Thankfulness

This week I am thankful for the good time we had at the weekend picnic for the rescue group from which we adopted Murphy.  Murphy especially enjoyed running around in the big fenced in area with all the other little dogs.  He's the most outgoing little fellow so for him, that picnic was wonderful!

I came home with a case of shingles so for me the picnic was a little less fun.  But still I am thankful for early diagnosis of the problem (Monday morning) and the availability of the antiviral drugs that minimize long term effects of this unpleasant disease.  I am also thankful that mine is effecting a nerve that wraps around the trunk of my body rather than a nerve that serves the facial area around the ear or eye.  So now I just wait for it to run its course.

And finally, I am thankful for God's provision of a loving family and good friends who pray and are willing to care for me when I am less than 100%.

God is good, all the time.  What are you thanking Him for this week?

Sunday's Hymn: Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee

Jesus, the very thought of thee
With sweetness fills my breast;
But sweeter far thy face to see,
And in thy presence rest.


Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the mem'ry find,
A sweeter sound than thy blest Name,
O Saviour of mankind.


O Hope of ev'ry contrite heart,
O Joy of all the meek,

To those who fall, how kind though art!

How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find? Ah, this

Nor tongue nor pen can show:

The love of Jesus, what it is

None but his loved ones know.

Jesus, our only Joy be thou,

As thou our Prize wilt be;

Jesus, be thou our Glory now,

And through eternity.

Anon., Latin, 11th century

Tr. by Edward Caswall, 1849

Tune: St. Agnes, John B. Dykes, 1866

Thankfulness

I am very thankful for some cooler temperatures in the forecast for the weekend.  Its been in the 90's here in our neck of the woods with heat indices even higher so temps in the lower 80's sound really good about now.  Especially since Andy, Murphy and I are going to a weekend "picnic" for the rescue group from which we adopted Murphy.  We're not sure of what exactly to expect but it will be more fun if we're not all sweltering!

Considering that my maximum preferred daytime high temperature is really right around 72, I am also thankful for some new clothes of a sort that are supposed to prevent sunburn and wick away perspiration to keep one cooler.  They will be most of my weekend wardrobe even with the cooler forecast.  And I got them all on sale; some even clearance!!

Finally, I've been thinking a lot about the blessing of family this week. Immediate family, extended family and church family, even the ones I have a bristling sort of relationship with, each individual is a personal blessing and an opportunity for me to grow in grace and peace.  Such wisdom and love God demonstrates in my life to give them to me!

Sunday's Hymn: Christ for the World We Sing

Christ for the world we sing;
The world to Christ we bring
With loving zeal;
The poor and them that mourn,
The faint and overborne,
Sin-sick and sorrow-worn,
Whom Christ doth heal.

Christ for the world we sing;
The world to Christ we bring
With fervent pray'r;
The wayward and the lost,
By restless passions tossed,
Redeemed at countless cost
From dark despair.

Christ for the world we sing;
The world to Christ we bring
With one accord; 
With us the work to share,
With us reproach to dare,
With us the cross to bear,

Christ for the world we sing;
The world to Christ we bring
With joyful song;
The newborn souls whose days,
Reclaimed from error's ways,
Inspired with hope and praise
To Christ belong.


Samuel Wolcott, 1869
Tune: Braun, Johann G. Braun, 1675

Thankfulness

Today I am especially thankful for air conditioning as we head into another hot, hot weekend.

I am also thankful to be almost caught up on my weeding.  I don't know how it got ahead of me but its almost back under control.  Yay!

I've been working on a baby blanket for the baby of my nephew and his wife, a little girl due in July.  Its a lace pattern and I am thankful to be finally "getting it" about lace knitting....especially because there are a few more patterns in lace that I would like to try.

One more thing I am thinking about with gratitude today is the new direction in which our pastor has taken our study of the book of Romans.  His new method makes that book of doctrine so much more applicable to our own daily lives....as it should be.

What are you thinking of with gratitude to God today?  Please join in the thanksgiving!

Sunday's Hymn: Christ in His Word Draws Near

Christ in his Word draws near;
Hush, moaning voice of fear,
He bids thee cease;
With songs sincere and sweet
Let us arise, and meet
Him who comes forth to greet
Our souls with peace.



Rising above thy care,
Meet him as in the air,
O weary heart;
Put on joy's sacred dress;
Lo, as he comes to bless,
Quite from thy weariness
Set free thou art.


For works of love and praise
He brings thee summer days,
Warm days and bright;
Winter is past and gone,
Now he, salvation's Sun,
Shineth on ev'ry one
With mercy's light.

From the bright sky above,
Clad in his robes of love,
'Tis he, our Lord!
Dim earth itself grows clear,
As his light draweth near:

O let us hush and hear

His holy Word.

Thomas T. Lynch, 1855

Tune: Kirby Bedon, Edward Bunnett, 1887

Sunday's Hymn: Let Children Hear the Mighty Deeds

Let children hear the mighty deeds
Which God performed of old;
Which in our younger years we saw,
And which our fathers told.

He bids us make his glories know,
His works of pow'r and grace;
And we'll convey his wonders down
Through ev'ry rising race.

Our lips shall tell them to our sons,
And they again to theirs;
That generations yet unborn
May teach them to their heirs.

Thus shall they learn in God alone
Their hope securely stands,
That they may ne'er forget his works,
Bur practice his commands.



From Psalm 78:1-7
Isaac Watts, 1719
Tune: Dundee, The Scottish Psalter, 1615

Thankfulness

This week Andy has vacation from work but we opted to stay home and enjoy some local recreation rather than travel anywhere.  We have some great fishing holes very close to home, including Crystal Lake which is about three blocks from the cottage.  We also have the Chain O' Lakes on the Fox River which boasts some great fishing and is only an hour away. But back to our cottage, we love it!  There is a nice screen porch attached to our home and a beautiful yard too.  That is in addition to our home itself which we've got set up for our own tastes and preferences.  So why not enjoy our relaxing time right here!

Well, its been a wonderful week so far.  We have gotten in some fun times on the water but we've also enjoyed plenty of time of just relaxing at home together too.  And the key word for me is together.  I don't really care much what we are doing as long as its together.  We even did a few tasks that had backed up on us but we did them together and that's the best way!

So I am thanking God this week for the blessing of a happy marriage in which we genuinely enjoy each others' company and His provision of a lovely place to live and enjoy life together.  I also thank Him for Emily who, although she is still teaching and working, has managed to enjoy some of the fun times with us too.  And of course there is Murphy who makes the fun times even more fun when seen through his eyes. So I am blessed and soaking it up this week.  Thank you, God!

Sunday's Hymn: Come, Thou Almighty King

Come, thou Almighty King,
Help us thy name to sing,
Help us to praise:
Father, all glorious,
O'er all victorious,
Come, and reign over us,
Ancient of days.

Come, thou Incarnate Word,
Gird on thy mighty sword,
Our prayer attend:
Come and thy people bless,
And give thy Word success;
Spirit of holiness,
On us descend.

Come, Holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear
In this glad hour:
Thou who almighty art,
Now rule in every heart,
And ne'er from us depart,
Spirit of power.

To the great One in Three
Eternal praises be,
Hence evermore.
His sovereign majesty
May we in glory see,
And to eternity
Love and adore.



Anon., c. 1757
Tune: Trinity, Felice de Giardini, 1769

Thankfulness

I am thankful for good health and the ability to work hard.  Spring brings lots of new growth and that means in weeds as well as the plants I want to see grow.  And weeding is hard work so I am glad for the strength and health to do it.

But while I am working out there in the yard, I sure am thankful for the lovely flowers God has given us.  Here are a few of them:

Finally, I am thanking God for the sweet sisters in Christ that I serve alongside of in an interdenominational Bible study in Crystal Lake.  I am especially thankful for the unity I have with them despite those denominational issues that could divide us but don't.

What are you thanking God for today?  Please do share.

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

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

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

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

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



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

Thankfulness

I am thankful for beautiful weather this week....mostly sunny, low humidity and daytime highs in the 60's and 70's.  My idea of perfect.

I am also thankful for the completion of the study of Acts.  Its been a rich study with much personal application.  I've loved it from start to finish.

And I'm thankful for a beautiful Mother's Day.  We went fishing in the afternoon on Crystal Lake and I caught the biggest fish I ever caught...a 24 inch Northern Pike!  I planned to pick it up for the picture but those teeth caused me to leave it in the net.

 
But the very best part of Mother's Day and every day is relaxing with my family.  I'm so thankful for them!

How about you?  What are you thanking God for today?

Sunday's Hymn: By Grace I am an Heir of Heaven

By grace I am an heir of heaven:
Why doubt this, O my trembling heart?
If what the Scriptures promise clearly
Is true and firm in ev'ry part,
This also must be truth divine:
By grace a crown of life is mine.

By grace alone shall I inherit
That blissful home beyond the skies.
Works count for naught, the Lord incarnate
Hath won for me the heav'nly prize.
Salvation by his death he wrought,
His grace alone my pardon bought.

By grace! These precious words remember
When sorely by thy sins oppressed,
When Satan comes to vex thy spirit,
When troubled conscience sighs for rest;
What reason cannot comprehend,
God doth to thee by grace extend.

By grace! Be this in death my comfort;
Despite my fears, 'tis well with me.
I know my sin in all its greatness,
But also him who sets me free.
My heart to naught but joy gives place
Since I am saved by grace, by grace.

Christian L. Scheidt, 1742, cento/ Tr. by H Breuckner

Tune: Neumark, Georg Neumark, 1657

Sunday's Hymn: Faith of Our Fathers!

Faith of our fathers! living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword;
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear God's glorious Word:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Our fathers, chained in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free;
And blest would be their children's fate
If they, like them, should die for thee:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers! God's great pow'r
Shall draw all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God
His people shall indeed be free:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers! we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife,
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By witness true and virtuous life:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.


Frederick W. Faber, 1849
St. 2, line 4; st. 3, lines 1-4, alt.
Tune: St. Catherine, Henri F. Hemy, 1864
alt. by James G. Walton, 1870

Sunday's Hymn: O Word of God Incarnate

O Word of God Incarnate,
O Wisdom from on high,
O Truth unchanged, unchanging,
O light of our dark sky;
We praise thee for the radiance
That from the hallowed page,
A lantern to our footsteps
Shines on from age to age.

The church from her dear Master
Received the gift divine,
And still that light she lifteth
O'er all the earth to shine.
It is the golden casket,
Where gems of truth are stored;
It is the heav'n-drawn picture
Of Christ, the living Word.

It floateth like a banner
Before God's host unfurled;
It shineth like a beacon
Above the darkling world.
It is the chart and compass
That o'er life's surging sea,
'Mid mists and rocks and quicksands,
Still guides, O Christ, to thee.

O make thy church, dear Saviour,
A lamp of purest gold,
To bear before the nations
Thy true light, as of old.
O teach thy wand'ring pilgrims
By this their path to trace,
Till, clouds and darkness ended,
They see thee face to face.


William Walsham How, 1867
Tune: Munich, Meiningen Gesangbuch, 1693

Thankfulness

I'm thankful for the sunshine and warmth this afternoon after a rainy day yesterday and a morning with a cold, penetrating breeze.  Murphy and I had a very nice walk in the sun!

I'm also thankful that a dear friend's husband came home from the hospital today.  They are a very close elderly couple and it was hard on them to be apart.  Besides that consideration, I am thankful for the improvement in his health.

Finally, I am thankful for a loving husband of my own and God's blessing of good health for both of us.

What are you thanking our gracious God for today?  Please do share.

Sunday's Hymn: Shine Thou Upon Us, Lord

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

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

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

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



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

Sunday's Hymn: What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged:
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness—
Take it to the Lord in prayer!

Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our Refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.


Joseph Scriven, c. 1855
Tune: What a Friend, C.C. Converse, 1868

Today's Sighting

As we set out on our walk with Murphy this morning, we were greeted by an unusual sighting just down the road.  Sandhill cranes!  We've never seen them in Crystal Lake before, although I know that they do stop over in a nature preserve a few towns away from us as they make their way to parts north.  This pair seemed unperturbed as we watched them stroll across an open lowland area.  Murphy was unimpressed but Andy and I were captivated.

Thankfulness

I've been thanking God these last few days for the obvious indications that our little Murphy is feeling less anxiety about separating from us.  Earlier this week, he watched me as I loaded his Kong toy with treats for him in preparation for leaving, as is our routine.  Before I finished that task, he was in his crate with his head calmly resting on his front paws in anticipation.  A small but significant victory, for sure.  He's also been laying on his bed in the sunspot in the kitchen while I do a few tasks upstairs.  Not too long ago, he would have been on my heels.  These signs of increased security in his place with us make me very thankful!

I'm also thankful for some beautiful sunny weather to walk in with Murphy.  He's an active little fellow and loves those walks!  So do I but much more so when I'm not freezing cold!

And I'm thankful for some new friends met on those Murphy walks, both canine and human.  God puts the most interesting people in my path!  I can't wait to see what He does with these new relationships!

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