"My God, How Wonderful Thou Art"

My God, how wonderful thou art,
thy majesty how bright,
how beautiful thy mercy seat,
in depths of burning light!

How dread are thine eternal years,
O everlasting Lord,
by prostrate spirits day and night
incessantly adored!

How wonderful, how beautiful,
the sight of thee must be,
thine endless wisdom, boundless power,
and aweful purity!

O how I fear thee, living God,
with deepest, tenderest fears,
and worship thee with trembling hope
and penitential tears!

Yet I may love thee too, O Lord,
almighty as thou art,
for thou hast stooped to ask of me
the love of my poor heart.

No earthly father loves like thee,
no mother, e'er so mild,
bears and forbears as thou hast done
with me, thy sinful child.

Father of Jesus, love's reward,
what rapture it will be,
prostrate before thy throne to lie,
and gaze and gaze on thee!

These words were written by Frederick Faber (1814-1863), British theologian, preacher, and hymnwriter. Having converted to Catholicism as an adult, and being a strong supporter of congregational singing, he wrote hymns that had lyrics which would be suitable to Catholics. Many of his hymns are sung in Protestant churches as well (sometimes with minor changes to the lyrics).


Go here to see a video of a New Zealand choir singing this hymn. (Remember to stop the blog music first...scroll down on the right to find the pause button.)

You Are With Me

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

I have a friend who volunteers as a victim's advocate with the Sheriff's Department. What the job usually entails is helping people who've unexpectedly lost a loved one. She's been musing lately that when you strip away the veneer and the things that entangle us in this world, what we really have left is: learning what to do with death.

A quick pass through the girls' clothing area in Target last week illustrated this perfectly. There were colorful girls' t-shirts hanging on the racks, but on the front of the shirts were skulls outlined in sequins. One design even had a cute bow on the skeleton's head. (Perfect back-to-school wear for your first grader, don't you think?)

Many people don't want to contemplate death because it's something to be feared and avoided. Instead, they flirt with it. They pierce their bodies in all sorts of strange ways, participate in dangerous extreme sports, and wear clothing with "cute" skulls. They want to be in control of this strange phenomenon called death. If they downgrade it, ignore it, or gussy it up, perhaps it won't be such a scary thing.

I know of three people who have died in the past week and they leave behind grieving loved ones. But all three people have joined their Heavenly Father, and that's something to rejoice in!

(Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado, July 2008, taken by my husband)

"For the Fruit of All Creation"

I got my "hymn fix" again today from Sing For Joy. I just discovered that you can listen to the entire broadcast online. (If you choose to listen, don't forget to silence my blog music which has an icon on the right if you scroll down a bit.)

Some of today's scripture readings had an agrarian theme to them, so many of the chosen hymns followed suit. It seems quite appropriate, given that farmers are working long hours tending and then gathering in crops as they mature.

For the Fruit of All Creation

For the fruit of all creation,
thanks be to God.
gifts bestowed on every nation,
thanks be to God.
For the plowing, sowing, reaping,
silent growth while we are sleeping,
future needs in earth's safekeeping,
thanks be to God.

In the just reward of labor,
God's will is done.
In the help we give our neighbor,
God's will is done.
In our worldwide task of caring
for the hungry and despairing,
in the harvests we are sharing,
God's will is done.

For the harvests of the Spirit,
thanks be to God.
For the good we all inherit,
thanks be to God.
For the wonders that astound us,
for the truths that still confound us,
most of all that love has found us,
thanks be to God.

Stand Firm

"If you do not stand firm in your faith,
you will not stand at all."

Isaiah 7: 9b NIV


My husband snapped this shot a few days ago while he and the boys were hiking from their campsite to a fishing hole. It makes me wonder about the people who originally built this structure. Did they finish it? Did they ever live in it? Why did they leave the area? Did they go on to build something more permanent in another location?

I recall from my reading of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books that log cabins were always planned to be temporary structures until something more suitable could be built. Has something that was supposed to be temporary in my life, instead lulled me into a stupor of satisfaction? The fact that I'm not at ease about many things should prove to me that this is not the case.

As I've been reading Michael Bunker's series on Off-Grid Living, this photo and verse were quite sobering. His writing is pretty radical for this suburban gal. I want to be realistic, but I don't want to use the excuse that my husband and I are too old to make a wholesale change in our lives. I pray that we come to uncover how to be faithful and pleasing to God.

(An aside: In the original Hebrew, this verse is a play on words, which makes for difficult translation. Some commentators say that the NIV reflects the intent of the pun quite effectively.)

Happy Birthday!

We have so much for which to be thankful. Our son turned 14 today. He's such a good kid and brings us much joy. It's hard to believe he's growing up so fast. This summer I am doing research on colleges so I can plan a solid curriculum for his high school years. (Exciting and daunting all rolled into one!) And it just doesn't seem that long ago that we brought him home from the airport.

Here he is doing his favorite thing (fishing). My husband took our son and four other boys up camping (his second favorite thing) two days ago as our son's big present. The boys ranged in age from 10 to 16, all from Scouts and/or church. They got along splendidly and had a ball.

God bless you, Son. May you walk with Him all the days of your life. And may the dear woman who gave you life, be comforted by the Lord to somehow know that you are loved and cared for and thriving.

"Lord of All Hopefulness"

Sing for Joy, always posts the four scripture readings for each Sunday, and includes appropriate music to go along with the texts. One of today's suggested hymns is "Lord of All Hopefulness." The melody is the same one used for "Be Thou My Vision." The lyrics were written by Jan Struther (1901-1953), the British author who penned the original Mrs. Miniver story. (Struther was actually the pen name for Joyce Anstruther, later Joyce Maxtone Graham and finally Joyce Placzek. Unfortunately, the lyrics are still under copyright, so I can't print them here.)

Here's a nice version sung by a boys' choir in England. Be sure to first silence the blog music on the right.

(photo is of choristers from Winchester Cathedral)

Independence Day Eve

I was taking my son's sheets off the clothesline. The sun's unmistakable fragrance still clinging to them, although the source of that familiar scent had just recently disappeared behind the mountains.

It was then that I spied the large bird out of the corner of my eye. 'Probably a goose,' I thought at first, not giving it much thought. And yet, it was alone. My mind perked up a bit. 'Perhaps a blue heron,' I decided as I removed the pillowcases. I searched for those tell-tale impossibly long legs trailing behind, but there were none.

Just as the creature glided noiselessly overhead, I realized I had almost missed its signature white feathered head and tail. I was being blessed in my chores by a bald eagle! God, in His infinite mercy and majesty, had reminded me of His truth while I humbly removed the clothespins and wash from my line.

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

More Like Gomer

As I was reading Hosea last week, I was struck with his obedience to God. Infidelity is obviously life-shattering to the person who is sinned against, and God asked Hosea to practice his obedience in some very difficult ways.

But as amazing as Hosea's obedience and forgiveness are, what's more amazing is that God wanted to redeem His people, even though there had been generation upon generation of unfaithfulness towards Him.

It's so easy for us to look down our noses at Gomer and hautily think that we would never flaunt our sin in the way she did. And yet, I don't think God made sure this story was included in the Bible just so we would marvel at Hosea, but so we would see God's love and forgiveness towards Israel. And, of course, ultimately towards ourselves. We like to think we're like Hosea, when we are no better than Gomer. Yet, God in His infinite mercy has chosen to forgive us and redeem us.

Let us rejoice and praise Him!

Together

Today we celebrate
Twenty-eight years
Together

Paths traveled
Unknown destinations
Together

For better, for worse
For richer, for poorer
Together

Joys, sorrows
Mercy, forgiveness
Together

Rend Your Heart

I can't think of a proper superlative to describe how much I marvel at the Bible.

Today I read two different scriptures, which I had probably never before read on the same day. The contrast between the two was striking, and reminded me once again, of the immensity and depth of God's Word.

I've been reading about the various kings during the divided kingdom and read today about Athaliah. She was the widow of Jehoram (king of Judah)and the daughter of wicked Ahab and Jezebel of Israel. Athaliah takes over the throne of Judah when her son is killed. An evil, evil woman, she has all of the royal family (or so she thinks) killed. Unbeknownst to her, her baby grandson, Joash, is secreted away to the temple, until he is presented as the rightful king at age seven.

When Athaliah heard the noise made by the guards and the people,...she looked and there was the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was. The officers and the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her robes and called out, "Treason! Treason!"
2 Kings 11:13-14

Then, during the early years of Joash's reign, the prophet Joel speaks to the nation of Judah. He is telling the people to return to the Lord.

"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.
Joel 2:12-13

I suppose ripping your clothes would help get some of your frustration out. But, think how much harder it is to rend your heart. God is always asking us to go beyond "simple" outward tasks and change our hearts. What a tall order that takes an entire lifetime to attempt!

The Men in My Life

On this Father's Day, I have been thinking of the men in my life.

One great grandfather taught me left from right.

Another great grandfather bought his bride-to-be a beautiful watch for Christmas in 1901, which I now have and cherish.

My maternal grandfather opened up the world of flowers to me.

My paternal grandfather taught me that bigger is not always better when it comes to gifts.

My dad taught me to appreciate music, art, history, conversation, and the Western sky.

My husband made me his bride twenty-eight years ago, and now travels the road of parenting with me.

Our son daily shows me true examples of patience and forgiveness.

My heavenly Father perfectly loves imperfect me, and patiently guides my stumblings and gropings.

I would not be me without the men in my life. Happy Father's Day to you all!

(note: The old men in the photo are not related to me in any way and are not to be confused with the men mentioned in my post!)

Do Hard Things

Last week, our local newspaper had its weekly column where respondents are selected arbitrarily and asked a question. "What do you most look forward to after graduating?" was asked of a local high school's seniors. Three of the six respondents answered, in some fashion, "Getting out of my house." The other three answered with a variation of, "Going to college."

Our son is nearly 14, and entering high school (at home) in the fall. I know he may very well be singing a different tune four years from now. But this past weekend, he spent time helping at the Rebelution conference in Denver. He was setting up, tearing down, checking bathrooms after the breaks, etc. He enjoyed the 90 minute sermon by Mr. Harris. He took notes during part of the twins' talks. He started reading their book, Do Hard Things, on the way home in the car.

It is my fervent prayer that our son continues to grow in his faith. That when he graduates from high school, he will be eager for the next step in his life. But it is also my prayer that he will have good memories associated with his home and won't feel the need to tell anyone that he can't wait to move out.

(photo is of our son, in the middle, with Brett and Alex Harris)

Four Years

It's four years now since my dad passed away.

Dad wasn't perfect. There were hurts in our family while I was growing up, as a result of some of Dad's actions. Some of those wounds were healed before he died, and for that I am most grateful.

He never gave any indication that he was a believer, so that part is difficult. I never prayed so hard for him as I did when he lay in the hospital a half a country away from me in his last days. I have a calm about it now. I wouldn't go so far as to say a peace, but I don't freak out about it. I pray that God saved my dad from the jaws of eternal punishment at the last minute. Which is kind of funny now that I think about it, because my dad was always late for everything. Maybe, by God's grace, he barely squeaked into heaven.

You know, in a way I guess we ALL actually barely squeak into heaven. Based upon our own merit, none of us would be there. But then, for some unknown reason, God chooses us. Imperfect, sinful us. Plucked from the pit and raised up. A most amazing gift.

"Come Down, O Love Divine"

I posted this hymn last year because we had sung it in church and I loved the alto part. Now, our church is going Emergent and Seeker Friendly. Our family is mourning the loss of rich liturgy and hymns, so I wanted to post this hymn again.

I wrote this last year:
As I reflect over the past year, I see the events that have shaped me: our son's hospitalization and recovery from a broken leg, persecution from some family members, my mother's near death experience, and our daughter's grief over adoption/loss issues. Whew! What a year it's been! I have been sustained by the Holy Spirit, Who prayed for me when I could only groan. Praise God for His infinite mercy!

It hardly seems like a whole year has passed since I wrote that. Some issues are fading. Others are still uppermost in my daily life. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit continues to sustain me through it all.

"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,
till 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 Love create a place
wherein the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling.

Branded

My daughter and I went to our friends' ranch for their annual calf branding on Saturday. The calves waiting to be branded huddled together in the farthest reaches of their pen as the cowboys rode in atop their horses. The calves shied away, but the skillful ranchers were able to deftly (and magically) get their ropes around the calves' back legs and pull them out of the pen. Some calves immediately rolled over on their backs, which made the dragging out much easier on them. Others fought it with all their strength. They pawed the ground in futility with their front legs until finally they, too, succumbed and were flipped over on their backs.

Once on the ground, the calf was suddenly held down by a couple of men. A team darted in for the shot, the brand, cauterizing of the horns, pouring of the liquid that will keep the flies off the tender skin at the brand site, (and castration, for the males). It's usually over before the calf knows what hit them. They are patted on the rump and sent off with the others to wait until they can be released to pair up with their mothers.

I got to thinking that this is a lot like God calling us to Himself. Of course, He's the skillful one atop the horse. We're the ones cowering in the corner, unsure of that Presence in our midst. He magically catches us and takes us to a place where at first glance, there is lots of pain. But it turns out that the pain is for our own good. It is a part of life, and it is what helps us to thrive. And although it appears we are released to resume our old life, we are forever changed.

We are His.

(photo taken at the Saturday branding)