A Good Night Song

I finally got out to explore the land around me last Saturday morning. There was also a little snow Tuesday morning, and I found these snaps.

We've visited four churches so far trying to find one that fits us best, and during the service at two of the churches the doxology was sung. I hadn't sung that in years.

Doxology: a set form of words praising God; a usually liturgical expression of praise to God

Then, in a recent song I read during my devotions, the last verse was the doxology. I thought that was strange, so it took me to the computer to see what I could find.

And, indeed, the doxology was part of a song before it came into widespread use alone. The song that the doxology came from is titled: "Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun." It was written by Thomas Ken, 1637-1711. He also wrote "All Praise to You, My God, This Night" which is the song I read in my hymnal, where he also included those words as the last verse.

                                   Thought this group of trees made an impressive presence.

Ken wrote these songs at a time when the established church believed only Scripture should be sung as hymns, with an emphasis on the Psalms. Some considered it sinful and blasphemous to write new lyrics for church music, akin to adding to the Scriptures. In that atmosphere, Ken wrote this and several other hymns for the boys at Winchester College, with strict instructions that they use them only in their rooms for private devotions.

I find the words to "All Praise to You, My God, This Night" very meaningful, and would certainly be a good song to pray before one sleeps. Here are the words:

"For all the blessings of the light, Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, Beneath the shelter of Your wings.

"Forgive me, Lord, for this I pray, The wrong that I have done this day, May peace with God and neighbor be, Before I sleep, restored to me.

"Lord, may I be at rest in You And sweetly sleep the whole night thro', Refresh my strength, for Your own sake, So I may serve You when I wake.

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost."

Hymns continue to be what refreshes my soul the most. Yes, there are some very good songs out there that I love, but hymns say so much more than words.

                                                              Love this snap in the fog.

The next time I sing the doxology I will remember this little exercise and be refreshed. Music stirs the soul, a blessing we can thank our God for creating!

"The Christian ought to be a living doxology." Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Jerry and Mom were with me Tuesday morning driving around and Jerry liked this face in the roots of a tree.

Do You Need a "Note" Friend?

This art from Kerry Boone has always been a favorite of mine. It's how I feel about sending notes, and receiving notes in my mail box. It's a joy to open the mail box and find a note inside! I got this from a Lang calendar that I bought, and I think Lang also put it on one of their note cards.

It hasn't been my practice to choose a word or verse as mine for a year, but something Paul said in the first chapter of Romans caught my eye and held new meaning for me.

"I long to see you . . . so that you and I can be mutually encouraged by each other's faith."

I recently started reading Romans during my devotion time, and Paul's words stopped me fast!

"I often think that there is nothing so bad as parting with one's friends. One seems so forlorn without them." Jane Austen

Isn't that just how I feel? I left most of my friend's (all actually) back in Maryland, and how I long to see them again. To enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner while we're sitting together chatting about this and that, sharing our lives.

Some of my friends touch base via email once a week, and I love my daily exchanges with my sister, and a very dear friend. A few friends call. A few write notes. And all during those contacts we are encouraging each us, inspiring each other, soothing wounds for each other. I don't want to lose that.

In my new writing room I decided to put up two posters I used when I was speaking about note writing. I wanted to be reminded daily of the service God gave me to encourage others, and remember the joy I have in doing it.

Notes change lives. I have heard and read countless experiences where a note had an everlasting impact for the recipient. That's what happened to me.

Some of my note writing friends have corresponded for years. What a sacred trust and care I have for these ladies. And I'm hoping a few more of my friends will pick up the pen and discover the joy of writing a note and receiving one.

History tells of many relationships that were carried on through the writing of notes and letters. Many famous people were fervent letter writers: Ernest Hemingway, Stonewall Jackson, Ronald Reagan, Eleanor Roosevelt, E. B. White, John Keats, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

I've purchased books by these women that help you write notes: Florence Isaacs, Angela Ensminger and Daria Price Bowman. And, I also have my own book that I wrote to help you get started. Although out-of-print, I still have copies if you want to be a serious note writer for God, or know someone who is interested in note writing.

I know writing notes is not every ones forte, but there are some of you who enjoy writing and receiving notes. I'm wondering if there is someone who wants to be a "note" friend? Writing notes through the year to stay in touch while we share kindred hearts.

If you would like to be a "note" friend, please email me at writerofnotes@comcast.net giving me your name, address and a few words to make a connection. Or, there may be someone you know that you should be a note writing friend too.

I'm so glad I read that verse in Romans! I share Paul's love in keeping in touch with those who are far away. Encouragement feeds the heart and opens inspiring thoughts and dreams inside. Do you want to be a "Note" friend?

"Fill my notes with the breathings of my heart . . . and 'to begin, begin.'" Williams Wordsworth, Poet Laureate

Officially PA

I was accepted! I now have a PA driver's license. You would think it wouldn't be a big deal. Fill out forms, go to office, get license. It didn't work out quite like that.

My birth registration notice wasn't accepted because it wasn't my birth certificate. And my Social Security card wasn't accepted because it was laminated. I hate being rejected. So I had to come home and order them online. Second time around worked. They accepted my identification.

On the way home we stopped by Carpet Barn and bought a rug for the living room. Cranberry. Have I ever been this bold? But Jerry couldn't refuse me.

Ever since I agreed to move to Brookville Jerry said I could have anything I wanted. Pretty bold on his part. I love the colors cranberry and rose, and emerald and sage. Those are the colors in my living room. I can hardly wait until it gets here!

But the very first thing I bought for our move was a chair. I have admired this chair in a catalog for years. And I do mean years. I never thought I'd be able to get it. And when the move came about I decided now was the time.

Here I am in the writing room with my new chair! It is sooo comfortable. Another item on my wish list fulfilled.

I won't show you the rest of the writing room because it is still a mess! Now I have my own chair where I can go to read, write and dream. The ivory throw was a gift from my Sunday School class. It has a cross and Proverbs 11:25 on it. That's the verse I use for my note writing ministry. Thank you girls!

Yes, little by little things are coming together. Mom returns tomorrow from her extended visit with friends and family. Her room was painted last week. I think she'll be pleased.

We found some of our DVDs the other day and watched two of them one evening. It was the first night I truly felt at home. At home. Such a nice thought.

My days are falling into a nice pattern. Unpack a few boxes; straighten a room, read a little. Yes, I think by spring everything will be in order.

We've been here one month now. I still find it amazing how everything fell into place. (Well, except for those two harrowing days of moving!) I'm not sure why I feel amazed. My God is an amazing God!

It's a New Year! How do you feel?

      The beauty of snow always thrills my heart. "I will wash you as white as snow," our God says.

Oswald Chambers said: "My determination is to be my utmost for His highest . . . Keep yourself before God for this one thing only--my utmost for His highest."

As we begin this new year, I'm sharing parts of a post I wrote in January 2010. It gives me something to think about. I still feel the same way. How do you feel?

I spoke with an elderly woman on New Year’s Day, and the thing I remember most about our conversation is her comment that “I have nothing to look forward too in 2010 except good health.” When she said it my initial thought was “that’s sad.” Since then, I’ve been pondering that comment. Will I feel like that when I’m in my 80s? I don’t think so.

"We have to decide," Chambers says. "Surrender your will to Him absolutely and irrevocably . . . Keep your life so constant in its contact with God that His surprising power may break out on the right hand and on the left. Live in a constant state of expectancy."

"I know one thing I will still be able to do: pray! (if I have my mind.) What a glorious thing! There is nothing more important than talking to God. Interceding for others and their concerns is a BIG thing.

I will be at the portals of heaven very soon. I long for that moment now, so I’ll be very happy my day of leaving earth for life with the Father will be close.

I will have memories, if I have my mind. Remembering those things in the past that brought joy and happiness will capture the moments in my days. Yes, sad memories will be there too, but I have a feeling they won’t be as important as I grow close to heaven’s doors.

Although some friends will have passed away, I’m sure there will be a handful I can still communicate with. There will be a large circle of friends that I have made on my journey through life and we will encourage each us. Their love helped me all through the years and it won’t stop when I am older.

These thoughts are my hope if I reach the age of 80. Of course, my greatest hope is in Jesus. God has given us the greatest gift of all to see us through our time on earth. And He will be waiting for us when we go home.

I've chosen "The One Year Book of Encouragement" as my devotion book this year. I live in a new home, a new town, a new church and hopefully I will find new friends. I need all the encouragement I can get!

                   "I want to scale the utmost height, and catch a gleam of glory bright;
                  But still I'll pray, till heaven I've found, Lord, lead me on to higher ground!"
                                                                                            Johnson Oatman, Jr. and Charles H. Gabriel

I have a lot to look forward too. The choice is before you. You just have to take it! I hope you have something to look forward too!

"I am determined to be absolutely and entirely for Him and Him alone."