Published!

I'd been working on my blog all afternoon to enhance it for the publishing of my book. I made some changes in design, but haven't tweaked it quite right yet. I took a breather and thought I'd check around some just to see if my book had been released anywhere yet. I was pleasantly surprised to find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as the Inspiring Voices website!

I'm still waiting for my first copy to arrive. But you can order it now! What a dream come true!

The Old Hymnal

In my church on Sunday mornings there is an old friend that now sits undisturbed, unused. The hymnal seems to have been passed over for a new age and new ideas.

Eyes now look at a screen up front where words are displayed, four lines at a time. To me, it's so bare. Once the words are sung, they disappear for another four lines of words, and so on through the song. You don't get to see an entire verse in its whole, or dwell on the words because they are soon forgotten.

There is one who still holds the hymnal in her hands and delights in singing by looking at the words and music. Me. So many hymns build the gospel story as they go through the verses. I get much satisfaction being able to see the entire hymn in front of me so that I can dwell on the words as I sing.


The words don't disappear in a blink of the eye. The story unfolds before me and the meaning understood. Seeing the musical notes with the words adds to my enjoyment of the entire hymn. I cherish the book that speaks of Jesus and tells His story for all to know.

I was given a very special hymnal during my career with the Baptist Convention. I was honored to work with a man of music, a master of song and story. Dee Solomon was a perfect example of a man filled with God's word and gifted with His music, and Dee did what he could so others may know the love of Christ.

Dee's hand was in the creation of "The Baptist Hymnal for Home & Family." When I learned of this I told him I was going to purchase a copy for a special remembrance of his work. To my surprise and delight, Dee presented me with a copy and wrote the following lovely words on the front page. Below is his note, followed with the words typed.



"In deep appreciation for your friendship and whose life is truly symphonic, influencing all with its soft moments, many themes that develops into beautiful melodies, varied rhythms to meet the demand of the day. Thank you for your encouragement and constant caring. May the words and music of this hymnal be the source of inspiration for life's journey."

He truly encouraged the encourager.

In the book "Amazing Grace ... Inspiring Hymn Stories" Kenneth W. Osbeck shares this thought about the hymnal: "The church hymnal, a most important heritage of the Christian church, is one of the finest collections of man's thoughts and feelings about God."

I also like these words from an unknown author: "Hymns breathe the praise of saints, The vision of the prophets, The prayers of the penitent and the spirit of the martyrs. They bring solace to the sad, Assurance to the perplexed, Faith to the doubter and comfort to the oppressed. They span the centuries of history and bridge the barriers of denominations. Study them to be pure in heart; Sing them to be joyful in spirit, Store them in the mind to possess a treasury of worship." I do that best with hymnal in hand.

Some may think it easier to provide the words on a screen for people to sing. But, I ask, does it capture the heart of those singing or are the words forgotten to read the next line.

For reasons unknown to me, I've always been a loner, not following the crowd, standing alone. I guess I still am. I may be the last person standing who holds a hymnal in her hands, but I will cherish the book, where faithful men and women of old told God's story through their life for Christ. The old hymnal is my friend.

Soaring with Eagles

The other week my friend Cindy and I went to Conowingo Dam up in Harford County. Cindy had been following the eagles on the web, and November is a good time to get some snaps. I like the snap above because of the entire scene. The fall color with the eagle flying was neat!

I'm thinking we may have seen 10 to 12 eagles at different times. What an experience! I've only been fortunate to see one, may two, eagles, both at Blackwater Refuge in Cambridge.

It was a beautiful fall day, temperature warm (5 degrees warmer would have been nice) and the eagles were providing us with opportunities to snap away!

I didn't expect any great snaps with my little camera. I was hoping for some good snaps that I could enjoy. There were 8 to 10 folks with those thousand dollars lenses, but I wasn't intimidated. One older fella was looking out for me, pointing out eagles in trees.


The snap above actually had three eagles roosting, but I only managed to get two in the picture. But I was indeed happy! The snap below, only one eagle was resting for awhile.


Yes, I was soaring with the eagles and it was an exuberant feeling! Just as it says in Isaiah 40:31: "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles ..." The snap below is the best close up I got!

The Best Part of Life

"Yes, autumn is really the best of the seasons; and I'm not sure that old age isn't the best part of life. But of course, like autumn, it doesn't last." C. S. Lewis

My sister-in-law, Bobbie, called one Friday morning and said, "I'm going to Thurmont to get some fall pictures. Do you want to come along? Newly retired, and not haven taken many snaps lately, I said yes!



There was beauty to be found everywhere. Oh, if only it could last! The sky was a beautiful blue, just a perfect day to be out enjoying God's creation. A perfect time for reflection.

"Hiding in every flower, in every leaf, in every twig and bough, are reflections of the God who once walked with us in Eden." Tonia Triebwasser

We'll see that garden of Eden one day, and it will be perfect!






Once, Bobbie told me to look up--and look at what I saw! To think I almost missed it.

Yes, autumn is a beautiful season. Helen Steiner Rice wrote these words about autumn: "What a wonderful time is life's autumn, When the leaves of the trees are all gold, When God fills each day as He sends it, With memories priceless and old."

Reflecting on God's blessings warms your heart and inspires your soul. Musing about Lewis' statement about being old may be the best part of life, I'm tending to agree. All of nature now embraces me as it never has before.


The things of this world mean far less than they use to, and the things of God far more. Touching somebody's heart is more important than any achievement I've aimed for or any pleasure I desired.

George Washington Carver said this about nature: "I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in."

I encourage you to "tune in" as you pass a babbling brook, a majestic tree or see a soaring hawk. This may be the best part of your life! And for all those who know Jesus, the ultimate part of your life will be seeing Him!