Friday, November 30, 2007

More Christmas Music

O' Holy Night by Stephanie Marrott
O' Holy Night


See a video of Josh Groban singing O Holy Night at Josh Groban Celebrate Noel. This is really strange, but I cannot get the link to work on Internet Explorer. You may have to look it up yourself.

Also listen to and read about Michael W. Smith's new CD here. I read about this at Nancy's In My Neck of the Woods.

Image courtesy of All Posters

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Remembering Childhood Songs

Playtime by Frederick Morgan
Playtime


These have nothing to do with Christmas, but at a recent family gathering , my sister asked about a song our mother used to sing. She sang the cutest songs to us. Of course I remembered this one - Mares Eat Oats. I looked it up, and it was very popular in 1944. You can turn off the music playing in my sidebar. I found the cutest arrangement of it here. While you are there, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Teddy Bear Picnic, it is so cute for little ones.
My sister just reminded me of another song, "Yes, We Have No Bananas." You can see the words and hear the refrain here.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Cold Weather

Early Snow by Edward J. Bierly
Early Snow


Here is a note that I received in a church newsletter email. It was in the bulletin.

"As the cooler weather and turning leaves remind us, change is in the air. While some may look at this as the onset of cold gray days, I'm already looking forward to April showers and May flowers.

I am so thankful that God does not leave me where I am but lovingly guides me through my seasons of change. There are gray days and, yes, there are cold days, but I know spring is coming and there will be new growth and new opportunities that never without a change of season. These seasonal changes are inevitable so don't fight it. Saints, pursue change! Embrace it! Learn to allow His joy to be your strength as you allow God to shape your life day by day."

Looking forward to spring, does help me make it through the cold winter. I am thankful I'm not working now and can stay home. I know that even the Word says Who can stand the cold, but I can't find the verse in the Search God's Word Bible online. I did find this neat verse though.

Proverbs 25:13 -
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Thanks to Jodi, who found this scripture:

Psalm 147:17 -
He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?

Image courtesy of All Posters

Monday, November 26, 2007

Our Everlasting God

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.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Christmas Music

Christmas Caroling by Kate Greenaway
Christmas Caroling


Saturday morning I found some wonderful Christmas music websites.

When I saw this one, I especially thought of my musician friends, Jodi, Betty, and Beka. I'm sure there are more of you (oh, and Barbara), but these are the ones I know about. You can turn off the music that is playing here.
An Online Christmas Songbook

Here is another neat website. After you hear one tune, you can turn off the music at the bottom of the page to listen to another one.
Christmas Songbook

The Hymns and Carols of Christmas

There are other great Christmas music sites, I found in years before, that I will share later. I was looking for hymns today.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Eight Random Facts Meme

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.

Friday, November 23, 2007

100th Post Already

You are Precious by David Sorensen
You are Precious


Jer 31:3 -
The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

I can't believe I have already posted 100 posts. I really would like to have a giveaway, but due to finances, that will have to wait until later. I just want to thank all my readers and friends I have met through this blog. I do appreciate you all. Hopefully, later, I can have a giveaway. :o)

Here are a few posts to share with you.

Haus Frau at Lula's Hardt had a great Thanksgiving post with Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation here.

La Tea Dah at Gracious Hospitality had an interesting Thanksgiving post here.

Cindy at Notes in the Key of Life had a wonderful post to get you in the Christmas mood here.

Image courtesy of All Posters

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Joys, Turkey and Apples
Thanksgiving Joys, Turkey and Apples


Psalm 136

O GIVE thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever.
8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever.
9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever.
11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever.
12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever.
14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever.
15 But overthrew Pharoah and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever.
18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever.
20 And Og king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever.
21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever.
24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.


In Everything Give Thanks - a Christian Thanksgiving Flash Presentation

Happy Thanksgiving card - Pumpkin Pie

Image courtesy of All Posters

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Thank You

Sweet Blessings Rest on Thee
Sweet Blessings Rest on Thee


I want to thank Deby at Apples of Gold for the Encouraging Blogger Award. This award is supposed to be given to those who encourage us with comments.
I also don't want to have to choose from all the bloggers who encourage me. I love and appreciate all comments here. I do, however, want to give it to Mimi, who faithfully reads and comments on my blog. I realize that some of my readers don't like to accept awards. To the many of my friends with blogs, from among my favorites, who encourage me with comments, please accept this award.



Image courtesy of All Posters

Sunday, November 18, 2007

"Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart"

The Choir and Banners, St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Dublin, County Dublin, Eire (Ireland) by Bruno Barbier
The Choir and Banners, St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Dublin, County Dublin, Eire (Ireland)


Rejoice, ye pure in heart, Rejoice, give thanks, and sing.
Your festal banner wave on high, The cross of Christ your King.
Rejoice, rejoice, Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!

Saint Mary and the Choir of Angels, from the Wilton Diptych
Saint Mary and the Choir of Angels, from the Wilton Diptych


With all the angel choirs, With all the saints on earth,
Pour out the strains of joy and bliss, True rapture, noblest mirth!
Rejoice, rejoice, Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!

Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa


Yes, on through life's long path, Still chanting as we go;
From youth to age, by night and day, In gladness and in woe.
Rejoice, rejoice, Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!

The Star-Spangled Banner
The Star-Spangled Banner


Still lift your standard high, Still march in firm array;
As warriors through the darkness toil Till dawns the golden day.
Rejoice, rejoice, Rejoice, give thanks, and sing!

Text: Edward H. Plumptre
Music: Arthur H. Messiter

You can listen to the tune at Cyber Hymnal.

Images courtesy of All Posters

Friday, November 16, 2007

Mail for Sharing


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

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

God's Children



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"


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

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Devotional by Charles Spurgeon

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.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Wedding Day

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

Friday, November 9, 2007

Veterans Day



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

Another Hodgepodge



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

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

"Blessed Assurance"



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

Monday, November 5, 2007

Revelation song - Worship Leader - Kari Jobe

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.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Lilies of the Word

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!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Come Unto Me




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

Healing



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.