In the Blink of an Eye

In the blink of an eye, a new life is brought into this world. In the blink of an eye, a life enters into eternal rest. In the blink of an eye, a life changes.

There is much that leads up to this life altering event. There is much that follows in its wake. But, what is constant is that lives are forever changed.

One day after my last post, my son fell and broke his femur. He had surgery to repair the break, and during the long surgery, complications arose with his good leg. After a total of six surgeries, and three and a half weeks in the hospital, he came home to begin his slow and painful recovery in early October.

He has progressed from being wheelchair-bound to adding a walker and crutches to his arsenal of transportation methods. Just last week he was able to begin putting limited weight on his broken leg. After months of needing a wheelchair to attend church, today he entered church using a walker for the first time since he fell.

Praise and glory to God for His mighty power, mercy, and love!

(The above photograph is a close up of a bumblebee eye.)

The Constitution--Part II

This is an unretouched e-mail sent to all teachers and principals in a nearby government school district. The words in boldface were originally sent that way. I have not highlighted that myself. All I have done is remove the listed resources and the identifying information about whom to contact which were at the end of the e-mail. Please note which other observance occurs near Constitution Day, and of the two, which observance should be celebrated on the actual day.

SENT ON BEHALF OF THE CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER


Please share this information with your principals and teachers. Thank you.


September 17th is Constitution Day!

As of last year, there is a new federal law in effect requiring us to teach about the Constitution of the US on or near September 17th.

On May 24, 2005, the U.S. Department of Education released a Notice of Implementation (for the full text, visit: http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/2005-2/052405b.html), announcing that all educational institutions receiving federal funding must provide an educational program pertaining to the United States Constitution on September 17 of each year. This date in history marks the actual signing of our Constitution. However, when September 17 falls on a weekend or holiday, such as this year, programming must be held during the preceding or following week. In order to avoid a scheduling conflict with programming for September 16th, Mexican Independence Day, we recommend that elementary schools observe Constitution Day any time/day during the month of September. The intent of the law is to help our students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of our Constitution. Teachers can choose to use any of the resources listed below, the materials they currently have and/or the activities that they will receive in school mail. If you have any questions, contact......

The Constitution of the United States of America

We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this CONSTITUTION for the United States of America.

(the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, signed September 17, 1787)

Thank you, Lord!

September Sixteenth

On September 16, 1984, my husband and I both became Christians.

On September 16, 1994, we received word that our adoption agency had a child chosen for us, and we saw our son's picture for the first time.

On September 16, 1998, our two children became U.S. citizens.

Today, September 16, 2006, we gave our children new Bibles. This was our daughter's first full-length Bible, after having used only a children's Bible. She looked at it and said, "Is there a bigger Bible after this?" We replied, "No, honey. This is the whole Bible. Every word that's in the Bible, you now have in your Bible!"

Thank you, Lord!

James' Flag

Last year during the week surrounding September 11th, our town had thousands of American flags flying in a huge field by the library (pictured here). Each flag represented either someone killed on September 11th, or one of the service persons later killed in Afghanistan or Iraq. This Healing Field gave the citizens of our town an opportunity to remember, reflect, and pay our respects to those killed as a result of the war that has been waged upon our country.

In addition, citizens were allowed to purchase one of the flags to fly at our home, and to help defray the costs of our own September 11th Memorial, dedicated just yesterday. Our family chose to receive a flag of an American serviceman killed in action, and we received the flag bearing the name of a young man from Iowa who was killed in Afghanistan. For a year now, we have flown it in our backyard flower garden on all national holidays, his birthday, the day he was killed, and on this day, September 11th.

I see his flag from our kitchen sink every time we fly it, and I think of his parents, Jim and Theresa. I caught myself several times today, forgetting to be thankful for my blessings. When will I ever learn? Our son was hanging around me while I did a little gardening at our lunch break from school. I wanted him to pull some weeds along with me, and I felt angry inside when he "didn't feel like it." Wouldn't Jim and Theresa have loved to have their son, James, in their yard today, balking at pulling dandelions? Our daughter interrupted us a couple of times when my husband and I were trying to talk at the end of the day, and I snapped at her. Wouldn't Jim and Theresa have loved to have James interrupt them several times at the end of their day?

Yes, our son should help with yard work, and yes, our daughter should refrain from interrupting. But, I should also be patient, thankful, and loving as I tenderly mold our children. This morning I got to watch my son pound the rebar into the ground by the mums in order to post James' flag. He's getting so big, and he does this chore quite willingly each holiday. I got to take our children to the new 9/11 Memorial by the lake near the library. It was cold and drizzling, but the kids said, "This is nothing compared to what those people went through." I got to see my daughter's amazed face when she saw the number of names engraved on the monument depicting the people killed at the Twin Towers. And then, I got to tuck my two precious children into their beds, pray for them, kiss them, and later look in on them as they peacefully slept.

Thank you, Lord.

Thank you, Jim and Theresa.

"Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"

We sang this as our recessional hymn this morning in church. I can't listen to the stirringly beautiful melody without remembering my favorite Beethoven story. I urge you again to listen to one of Beethoven's symphonies this week. The melody in this hymn comes from the final movement of his Ninth Symphony, but any of them would be wonderful to listen to.




"Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.

Just for fun...States I've Visited

I saw this on another blog and thought I'd see if it worked on mine.


create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

Part-time Christian

Honest insight from Frederick Buechner's preface to his book, The Alphabet of Grace.

"I am a part-time novelist who happens also to be a part-time Christian because part of the time seems to be the most I can manage to live out my faith: Christian part of the time when certain things seem real and important to me and the rest of the time not Christian in any sense that I can believe matters much to Christ or anybody else...From time to time I find a kind of heroism momentarily possible--a seeing, doing, telling of Christly truth--but most of the time I am indistinguishable from the rest of the herd that jostles and snuffles at the great trough of life."

Grafted by God

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name...

So began the Collect of the Day in today's worship. This had new meaning for me, having just endured a gum graft two days ago, now sitting in the pew with a swollen and slightly sore face. The dictionary states that grafting produces uniting, joining, attaching, or implanting. But, as all gardening books tell you, the process involves cutting and a period of recovery.

When we grafted our children into our family, via adoption, there was certainly some cutting and pain involved. Pain for my husband and me when we couldn't conceive, pain for the birth mothers as they decided what to do, pain as they placed their babies for adoption, and the pain that our children may yet experience in the future. But as we look at our family, the family that God built for the four of us, we can't imagine it any other way. The pain of the past subsides, and we are left with the delicious fruit of the graft.

When God grafts us into His family, there is some pain involved. There is pain when other family members reject the faith (and you, too, in the process). There is pain as you gradually come to realize just how sinful you truly are. There is pain when you see yourself struggle in life, and non-Christian friends or family experiencing "success." And yet, triumphant over all of this, is the thankfulness for God's grace and mercy, the joy of studying His Word, and the wonder of worshipping Him with fellow believers.

Just as one recovering from gum surgery, you may be tempted to think, "I felt better BEFORE the surgery! Everything was just fine!" In reality, none of us is "fine," and we weren't better before the surgery. We were dead in our sin! God, in His mercy, takes us, saves us, draws us to Himself, and graciously grafts us into His family. May we love His name and worship Him forever!

Day at the Zoo

God's creation is so incredibly amazing! The kids and I took my mom to the Denver Zoo today and here are just two examples of God's perfect design for His animal world.

The giraffe stands about 18 feet tall, and the head and neck of a full grown giraffe weigh about 500 pounds. God has designed the giraffe with a strong, large heart, capable of pumping blood against the pull of gravity. In addition, He has given the giraffe a unique series of blood vessels and valves located in the head which regulate the blood pressure to the brain when the head is lowered.

We also learned about the alligator snapping turtle which has a wormlike growth on the tip of its tongue. The turtle will lie still in the water with its mouth wide open. The appendage on the tongue moves, imitating a worm, and when an unsuspecting fish comes for the "worm," the snapping turtle then quickly closes its mouth and enjoys lunch!

Who else but God could think of, and then speak into being, such creatures?

God's Layout for the Hour

I am reading a book about Frank Laubach and Brother Lawrence; two men who strove to walk in the awareness of the presence of Christ. I ran across these two journal entries, written by Laubach, a missionary in the Philippines. Both thoughts spoke to me and it is no accident that I "chanced" to read them today!

August 21, 1930
I shall be forty-six in two weeks. I no longer have the sense that life is all before me, as I had a few years ago. Some of it is behind--and a miserable poor part it is, so far below what I had dreamed that I dare not even think of it. Nor dare I think much of the future. This present, if it is full of God, is the only refuge I have from poisonous disappointment and even almost rebellion against God.

January 2, 1932
I resolve to accept each situation of this year as God's layout for that hour, and never to lament that it is a very commonplace or disappointing task. One can pour something divine into every situation.

Today is my birthday (a few more candles than Laubach), and instead of getting to relax with our children, and garden as I had hoped, we spent a couple of hours hoping to retrieve our "dead" car and bring it home. God had different plans for us. We weren't successful in bringing the car home, but I had the opportunity to spend those hours with my mom as she joyfully recounted some of the circumstances surrounding my birth.

Thank you God for my precious mother, and thank you for unexpected time spent with loved ones.

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"

bulwark--1. a wall-like defensive structure; 2. a strong support or protection in danger.

Not only is God our strong support and protection in danger, but His fortress never fails! What comforting words.

The great reformer, Martin Luther, wrote not only the words to this famous hymn, but also the music as well. Go here to hear the music.

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

No Regrets

This afternoon I had the opportunity to see many former colleagues from my teaching days. I took our two children to an art show put on by a wonderful former principal of mine. (My poor children, who are cooped up at home, not being socialized properly!) I prepared them for the usual barrage of questions they would inevitably field.

I also steeled myself for the usual barrage of questions that are invariably lobbed my way. Public school teachers can be some of the most skeptical people when it comes to home schooling. You can see it in their eyes, behind the slightly uncomfortable smile. You hear it in their questions. "Are you in a home school group? Do you do any outside activities? Do you have to take the CSAP (Colorado statewide testing)? You aren't going to teach high school, are you? I bet they're really smart! Is it hard? Do you like it?"

Many of my friends took early retirement. And now they're traveling to foreign countries. Driving nice cars. Pursuing hobbies. Finding their creative sides. Puttering around in their gardens. Painting.

I don't have any spectacular photographs taken in Nepal to put in an art show. I can't talk about what Heathrow was like yesterday in London. But I have no regrets. I get to spend every day with my two precious children. I get to see them learn. I get to travel alongside them in their Christian walk. We get to pray and sing hymns every morning. We have Creation as the first event in our timeline of world history.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to brush up on those high school requirements. Let's see...that's four years of English, four years of....

The Tower of Babel

Early in my teaching career, I taught sixth grade in NE Florida. On the first day of school, a student asked me a question in a foreign language.

To attempt to replicate the full effect of my dilemma, you must say it fast and use a southern accent: "MizMacMillen, isyoufintocarryusoutside?"

What he meant was, "Miss McMillen, are you getting ready (fixin') to take us outside?"

Reading "Why Don't They Just Speak English?" in Christianity Today's "Books and Culture" newsletter reminded me of this conversation I had 28 years ago. It also makes me consider the Tower of Babel. What must it have been like when God confused the languages? And now, here were are thousands of years later, still trying to translate the Bible into numerous obscure languages. This article is made even more interesting when one considers this tremendous task. You'll appreciate not only already having a Bible in our language, but you'll be in awe of the tenacious people who spend a lifetime on these translations.

(painting by Pieter Bruegel, 1563)

"Just As I Am"

I never thought I'd blog this hymn. I used to think of it as the hymn that would be played over and over until someone, anyone, would come forward to "rededicate" their life to Christ. The story behind this hymn was included in today's sermon and I now see the hymn with new eyes.

The hymn's author, Englishwoman Charlotte Elliot (1789-1871), was stricken at age 30 with a serious ailment that made her an invalid for the remainder of her life. She became bitter and depressed until she was visited by a well-known Swiss evangelist, Dr. Caesar Malan. The author of Amazing Grace (a book of the stories of hymns), Kenneth Osbeck, describes the scene this way:

Sensing her spiritual distress, [Malan] exclaimed, "Charlotte, you must come just as you are--a sinner--to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" Immediately placing her complete trust in Christ's redemptive sacrifice for her, Charlotte experienced inner peace and joy in spite of her physical affliction until her death at the age of 82.

"Just As I Am"

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou biddest me come to Thee--
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot;
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yes, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Maturity

Every so often when I'm in the kitchen, I listen to snippets of the Dennis Prager Show on the radio. Today, I heard parts of an hour long interview with Dr. Steven Marmer about the topic of maturity. With our current culture's fixation on youthfulness, our children are becoming mature (i.e. responsible) later than in past generations. With immaturity, come destuctive behaviors that attempt to bring momentary distractions and joy from external sources. This often includes engaging in destructive and/or addictive behaviors.

Here are three signs of maturity, according to Dr. Marmer. As I gather the curriculum I want to use this year in school, I want to remember these sorts of life skills that are very good goals to impart to our children.

1. Don't let life's adversities drag you down. It is inevitable that they will come--we live in a fallen world. Deal with them without blowing up at your children or spouse.

2. Don't be blind to the past; learn from it. At the same time, don't be a prisoner of the past, either. Go on with life.

3. Willingly fulfill obligations.

Building Balance in Church and Family Life

CHEC Home School Conference--Part 4

So far, I have written about the following seminars we attended: Rebuilding the Wall by Doug Phillips, Building Covenant Communities by R.C. Sproul, Jr., and Building Meaningful Family Worship by Kevin Swanson.

In the 4th seminar we attended, Kevin Swanson, a pastor and the executive director of CHEC, discussed the different types of balance needed in church and family life, and how Christendom today is flailing for the proper balance. He covered a lot of ground in this seminar, so I will just share a few of his ideas.

#1 Jurisdictional Balance
God has ordained three institutions: family, church, and state. It is our duty to have a proper understanding of the rights and responsibilities of each. In today's society, the state holds an undue amount of influence in our lives. Swanson stated, "Anything that's dominated by the state will be destroyed by the state." I think this holds true in many aspects of our lives. One just needs to look at examples such as the public school system in this country, the way the government "protects a woman's right to choose," or the way the welfare state has destroyed many black families in the inner city.

#2 Core/Crust Balance
Our core is our heart; how we truly are. Our crust is that external self we show to the world. Scripture is clear on the fact that God looks at the heart, so we know this is important. Yet, our external self is important, as well. Swanson was focusing here on how we act and treat others.

#3 Heart Balance
We need to balance three aspects of our heart; our mind, our will, and our emotions.

#4 Here are five ways we can attempt to achieve balance in the various areas of our lives:
1. Honor our fathers (I would add mothers, too)
2. Be humble
3. Be long-suffering
4. Pray, pray, pray
5. Use God's Word

"Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!"

This was the processional hymn at church today. The words were a comfort to me, as today was the one year anniversary of our last worship service at our old church. We mourn the loss of that unique community of believers, our gifted pastor's teaching, and the service that was full of theological meaning, reverence, and the presence of the Lord.

But, time goes on, and we are trying to discern God's will for us concerning settling into a new church home. As the hymn says, He has redeemed us by His blood! We are not left as orphans in sorrow!


(ornate throne at St. Peter's in Rome)

"Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!"

Alleluia! sing to Jesus! His the scepter, His the throne.
Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone.
Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood.
Jesus out of every nation has redeemed us by His blood.

Alleluia! not as orphans are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us, faith believes, nor questions how;
Though the cloud from sight received Him when the forty days were o’er
Shall our hearts forget His promise, “I am with you evermore”?

Alleluia! bread of angels, Thou on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! here the sinful flee to Thee from day to day:
Intercessor, Friend of sinners, Earth’s Redeemer, plead for me,
Where the songs of all the sinless sweep across the crystal sea.

Alleluia! King eternal, Thee the Lord of lords we own;
Alleluia! born of Mary, Earth Thy footstool, Heav’n Thy throne:
Thou within the veil hast entered, robed in flesh our great High Priest;
Thou on earth both priest and victim in the Eucharistic feast.

book bog backhoe Ireland

Through the marvels of computers, I typed these four words into a search engine after reading a brief article in today's Rocky Mountain News. I came up with a newspaper article from the Hindustan Times (of all places) about a manuscript discovered by a backhoe operator in Ireland. Manuscript experts at Trinity College in Dublin date the medieval manuscript to 800-1000 A.D., and will be spending years researching this new discovery.

The Times article states,

The book was found open to a page describing, in black Latin script, Psalm 83, in which God hears complaints of other nations' attempts to wipe out the name of Israel.

This is either an elaborate hoax on the part of the bog's owner (or the backhoe operator), or another glimpse of the hand of God. I'd like to root for the latter.

Oh, and just in case you were looking for a used backhoe, try machinerytrader.com.

Overheard at the Ballgame

We took my mother to a Rockies baseball game last night, her first major league game in over 50 years. She liked it so much she wants to go again this season! The Rockies beat St. Louis, 7-0, in a near perfect game, but that isn't what I want to write about.

We were seated in front of a group of five twenty-something kids (two girls and three guys), all Cardinal fans with ties to St. Louis. Their loud conversations volleyed back and forth between their narcissistic prattlings and the superiority of the Cardinals.

One of the two girls is engaged to be married this fall. (I can tell you all about their first date, how he proposed, where they're having their wedding photos taken, and the reception...she never stopped talking). But, before her monologue, one of the guys asked, "Why do people ever bother to get married anyway?" Another guy sagely replied, "In my tax bracket, you can save money if you're married!"

My husband and I both remarked on the drive home what a sad commentary on our society that marriage would be so trivialized and degraded. Given the state of American culture today, it's not surprising, but it's troubling nonetheless. Troubling, too, was that in Miss Bride-to-Be's conversation, nary a word was spoken about how much she loved her intended. In fact, the only opinions she expressed of the guy were how she thought it was past time they have a joint bank account, and how she was disappointed by his uninspired marriage proposal. The rest of the one-sided conversation between her and the other female companion consisted primarily of particulars surrounding the wedding day.

I think back to my grandparents and their very simple wedding, or to the simple wedding of Laura Ingalls and Almanzo Wilder written about in her Little House books, and of the lifelong devotion of each of these couples to one another. Many of the weddings of today (mostly in non-Christian circles) seem to be spectacles of opulence, without enough thought given to the vows or the days and years that follow the ceremony. Oh, that our culture would recapture the awe, reverence, and sacredness towards marriage.

Psalm 23

We had another rehearsal this morning and had to miss church, which always makes for an unsettled feeling for the day and even the week ahead. Some churches read Psalm 23 today in their scripture readings. What better hymn to post today than this familiar psalm? And if you're feeling especially adventuresome, try chanting it!



Psalm 23 (King James Version)

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

"O Day of Rest and Gladness"

We sang a version of this as the processional hymn this morning, using the traditional German melody found at the Cyberhymnal website. The text is especially uplifting in verse three where God is pictured as a cooling fountain. It's been so hot here that our two children were awakened last night by the oppressive heat. I was able to soothe their discomfort by gently applying a cool, wet washcloth to their foreheads, necks, arms, and legs. They each transformed from an agitated state to one of complete joy, gratitude, and rest. Very much the model of how we should behave towards our heavenly Father when He offers us His rest!

O Day of Rest and Gladness

O day of rest and gladness, O day of joy and light,
O balm of care and sadness, most beautiful, most bright:
On Thee, the high and lowly, through ages joined in tune,
Sing holy, holy, holy, to the great God Triune.

On Thee, at the creation, the light first had its birth;
On Thee, for our salvation, Christ rose from depths of earth;
On Thee, our Lord, victorious, the Spirit sent from heaven,
And thus on Thee, most glorious, a triple light was given.

Thou art a port, protected from storms that round us rise;
A garden, intersected with streams of paradise;
Thou art a cooling fountain in life’s dry, dreary sand;
From thee, like Pisgah’s mountain, we view our promised land.

Thou art a holy ladder, where angels go and come;
Each Sunday finds us gladder, nearer to heaven, our home;
A day of sweet refection, thou art a day of love,
A day of resurrection from earth to things above.

Today on weary nations the heavenly manna falls;
To holy convocations the silver trumpet calls,
Where Gospel light is glowing with pure and radiant beams,
And living water flowing, with soul refreshing streams.

New graces ever gaining from this our day of rest,
We reach the rest remaining to spirits of the blessed.
To Holy Ghost be praises, to Father, and to Son;
The church her voice upraises to Thee, blessed Three in One.

"To Thee, O Lord, I Lift Mine Eyes"

My husband and I had a rehearsal this morning, so we didn't make it to church. We always feel out of sorts when we can't worship on Sunday morning, so thankfully it doesn't happen too often. We miss the singing, the confession, the teaching, the communion, the quiet, the fellowship...

Some churches used Psalm 123 as one of their scripture readings this morning, so I thought I'd post a hymn that's new to me, based upon this Psalm.

The hymn was written by American preacher, Robert Lowry (1826-1899). There are two different melodies commonly used with these words. I am using the lesser known of the two.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (12 years old today) TO MY PRECIOUS SON!!!!! May you always lift up your eyes to the Lord.

"To Thee, O Lord, I Lift Mine Eyes"

To thee, O Lord, I lift mine eyes,
O thou enthroned above the skies;
As servants watch their master's hand,
Or maidens by their mistress stand,
So to the Lord our eyes we raise,
Until his mercy he displays.

O Lord, our God, thy mercy show,
For man's contempt and scorn we know;
Reproach and shame thy saints endure
From wicked men who dwell secure;
Man's proud contempt and scorn we know;
O Lord, our God, Thy mercy show.

Huh???

Rocky Mountain News, July 6, 2006
"State ed board member Polis announces he's gay"

"Jared Polis, the state board of education member whose wealth helped Democrats take control of both houses of the state legislature for the first time in decades, told the Daily Camera this weekend that he is gay."

"I think sexual orientation, like religion or race, has nothing to do with one's values, and to most people it's not important one way or the other," [said Polis.]

Huh? Sexual orientation, religion, and race have nothing to do with one's values? They aren't important one way or another???? Those three things define all of us in very substantial ways!

Building Meaningful Family Worship

Home School Conference--Part 3

Kevin Swanson, executive director of Christian Home Educators of Colorado and pastor of an OPC church, spoke on the importance of family worship. His thoughts dovetailed quite nicely with those of Doug Phillips and R.C. Sproul, Jr.

Swanson began by sharing an interview he heard with a Catholic college provost on the Hugh Hewitt radio show. The provost said, "Western civilization is falling apart," citing the low birth rate in Europe and the fading importance of the Christian church. But, the guest added that there is some hope left in the US because of the home school movement. He called these homes the "monasteries of the New Dark Age." What an important task we face if we look at our responsibilities in that light!

Swanson then proceeded to make many compelling points urging us to spend time, DAILY, in family worship. He talked about the importance of integrating our faith into our daily lives. This integration is difficult if we don't have habitual practice. We need to have family worship EVERY day; it is too easy to get our priorities jumbled very quickly. If we don't do it every day, we send the message to our children that it's not important.

Swanson also praised his parents for the Godly upbringing he received. He listed the reasons he and his five siblings are strong in their faith:
1. they were home schooled and protected from negative outside influences
2. they had daily 40 minute family worship
3. their mother prayed diligently for them
4. God's grace
5. singing--it brings God word into the heart

Independence Day

My husband and I played a Fourth of July concert this evening. After being rained out 20 minutes into the concert, and packing up our instruments, we slogged through the pouring rain with our two children in tow. As I became soaked to the skin, I thought of the brave men (and women) who have protected and served our country in the military. They have walked, slept, and fought in weather so much worse than I experienced this evening. God bless each and every one of them!

In commemoration of this historic day, I share the last sentence of the Declaration of Independence, which I find quite powerful. It reads:

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Go to U.S.History.org to see more than you ever wanted to know about the Declaration of Independence.

(The above photo comes from this website with free computer wallpapers.)

Building Covenant Communities

Colorado Home School Conference--Part 2

R.C. Sproul, Jr. was the second person we heard speak at the home school conference. Now, I know he's said and done some controversial things recently. I was a bit skeptical myself after reading various internet blogs and sites. But, I listened to him with an open mind, and was pleasantly surprised with both his message and demeanor.

He based his talk upon I Peter 2, and I'm sorry to say that I didn't write down the specific verses to which he referred, but these two seem to relate to his message.

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.
1 Peter 2: 17, 21

Sproul preached that a covenant community needs both the love of family and the law of authority. Problems occur when things become too lop-sided on either the covenant side or the community side.

A recurring theme that permeated all of his talks was introduced in this first one. He stressed that we need to love our neighbor and walk humbly with God. We have to guard against thinking we have all the answers, that our church is the only church that is true to the faith. (He was NOT advocating embracing churches that don't adhere to the fundamentals of the faith.) His stress on being humble seemed, to me, to be heartfelt and serious. I have never heard him speak in person before, but I get the sense that he has been humbled by the firestorm he's been through, and that he's learned valuable lessons as a result.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say that R.C. has been diagnosed with cancer. He began chemotherapy just days after he returned to Virginia from Colorado, and thankfully the type he's got is highly treatable. He did not, in any of the talks I heard, mention anything about it. I just learned of it while reading the Highlands Study Center website.

(The above photo comes from this website of family photographs taken in the early 1900s in Texas.)

"The Church's One Foundation"

As we sang this in church today, I thought how appropriate the words were, given the current firestorm in the Episcopal church. (The rector and vestry of the church we are currently attending are in agreement with the Anglican Communion, NOT the recent decisions made at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church.) I was intrigued to read this evening that the hymn was written at a time similar to this. Here is what the author of a book about hymns has written about this hymn:

"During an especially heated period of theological controversy in England in 1866 when liberalism threatened to destroy the great cardinal doctrines of the Anglican church, this hymn was written by Pastor Samuel Stone. He was a strong supporter of the conservative faith and refused to compromise in any way the critical attacks on doctrinal orthodoxy."

The photo above seems appropriate. Some people within the Episcopal church are trying to "improve/enlighten" the church (in their opinions) by making changes that are not supported by scripture. Their version of the church will not survive off the foundation of scripture. The True Foundation is unchangable.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

If you want to sing along to these words, go to Cyberhymnal for the music.

"The Church's One Foundation"

The Church’s one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord,
She is His new creation
By water and the Word.
From heaven He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her
And for her life He died.

She is from every nation,
Yet one o’er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation,
One Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy Name she blesses,
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With every grace endued.

The Church shall never perish!
Her dear Lord to defend,
To guide, sustain, and cherish,
Is with her to the end:
Though there be those who hate her,
And false sons in her pale,
Against or foe or traitor
She ever shall prevail.

Though with a scornful wonder
Men see her sore oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder,
By heresies distressed:
Yet saints their watch are keeping,
Their cry goes up, “How long?”
And soon the night of weeping
Shall be the morn of song!

’Mid toil and tribulation,
And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation
Of peace forevermore;
Till, with the vision glorious,
Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious
Shall be the Church at rest.

Yet she on earth hath union
With God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion
With those whose rest is won,
With all her sons and daughters
Who, by the Master’s hand
Led through the deathly waters,
Repose in Eden land.

O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we
Like them, the meek and lowly,
On high may dwell with Thee:
There, past the border mountains,
Where in sweet vales the Bride
With Thee by living fountains
Forever shall abide!

Rebuilding the Wall

Notes from the home school conference, for my dear friend Carla, whom I have been woefully neglecting of late.

Doug Phillips, founder of Vision Forum, was the first keynote speaker at the conference. His text was from Nehemiah 4:14. To lay some background to the text, Nehemiah has gone to Jerusalem and organizes the rebuilding of the wall around the city. The Jews are mocked by their enemies and threatened with attack. Nehemiah positions the Jews, according to families, along the wall to defend it, and has them take up arms. Then he "rallies the troops" with this speech.

And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

The church and the family of today are fighting enemies who mock us and seek to attack us. We need to band together and symbolically rebuild the wall. Phillips spoke of the "new paganism" that worships the individual, youth, the body, and athletics. It also includes child sacrifice (abortion), bodily mutilation (tattoos & multiple piercing anyone?), and the feminization of men. One only needs to look around you or glance at the covers of magazines and tabloids at the grocery checkout to see the evidence of this. It's pretty hard to be unaware these realities.

To cloud the waters futher, many Christian churches harm families by having a harmful philosophy about many aspects of church life. This appears in areas such as church growth (numbers vs. spiritual growth), shepherding (reactive vs. proactive), ministry (clergy only vs. brethren), socialization (peers vs. family), and scripture (inadequate vs. sufficient). My family and I have seen evidences of all of these at the various churches we've visited in the past 11 months as we've looked for a new church home.

As you might suspect, the entire conference wasn't governed by a "The Sky is Falling!" mentality. This opening talk was, "Here are some of the problems," that preceeded the solutions. I'll try to write more soon.

This public domain clip art comes from The Bible Revival.

"Lord of All Hopefulness"

We sang this hymn in church during communion this morning. It is sung to the same tune that is used for "Be Thou My Vision."

"Lord of All Hopefulness" is not in the public domain, so I am not able to not reprint the words here. But, you can go to this site and find the words to all four verses.

This hymn is popular as a wedding hymn and I decided it was appropriate to post today because my husband and I will celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary this week!

(The photo came from Victoriana.com.)

Clash of Cultures

After the past weekend of an inspiring home school conference I chanced to thumb through an old magazine and was struck by the vast dichotomy between the two. The conference speakers I heard exhorted us to be in the Word and to teach it to our children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). We were reminded of the immense blessing our children are, and of the fact that it is our solemn duty to train them and educate them in the things of the Lord.

On Sunday, I happened to leaf through the August 2005 issue of Sunset magazine before putting it on the recycle pile. I think it was sent to us for joining the Art Museum. The issue's theme was, "Last Minute Vacations."

Ponder these opening words of the editor's column:

"When it comes to last-minute vacations, I'm something of a veteran. Sudden desire to flee to Hawaii over spring break? Been there, and planned it in about three weeks. Spontaneous trip to Disneyland? Did that one too.

It seems I'm prone to these quick getaways because I have a habit of thinking I can't possibly take days off. Then suddenly, it hits me: Time is passing fast, my daughters are growing up, my mind needs a break. I decide we need family time, and fast."

If you can get quickly past the bragging and name dropping of the first paragraph, take a close look at the second. She "can't possibly take days off." Can't possibly take days off from what? Aren't our children more important than our "careers?" It hits her "suddenly." What, she doesn't think of it often? These are her children! Her mind needs a break? Oh, I thought it was that her daughters were growing up. And, notice how one has to go to Hawaii to give the mind a break? "We need family time..." At Disneyland?? What kind of family time does one get there? Standing in line for 30 minutes in order to hear "It's a Small World" ten million times?

Now, I love Hawaii as much as the next guy. But, what can be more important than our children's eternal souls? Certainly, not our mastery of executing last-minute vacations to places with palm trees!

"Be Thou My Vision"

This is one of my favorite hymns, so it's no surprise that I've already posted this hymn already. I had to include it again because of the events of the past few days. My husband and I attended the Colorado home school conference this weekend, and what a blessing it was! (I'll try to write a little bit on it this week.) On Friday morning, the general session opened with everyone singing two hymns, including "Be Thou My Vision." All those people singing gave me a glimpse of heaven and touched my heart. I was moved to tears and couldn't even complete singing all of it.

Go here to hear the music. And go here to read my first post on "Be Thou My Vision." It includes some interesting information about the history of this great Irish hymn.

Happy Father's Day to my husband, who travels the blessed road of parenthood with me.

"Be Thou My Vision"

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

"Holy, Holy, Holy"

TRINITY SUNDAY

This was my very first "favorite hymn" as a child. I must have been about eight years old, and I greatly admired people who knew hymns well enough to look up from the hymnal while singing. I loved "Holy, Holy, Holy," because, I too, could look up from the hymnal for a few words! I now love it for other reasons, but it's still one of my favorites.

My favorite sources for hymn accompaniment have one note in the alto part that is different from what I've ever sung, and it sounds quite jarring to me. Try this site instead. Although it's too slow for my taste, I'll sacrifice tempo for the correct harmony.

(The above photo comes from the website for Food for the Poor. We had a guest priest from this ministry at church today preaching about our Christian duty to minister to the poorest of the poor.)

"Holy, Holy, Holy"

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

"Come Down, O Love Divine"

Pentecost Sunday

It is truly a miracle beyond belief that God extends His grace to us. Despite our blatant disobedience at the foot of a tree in the garden, He provided us with a perfect Redeemer Who endured the painful death on another "tree." Despite our continual sin, He reversed the disunity caused at the foot of the Tower of Babel, and adopted us as His children.

The music for this hymn was composed by British composer, Ralph Vaughn Williams. Go here to see another hymn composed by Ralph Vaughn Williams.

"Come Down, O Love Divine"

Come down, O love divine, seek Thou this soul of mine,
And visit it with Thine own ardor glowing.
O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,
And kindle it, Thy holy flame bestowing.

O let it freely burn, til earthly passions turn
To dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
And let Thy glorious light shine ever on my sight,
And clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

Let holy charity mine outward vesture be,
And lowliness become mine inner clothing;
True lowliness of heart, which takes the humbler part,
And o’er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.

And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long,
Shall far outpass the power of human telling;
For none can guess its grace, till he become the place
Wherein the Holy Spirit makes His dwelling.

Plain and Simple

My first glimpse of the Amish was nearly four decades ago, near Wooster, Ohio, while visiting my grandparents. Their clean, uncluttered farms, simple dress, unhurried buggies, and breathtaking antique quilts have captivated me ever since.

After reading a book excerpt on a laniersbooks recent post, I was compelled to reread Plain and Simple by Sue Bender. Mrs. Bender temporarily lived in the homes of two different Amish families (something I very much wanted to do as a teenager), and wrote a book about her impressions of this experience.

I am going to set aside debate on some of the theological beliefs and practices of the Amish. And although I find Mrs. Bender a bit self-absorbed and unappreciative of her gracious hosts, I found some of her observations to be interesting. There are some truths here from which we can benefit.

"Everything was a ritual...No distinction was made between the sacred and the everyday.
Five minutes in the early morning and five minutes in the evening were devoted to prayer. The rest of the day was spent living their beliefs. Their life was all one piece. It was all sacred--and all ordinary."

"Their work time isn't spent 'in order to do something else'--to have free time on weekends...[they find satisfaction] in the daily mastery of whatever they are doing."

"All [Emma's] duties were an expression of her love for her family and for God."

"They lived with a short cord and lived fully, while I had a long cord and was always tripping over it."

"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"

The English author of this hymn, Edward Perronet (1726-1792), descended from a distinguished family of French Huguenots who fled religious persecution and settled in England. He was ordained in the Anglican church, and worked alongside John and Charles Wesley. He wrote several hymns, but this is the only one that remains in general use today.

Here is an interesting story about Perronet that should make you smile:

John Wes­ley was al­ways try­ing to get him to preach, but Per­ro­net, though cap­a­ble, was some­what in awe of Wes­ley, and al­ways de­ferred to him. Any time John Wes­ley was pre­sent, Per­ro­net felt Wesley should do the preach­ing. But John Wes­ley was not one to take “no” for an an­swer. So, one day, in the mid­dle of a meet­ing, he simp­ly an­nounced, “Bro­ther Per­ro­net will now speak.” Think­ing quick­ly, Per­ro­net stood be­fore the large crowd and de­clared, “I will now de­liv­er the great­est ser­mon ev­er preached on earth” (you can imag­ine he got ev­er­y­one’s at­ten­tion). He then read the Ser­mon on the Mount, and sat down.

To hear the accompaniment, read all of the verses, and read the entire article about Perronet, go here.

All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!

The Bloom

My best friend from high school, Gwyn, drove out here last week to bring some of my dad's furniture that she had been storing at her house for me. She also brought my dad's Christmas cactus.

Now, when I was growing up, Dad never exhibited a green thumb. In fact, because of his asthma and hay fever, he didn't even mow the lawn. I have a picture of me trying valiantly to use our push lawnmower when I was five, but it was actually one of my brothers who mowed the lawn regularly.

When Dad's mother died in 1977, he inherited, among other things, a very bedraggled Christmas cactus. He took it upon himself to nurse it back to health, perhaps as a metaphor for his own life that was, at that time, struggling on many fronts. With fierce determination, Dad resurrected that cactus into a huge, healthy, beautiful plant which he grew to love. I think he even named it.

When my friend brought it into our house last week, after dutifully caring for it these past two years, I was delighted to see a lone pinkish-reddish bud on its slender arms. The bud opened a few days after my friend left to return home, and was still open yesterday, the anniversary of my dad's last few hours on this earth. Then, this morning when I awoke, the flower had fallen from the plant and lay silently in the soil.


Shed no tear--O shed no tear!
The flower will bloom another year.
Weep no more--O weep no more!
Young buds sleep in the root's white core.
John Keats

Memories and Gratitude

It has been two years, almost to the minute, since my Dad's passing. It was May 24th here in the Mountain Time Zone, but May 25th where he lived in the Eastern Time Zone.

In some respects it seems like he's been gone such a long time. Yet, my last phone conversation with him seems like it was just last week. That was the last time he ever talked on the telephone. He was being prepared for emergency surgery, and he had to hang up so he could be wheeled to the operating room.

Catherine Marshall wrote in her book, A Man Called Peter, about the comfort of the last words she spoke to her husband. She had said to him, "Darling, I'll see you in the morning." She wrote about the thoughts she had a few months later, "And as I stood looking out toward that far horizon, I knew that those words would go singing in my heart down all the years..."

My last words to my dad were, "I love you, Dad. I'll talk to you when you're done." The words have gone "singing in my heart" these past two years. I sometimes have despair about my dad's salvation, but I also have hope that I will indeed talk to him again. And for him, it'll seem but a moment until we speak again.

Three things I am grateful I received from my dad:
1. His love of music
2. His love of the prairie
3. His love of history

(Here's another recent post about him.)

"All Creatures of Our God and King"

In our continuing quest for a new church home, we have been attending the same church now since Easter Sunday. While hubby and son were having church with their Boy Scout troop on a camping trip in the mountains, my daughter and I sang this wonderful hymn as the recessional at church this morning. (I absolutely love singing the alto part!) The words were written by St. Francis of Assisi, circa 1225. The melody appeared in a German hymnal published in 1623, and the harmonization was added in 1906 by the British composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams. (The church pictured here is the parish church where Vaughan Williams's father was vicar.)

Go here for the accompaniment (including the cool alto part!).

All Creatures of Our God and King

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!

Refrain

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

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!

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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

Mother's Day

That night Anne...knelt sweetly by her open window in a great sheen of moonshine and murmured a prayer of gratitude and aspiration that came straight from her heart. There was in it thankfulness for the past and reverent petition for the future...
(from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery)

I recently read these words to my children about Anne taking first place in the college entrance exam. I thought, this is very much how I view motherhood. I am thankful for the past; for God's perfect plan for creating our family in His own time and way. And at the same time, I humbly ask Him for guidance for the future.

After 11 years of waiting, of heartbreak, of longings unanswered; the Lord filled my aching arms and soothed my aching heart. I am thankful beyond measure for my two precious children. Only the Lord of the Universe could have ordained such a treasure for us in the way that He did.

(Thanks also to Holt International Children's Services and United Airlines for playing a part! The photo above is of Harry and Bertha Holt, founders of the adoption agency that bears their name.)

"The King of Love My Shepherd Is"

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 (NKJV)

On some church calendars, Psalm 23 is read as part of today's liturgy on this
fourth Sunday of Easter. I love this Psalm for its power, its truth, its comfort, and its ability to minister to believers and unbelievers alike.

This hymn, based upon the 23rd Psalm, was written by Henry W. Baker (1821-1877). He was an English musician and the editor of the best-selling Hymns, Ancient and Modern, published from 1860 to 1877.

Go here to hear the music which is based upon an old Irish melody. There is also an alternate tune at this link.

The King of Love My Shepherd Is

The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never,
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me,
And on His shoulder gently laid,
And home, rejoicing, brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.

Thou spread’st a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And O what transport of delight
From Thy pure chalice floweth!

And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house forever.

Let Them Have Dominion

Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." Genesis 1: 26

The kids and I drove to a friends' ranch this past Saturday for the branding of this spring's new calves. Many family and fellow rancher friends came to help, followed by a big lunch provided by the host family. This will be repeated in the weeks to come, as each rancher makes the rounds helping his fellow "neighbors."

As we returned from the branding pasture, two horses in a different pasture adjacent to the house ran alongside the fence, "welcoming" us back to the ranch house as we drove down the lane. They were almost like little children excitedly waiting for Daddy to come home at the end of a long day. Then later, I was able to coax a motherless calf to allow me to pet her. She was a little wary, but she stayed fairly still and let me walk slowly up to her and pet her.

These animals, who are not pets in the traditional sense, have the interest and desire to relate to humans, even sometimes in spite of their instincts to the contrary. It reminds me a little of Isaiah 11:6,

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.

"I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

Samuel Medley (1738-1799), the author of this hymn, was a midshipman in the British Royal Navy. While recuperating from wounds sustained in battle, Medley heard a sermon by Isaac Watts. This led to Medley's conversion, and he eventually became a minister in England.

The kids and I are reading through the story of Joseph in Genesis, and each time I read it I am profoundly reminded of God's hand in all things, even when they seem to be horrible misfortunes. The life of Samuel Medley appears to be yet another example of God's providence.

(Statue of "Christ the Redeemer" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)


"I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living Head.

He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.

He lives triumphant from the grave,
He lives eternally to save,
He lives all glorious in the sky,
He lives exalted there on high.

He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death:
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to His Name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
I know that my Redeemer lives!

"Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates"

The church we visited today opened with the processional hymn, "Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing." The words were written in 1969, sung to the tune of a much older hymn, "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates". (This link has the music and text for all of the verses of "Lift Up Your Heads.")

Today I thought I would especially meditate upon the third verse. Sometimes it's easy for verses to get lost in these rich hymn texts laden with so much to ponder.

Fling wide the portals of your heart;
Make it a temple, set apart
From earthly use for heaven’s employ,
Adorned with prayer and love and joy.

"Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"

Go here to listen to the melody of this beloved Easter hymn by Charles Wesley.
(above painting by Rembrandt, The Risen Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalen)

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

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!

Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

Today would have been your 78th birthday. I really miss you. I miss calling you every weekend. I miss talking about teaching and music. I miss telling you how spring is going in Colorado. I wish you could have heard me play the Leningrad. I actually got to do it! Can you believe it?

Did you see how I put your clarinet on top of one of the bookcases in the dining room next to the old horn? I like seeing it every day. I even kept your reed on the mouthpiece. And sometimes at night, I listen to Stan Getz and Paul Desmond to remind me of you.

You know, Dad, today is Good Friday. When you were lying in that hospital bed at the end, did you think about Jesus? Did you ever admit that He is who He said He was? I prayed so hard that you did. I cried so hard for you.

I don't know if you remember, but there was one thief crucified on either side of Jesus. One of the thieves, as he hung on a cross next to Jesus, believed in Jesus at the very end of his life. I really pray that you did, too.

I love you, Dad. I miss you.


Love,
Your Little Bird

The Fragrance of the Son

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
2 Corinthians 2:15 (NKJV)

Living in Colorado, we use flannel sheets on our beds for about half of the year. Just this week, I was able to put away the flannel sheets until fall, and make our bed with "regular" sheets. When I lay my head down on the newly made bed of regular sheets that first night, I smelled the unmistakable fragrance of the sun. It's precisely this wonderful smell that makes it worthwhile for me to hang our clothes outside during the warmer months, but these sheets hadn't seen the sun in six months! Perhaps it was the lavender sachet in the linen closet that helped, but I marveled at how the sheets I had hung on the line last October still reminded me of that wonderful essence of Colorado sunshine.

When you think about it, the Bible mentions fragrance quite often. "An aroma pleasing to the Lord" in Old Testament sacrifices, the gifts of the Magi to the young Jesus, Mary (sister of Lazarus and Martha) anointing Jesus' feet (John 12) shortly before the triumphal entry, and the women coming to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body (Mark 16), just to name a few. The verse above was not one I had remembered in my Bible study, but it's certainly one to take to heart.

Thank you, Lord, for miraculously retaining that sunshine smell, and for reminding me of the fragrance of our Lord, which lasts so very much longer. Help me to be a fragrance of Christ for those who are perishing.

(Thanks to this web page for the picture above. It's got an interesting article about hand washing clothes in the past, too. And then for a bit of humor and a touch of sadness, go to this site to read all about the clothes drying covenants in Montgomery Village, Maryland, "One of the First Beautifully Planned Communities in the United States.")

"All Glory, Laud and Honor"

Palm Sunday is always bittersweet. How can we fully enjoy celebrating His triumphal entry when we know what is coming? We remember that the fickleness of our hearts is no different than the shouts of "Hosanna, blessed is He...the King" on one day, and "Crucify Him!" less than a week later.

This hymn stands as one of the most recognized traditional Palm Sunday hymns. As you sing these words, ponder the plight of their author, Theodulph of Orleans. This Italian nobleman, turned abbott, then Bishop, was unjustly imprisoned when a new king began ruling in France. The hymn was written from Theodulph's prison cell ca 820, where he died one year later. For the most traditional melody, go here.

"All Glory, Laud and Honor"

All glory, laud and honor,
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s Name comest,
The King and Blessèd One.


The company of angels
Are praising Thee on High,
And mortal men and all things
Created make reply.
The people of the Hebrews
With palms before Thee went;
Our prayer and praise and anthems
Before Thee we present.


To Thee, before Thy passion,
They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee, now high exalted,
Our melody we raise.
Thou didst accept their praises;
Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest,
Thou good and gracious King.

Sanctity of Life

Terri Shiavo languished just a little over a year ago, starved to death by her "husband's" command. I still can't believe it was allowed to happen. The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation has some recent updates if you're interested.


It's easy to think Terri's was an isolated case; an anomoly. But, look at this article from the Denver Post. A disabled child who lived in my area was starved to death last year. His parents live in the same suburb as I do. The pastor mentioned in the article is on the staff at a church just 6 minutes away from my house. And our society is becoming alarmingly callous to this sort of thing. Several people wrote letters to the editor after the story ran, about how difficult a decision this was for the parents of the boy, how loving they were, and how sensitive the article was. How can knowingly starving your child to death be considered loving or sensitive?

The lengthy article is chilling in its bias towards the parents, mentioning their heroism and love for their son. The parents and the newspaper decided ahead of time not to publish the story until the boy died, so the general public knew nothing of this drama unfolding in our midst. Here is just a snippet of the article:

In a small examination room, the parents laid out their wish to end their son's suffering. The two ethics consultants, a doctor and a nurse, asked if they'd explored all known medical avenues. The neurologist explained the futility of treatment. The pediatrician described Dave and Kerri's commitment to their son as heroic.

Satisfied, the ethics committee members concurred that the hospital could support removal of life support - in this case food - as an ethical option.

According to the article, the four year old boy was severely disabled with Cerebral Palsy, and his condition was worsening. The "life support" that was removed was his feeding tube. He was starved to death! Any human being on earth would die if this type of "life support" were denied us! I have a younger brother with moderate Cerebral Palsy. He lives with frustrating physical challenges on a daily basis. But he is no less a person. He was created by God, just as was I. Removing food from a disabled person is barbaric. Removing food from anyone is barbaric.

"What Wondrous Love Is This?"

Many of my favorite hymns come from England and Germany, but this is an American Folk hymn. Its authorship is attributed to several different men, but perhaps the most well known is William Walker (1809-1875), who collected and arranged many folk tunes from the South.

This hymn was written using shape-note notation, which was developed during the 19th century to help teach people how to read music. The current version of the hymn found in most hymnals of today has been arranged to place the melody in the soprano line. However, if you go here and click on the "midi" link, you will hear the hymn in its original version, which sounds quite different. Either way, the hymn has a plaintive quality to it which, along with the text, is well suited for Lent.

What Wondrous Love Is This?

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb Who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.

Carnival of Beauty--Flowers

This week's carnival is up and running. Go here to see the list of women participating.

Thanks, Grandpa!

My maternal grandfather dutifully followed in the footsteps of his male ancestors and became a pastor, but his passion was agriculture. He was able to transfer this love of growing things to me through three special visits.

When I was about seven years old, Grandpa and Grandma DeChant took a trip from Ohio to visit us in Colorado one summer. Grandpa took me for a walk and when we were almost home, he stooped and drew my attention to some vividly colored zinnias growing alongside the sidewalk in our neighbors' yard. The colors were striking, but it was a long-spent bloom, turned withered and brown that he held in his fingers to show me. As he retrieved the seeds from their little case, he opened up a new world to me. The miracle of all those seeds, being produced by a single bloom was revealed to me by the man who secretly longed to be a farmer.

Seven years later it was my pleasure to take a trip to visit my grandparents in Ohio. I was proud to attend church on Sunday and hear him preach, but it was our forays out into his garden that I cherished. I remember most his roses, day lilies, and pansies. While checking on his rose garden I was very impressed that he was not the least bit reticent to squish aphids between his fingers. I wondered, "Will I ever love gardening so much that I won't think twice about squishing aphids by hand?"

Several years later, Grandpa was gone, and my mother and I took a trip to her childhood home in Virginia. The church where her father preached had turned into an Italian restaurant after the new church was built, and the parsonage where she lived was long gone. We sat in the former sanctuary ordering from the menu, and she regaled me with stories from her childhood. She remembered that Grandpa had grown pansies in the shady area between the church and the parsonage. We looked at old photos of the church while our dinners were being prepared. Then, when our meals arrived, we were blessed to be presented with sumptuous food garnished with...pansies! Only God can orchestrate such memories.

I now joyfully garden, I always grow pansies, and I unabashedly squish aphids by hand. I also look forward to eventually being reunited with my grandfather where we can enjoy God's heavenly gardens.