plenty of weaknesses and I am so thankful for Christ's power resting on me and making me strong in them. His all-surpassing faithfulness to give me His strength in every situation is amazing!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Sunday's Hymn: Awake, My Soul, Stretch Ev'ry Nerve
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
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
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thankfulness
This morning, I am thinking with thankfulness of all the everyday provisions of our gracious God, things like our lovely little house, food on the table, relative good health and safety in our activities. I am also thankful for His provision of our sweet Murphy to love and be loved by, our church, the beauty of new snow and a neighbor who cleared our driveway since Andy is at work today and he is not. God is graciousness to us is overflowing! And I never want to take it for granted!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Sunday's Hymn: All People That on Earth Do Dwell
All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;
Him serve with fear, his praise forthtell,
Come ye before him and rejoice.
The Lord ye know is God indeed;
Without our aid he did us make;
We are his folk, he doth us feed,
And for his sheep he doth us take.
O enter then his gates with praise,
Approach with joy his courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless his name always,
For it is seemly so to do.
For why? the Lord our God is good,
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.
Psalm 100, William Kethe, 1561
Tune: The Old Hundredth, Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;
Him serve with fear, his praise forthtell,
Come ye before him and rejoice.
The Lord ye know is God indeed;
Without our aid he did us make;
We are his folk, he doth us feed,
And for his sheep he doth us take.
O enter then his gates with praise,
Approach with joy his courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless his name always,
For it is seemly so to do.
For why? the Lord our God is good,
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.
Psalm 100, William Kethe, 1561
Tune: The Old Hundredth, Louis Bourgeois, 1551
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thankfulness
Today I am thankful for a lovely, sunny day after a rainy night. The air feels so clean and its 45 degrees out there! In mid-February!! Its been such a mild winter. We may pay for it in the summer but right now, it feels so good. Murphy and I will celebrate the day with a nice long walk this afternoon.
I'm thankful for the gift that dogs are in our world...especially mine...but I love them all. How much more satisfying is a walk with a dog than a walk alone!
Speaking of Murphy and walks, we are into our second class at Petco. Loose leash walking is our goal and while we are not there yet, I am enjoying the challenge. I hope Murphy is too. I know he's enjoying the treats. : )
What are you thanking God for today?
I'm thankful for the gift that dogs are in our world...especially mine...but I love them all. How much more satisfying is a walk with a dog than a walk alone!
Speaking of Murphy and walks, we are into our second class at Petco. Loose leash walking is our goal and while we are not there yet, I am enjoying the challenge. I hope Murphy is too. I know he's enjoying the treats. : )
What are you thanking God for today?
Sunday, February 12, 2012
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."
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
Friday, February 10, 2012
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.
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, February 5, 2012
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
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
Thursday, February 2, 2012
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?
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, January 29, 2012
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
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
Friday, January 27, 2012
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.
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, January 22, 2012
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
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
Saturday, January 21, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, January 20, 2012
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!
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, January 15, 2012
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
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
Friday, January 13, 2012
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?
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?
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