Another Selection from The Messiah

Every Valley

taken from Isaiah 40 :4 put to music by George Frederic Handel
from Handel's Messiah

Every valley shall be exalted,

And every mountain and hill made low,

The crooked straight,

And the rough places plain.

My Corner at Christmas

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at My Corner...

My tree with yo-yo ornaments.


Both of these decorations are new. The mini gingerbread houses were found at Target on way sale after Christmas. You just can't beat 20¢ for each one of these adorable things. I snatched up every single one they had left. The trees: 2 dollars and something at Marshalls.



Another new decoration is my Pohnpeian angel given to me by my friend Jo who was fortunate enough to be able to take a trip to the Micronesian island this summer. Thanks Jo!

*******************************

I am on tour with The Nester!

For Unto Us a Child is Born

For Unto Us a Child is Born

taken from Isaiah 9:6 put to music by George Frederic Handel

from Handel's Messiah

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given,
Unto us a Son is given,
And the government shall be upon His shoulder;
And the government shall be upon His shoulder;
And his name shall be called
Wonderful,Counsellor, the Mighty God,
The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
The Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Look Who Turned EIGHT This Week

Wow! Gavin is getting to be such a big boy!

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

***

“Suddenly there was with the angel a great company of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
words by Charles Wesley

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 every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
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.

~~~

‘The Desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty.

~ Haggai 2:7

The Solid Rock

The Solid Rock
words by Edward Mote

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

picture taken by me

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25-26

A Thanksgiving Book

source

When I was younger, I used to love to read historical diaries. The Dear America series was one of my favorites. Each book takes a girl growing up in a certain time period and tells a story using both fiction and some fact. (In the back of the book in the Historical Note the author tells what is true fact about that time period.) My little sister Bekah just recently discovered this series of books and she has already devoured several. Even though they are written for young readers, I still will pick one up if I need an easy read. A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple by Kathryn Lasky is a book in this series about a Pilgrim girl who came across the ocean on the Mayflower in 1620 to have a fresh start in the new world with her family.

***For more Thanksgiving books to read go to both Mom and Kristin's blogs.

Take My Life and Let It Be

Take My Life and Let It Be
words by Frances Havergal

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

picture taken by my sister-in-law Sarah: Nora's sweet little hand

“I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1

Arise, My Soul, Arise

Arise, My Soul, Arise
words by Charles Wesley

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.

***

“Christ Jesus…is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:34

Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners!

Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners!

words by J. Wilbur Chapman

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Refrain:
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.

Refrain

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.

Refrain

Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

Refrain

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.

Refrain

All Creatures of Our God and King

All Creatures of Our God and King
words by Francis of Assisi

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!

And thou most kind and gentle Death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

Refrain
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

photo by Kati

Let Heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and all that move in them.

Psalm 69:34

We're Marching to Zion

Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion. ~Jeremiah 31:6

***

We're Marching to Zion

words by Isaac Watts

Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
Join in a song with sweet accord
And thus surround the throne,
And thus surround the throne.

Refrain

We’re marching to Zion,
Beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We’re marching upward to Zion,
The beautiful city of God.

The sorrows of the mind
Be banished from the place;
Religion never was designed
Religion never was designed,
To make our pleasures less,
To make our pleasures less.

Refrain

Let those refuse to sing,
Who never knew our God;
But favorites of the heavenly King,
But favorites of the heavenly King
May speak their joys abroad,
May speak their joys abroad.

Refrain

The God that rules on high,
And thunders when He please,
Who rides upon the stormy sky,
Who rides upon the stormy sky,
And manages the seas,
And manages the seas.

Refrain

This awful God is ours,
Our Father and our Love;
He will send down his heav’nly powers,
He will send down his heav’nly powers,
To carry us above,
To carry us above.

Refrain

There we shall see His face,
And never, never sin!
There, from the rivers of His grace,
There, from the rivers of His grace,
Drink endless pleasures in,
Drink endless pleasures in.

Refrain

Yea, and before we rise,
To that immortal state,
The thoughts of such amazing bliss,
The thoughts of such amazing bliss,
Should constant joys create,
Should constant joys create.

Refrain

The men of grace have found,
Glory begun below.
Celestial fruits on earthly ground
Celestial fruits on earthly ground
From faith and hope may grow,
From faith and hope may grow.

Refrain

The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets
Before we reach the heav’nly fields,
Before we reach the heav’nly fields,
Or walk the golden streets,
Or walk the golden streets.

Refrain

Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry;
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground,
We’re marching through Immanuel’s ground,
To fairer worlds on high,
To fairer worlds on high.

Refrain

One Little Benjamin

Little Bejamin is having his second birthday this weekend. When I left this summer to stay with Ryan, Sarah, and the girls, Ben was only saying a few words. When I got back he was talking as much as his older siblings were. Which is a lot. :) In just the few months I was gone he had grown from a little toddler to a big boy. And now he is turning 2!

Glory Be to God on High

If I have nothing to do or if I have extra time I like to go to NetHymnal and listen to new hymns. If a title catches my attention or I see that a famous hymn writer wrote it I will click it on and listen to it. This is one of those hymns. The tune I discovered when I clicked the title on is the same as I Sing the Mighty Power of God.

***

Glory Be to God on High

words by Charles Wesley

Glory be to God on high,
And peace on earth descend;
Now God comes down, He bows the sky,
And shows Himself our Friend!
God the invisible appears,
God the Blest, the Great I AM,
He sojourns in this vale of tears,
And Jesus is His Name.

Him by the angels all adored,
Their Maker and their King;
Lo, tidings of their humbled Lord
They now to mortals bring;
Emptied of His majesty,
Of His dazzling glories shorn,
Our being’s Source begins to be,
And God Himself is born!

See the eternal Son of God
A mortal Son of Man,
Now dwelling in an earthly clod
Whom Heaven cannot contain!
Stand amazed, ye heavens, look at this!
See the Lord of earth and skies
Low humbled to the dust He is,
And in a manger lies!

So do the sons of men rejoice
The Prince of Peace proclaim,
With Heaven’s host lift up our voice,
And shout Immanuel’s Name;
Our knees and hearts to Him we bow;
Of our flesh, and of our bone,
See—Jesus is our Brother now,
And God is all our own!

***

He took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. ~ Philippians 2:7

Thank You!

My heart-felt thanks to Ryan and Sarah for letting me come out and be their house guest this summer.

Thank you for giving me a room to sleep in.

Thank you for helping me get my first job and praying for guidance as I was jumping all the hurdles so that I could start.

Thank you for all the hiking I was able to do. (And for the use of shoes and hiking boots, Sarah!)

Thank you for letting me get my first experience of camping. (And taking me along on your vacation to Crater Lake.)

Thank you for letting me be able to meet so many good friends.

But most of all, thank you for letting me be able to spend time with you!

I Sing the Mighty Power of God

God made the earth by His power. ~ Jeremiah 10:12-13

***

I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Isaac Watts

I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.

There’s not a plant or flower below, but makes Thy glories known,
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there.

This is Where I Have Been Spending My Summer...

Isn't it just BEAUTIFUL!

I have been meaning to show everyone a picture of where I have been staying this summer but I never got around to it until now. I have been having fun visiting with my dear brother, sister-in-law, and nieces, meeting new friends, having tea parties, working at a bookstore, going camping for the first time, seeing all the spectacular sights, etc.

I will be back to the blogging world soon since the summer is quickly disappearing. (Where did this summer go?!)

♪ Happy Birthday, Dear Owen! ♪

Owen, my little nephew who is shy, conserves words, likes to eat but doesn't have many foods that he likes, and loves games, is now FOUR!

Happy Birthday, Owen!

For Maddie

Maddie, I hope you know that I am thinking about you on your birthday even though I am way across the country.

Happy Birthay, Maddie!

Three!

It is so nice to be able to be here on your birthday, Eve. This is the first time other than your birth day. You are getting to be such a big girl!

Happy Birthday, Eve!

What Could Be Better Than...

A little girl tea party,

with "couchy tea" poured into itty bitty tea cups...




by little girls dressed in pink?




With "spool cookies"...




and little pinkie fingers out...




and little sisters trying to pour their own tea?

~~~
A Proper Tea is much nicer than a Very Nearly Tea, which is one you forget about afterwards. ~A.A. Milne

For Dad

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Family picture taken March 2009.

Back row L to R: Brian, Owen, Dad, Ryan, and Nora

Front row L to R: Maddie, Gavin, Kristin, Benjamin, me, Mom, Bekah, Sarah, and Eve

***
Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad. ~Author Unknown

The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God; I call him Dad!
~Author Unknown

Summer Plans

If you don't see me at this little corner much this summer it is because I am many miles away with my brother and his family. I will be adventuring, working, spending time with my dear far-away family, etc.


I am not going to be doing any regular posting but I will be doing a few posts so please check back here every now and then.


Happy summer!

I Am Debtor

I Am Debtor
words by Robert McCheyne

When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory,
Looking o’er life’s finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.

When I hear the wicked call,
On the rocks and hills to fall,
When I see them start and shrink
On the fiery deluge brink,Then,
Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.

Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Savior’s side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.

Oft I walk beneath the cloud,
Dark, as midnight’s gloomy shroud;
But, when fear is at the height,
Jesus comes, and all is light;
Blessed Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.

When in flowery paths I tread,
Oft by sin I’m captive led;
Oft I fall—but still arise—
The Spirit comes—the tempter flies;
Blessed Spirit! bid me show
Weary sinners all I owe.

Oft the nights of sorrow reign—
Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain;
But a night Thine anger burns—
Morning comes and joy returns;
God of comforts! bid me show
To Thy poor, how much I owe.

When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.

When the praise of Heav’n I hear,
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters’ noise,
Sweet as harp’s melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.

Even on earth, as through a glass
Darkly, let Thy glory pass,
Make forgiveness feel so sweet,
Make Thy Spirit’s help so meet,
Even on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.

***
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors. Romans 8:12

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

words by Charles Wesley

Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.

Wilt Thou not regard my call? Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—Lo! on Thee I cast my care;
Reach me out Thy gracious hand! While I of Thy strength receive,
Hoping against hope I stand, dying, and behold, I live.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.

*~~*~~*

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. ~2 Corinthians 1:3,5

It is Well With My Soul

While getting the words to this hymn on Net Hymnal, I found some background information about the hymn writer and the writing of this hymn:

This hymn was writ­ten af­ter two ma­jor trau­mas in Spaf­ford’s life. The first was the great Chi­ca­go Fire of Oc­to­ber 1871, which ru­ined him fi­nan­cial­ly (he had been a weal­thy bus­i­ness­man). Short­ly af­ter, while cross­ing the At­lan­tic, all four of Spaf­ford’s daugh­ters died in a col­li­sion with an­o­ther ship. Spaf­ford’s wife Anna sur­vived and sent him the now fa­mous tel­e­gram, “Saved alone.” Sev­er­al weeks lat­er, as Spaf­ford’s own ship passed near the spot where his daugh­ters died, the Ho­ly Spir­it in­spired these words. They speak to the eter­nal hope that all be­liev­ers have, no mat­ter what pain and grief be­fall them on earth.

~~~

It is Well With My Soul
words by Horatio Spafford

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

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

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

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

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

Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

~~~

“Praise the Lord, O my soul.” Psalm 146:1

In Which Pinky Bings off the Wall in the Middle of the Night

In the middle of the night I am awakened by a sudden loud noise coming from the other side of the room. I sit bolt upright in bed and look to where the sound was coming from. To my amazement I see our cat Pinky and she seems to be on the wall. "On the wall?," you might say. Yes! She was on the wall.

She must have jumped from the top of my chair onto my message board and was hanging there. I couldn't believe my eyes! (Remember, it was the middle of the night and I was sound asleep just moments before.) I thought that I was dreaming at first but no, I wasn't.

It was quite a feat getting back down. She some how did a leap-twist then she sat down and acted like nothing had ever happened that was out of the ordinary.

In the morning I found proof that she had really been climbing the walls. One side of the message board was off the nail and hanging down at an awkward angle. Fortunately neither Pinky nor the message board was hurt in this kitty circus act of the night before. But you have to wonder where she will be next.

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
words by William Williams

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield;
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.

Lord, I trust Thy mighty power,
Wondrous are Thy works of old;
Thou deliver’st Thine from thralldom,
Who for naught themselves had sold:
Thou didst conquer, Thou didst conquer,
Sin, and Satan and the grave,
Sin, and Satan and the grave.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of deaths, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.

Musing on my habitation,
Musing on my heav’nly home,
Fills my soul with holy longings:
Come, my Jesus, quickly come;
Vanity is all I see;
Lord, I long to be with Thee!
Lord, I long to be with Thee!

***
By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud…and by night in a pillar of fire.

Exodus 13:21

Our God, Our Help in Ages Past

Our God, Our Help in Ages Past
by Isaac Watts

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

Thy Word commands our flesh to dust,
“Return, ye sons of men:”
All nations rose from earth at first,
And turn to earth again.

A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

The busy tribes of flesh and blood,
With all their lives and cares,
Are carried downwards by the flood,
And lost in following years.

Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.

Like flowery fields the nations stand
Pleased with the morning light;
The flowers beneath the mower’s hand
Lie withering ere ‘tis night.

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.

~~~

Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. ~Psalm 90:1

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

~~~~~~~~~

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan

Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly. ~Ambrose Bierce

She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along. ~Margaret Culkin Banning

Master, the Tempest Is Raging

A dear friend brought this song to my attention. Thank you, Miss Frances!

***

MASTER, THE TEMPEST IS RAGING

words by Mary A. Baker

Master, the tempest is raging!
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o'ershadow with blackness,
No shelter or help is nigh;
Carest Thou not that we perish?
How canst Thou lie asleep,
When each moment so madly is threatening
A grave in the angry deep?

Refrain:
The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will,
Peace, be still!
Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea,
Or demons or men, or whatever it be
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean, and earth, and skies;
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, be still! Peace, be still!
They all shall sweetly obey Thy will,
Peace, peace, be still!

Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today;
The depths of my sad heart are troubled
Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o’er my sinking soul;
And I perish! I perish! dear Master
Oh, hasten, and take control.

Refrain

Master, the terror is over,
The elements sweetly rest;
Earth’s sun in the calm lake is mirrored,
And heaven’s within my breast;
Linger, O blessèd Redeemer!
Leave me alone no more;
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor,
And rest on the blissful shore.

Refrain

***

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. ~ Mark 4:37-39

The Purple Cow

Today is the last day of April so it is also the last day of National Poetry Month. Here is another favorite poem of mine. Not just because of the words but because of the memories it brings back.

***

My Grandmother always liked the poem The Purple Cow by Gelett Burgess and got me and my cousin, Alec, to commit it to memory. It was one of the first poems that I memorized and I still can recite it from memory. When ever I hear/read/think about this poem I think of Gammy.

The Purple Cow

by Gelett Burgess

I never saw a purple cow;
I never hope to see one;
but I can tell you anyhow;
I'd rather see than be one!

Several months ago I was looking for another poem to memorize for school and I can across this poem that Gelett Burgess wrote about his poem The Purple Cow:

Ah, yes, I wrote the "Purple Cow"—
I'm Sorry, now, I wrote it;
But I can tell you Anyhow
I'll Kill you if you Quote it!

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

***Normaly I would just put the refrain once when posting a hymn but the words are so good that I thought I would put them after every verse this time.

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

words by Fanny Crosby

Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Refrain:
Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Let me at Thy throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief,
Kneeling there in deep contrition;
Help my unbelief.

Refrain:
Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.

Refrain:
Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

Thou the Spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have I on earth beside Thee?
Whom in Heav’n but Thee?

Refrain:
Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.

***
Do not pass by Your servant. ~ Genesis 18:3

A Book

April is National Poetry Month.

This is the last Saturday in April so it is also the last poem I will be posting in honor of National Poetry Month. It has been fun! The other poems I have posted are as follows:

April 3 - The Lamb by William Blake

April 10 - The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

April 17 - How Do I Love Thee by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

***

A Book
by Emily Dickinson

There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

Words at­trib­ut­ed to Ber­nard of Clair­vaux

trans­lat­ed from La­tin to German by Paul Ger­hardt

and from La­tin to Eng­lish James W. Al­ex­and­er

O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee, Thou noble countenance,
Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee and flee before Thy glance.
How art thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!
How doth Thy visage languish that once was bright as morn!

Now from Thy cheeks has vanished their color once so fair;
From Thy red lips is banished the splendor that was there.
Grim death, with cruel rigor, hath robbed Thee of Thy life;
Thus Thou hast lost Thy vigor, Thy strength in this sad strife.

My burden in Thy Passion, Lord, Thou hast borne for me,
For it was my transgression which brought this woe on Thee.
I cast me down before Thee, wrath were my rightful lot;
Have mercy, I implore Thee; Redeemer, spurn me not!

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.

My Shepherd, now receive me; my Guardian, own me Thine.
Great blessings Thou didst give me, O source of gifts divine.
Thy lips have often fed me with words of truth and love;
Thy Spirit oft hath led me to heavenly joys above.

Here I will stand beside Thee, from Thee I will not part;
O Savior, do not chide me! When breaks Thy loving heart,
When soul and body languish in death’s cold, cruel grasp,
Then, in Thy deepest anguish, Thee in mine arms I’ll clasp.

The joy can never be spoken, above all joys beside,
When in Thy body broken I thus with safety hide.
O Lord of Life, desiring Thy glory now to see,
Beside Thy cross expiring, I’d breathe my soul to Thee.

My Savior, be Thou near me when death is at my door;
Then let Thy presence cheer me, forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish, oh, leave me not alone,
But take away mine anguish by virtue of Thine own!

Be Thou my consolation, my shield when I must die;
Remind me of Thy passion when my last hour draws nigh.
Mine eyes shall then behold Thee, upon Thy cross shall dwell,
My heart by faith enfolds Thee. Who dieth thus dies well.

***

They…twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head.

Matthew 27:28-29

How Do I Love Thee

April is National Poetry Month.

Every Saturday in the month of April I am going to post a poem on my blog in honor of National Poetry Month. So far I have posted:

April 3 - The Lamb by William Blake

April 10 - The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

***

How Do I Love Thee?
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

A Birthday Sister

My little sister is nine! How time flies.

Happy Birthday, Bekah!

Bekah, me, and Kristin

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

How do people make it through life without a sister?
~Sara Corpening

A sister is a forever friend.
~Author Unknown

Blessed Assurance

Thanks to my dear friend Kate for bringing this hymn to my attention. Such beautiful words!

Blessed Assurance
by Fanny Crosby

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Refrain

~~~

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.

Hebrews 10:21-22

National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month.

Every Saturday in the month of April I am going to post a poem on my blog in honor of National Poetry Month. So far I have posted:

April 3 - The Lamb by William Blake

***

The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Tutorial: How to Make a Yo-yo in 5 Easy Steps

Several years ago I learned how to make fabric yo-yos. They are easy to do (and learn) and I find that they are a nice project to do while watching a movie. I decided recently to make my own tutorial on how to make them.

1. Pick out some fabric. The nice thing about this project is that you can use fabric remnants. If you have just a little bit of a certain fabric left you can finish it up and it can be of some use. I have even used bits of old loved clothing. (see picture 1)

2. Take a round object and trace it only your chosen fabric. To make the traditional sized yo-yo (2 inches diameter when finished) use a CD for a pattern, but you can use a round juice glass and Bekah even tried using a spool one time to make a yo-yo you can see only using a magnifying glass. (Well, maybe not that small. :-) Turn your fabric to the wrong side and trace the circle with a pen or pencil. Then take your sewing scissors and cut the circle out. (see picture 1)

picture 1

3. Sewing the yo-yo. Keeping the wrong side of the circle facing upward, fold the edges of the circle down about ¼ inch (I judge with this) to touch the wrong side. Sew along the edge folding the fabric down as you go. (see picture 2)

picture 2

4. Gather the yo-yo in. When you have sewn the whole way around back to the starting point, gently pull the thread until there is only a tiny hole in the center of the fabric. (see picture 3)

picture 3

5. Knot the end. And VOILA! You’ve finished your first yo-yo! (see picture 4)

picture 4

Projects to do with your finished yo-yos.

• Quilts. Yo-yo quilts are beautiful but you have to really want one to have one to do this because it takes a gazillion yo-yos!
• Pillows. Pillows are much easier. Sew each yo-yo together and then onto a pillow cover or sew them right on it.
• Table scarf or runner. Sew the yo-yos together either tightly together so that there are only small holes in between (see picture 5) or loosely so that there are diamonds shaped holes in between (see picture 6).
• Sew them onto clothing. Make them flowers on shirts by adding stems and leaves. (Makes nice gifts for little girls.) Put them on shoes for a decorative touch. A bunch of three on your purse adds some spice.
• Coasters. By sewing small yo-yos around a big yo-yo you have created a cute coaster. (Thanks for the idea, Kristin! And for a set of my very own.)
• Christmas tree ornaments. By attaching some thread and tying a knot you have some perfect Christmas ornaments to go on the big tree or on a tabletop.
• Doll Pillows. These make perfect doll house people sized pillows for beds and chairs. Or use a dinner plate for a pattern and make a larger pillow.
• There are always new ideas. If you have an idea or project to do with yo-yos leave a comment telling what it is.
  

← picture 5

picture 6 ↓

(If you have any questions then please feel free to leave a comment telling me what your question is and I will do my best to answer it.)

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

A joyous Resurrection Sunday to my readers!

***

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

stanzas 1-7 by Charles Wesley

stanzas 8-10 by Unknown

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

***

The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, Who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.’

Matthew 28:5-6

The Lamb

**The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!

-John 1:29**

***

The Lamb

by William Blake

Little Lamb, who made thee?

Dost thou know who made thee?

Gave thee life, and bid thee feed,

By the stream and o'er the mead;

Gave thee clothing of delight,

Softest clothing, woolly, bright;

Gave thee such a tender voice,

Making all the vales rejoice?

Little Lamb, who made thee?

Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee.

He is called by thy name,

For He calls Himself a Lamb.

He is meek, and He is mild;

He became a little child.

I a child, and thou a lamb,

We are called by His name.

Little Lamb, God bless thee!

Little Lamb, God bless thee!

Lamb of God

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29

***

Lamb of God
by Twila Paris

Your only Son no sin to hide
But You have sent Him from Your side
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the Lamb of God

Your gift of Love they crucified
They laughed and scorned him as he died
The humble King they named a fraud
And sacrificed the Lamb of God

I was so lost I should have died
But You have brought me to Your side
To be led by Your staff and rod
And to be called a lamb of God

Chorus:
Oh Lamb of God, Sweet lamb of God
I love the Holy Lamb of God
Oh wash me in His precious Blood
My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God

Fairest Lord Jesus

Fairest Lord Jesus

words by German Jesuits

translated into English by Joseph Seiss

Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,

O Thou of God and man the Son,

Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,

Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,

Robed in the blooming garb of spring;

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,

Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,

And all the twinkling starry host;

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer

Than all the angels heaven can boast.

All fairest beauty, heavenly and earthly,

Wondrously, Jesus, is found in Thee;

None can be nearer, fairer or dearer,

Than Thou, my Savior, art to me.

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor, praise, adoration,

Now and forever more be Thine.

***

Who is this…fair as the moon, bright as the sun,

majestic as the stars?

Song of Solomon 6:10

Silly Kitty?

Or should we say silly Bekah?

"Tutu" cute!

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
by S. Sundar Singh

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

***

And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. -Luke 9:57

More Love to Thee

More Love to Thee

by Elizabeth Prentiss

More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

***

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Ephesians 6:24

Giveaway winner and the answer

One Guess

by Robert Frost

He has dust in his eyes and a fan for a wing,

A leg akimbo with which he can sing,

And a mouthful of dyestuff instead of a sting.

What insect is Robert Frost talking about? The answer is he dusty road grasshopper that flies from spot to spot exposing a yellow underwing and when caught lets you have it by spitting up a brownish liquid from its mouth. Frost had no doubt caught one and experienced firsthand that insect's defensive mechanism!

Only one person entered this giveaway and she got the answer right. The winner of the photo album is...

Kim at Thistle Dew!

Congratulations! I will be emailing you soon.

Depth of Mercy

We recently got a CD from the library called You Deliver Me by the group Selah. One of the songs on this CD was "Depth of Mercy." In the information about this song it said that this song was written by Charles Wesley and for this CD they changed the tune. This sparked my curiosity because Selah's version is lovely and I wondered what the original version sounded like. Click here to go right to "Depth of Mercy" on Nethymnal to hear the original tune by Orlando Gibbons. I tried to find a website that had the new tune written for Selah by Chad Cates and Tony Woods but I couldn't find any so if you want to listen to this version then try at your local library or buy it on Amazon.

***

Depth of Mercy

by Charles Wesley

Depth of mercy! Can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear,
Me, the chief of sinners, spare?

I have long withstood His grace,
Long provoked Him to His face,
Would not hearken to His calls,
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.

I have spilt His precious blood,
Trampled on the Son of God,
Filled with pangs unspeakable,
I, who yet am not in hell!

I my Master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
And profaned His hallowed Name,
Put Him to an open shame.

Whence to me this waste of love?
Ask my Advocate above!
See the cause in Jesus’ face,
Now before the throne of grace.

Jesus, answer from above,
Is not all Thy nature love?
Wilt Thou not the wrong forget,
Permit me to kiss Thy feet?

If I rightly read Thy heart,
If Thou all compassion art,
Bow Thine ear, in mercy bow,
Pardon and accept me now.

Jesus speaks, and pleads His blood!
He disarms the wrath of God;
Now my Father’s mercies move,
Justice lingers into love.

Kindled His relentings are,
Me He now delights to spare,
Cries, “How shall I give thee up?”
Lets the lifted thunder drop.

Lo! I still walk on the ground:
Lo! an Advocate is found:
“Hasten not to cut Him down,
Let this barren soul alone.”

There for me the Savior stands,
Shows His wounds and spreads His hands.
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps and loves me still.

Pity from Thine eye let fall,
By a look my soul recall;
Now the stone to flesh convert,
Cast a look, and break my heart.

Now incline me to repent,
Let me now my sins lament,
Now my foul revolt deplore,
Weep, believe, and sin no more.

***

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.

Titus 3:5

A quote by Sir Isaac Newton

“ We are therefore to acknowledge one God: infinite, eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, the creator of all things, most wise, most just, most good, most holy: and to have no other Gods but Him. We must love Him, fear Him, honor Him, trust in Him, pray to Him, give Him thanks, praise Him, hallow His name, obey His commandments, and set times apart for Him service as we are directed in the third and fourth commandments. ‘For this is the love of God that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not grievous.’ 1 John 5:3" ~Sir Isaac Newton

Poetry and a Giveaway

Recently a dear friend of ours was cleaning out and gave us this beautiful photo album. I have decided to give it away to one of my readers.

The other day I came across this poem by Robert Frost. It was called "One Guess" and it puzzled me. I looked it up and found out the answer. I am not going to tell you the answer just yet. To enter this giveaway post a comment on my blog telling me the right answer. I encourage you to try to figure it out first and if you can’t (or to confirm your answer) you can do like I did and do a Google search.

As Robert Frost said “One Guess.” Each person can only enter once. That doesn’t mean that you can’t put a link on your Facebook or Twitter page or blog about it but I can’t accept more than one entry per person. This giveaway is only open to readers in the United States. Sorry for the people who live elsewhere. (By the way, if you can leave your email address or a way to contact you so that if you win I can contact you.) Enter before Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 11:59 PM to get your name in the drawing.

Now here is the poem. Good luck!

One Guess

by Robert Frost

He has dust in his eyes and a fan for a wing,

A leg akimbo with which he can sing,

And a mouthful of dyestuff instead of a sting.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy Faithfulness

by Thomas Chisholm

Great is Thy faithfulness, oh God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness to
Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

☼ ☼ ☼
It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-24

"Birthday" Kitty

It was one year ago today that our cat, Pinky, came to stay with us. She was a little stray and that evening, Bekah went outside and found her eating the cat food on our porch. She has stayed with us ever since, several months ago moving in the house where she has taken over. ;-)

Bekah has claimed today as Pinky's "birthday" and she has been sung to many times already.

Happy "Birthday," Pinky!

Abide With Me

Abide With Me

by Henry Lyte

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word;
But as Thou dwell’st with Thy disciples,
Lord,Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings,
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea—
Come, Friend of sinners, and thus bide with me.

Thou on my head in early youth didst smile;
And, though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee,
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

~~~

They urged Him strongly, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.’

Luke 24:29

A Spiteful Bird

Look who decided to prove me wrong today!

The Blue Jay that was camera shy yesterday couldn't resist checking out the cat food even if it meant getting his picture taken.

"YUM!,"says Mr. Jay, as he gulps down his big meal.

Snow Birds

The past several days we have had birds in our porch because we have had lots of snow (!) and they have taken shelter on our porch. Because we have an outside cat we have cat food on the porch and the birds are having the Goodlife®. :-)

Male and female Cardinal and a little Junco on a branch.

Chipping Sparrow in the snow on our porch.

Another Chipping Sparrow on the table in our porch.

Common Grackle. (I captured this picture in one of the few seconds he was sitting still.)

White-Throated Sparrow with a piece of cat food in its beak.

There were other species of birds that I didn't catch on camera like the Blue Jay and the Mourning Dove who wouldn't cooperate with me. To photograph birds you have to be a very patient person. I got these pictures after many tries (these birds wouldn't stay still!).

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Note: If you are interested in birds think about participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count February 12-15. What you do is count the birds that you see in your yard, park, or pond for at least fifteen minutes. You can do it one day or all four days for as long as you want. Then go to the GBBC website and enter what species you saw and the number of those certain species. This helps ornithologists from Cornell, Audubon, and Bird Studies Canada to see how many birds from each species are in certain areas.