I Journaled Through 2024

"In a very real sense, the writer writes in order to teach [herself]."

Alfred Kazin, 1915-1998

This year I have been writing in a journal for my 75th year of life, and I'm almost done. There are just a few line spaces on a few pages that need to be filled in. I'm so glad I decided to do this.

Most of the writings are quotes that I've read, Scripture that I treasure and hymns that I love to sing. It is a very special accomplishment, hand-written throughout. All those words that encouragement me, inspire me and bring hope to my heart.

I purchased the journal from my friend, Karla Dornacher, who I've had the pleasure of meeting. Karla also wrote the Forward in my note writing book. I've been encouraged by her writing and art and have a number of the books she created. Her journal had my favorite word on the front: HOPE. It was the perfect cover for my 75-year journal.

 

The first page was dedicated to my 75th birthday and worshipped God through the beautiful words of "Worthy of Worship."

I went through my devotion books to find quotes that I highlighted so I could write them in this journal. Words that have a special meaning to me and encourage and inspire me. All my favorites in one book.

I did the same thing with my Bible. I went through it and stopped at verses I highlighted and added them to the journal. Verses that have helped me during difficult times; verses that make me smile.

I looked through my hymnal to find hymns that had special meaning, that worshipped God, praised God and told me my God loves me. 

I even put some pictures in that had felt like me through my life. I always liked this girl that kept saying she is fine.

A labor of love. A purpose to fulfill. A year of HOPE. And here I am the last day of 2024. I will cherish this project that I dedicated myself to complete. I wanted to celebrate this year that God gave me. Afterall, you only turn 75 once in your lifetime. 

By His Grace . . .

The Bells Still Ring

 

I’m dreaming of church bells ringing. I haven’t heard any ring in a few years now, but I know they still ring. They’ll be ringing until Jesus comes again.

Recently I watched the movie, "I Heard the Bells" about the true story behind the great hymn, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by Henry W. Longfellow.

Longfellow was an American poet whose name is well known. His first wife, Mary Potter, died in 1835 after a miscarriage. His second wife, Frances Appleton, died in 1861 after sustaining burns when her dress caught fire. After her death, Longfellow had difficulty writing poetry for a time and focused on translating works from foreign languages.

On Friday, December 25, 1863, Longfellow—as a 57-year-old widowed father of six children, the oldest of which had been nearly paralyzed as his country fought a war against itself, wrote a poem seeking to capture the dissonance in his own heart and the world he observes around him that Christmas Day.

He heard the Christmas bells ringing in Cambridge and the singing of “peace on earth, good-will to men” and was deeply inspired by the Christmas season. Despite his personal tragedies, Longfellow remained resilient and found solace in his faith. In “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” Longfellow expresses his desire for peace and reconciliation and his belief that one day, all will be made right in the world.

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day, Their old, familiar carols play
And wild and sweet, The words repeat, Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

“I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song, Of peace on earth, good will to men.

“And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song, Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men.”

“Till, ringing singing, on its way, The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, Of peace on earth, good will to men!”

Maybe I’ll hear bells ringing this Christmas season. Our God is not dead. He’s alive. He cares. He will ring those bells until Jesus comes again. For those who know Him He gives peace in our hearts. Listen for the bells and thank God for a reason to believe.

By His Grace . . . 

How is Your "Wonder"?

 "Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. 

From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy." 

Psalm 65:8

Little children are full of awe and wonder. It's a joy to watch them in their excitement of the simplest of things like blowing a dandelion into the wind or jumping for joy over snowflakes twirling in the snow.

Our wonder sometimes gets lost in the busyness and work of life. I like what Cheri wrote on, I believe,  the God of Wonder Facebook page: "Many of us adults, however, have lost our sense of wonder and awe. This is why we are given psalms which describes God's absolute power and creative miracles. These psalms draw us out of our ho-hum, busy existence, back to a childlike wonder of our great God, the God who fills the sky with clouds, gives His orders to the world, sends the snow like white wool, and hurls the hail like stones. Who treated everything and possesses all power and yet cares for the weak and brokenhearted. Who reigns over every nation and galaxy and yet delights in the simple, heartfelt devotion of those who trust Him. He is a God whose understanding is beyond human comprehension. Surely a God like this can inspire our wonder and awe."

It is true. The psalms remind us of all God is and all He does. What a great reminder!

In George Beverly Shea's book, "How Sweet the Sound," he tells a story about a man he met on a passenger ship. The man was the president of a New York publishing company. They began talking about a crusade that was happening in England and the man asked, "What goes on?" Shea wrote: "I mentioned the necessary weeks of preparation for each event and the beautiful volunteer choir led by Cliff Barrows. Then I began to speak of the message of God's love extended to everyone, and so eloquently expressed by the gracious southern gentleman, Billy Graham . . . I found myself quickly adding, 'Oh sir, if you could see it, the wonder of it all!' The man pulled out an envelope and wrote something in large letters. He flashed in front of me these words: 'The Wonder of It All.'" And that's how that lovely song came to be.

Revive your awe and wonder as we continue celebrating the birth of Christ and look forward to the joy before us from a loving God. 

"O the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!

Just to think that God loves me.

O the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all! 

Just to think that god loves me."

By His Grace . . .

One Life

 

"The testimony of one life lived for Christ is powerful! One life cleansed through faith in the blood of Jesus. One life that confesses, 'Jesus is Lord.' One life that has the courage to stand for godly convictions in the midst of moral compromise. One life that tells the truth. One life that lives the truth. One life that lifts high the Light! You can be that one life!" Anne Graham Lott, The Joy of My Heart

Are you that one life? The one who stands for Christ? The one who sings His praises? The one who studies His Word? The one who seeks the lost? The one who believes completely? The one who has that deep-settled confidence that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world?

I want to me that one life! I want to shine bright for Christ so others can see His glory by what I do. I fail miserably. Yet, just knowing it is obtainable and having the desire to do it, even when I fail, keeps me pressing on.

This month as we celebrate His birth and focus our attention on all He has done for us, remember you are one who believes and let it shine within your life. 

Any good we do to reach the heart of another is acceptable to God. Think of that friend you haven't heard from and give her a call. Do you have a friend going through a difficult time? Write a note or drop off a homemade treat. Visit an elderly neighbor who may be all alone with no family to reach out too. 

You are one life. Your one life can make a difference. Even if you are hurting this Christmas season, your heart will be encouraged if you'll reach out to someone else to encourage them.

Be that one life! Shine for Jesus! Tell the world He is your Savior, and you are celebrating Him. Bring joy to your heart and others as we walk through this Christmas season. 

By His Grace . . .

Singing Joy!

Have you started singing Christmas Carols? Yesterday I did! Every morning I'm singing one Christmas Carol and then reading the story behind the song in my hymn devotion book.

"Joy to the World" was the first carol I sang. It was written by Isaac Watts at a time when most of the singing in British churches was from the Psalms. He became dissatisfied with the quality of singing so, he "invented" the English hymn.

"Taking various psalms, he studied them from the perspective of Jesus and the New Testament, and then formed them into verses for singing," Robert J. Morgan wrote in his book: Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition. "Watts said: 'I have rather expressed myself as I may suppose David would have done if he lived in the days of Christianity, and by this means, perhaps I have sometimes hit upon the true intent of the Spirit of God in those verse farther and clearer than David himself could ever discover.'"

Think about all the beautiful Christmas Carols we sing during this blessed season. Just by reading lines from a carol you know the music and can't help but sing! Give it a try!

"The First Noel," "Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel." 

"It Came Uon the Midnight Clear," "Peace on the earth good will to men, From heaven's all gracious King! The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing."

"Angels We Have Heard on High," . . . Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains." 

"I Heard the Bells on Christ Day," . . . Their old familiar carols play. And wild and sweet the words repeat, Of peace on earth, good will to men." 

What Child Is This? "So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; come peasant king to own Him. The King of kings, salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him." 

"O Little Town of Bethlehem," 'O holy child of Bethlehem, Descend to us we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today."

"There's a Song in the Air," "In the light of that star Lie the ages impearled; And that song from afar Has swept over the world."" 

Away in a Manger," "The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes."

This Christmas Season enjoy a Christmas hymn each day, both singing and reading the words. The joy that fills your soul will carry you through each day. If concerns are heavy on your heart this year, remembering these hymns from childhood may help you go through this month with a lighter heart and the HOPE God has given us.

By His  Grace . . .