"...out here in the stillness, I find my house of worship
with column trees and canopy of stars,
Here in my cathedral." ~Chris Rice from the song, My Cathedral
Eric is half Greek and half German, I'm half Italian and half German, much in common here, but all commonalities aside, this is a much needed message in these times we are in. I can't emphasize the importance and seriousness of this message enough. We listened in entirety and are so glad we did. My husband and I highly recommend.
If this doesn't get to our heartstrings, we may need to take our pulse... Oh my goodness, I haven't heard this by Sara Groves in at least several years and it was on our Christian radio program, Bill Pierce, Night Sounds last night. Wow. I remember playing this at our secondborn daughter's graduation banquet at our church then. The youth pastor was so sweet, he came and stood behind us putting his hands on our shoulders...We could not hardly contain ourselves, it was almost a water works; photos of her growing up were being put up on screen as this song we chose played... It's just as fitting today as it was then. Late last night when I heard this, I felt strongly the Lord would want me to post this, so please be encouraged and comforted as we trust in the Father.
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I'm reminded daily how God is so faithful, how He answers prayers and protects. Just in little ways He reminds and does those little but big miracles in our lives.
Some shots from around the forest here, my sweet son in law, married to our daughter described above, he's pulling two precious grandbabies born months apart. Our faithful and loving dog, Liesl looks on, she's such a sweetheart, so, so good natured...Isn't this scene a picture of innocence and just so appropriate to the song above? God has been faithful to send two sweet godly son in laws to us.
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My 91 year old mom unwraps her birthday gift from me. Our youngest daughter, Grace stands in the background watching.
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One morning this week.
Morning by morning, I wake up to find The power and comfort of God's hand in mine Season by season, I watch Him, amazed In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways All I have need of, His hand will provide He's always been faithful to me...
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I can't remember a trial or a pain He did not recycle to bring me gain I can't remember one single regret In serving God only and trusting His hand All I have need of, His hand will provide He's always been faithful to me
This is my anthem, this is my song The theme of the stories I've heard for so long God has been faithful, He will be again His loving compassion, it knows no end All I have need of, His hand will provide He's always.... He's always been faithful He's always been faithful... to me!
Special thanks to my blogging friends who are so kindas I have gotten to know some of you. The pleasure and blessing is mine.I appreciate those who read here so much and I thank God for you. Your comments and exchanges especially bless my heart, those are extra bonuses from the Lord.
I've been quiet here, praying much and listening much. It's been a busy time with family as well.
We remember....He's always been faithful. This is my anthem...this is my song....God has been faithful, He will be again...His loving compassion, it knows no end.
My husband shared the above video with me last night, my once, missionary brother in law sent it to him.
I've been reading Psalms 37 as well as Psalms 91 in entirety for some time...The following verses stand out to me.
Psalms 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
Psalms 37:40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.
My husband also shares:
Deuteronomy 4:29-31
We also agree with Jonathan Cahn, since the nation took prayer out of schools, down it went...Much of the leadership in America has been asking for it. The slaughter of unborn babies, the silence of many a church and church member...
I remember in my spirit as a carefree bare-foot, piggy-tailed little girl looking at my Italian grandma's magazine on the front steps of her sweet home on the waterfront, seeing the difference between the sweetness in Kindergarten to all of a sudden seeing photos of one of the Beatles and his new wife...I could tell even as a little child, things were going down and there was a dark sadness in my heart even then.
I was planning on taking a leave from my blog for a while as life happens and I focus on that Life, leaving my January 22, entry to rest here for a bit; the Reflection of the World. But there are so many things that are beneficial to share as saints of God have some profound things to say in this moment and the least I can do is share them. Our plans are not always God's plans. I will be hanging loose, but who knows what a day brings and what God lays on my heart.
Within the church we have made a
reflection of the world. There’s the cool crowd and “it” circle that
only wants to associate with certain people which reveals a heart of
haughtiness. If this is you, then repent. When you realize God’s love
for you, then you want to pour out that love upon others. A loving heart seeks out those who
need love. A loving heart is bold. It doesn’t make excuses on why it
can’t love. If you ask for it God is going to put people in your life
who need your love. It’s time for a change. Allow the love of God to
change you and compel you to make sacrifices.
Jem was just saying what a shame it is what the church has become, most have fear and no faith. Fear is destroying people. It ought not be in the church, in Christian's lives.
And may I add neither should cool crowds or the "it" circles.
I'm busy trying to get my home in order here, I usually do that thing at the beginning of each year, it comes naturally for me after the holidays as I put my Christmas things away making winter something to celebrate, I sort through things and give away.
There are people who need me and my attention as well as my fur angels, it may be the delivery lady who walks with a limp who delivered two heavy boxes of produce to us today from her farm as Grace and I went to meet her at her truck today to help carry the boxes. I always try to stop and smile and chat for just a few minutes and thank people. As Jem says, there's nothing much worse than ungratefulness.
I want to be all there for people and take notice of even little things someone may do, to say thank you, I appreciate that. I want to be like my dad who when he saw poor children he would buy them a huge load of fireworks for the Fourth of July or a Christmas present if it was Christmas.
I'll never forget the time I sent my dad a music cd from ebay, the vendor was "Fast Eddy". Daddy sent "Fast Eddy" a handwritten thank-you note telling him he made his day before he realized the cd was from me...Yeah, Daddy was like that and I think that was and is still great. That humorous story still warms my heart.
I want to be like my mom who I never heard gossip on the phone growing up. She always worries about others til this day, even when my friend was given a baby shower my mother who wasn't even invited bought my friend a baby gift to help out because she knew my friend didn't have much. ...That's the way I want to be. I want to be grateful, thankful and observant of others' needs, whatever the need encompasses.
God help me to be discerning, bold but saturated with love.
True character is what we are when we don't think anyone else is looking. It may be how we treat others who we perceive as being of lesser status whether it be a waiter or someone who we do not perceive as the "it" crowd.
Hello, Thank you for stopping by. I'm a middle-aged veteran home educator, happily married 40 years, mother of 4 daughters and grandmother of 2 precious baby boys. I live in the forest. I sew, write, create, cook, and take care of our many fur angels. ...I'm also a hopeless romantic who wishes it were the 40s again. Follower of Christ. A pro-life advocate and ethical vegetarian. I laugh hard and pray hard too. INFP