Stand up, stand up

Several Sunday's ago I was privy to something that has stayed with me, something that spoke to my needs and my life. We had a guest speaker preaching that morning in church. As he closed the message, the piano began to play. He then asked if a certain old hymn could be sung. The music director quickly stepped up on stage with hymnal in hand, turning the pages to find the song. Suddenly from my left hand side came the gentle older voice of an elderly man singing solo. People from the congregation joined in behind him, picking up on his lead. With eyes closed, and mouths open the words freely came. I was captured by this small example of what heaven may one day be like, as in unison believers join together to praise and make music unto the Lord. The words of that hymn have stayed with me, I have found myself humming these words as I walk into work, or drive alone around town.
"My Jesus, I love Thee I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou:
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus tis now.
I love thee because thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus tis now.
I'll love thee in life, I will love thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus tis now.
In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus tis now."
William R. Featherston

A glimpse into the fall

The fall here was most lovely and inviting for leaf peeping. These little men are the jewels in my "princess" crown. They love being in the center of the camera's eye, and we loved that they cooperated. Enjoy!

Wednesday morning nausea............

Nauseated and mournful is how I would describe my overall state of being Wednesday morning. Mournful over the state of this great country called America, and nauseated over the selection of our new commander in chief. Godly men and women from all over this country have been on their knees praying for God's will to be done in the highest office. I was reminded by a wise woman in my life, about the end of Christ's time here on earth, as he stood before Pontius Pilate. Pilate says to Jesus, "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Jesus replies to him "You would have no power over me if it was not given to you from above" I am encouraged by these verses, because I serve a great God who is still in control, He is still present, real and involved in the daily events of this life, my life. My duty and call as a believer in Jesus Christ is to get down on my knees and to pray for our new president, his cabinet, family, and those who voted in his favor. I have been challenged and energized also to pray for one last revival to sweep our country, an awakening of God's people to rise out of complacency, material goodness and seek God's face. I know my time as a believer here on earth is drawing nigh, but I know too that there are many who don't have a hope, and eternal vision. We need a great awakening here "if my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" 2 Chronicles 7:14. We as a nation need healing and restoration. I attended a Gen X'er church in Denver, at the end of every service the pastor would say these prophetic words. "May God use our generation to change the world one last time." May we be found ready and willing.