Praise Him

Since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:28-29 NASB

Remember "Praise the Lord" from the Imperials? LINK

When you're up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams
And your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan's manifested schemes
And you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fears
Don't let the faith you're standing in seem to disappear

Praise the Lord, He can work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord, for the chains that seems to bind you
Serve only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you
When you praise Him

More than conquerors!

Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:34, 35, 37

Have a Blessed Year in 2019

Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,
Come, follow Me!

And we see where Thy footprints falling
Lead us to Thee.

Footprints of Jesus, that make the pathway glow;

We will follow the steps of Jesus where’er they go.
Mary Slade

Complete

When I was young, I remember my Dad stressing to me the importance of finishing a job. "Washing dishes" meant washing, drying, putting them away, cleaning the sink, table, counters, sweeping, and most importantly - refilling the ice trays. I can still hear him calling me back to the kitchen, "Karen, come finish your job!"

I can trust my Heavenly Father to finish the job He began in me. My prayer is that I will cooperate!
I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6

Still Small Voice

Rest in this - it is God's business to lead, 

command, impel, send, call, 

or whatever you want to call it. 

It is your business to obey, 

follow, move, respond, or what have you. 

The sound of 'gentle stillness' 

after all the thunder and wind 

have passed 

will be the ultimate Word from God. 
Jim Elliot
1 Kings 19:12

To God Be the Glory

Great things He has taught us

Great things He has done

And great our rejoicing

Through Jesus, God's Son.

But purer and higher

And greater will be

Our wonder, our transport

When Jesus we see.

Fanny Crosby

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

Stuart Townend

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

Memories of Grandma's Kitchen

Grandma had a little tea pot like this one. My sister and I loved to fill it at the kitchen sink and water her house plants. I remember one plant that she called "mother-in-law's tongue".

Every Christmas. Grandma would make a cherry-o cream cheese pie, her favorite. In front of the adults, she would say, 'Now just give me a sliver ." But then she would come back through the kitchen where us kids were eating, and tell me, "Cut me a decent piece of that pie!"

Childhood Wishes

Popular toys I remember from the 1950's

If only I had saved those silver coins!

Please Christmas, Don't Be Late! 

Me? I wanted a Hula Hoop!
Manufactured by Wham-O in 1958, 20 million Hula Hoops sold in the first 6 months.

My parents told me to only eat two!

Toy kitchen utensils from the Five and Dime Store

Tiny Tears. Aww! She cried real tears!

A poodle skirt. Nifty-Neato!

Mother let me decorate the plastic centerpiece with gum drops.

A wonderful, wonderful toy - til it got tangled up!

Remember when you were a kid, how you wanted every toy advertised during Saturday morning cartoons? Remember thinking Christmas would never get here? May this bring back some fond memories and make you smile!

Grace and Glory

O God, behold our shield, And look upon the face of Your anointed. 

 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly. 

Psalm 84:9-11

Sing Along

For lo, the days are hastening on,

By prophet bards foretold,

When with the ever circling years

Comes round the age of gold;

When peace shall over all the earth

Its ancient splendors fling,

And the whole world give back the song

Which now the angels sing.

The word 'SING' appears 121 times in the Bible.
The most recorded command in God's Word is
 'SING TO THE LORD".

The angels are singing in Heaven.
We can choose to sing along.

Imagine the day
when the whole world gives back the song
which now the angels sing.

Love Notes

Through the years, when I had great news to share or was going through difficulties, I could always call Mother, day or night. Before she hung up, she would say, "Love you, Sugar."

Lord, my prayer to You today is: Thank You that You are Love. Any time, day or night, I can open the Bible and find love notes from You tucked inside.

Long, long ago God decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
Ephesians 1:3-6

Blessings

It has been a wonderful day. So many blessings. A heartfelt gift from my sister and brother in law, a fun shopping trip with my neighbor, and a stack of library books to enjoy during the cold days ahead.

We were talking about how the wind didn't seem so cold when we were kids out running and playing in the neighborhood, but it felt awfully good when the sun began to set and Mother would call us to come in for supper.

Many years ago in days of childhood
I used to play till evenin' shadows come
Then windin' down that old familiar pathway
I'd hear my mother call at set of sun.

Come home, come home it's suppertime
The shadows lengthen fast
Come home, come home it's suppertime
We're going home at last.

Psalm 121

I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you!

Lord Most High

Thus says the High and Lofty One
Who inhabits eternity,
Whose name is Holy:
"I dwell in the high and holy place,
with him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
to revive the spirit of the humble,
and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
Isaiah 57:15

My Favorite Things

I have sweet memories of family and friends singing around our great-aunt's pump organ. One of my favorite songs is Have You Any Room for Jesus link One of my favorite children's books at Christmas is Max Lucado's The Crippled Lamb.

A special Christmas tradition for our family was Mother quoting Luke chapter 2. She would always tell us about how she played the part of the angel in the school nativity play when she was 10 years old.

Will you share a favorite song, story or memory?

Written on our hearts

It would take a person over 31 years to count to one billion (a million millions!), counting one number per second! No wonder that it is mind-boggling to think about eternity, yet everyone does! Wise King Solomon wrote, 'God has put eternity into man's heart'.

There is an interesting name that is applied to Jehovah three times in the vision of Daniel 7: Ancient of Days. It speaks of God's eternal nature. In contrast with earthly kings, His days will never be numbered.

Daniel wrote:

I continued watching in the night visions,

and I saw One like a son of man
coming with the clouds of heaven.
He approached the Ancient of Days
and was escorted before Him.

He was given authority to rule,
and glory, and a kingdom;
so that those of every people,
nation, and language
should serve Him.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and His kingdom is one
that will not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13-14 

I love listening to Matt Gilman sing New Jerusalem
https://youtu.be/5-4R7rVaV2w

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sound’s the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost

Teacher

My oldest granddaughter will visit today to interview me about special education through the years. She is a junior in college, studying to be an elementary teacher. She has been observing in some inner city schools in Louisville, and her eyes have been opened to the many needs.

I remember when I started to school in 1956, there was no special class. Then in 1958, we had a wonderful teacher who came to teach children of various ages with many different diagnoses. Miss Brazeal was an inspiration to me.

I spent many years as a special education teacher and I was so blessed by the children and their families.

I love this worship chorus

I will come and bow down

At Your feet, Lord Jesus.

In Your presence

Is fullness of joy.

There is nothing

There is no one

Who compares with You.

I take pleasure in

Worshiping You Lord.

Martin J. Nystrom

https://youtu.be/RCYLBrQ7SIg

Nody or Nice?

The grandkids were here for Thanksgiving and Kaedyn helped me get out the Christmas ornaments and decorate the tree. While going through the closet, we found her little notebook from first grade. She had written: "Nody List", and NANA was the only person on the list. I can't imagine what naughty deed I had done. Oh, was it because I nodded off in my recliner after dinner? lol

The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:5

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

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.

T.O. Chisholm

Kindness

Let the loveliness of our Lord, our God,

rest on us, confirming the work that we do.

Oh, yes, affirm the work that we do.

Psalm 90:16-17 Message

As I look back over the years, there are special memories that bring me joy. They are not major events... Just simple things like sitting on the screened porch with my sister during a summer rain, my child's look of wonder when he saw his first snowfall, decorating for holidays with my granddaughter, or getting a card in the mail from an old friend.

I believe God wants me to live as if one of those special times is going to be created today. Maybe my simple act of kindness might become a special memory for someone else.

He shall hear my voice

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never suffer the righteous to be moved. As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. Psalm 55:22,16,17

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

My granddaughters will come for lunch on Thanksgiving.

It will be fun to see them enjoying their favorite foods.

I hope it will be warm enough for us to go on a nice walk.

Giving up...with thanksgiving

“Give up” your anxiety to Jesus.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).

Give yourself permission to trust that He is in control.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).

My Redeemer Lives

My Redeemer lives

And I have seen His glory

As He works all things

Together for my good

Whatever things occur

Of this I can be sure

I know my Redeemer lives

Marty Nystrom
I know that my redeemer lives

and that He shall stand at the latter day

upon the earth.

Job 19:25

Sunday Evening at Granny's

A crackling fire

The ticking clocks.

The little ones pulling out toys and blocks.

The antique hall tree loaded down with wraps.

Pop in his easy chair catching up on naps.
Granny crocheting a warm winter shawl.

 Candles in the windows bringing cheer to all.

First Light

Daddy died on October 31. 1998. He served our country during WW2, and he never would talk much about it until his final years when he had Parkinson's Disease.

Daddy told about being on guard duty in Europe during the war, and how black and frigid the nights were. He spoke of finishing his watch and thanking God when he saw the first light of another day. He was so grateful to feel the warmth of the sun.

Daddy trusted in the Lord as a teenager, but he told me that when he was in battle, he promised the Lord if he lived, he would live for Jesus - and he did. I treasure the memory of our family gathering at bedtime for Bible reading and prayer.

Psalm 130:6-7 "My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is lovingkindness and with Him is abundant redemption."

God's Word

I once heard a story about a family gathered around the bed of their dying grandfather. The elderly man began to recite the twenty-third psalm. His family members shed tears as he recalled those precious words: The Lord is my Shepherd..
Later one of the young children asked his mother, "When I memorized that Psalm, you all clapped and smiled, but when grandpa quoted it, you cried. Why?"
"When we are very young, we know the Psalm, but when we are older, we know the Shepherd."

Wisdom

One of the greatest blessings of God on a nation is that He bless it with wise leadership. We are commanded to pray for our leaders, and this is one of the most important prayers we can pray at this time. We are not told to pray for the great leaders, or even the good ones, or ones we agree with, but the ones we have.  

I read about a group of people who are committed to pray for our leaders and for the coming mid-term elections every day. I pray for God's guidance for President Trump in the many decisions he must make daily. I pray that he will be surrounded by wise people like Joseph and Daniel of old.

Shine

The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn 

that shines brighter and brighter until the full day. 

Proverbs 4:18

There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings a fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home

Carry your candle, run to the darkness

Seek out the helpless, confused and torn

Hold out your candle for all to see it

Take your candle, and go light your world

Chris Rice

https://youtu.be/DtIIFJIxdUw?t=23

Old Fashioned Georgia Tea Cakes

I saw this recipe in a cookbook and recalled stopping by Grandmother's house as I was walking home from school. I pictured her in her sunny kitchen serving me tea cakes warm from the oven.

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
2 to 2 1/2 cups self-rising flour

Mix sugar, butter, vanilla, egg, and milk.
Stir in enough flour to make a stiff dough.
Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
Center should be soft when cooled.

Frosty Mornings are Here

October Blue Sky

Bright Orange Pumpkins

Decorating Fun

It is an exciting time of year, not too cold in the afternoon sun, but cool enough to have to turn on the heat at night.

Opening the curtains to the morning light

Out in the yard I spy

The bright orange leaves of Autumn

Against a brilliant sky.

Rays of sun caress my face,

Like fingers of a loving hand.

A tiny bird is trilling her praise

Like a piccolo in Heaven's band.

Leaves scurry along the walk

In the cool refreshing breeze.

God whispers how much He cares

Just to put my mind at ease.

Karen Rice

You are God's favorite!

When my grandkids were younger they would draw pictures and then ask me, "Whose drawing do you like the best?" I would answer, "They are both my favorites."

Isn't it amazing to think that God loves us all the same.

"An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part,  but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others."
A.W. Tozer

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

COLOR!

 Some of my favorite photos from previous years
that were especially colorful in southern Indiana.

Feels Like October

Now that our morning temperatures are in the 30's, I think we will see a lot more fall color in the next two weeks.

I had to put on a jacket for my morning walk yesterday, after temps in the 90's earlier this week.

I was so thankful to see Pastor Andrew Brunson released from Turkey and heading home to North Carolina.

Stopping for One

Our church was involved in ministry to nursing homes and a group of us would go and visit in their rooms and invite people to the cafeteria for singing, sharing, praying for each other's needs, and a short Bible study.

On one Sunday afternoon, a young college student offered to come with us and bring his guitar and lead the group in familiar hymns. When we were assembled and ready to sing, there was no guitar player in sight. So we began to sing Amazing Grace acapella. Just as we finished, 'There's no less days to sing God's grace than when we'd first begun', the young man joined us.

He had gone into a patient's room to invite the woman and found that she was too sick to be moved. He listened and then asked if he could pray for her. He felt led to pray for the peace of God to surround her and comfort her.

With tears streaming, the patient told him she had prayed all day that God would send someone to visit her and that he would pray for her.

It reminded me of all the times Jesus would stop to bless one person, and He still cares for each of us today.

Wheelbarrow Ride

On Fall days long ago, Daddy would work hard in the yard all Saturday morning. We kids would pick up twigs and rake leaves and put them in a wheelbarrow and take them to the brush heap at the back of the lot. Then we would beg him to put us in the wheelbarrow and push us back up the hill. Tired and sweaty as he was, I remember him chuckling as he would run up the hill with one of his children bouncing in the wheelbarrow.

The Lord's joy is in those who reverence Him.

those who expect Him to be loving and kind.

Psalm 147:11 

A Friend Beyond Compare

No one understands like Jesus

He's a friend beyond compare

Meet Him at the throne of mercy

He is waiting for you there.

No one understands like Jesus

When the days are dark and grim

No one is so near, so dear as Jesus

Cast you every care on Him.

John W. Peterson

Praying for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

All Who Are Thirsty

For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; 

I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants;

Isaiah 44:3

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; 

John 7:37-39