A wonderful devotional by Charles Spurgeion~
Psalm 93:2
Thou art from everlasting.
Christ is EVERLASTING. Of Him we may sing with David, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever." Rejoice, believer, in Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Jesus always was. The Babe born in Bethlehem was united to the Word, which was in the beginning, by whom all things were made. The title by which Christ revealed Himself to John in Patmos was, "Him which is, and which was, and which is to come." If He were not God from everlasting, we could not so devoutly love Him; we could not feel that He had any share in the eternal love which is the fountain of all covenant blessings; but since He was from all eternity with the Father, we trace the stream of divine love to Himself equally with His Father and the blessed Spirit. As our Lord always was, so also He is for evermore. Jesus is not dead; "He ever liveth to make intercession for us." Resort to Him in all your times of need, for He is waiting to bless you still. Moreover, Jesus our Lord ever shall be. If God should spare your life to fulfil your full day of threescore years and ten, you will find that His cleansing fountain is still opened, and His precious blood has not lost its power; you shall find that the Priest who filled the healing fount with His own blood, lives to purge you from all iniquity. When only your last battle remains to be fought, you shall find that the hand of your conquering Captain has not grown feeble-the living Saviour shall cheer the dying saint. When you enter heaven you shall find Him there bearing the dew of His youth; and through eternity the Lord Jesus shall still remain the perennial spring of joy, and life, and glory to His people. Living waters may you draw from this sacred well! Jesus always was, He always is, He always shall be. He is eternal in all His attributes, in all His offices, in all His might, and willingness to bless, comfort, guard, and crown His chosen people.
Once Upon a Winters Night
Today is the first day of winter.
Psalm 147:16-17 He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He castest forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?
Winter Panorama
Image courtesy of All Posters
I just want to share with you a couple of wonderful Christmas links. At both of these sites, you will find a wealth of Christmas joy.
My friend, Barbara ~ 'Tis the Christmas Season, Holy Spirit inspired, at Barbara's Entourage!
And Peggy at Peggie's Place ~ A Top Ten Christmas at Peggie's Place.
Bethlehem..., out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be the ruler in Israel; Micah 5:2
The First Christmas Gift
I loved this at Sharon's Keeper of the Home ~ Teach the Children
Here is another version with music ~ True Meaning of Christmas
There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, Isaiah 11:1
Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming As men of old have sung.
It came, a Flower bright, A mid the cold of winter,
When half gone was the night.
Oh, what a beautiful devotional by Charles Spurgeon!
Psalm 93:2
Thou art from everlasting.
Christ is EVERLASTING. Of Him we may sing with David, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever." Rejoice, believer, in Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Jesus always was. The Babe born in Bethlehem was united to the Word, which was in the beginning, by whom all things were made. The title by which Christ revealed Himself to John in Patmos was, "Him which is, and which was, and which is to come." If He were not God from everlasting, we could not so devoutly love Him; we could not feel that He had any share in the eternal love which is the fountain of all covenant blessings; but since He was from all eternity with the Father, we trace the stream of divine love to Himself equally with His Father and the blessed Spirit. As our Lord always was, so also He is for evermore. Jesus is not dead; "He ever liveth to make intercession for us." Resort to Him in all your times of need, for He is waiting to bless you still. Moreover, Jesus our Lord ever shall be. If God should spare your life to fulfil your full day of threescore years and ten, you will find that His cleansing fountain is still opened, and His precious blood has not lost its power; you shall find that the Priest who filled the healing fount with His own blood, lives to purge you from all iniquity. When only your last battle remains to be fought, you shall find that the hand of your conquering Captain has not grown feeble-the living Saviour shall cheer the dying saint. When you enter heaven you shall find Him there bearing the dew of His youth; and through eternity the Lord Jesus shall still remain the perennial spring of joy, and life, and glory to His people. Living waters may you draw from this sacred well! Jesus always was, He always is, He always shall be. He is eternal in all His attributes, in all His offices, in all His might, and willingness to bless, comfort, guard, and crown His chosen people.
Barbara at Tidbits and Treasures has tagged me for the 8 Random Facts Meme.
Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
Write a post about your own 8 random things.
Post these rules.
At the end of your blog, tag 8 people and post their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them they're tagged.
Here are 8 random facts about me.
1. I was born before I was due on April Fools Day.
My Daddy could not convince anyone that I was born.
Finally, my Grandmother (mother's mother) believed him.
2. I am the oldest of four children and have two younger brothers and a sister.
3. I am short, only 5'3 1/2" tall. PS (after the fact) I just went for a physical and found out I am only 5'2". I must have been wearing my shoes. :o)
4. I love music and have written hymns and songs.
5. I love my little flower garden.
6. I had a real estate broker's license and sold real estate.
7. I have a BA in Education, but worked for years doing bookkeeping at my daddy's office. This helped me when my children were young.
8. I worked as a receptionist at a Christian Radio Station.
I am tagging:
1. Candy ~ At Home With Candy
2. Jodi ~ The Deputy Domain
3. Beka ~ More Love To Thee
4. Betty ~ Country Charm
5. Nancy ~ In My Neck of the Woods
6. Saija ~ Thro' a Glass Darkly
7. Deby ~ Apples of Gold
8. Anyone who wants to participate.
I just had to share these lovely pictures with you, although there is one near the end, in my opinion, that contains no beauty at all. A friend sent me the email "Beautiful mix of music, animals and scenery" found here. Turn the sound up.
For an early Thanksgiving wish go here.
Image courtesy of All Posters
Psalm 127:3 -
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Mark 10:13-14 -
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
There is a precious video of a little girl reciting Psalm 23 here.
Image courtesy of All Posters
Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of ev'ry nation, Joy of ev'ry longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver, Born a Child, and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Words: Charles Wesley (1745
Music: Rowland H. Prichard (1830)
Listen to the tune here.
Images courtesy of All Posters
Matthew 10:25
It is enough for the disciple that he be as His Master.
No one will dispute this statement, for it would be unseemly for the servant to be exalted above his Master. When our Lord was on earth, what was the treatment He received? Were His claims acknowledged, His instructions followed, His perfections worshipped, by those whom He came to bless? No; "He was despised and rejected of men." Outside the camp was His place: cross-bearing was His occupation. Did the world yield Him solace and rest? "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head." This inhospitable country afforded Him no shelter: it cast Him out and crucified Him. Such-if you are a follower of Jesus, and maintain a consistent, Christ-like walk and conversation-you must expect to be the lot of that part of your spiritual life which, in its outward development, comes under the observation of men. They will treat it as they treated the Saviour-they will despise it. Dream not that worldlings will admire you, or that the more holy and the more Christ-like you are, the more peaceably people will act towards you. They prized not the polished gem, how should they value the jewel in the rough? "If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of His household?" If we were more like Christ, we should be more hated by His enemies. It were a sad dishonour to a child of God to be the world's favourite. It is a very ill omen to hear a wicked world clap its hands and shout "Well done" to the Christian man. He may begin to look to his character, and wonder whether he has not been doing wrong, when the unrighteous give him their approbation. Let us be true to our Master, and have no friendship with a blind and base world which scorns and rejects Him. Far be it from us to seek a crown of honour where our Lord found a coronet of thorn.
Today is my daughter and son-in-law's anniversary. They got married on Veteran's Day and wanted me to write a song. So here is the song I wrote for them.
Click here for music.
Wedding Day
On this our wedding day, Lord, join us together,
To live in harmony forever and ever.
Teach us to love each other patient and kindly.
Make ours a happy home, a refuge from the storm.
Joyful wedding day, Precious gift of love,
Showers of blessings come down from above.
Joyful wedding day, as we celebrate,
Thank you our Father for this our wedding day.
We vow to love each other now and forever,
In sickness and in health through all our tomorrows.
We need you every day to lead us and guide us.
Keep us forever more in your tender care.
Joyful wedding day, Precious gift of love,
Showers of blessings come down from above.
Joyful wedding day, as we celebrate,
Thank you our Father for this our wedding day.
You are the mighty God, the King of Creation.
Let everything on earth praise and adore you.
Cover us with your hand, your hand of protection.
Fill our hearts with your love, your everlasting love.
Joyful wedding day, Precious gift of love,
Showers of blessings come down from above.
Joyful wedding day, as we celebrate,
Thank you our Father for this our wedding day.
Words and Music by Cathy L. Simpson
© Copyright 1994 by Cathy L. Simpson
Psalm 33:12 -
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Today we honor, thank, and express our appreciation to all the veterans who have served our country for our freedom.
I found this at Andie's Isle, a beautiful website, Wings of Freedom.
Today is also The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.
And today is my daughter and son-in-law's anniversary. They got married on Veteran's Day and wanted me to write a song. So here is the song I wrote for them. Click here for the music.
Wedding Day
On this our wedding day, Lord, join us together,
To live in harmony forever and ever.
Teach us to love each other patient and kindly.
Make ours a happy home, a refuge from the storm.
Joyful wedding day, Precious gift of love,
Showers of blessings come down from above.
Joyful wedding day, as we celebrate,
Thank you our Father for this our wedding day.
We vow to love each other now and forever,
In sickness and in health through all our tomorrows.
We need you every day to lead us and guide us.
Keep us forever more in your tender care.
Joyful wedding day, Precious gift of love,
Showers of blessings come down from above.
Joyful wedding day, as we celebrate,
Thank you our Father for this our wedding day.
You are the mighty God, the King of Creation.
Let everything on earth praise and adore you.
Cover us with your hand, your hand of protection.
Fill our hearts with your love, your everlasting love.
Joyful wedding day, Precious gift of love,
Showers of blessings come down from above.
Joyful wedding day, as we celebrate,
Thank you our Father for this our wedding day.
Words and Music © Copyright 1994 by Cathy L. Simpson
Images courtesy of All Posters
Here is a pretty link, Autumn Leaves, found in the Fun 'n Faith newsletter at Peggie's Place.
There is a really cute short video of "Squirrels are Smart" at DK's A Flyover Blog.
In The Source Daily newsletter, I found "This Wild Bird Can Imitate ANY Sound."
Here is a pretty picture at Karen's Karenskorner - "He Is Albino, And He Is Beautiful!"
Image courtesy of All Posters
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst in my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Refrain
Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Saviour am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long.
Read how this beautiful hymn was written by Fanny Crosby and her friend, Phoebe Knapp. There is other interesting information about references to the hymn by soldiers found at Cyber Hymnal.
I also found the hymn on another neat website found here.
Image courtesy of All Posters
I found this beautiful praise and worship video at Sue's Praise and Coffee.
Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord.
You can see the video at You-Tube here.
It does not seem to play well on my blog.
This is a beautiful devotional by Charles Spurgeon. I love these words: "Jesus feedeth among the lilies of the word, and you walk among those lilies, and yet you behold Him not."
Luke 24:16
But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him.
The disciples ought to have known Jesus, they had heard His voice so often, and gazed upon that marred face so frequently, that it is wonderful they did not discover Him. Yet is it not so with you also? You have not seen Jesus lately. You have been to His table, and you have not met Him there. You are in a dark trouble this evening, and though He plainly says, "It is I, be not afraid," yet you cannot discern Him. Alas! our eyes are holden. We know His voice; we have looked into His face; we have leaned our head upon His bosom, and yet, though Christ is very near us, we are saying "O that I knew where I might find Him!" We should know Jesus, for we have the Scriptures to reflect His image, and yet how possible it is for us to open that precious book and have no glimpse of the Wellbeloved! Dear child of God, are you in that state? Jesus feedeth among the lilies of the word, and you walk among those lilies, and yet you behold Him not. He is accustomed to walk through the glades of Scripture, and to commune with His people, as the Father did with Adam in the cool of the day, and yet you are in the garden of Scripture, but cannot see Him, though He is always there. And why do we not see Him? It must be ascribed in our case, as in the disciples', to unbelief. They evidently did not expect to see Jesus, and therefore they did not know Him. To a great extent in spiritual things we get what we expect of the Lord. Faith alone can bring us to see Jesus. Make it your prayer, "Lord, open Thou mine eyes, that I may see my Saviour present with me." It is a blessed thing to want to see Him; but oh! it is better far to gaze upon Him. To those who seek Him He is kind; but to those who find Him, beyond expression is He dear!
Ex.3:14
Is.40:31
Matt.11:28-30
Click here for music.
Come Unto Me
Come unto me ye who are weary, and I will give thee rest.
Call unto me in thy weakness, and I will give thee strength.
Then ye shall mount up as the eagles and soar on heights above.
Rest for thy soul and refreshing, thy God will give to thee.
Call unto me ye brokenhearted, and I will heal thy wounds.
Call unto me for thy healing, and I will answer thee.
I am the Lord, Thy God who heals thee, I AM the great I Am.
My love is everlasting, my peace I give to Thee.
Come unto me beloved child, Take my yoke upon thee.
Learn of me, my yoke is easy, and I am meek in heart.
Then ye shall mount up as the eagles, and soar on heights above.
Rest for thy soul and refreshing, Thy God will give to thee.
Text and Music Cathy L. Simpson
© Copyright 1995 by Cathy L. Simpson
"Wordsong Collection"
image courtesy of All Posters
Psalm 30:2 -
O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
Psalm 107:20 -
He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions
Matthew 4:23 -
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
Matthew 14:14 -
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
Mark 6:13 -
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Luke 4:40 -
Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
Acts 5:16 -
There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
James 5:16 -
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
1Peter 2:24 -
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
James 5:14 -
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Malachi 4:2 -
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
A few little cute links today for all to enjoy ~
Another great link found at Cindy's Notes in the Key of Life - Singing Horses
Crow and Cat video found here
Another cute story from The Source Daily newsletter - Hippo and Torto
Song for Today - This Is The Day That The Lord Has Made
image courtesy of All Posters
Greta's Gretawire - Our lovely First Lady, Laura Bush, in the middle east - Pink Majlis
Patricia's Pollywog Creek - Saturday Photo Hunt - Pink
Tea Graces Newsletter - Crown Jewel Club
Betty's Country Charm - Friday Show and Tell.....Yes it is.....no it isn't.......
image courtesy of All Posters
Recently we had a few days of much needed wonderful rain. I know it seems I am preoccupied with the rain topic, but we have really had a shortage. My friend asked if I had posted this hymn, so I thought it would be appropriate. Thank God for His refreshing rain.
"There shall be showers of blessing,"
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Saviour above.
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
"There shall be showers of blessing,"
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
"There shall be showers of blessing,"
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor thy Word.
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
"There shall be showers of blessing,"
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we're confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call.
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
Words: Daniel W. Whittle,1883
Music: James McGranahan
Just in case you don't know the tune, listen here at The Trinity Hymnal.
image courtesy of All Posters
How great the bliss to be a sheep of Jesus, And to be guided by His shepherd staff! Earth's greatest honors, how so e'er they please us, Compared to this are vain and empty chaff. Yea, what this world can never give, May through the Shepherd's grace, each needy sheep receive.
Here is a pasture, rich and never failing, Here living waters in abundance flow; None can conceive the grace with them prevailing, Who Jesus' shepherd voice obey and know: He banishes all fear and strife, And leads them gently on to everlasting life.
Who e'er would spend his days in lasting pleasure Must come to Christ and join His flock with speed; Here is a feast prepared, rich beyond measure, The world meanwhile on empty husks must feed. Those souls may share in every good Whose shepherd doth possess the treasuries of God.
Words by Johann Jakob Rambach (1727)
Music by Johann Gottlieb Wagner (1742)
This is a beautiful old Moravian hymn, and Cyber Hymnal does not have it. After much searching, I finally found the tune. Just click on the first black and white notes to the left of Harmony here. Be sure to listen to hear the wonderful sound of the Moravian music.
Johh 10:14 - I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
John 10:27 -
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 10:11 -
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
images courtesy of All Posters
This cute video of Snowball, the dancing and singing cockatoo, has been circulating on the internet. Though it is not my kind of music, Snowball loves the Backstreet Boys and even takes many bows at the end. I think it is very cute, and you can see it here in "The Source Daily" newsletter.
This is a very short, cute video of a cat, Duslo Falls Asleep. See it here.
This video is of a 7 year old singer, Anthony Garfiula, and you can see him here. I found out about him at Cindy's Notes in the Key of Life.
I found this lovely beautiful video at Sue's Praise and Coffee. It is David Crowder's Everything Glorious.
I went outside today after some much needed rain. My little flower garden looked very refreshed. During the summer, when it was so dry, I did a post about rain here.
Psalm 104:13 -
He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.
Psalm 68:9 -
Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
Acts 14:17 -
Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
This is a wonderful devotional by Charles Spurgeon about how our good shepherd takes care of His lambs.
Isaiah 40:11
He shall gather the lambs with His arm.
Our good Shepherd has in His flock a variety of experiences, some are strong in the Lord, and others are weak in faith, but He is impartial in His care for all His sheep, and the weakest lamb is as dear to Him as the most advanced of the flock. Lambs are wont to lag behind, prone to wander, and apt to grow weary, but from all the danger of these infirmities the Shepherd protects them with His arm of power. He finds new-born souls, like young lambs, ready to perish-He nourishes them till life becomes vigorous; He finds weak minds ready to faint and die-He consoles them and renews their strength. All the little ones He gathers, for it is not the will of our heavenly Father that one of them should perish. What a quick eye He must have to see them all! What a tender heart to care for them all! What a far- reaching and potent arm, to gather them all! In His lifetime on earth He was a great gatherer of the weaker sort, and now that He dwells in heaven, His loving heart yearns towards the meek and contrite, the timid and feeble, the fearful and fainting here below. How gently did He gather me to Himself, to His truth, to His blood, to His love, to His church! With what effectual grace did He compel me to come to Himself! Since my first conversion, how frequently has He restored me from my wanderings, and once again folded me within the circle of His everlasting arm! The best of all is, that He does it all Himself personally, not delegating the task of love, but condescending Himself to rescue and preserve His most unworthy servant. How shall I love Him enough or serve Him worthily? I would fain make His name great unto the ends of the earth, but what can my feebleness do for Him? Great Shepherd, add to Thy mercies this one other, a heart to love Thee more truly as I ought.
image courtesy of All Posters
O for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears, That bids our our sorrows cease, 'Tis music in the sinner's ears, 'Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood availed for me.
Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb, Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come, And leap, ye lame, for joy.
My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim,
To spread thro' all the earth abroad, The honors of Thy name.
Words: Charles Wesley (1739) (on the first anniversary of his conversion to Christ)
And be sure to see all the other beautiful verses he wrote.
Music: Carl G. Glaser (1828)
Listen to the hymn here.
Images courtesy of All Poster
