worship

This hymn often comes to mind when I have the fullness of worship in my heart. The words may be few, but the message is Holy.  When I'm quite, the words repeat in my heart in song.  I believe there is no word, not one, that can capture the essence of His Holiness.


His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord;

He is the mighty King, master of everything,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.

He's the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He;

Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,
His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.

recollections

My crocus blooms are looking tired.  Their bright yellow color announced it wouldn’t be much longer – be patient.  Over the weekend, I walked around the yard looking for signs of spring. I found buds on trees and shrubs, shiny new growth [emerging] immerging, and azaleas preparing to burst into color. The narcissus and daylilies and gladiolus and tiger lilies and peonies and hyacinths and irises were pushing thru the soil. 

I discovered an egg sac clinging to a thin limb on the butterfly bush.  I wondered what was hidden inside.  Maybe praying mantises?  I’ve seen them around for a number of years.

Now that I’ve mentioned praying mantises, I have to tell you a story – circa late 1960s... 

One afternoon, I sat down on the bench of our old upright piano.  It was time to practice my lessons.  I grew tired, but continued on to cross the finish line.  However, I didn’t finish.  Not at all.

It may have been that the room was warm.  It may have been the vibration of the piano keys.  It may have been that it was just time.  Suddenly, I saw bunches of tiny little alien things cascading from a glass vase sitting on the top shelf.  I screamed.  Very loudly.  My Dad came running, saw what was happening, and told me not to hurt them!  Okay – I didn’t.  (They are a must-have for gardens!) 

I got out of the way and watched him attempt to gather up the tiny babies!  Emphasis on attempt.  There were at least a hundred or so.  Literally.  He got what he could and ran outside then back inside then back outside... It was a hilarious sight!  One which is forever etched into my memory.  I wonder what happened to the ones that escaped into the house.  I wonder if he ever did that again...

And every time I see a praying mantis, I smile.

thoughts...

Many years ago, I came across Susan Polis Schutz thru her greeting cards with BlueMountain Arts.  Much later, I found we had something in common: depression.  Everyone is different, but one can relate to another at many levels.  She has written several books on the subject. 

 

These are a few of her quotes:

# It's often difficult for those who are lucky enough to have never experienced what true depression is to imagine a life of complete hopelessness, emptiness and fear.

# Through my own struggles with depression, I discovered that knowledge, therapy, medication and education can provide the strength to get through it in one piece.

# Getting better from depression demands a lifelong commitment. I've made that commitment for my life's sake and for the sake of those who love me.

# My own life was filled with so much love and joy that when depression struck, it was like a prison door slamming shut and I was being placed in an isolation cell. No one else could possibly be feeling what I was. I hated my depression and all of its symptoms.

# Spreading the word about depression is my mission. I am working to build awareness, educate people about the symptoms, and change public opinion and individual attitudes about depression.

snow

Taken just before dawn.  Love the 'blueish' tint.

quick quotes

(1761-1834)  William Carey was an English Baptist missionary and a Particular Baptist minister, known as the "father of modern missions”.  Carey was one of the founders of the Baptist Missionary Society. As a missionary in the Danish colony, Serampore, he translated the Bible into Bengali, Sanskrit, and several other languages and dialects. Carey was a central figure in the modernization of India.

(the church I attended from birth to marriage was named for Carey)

To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map.

We have only to keep the end in view, and have our hearts thoroughly engaged in the pursuit of it, and means will not be very difficult.

The most glorious works of grace that have ever took place, have been in answer to prayer; and it is in this way, we have the greatest reason to suppose, that the glorious out-pouring of the Spirit, which we expect at last, will be bestowed.

come be a nobody for Christ

He must become greater; I must become less.

John 3:30

(I came across this on a Desiring God – John Piper blog.  Very good – I’d like to share...)

But I believe that Jesus is calling for people to be a nobody for Him – people who would forsake the “American dream” to be a part of bringing gospel hope to the nations. People who don’t mind if they are not recognized, respected, praised, or promoted – as long as the name of Jesus is cherished, exalted, and adored. People who understand that Jesus didn’t come to this world and die on a cross so that we could have a comfortable suburban life and enjoy going to our local church's corporate gathering on Sundays. 

John Piper reminds us that we have three choices – go, send, or disobey. And it’s my hope and prayer that the very best of this generation will go – young people who could be somebody in this world choosing to be nobodies for Jesus.

And that doesn’t mean that you have to be a preacher.  There's hardly a job or profession that you can have in America that you can’t do in the mission field.  You can be a musician, a physician, a professor, a dog catcher, a secretary, an actuary, a mixed martial arts fighter (it doesn't matter). My point is that missions is simply doing what the Lord has gifted and called you to do – where there are few or no Christians – so that those who cannot be saved without believing in the gospel would hear the life-giving good news of Jesus through you.
It’s choosing to forsake the comforts and glory of the American dream to live in any foreign land, and speaking in a foreign tongue, choosing to be slightly uncomfortable and really need God so that He might have the glory He is worthy to receive.

✞ holiness

Take my Life (Holiness)

Holiness, holiness... is what I long for
Holiness is what I need
Holiness, holiness
Is what You want from me

Take my heart... and mold it
Take my mind... transform it
Take my will... conform it
To Yours, to Yours, Oh Lord

Righteousness, righteousness... is what I long for
Righteousness is what I need
Righteousness, righteousness
Is what You want from me

Brokenness, brokenness... is what I long for
Brokenness is what I need

Brokenness, brokenness

Is what You want for me

(Mercy Me)

beautiful blinding blue

And when he sings to you,
Though you're deep in blue, 
You will see a ray of light creep through,
And so remember this, life is no abyss, 
Somewhere there's a bluebird of happiness. 
Life is sweet, tender and complete, when you find the bluebird of happiness.
- Bluebird of Happiness, lyrics by Edward Heyman & Harry Parr Davies, 1934



 
Be like the bluebird who never is blue,
For he knows from his upbringing what singing can do
- Cole Porter, Be Like the Bluebird, 1934

 The bluebird carries the sky on his back. - Henry David Thoreau, Journal, April 3, 1852 

 
The bluebird is well named, for he wears a coat of the purest, richest, and most gorgeous blue on back, wings, and tail; no North American bird better deserves the name, for no other flashes before our admiring eyes so much brilliant blue.

 - Arthur C. Bent, 1949



Blue skies 
Smiling at me
Nothing but blue skies 
Do I see
Bluebirds 
Singing a song
Nothing but bluebirds 
All day long
- Irving Berlin, Blue Skies, 1927 

quick quotes

what's the difference? ~ reprise

Today, for some reason, He directed me back to this previous post:

Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NAS

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NAS

Concern? Yes, I’ve had concerns, I have concerns, and I will have concerns. There are things or people or events that have an effect on me, that I’m involved with, that are important to me, that get my attention, that I am somehow, in some way, connected with.

Worry? Yes, I’ve worried. And, I’ll worry again. I’ve worried due to or because of fear, troubles, injustice, disasters, distress, anger, pain, danger, crime.

Is there a difference between concern and worry? Yes, there is a difference, a big difference.

* Concern tries to solve problems, looks for solutions, and faces challenges.

* Worry causes problems and worry is the problem. Worry is a waste of time, it’s pointless, and doesn’t help anything.

There are times it’s very hard not to worry. But, God says that we are not to worry. He’s very clear on the subject. He asks us to give our worries to Him.  And, not to pick them up again.  I'm guilty.

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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:6-8 NAS

This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. A Greg Laurie study summarizes these verses into three steps for keeping worry from our lives.

1- Right praying (verse 6-7). To be free of worry, we have to pray.

2- Right thinking (verse 8). Having peace involves both the heart and mind. The peace of God will guard our thinking.

3- Right living (verse 9). The way we act depends on our attitude. We are to think about things that are praiseworthy.

If Jesus is our personal savior, there’s no need to worry. God is in control of your life. You may not know what tomorrow holds, but you know who holds tomorrow.

I close with these quotes:

“Worry is like a rocking chair - it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere.”
Unknown

“There is a great difference between worry and concern. A worried person sees a problem, and a concerned person solves a problem. “
Harold Stephens

"Only one kind of worry is proper: to worry because you worry too much."
Unknown

“Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway.”
Mary C. Crowley

life and death...

quick quotes

winne the pooh...

quick quotes

this may be a little surprising, but I love 'Winnie the Pooh' quotes
it's amazing how a little bear, a little pig, a little donkey, and a little boy can have such simple and meaningful thoughts about life...

the mercy tree

I happened upon this song recently and I love it! It praises the blameless Prince of  Peace, the perfect Lamb, the Savior.  Lacey Sturm sings with a powerful and passionate praise. The lyrics take you to worship...

On a hill called Calvary stands an endless mercy tree...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrgl9z3grKU&feature=youtu.be

Mercy Tree
Lacey Sturm

On a hill called Calvary
Stands an endless mercy tree
Every broke and weary soul
Find your rest and be made whole

Stripes of blood that stain its frame
Shed to wash away our shame
From the scars pure love released
Salvation brought the mercy tree

In the sky, between two thieves
Hung the blameless Prince of Peace
Bruised and battered, scarred and scorned
Sacred Hands pierced by our thorns

It is finished was his cry
The perfect Lamb was crucified
The sacrifice, our victory.
Our Savior chose the mercy tree

Hope went dark that violent day
The whole earth 'quaked at love’s display
Three days silence in the ground
This body born for Heaven’s crown

On that bright and glorious day
Heaven opened up the grave
He’s alive and risen indeed
Praise him for the mercy tree

Death has died. Love has won!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ has overcome.
He has risen from the dead.
(repeat)

One day soon we’ll see His face
And every tear, He’ll wipe a way
No more pain or suffering
Oh, praise him for the mercy tree

Death has died. Love has won!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ has overcome.
He has risen from the dead.
(repeat)

On a hill called Calvary
Stands an endless mercy tree

foto favs

doodlebug and the mirror

foto favs

little stinkbug

foto favs

ladybug playing with nana's rocks

pray, praying, prayers

A promise to pray is a sacred vow.  Don’t say it if you don’t mean it.

‘You’re in my thoughts and prayers.’  ‘I’m praying for you.’  ‘I’ll keep you in my prayers.’  ‘Sending prayers your way’.  ‘I’ll be thinking about you.’  ‘I’ll be praying for you and your family.’

How many times do we say these words or hear these words or write these words or read these words? Over and over and over again.  Do we say this when we don’t know what else to say?  Is it just an automatic response?

Think about it.  What are we really saying?  Are these just empty words? Are we sincere?  Do we genuinely intend to?  Do we actually add them to our prayer list?  Do we faithfully pray for them each day? 

Do we pray specifically for/about their:

salvation/belief

health/healing

grief/pain/comfort

faith/peace

family/relationships

suffering/loss

guidance/support/strength

job/employment/finances

troubles/needs

Well, do we?

A promise to pray is a sacred vow.  Don’t say it if you don’t mean it.

This includes me.

Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As He finished, one of His disciples came to Him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Luke 11:1 NLT

feather facts

dark-eyed juncos

This little bird is a ‘flashy’ sparrow.  Throughout the seasons, the Dark-eyed Junco has extremely variable markings.  Their bright white tail feathers flash in flight.  But, I can easily identify them by the most adorable and cutest little pink beak.  Pink.  I rather like that.

These are birds of the ground.  Typically, they feed from the ground in forests, under shrubs and trees, and even venture out onto lawns searching for fallen seeds.  It seems mine get plenty to eat both on the ground and on the deck.  They clean up scatter from sloppy birds and messy squirrels.  Very helpful and very cute.  At least my Dark-eyed Juncos are incredibly neat.  Some may consider it a thankless job, but not me.

It can be rather difficult for me to get a high quality picture because these little birds with pink beaks flit around faster than the shutter speed on my camera.  I really enjoy watching the Dark-eyed Juncos as they carry out their day-to-day activities.  And, yes, I rather like their little cute pink beaks.

Happy New Year ~ 2015!

Last night I was thinking.  Thinking about the number 2015.  I was born in 1960 and I accepted Jesus in 1977 and I was married in 1980 and had my only child in 1982.  I, in no way, could have conceived that I would be here.  Now.  In 2015.  This year wasn’t even a blur in my vision.  Not at all.

My, oh, my.  Yet here I am.  Now.  I’m much older and I’m married to my one and only and my son graduated from college and married the love of his life in 2005.  Then I became a Nana to three wonderful grandchildren. 

First a granddaughter.  In 2007.  I was clueless about little girls.  Like pretty dresses and pink nail polish and really cute shoes and dolls and pony tails and adorable pocketbooks and little toy dishes and colorful ribbons and books for little girls and hair clips and princesses.  Clueless.  And she knew it.  And sometimes I’m still clueless.  And she knows it.  She’s seven and a half now. 

Then a grandson.  In 2008.  I knew little boys.  I had some of his Daddy’s old toys.  Like T-ball and lots of trucks and bouncing balls and tons of cars and trains and tracks and legos and baseball and books for little boys.  I had a handle on little boys.  And I don’t think he ever noticed.  He’s just over six now.

Then another grandson.  In 2010.  I knew little boys.  I just had to go back to the beginning and start over again and add new toys into the mix.  But I knew.  And I don't think his big sister and big brother ever noticed.  He’s a little bit over four now.

And I’m praying God will bless me with one more.  A young granddaughter.  That makes four grandchildren.  I’m not as clueless.  I’m a more experienced Nana now.  With most things.  But her big sister and two big brothers will show me the way...

Thru  the years, God has been so good.  My life is blessed.  Seriously, blessed.

Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6 NIV