The Party Begins!

"Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen.

He named it Ebenezer, saying,

'Thus far the Lord has helped us.'"

1 Samuel 7:12

"Then will come old age, sickness, disease, and death, but will this be the end? No! We will awaken to much more -- the likeness of Jesus, thrones, harps, sons, psalms, robes of righteousness, the face of Jesus, the fellowship of the saints, the glory of God, infinite happiness, and the fullness of eternity."

Charles Spurgeon

2024. A new year. A significant year. A meaningful year. I turn 75.

In March, on my favorite number of 14, I turn 75. I’m going to celebrate!

When I turned 50, I decided it was time to celebrate all month. Celebrations give us something to be thankful for. It’s time to celebrate all year!

I’ve learned through the years when you don’t have any family to celebrate with you have to make an effort to celebrate! So, I decided God has done so much for me that it's time to celebrate! Celebrating special times or accomplishments are important to encourage us all and inspire us to continue on.

When I lived in Maryland, I had lifelong friends I could celebrate with. Since moving to Pennsylvania, where I knew no one, my number of friends has increased slowly. So, I have made an effort to remember to celebrate and be happy with small or large accomplishments. Turning 75 is a large accomplishment! (Of course, partying at 75 is a lot different than partying in my younger years!)

Ten years ago I found my lost charm bracelet when we were cleaning out my mother’s home. I was given the charm bracelet by my parents when I was in the 10^th grade.  I started putting charms on it that reflected my life. A graduation cap was one of the first charms placed on it. A sewing machine charm was next. And my life story began.

Lady friends. Did you have a charm bracelet when you were growing up? They've been around a long, long time. The web placed them in the Neolithic era, 4,000 to 3500 B.C. They’ve shown up in the Roman Empire, Knights and Middle Ages, early 20th century through the Greatest Generation. By the 1950s, the charm bracelet was a must-have accessory for girls and women.

In Jacki Lyden's book "Charmed Bracelets" she says: " . . . the most irresistible and alluring thing about a charm bracelet is its ability to tell a story unique to its owner . . . Truly, to wear one is to wear your history upon your sleeve." Jacki also said: "Charm bracelets express who a woman is in a subtle way, simultaneously giving a whimsical little nod to her style while also serving as a record of remembrance of her life."

When I found my charm bracelet I added and deleted a few charms to bring it current to that time in my life. I mounted it in a shadowbox, and it has been sitting in the writing room for me to see. As I began to think about my 75^th birthday I wanted to do something special with it.

I’m making it into a necklace for me to wear this year. My life story. My history. What God has done in my life and what He has given me to do for Him. I want to thank Him each time I wear it for the years He’s given me through all the joys and fun, and all the heartbreak and sadness. I want to remember.

To my astonishment there are 14 charms on the bracelet! I had not thought to count them before. The number 14 comes up everywhere in my life. It’s just right!

The bracelet tells my story . . . a Graduation cap for my High School graduation; a sewing machine for making my own clothes; a piano for lessons I took in my childhood, a telephone for working at the Telephone Company for 21 years; a typewriter for the type of work I did and continue to do.

A child charm for my daughter, Sandy; a Volkswagen Beetle for my favorite car in my 20s; a friend's charm for my lifelong and new friends; a Bible for my faith; a HOPE charm for my Savior; an anniversary charm for my marriage; a camera for my hobby; an envelope for my note writing years and article writings; a watering can for the gardens I created when I retired.

We all have enough bad memories. It's nice to be reminded of good times in your own life. Memories that warm your heart, especially in the winter of your life. 

I'm celebrating God's Hand in my life. God isn’t finished with me yet. I want to thank Him for all He's done for me and continues to do in this, my 75th year. It's time to Party!

"The Lord who 'thus far' has helped you

Will help you all your journey through."

John Newton, 1723-1807

By His Grace . . .

Power for the New Year

Painting by Randy Burns

I was reminded of a special strength while reading one of Charles Spurgeon's devotions, and it encouraged my heart. Here we are, ready to begin a new year, and some of us our tired.

" . . . a Christian pilgrim continuously receives fresh supplies of grace and is as vigorous after many years of toilsome travel and difficulties as when he first began. He may not appear as zealous or as spontaneous in his zeal as he once was, but he is much stronger in the things that constitute true power, and although he may travel more slowly, he travels far more steadily." 

Charles Spurgeon, Look Unto Me

True words to cheer our hearts. Those of us who have walked many years with our Lord have access to great strength and power. And it is, indeed, there!

                                          

"One of the beautiful aspects of the Christian life is that we never have to rely on our own strength." God will always give us the strength we need to walk through each day and live through the burden we must bear.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow

with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13

Yes, we're definitely slower, no doubt about that! But we are stronger and powerful because our faith through the years has taught us that we serve a God that is faithful and true.

"When a man has no strength, if he leans on God, he becomes powerful." 

Dwight Lyman Moody (1837-1899)

As this year ends I suggest we all . . . 

By His Grace . . .

Believe It or Not

Christmas. A time of joy. A time of celebration. A time of pondering God's gift to man. A time of believing in Jesus and His birth.

Is this your heart's desire? If not, don't go away before I can share a word I heard a long time ago about believing God and accepting Jesus as the Saviour of the world. I don't know who wrote or said this.

"If I'm wrong, and there is no God, and His Word doesn't matter--it's all just lies. Well, I guess it won't make any difference for me when I die. I've lived my life in what I believed to be true and how I believe God would have me to live it. 

"But, if I'm right, and there is a God, and His Word is true, and Jesus is the Saviour of the world . . . and you don't believe it or live by His Word, it matters greatly, because you will live an eternity without God."

I plead with anyone who doesn't believe or live by God's Word to search for Jesus and let Him fill your heart and mind with the truth. His Will for our life is far better than what we can choose. If you've never read the Bible and have made your choice on heresay and what your friends believe, I challenge you to learn about Jesus yourself. 

"How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him, still The dear Christ enters in."

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893

Third verse

We celebrate Christmas because of Jesus, that He was born, that He lived, He died, and He lives again. There isn't any other reason to celebrate Christmas other than Jesus.

Celebrate Christmas for the real reason. Don't be denied the truth, which has been proven over and over again throughout all the years, that it is true. There is too much to lose, and so much to gain. 

May your Christmas be blessed and your heart full because of the Saviour of the world . . . Jesus.

By His Grace . . .

Festival of Trees

A few years ago in Maryland I enjoyed walking through the Festival of Trees in the Westminster Town Mall. It was the eighth year for this Yuletide fundraiser for The Shepherd's Staff. You can bid on the trees, or like me, just enjoy them by taking pictures.

The proceeds from the auction go toward The Shepherd's Staff's emergency financial assistance programs, which focuses on helping working families who do not qualify for assistance from government agencies.

I hope you enjoy the walk through! Step right inside and enjoy some of my favorite trees!

 

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Beary Merry Christmas

Through the Woods With a Tune

Purrfectly Lovely

Peppermint Twist

A Christmas Carol

Cocoa Comfy

Polar Bear Express

And last, but definitely a favorite . . . Sweet Tree

By His Grace . . .

Christmas Singing!

 

Don't you wish we sang Christmas Carols all year! For only one month we tune in to these lovely and inspiring carols about our Savior. It's much too short a time for me!

There are many Christmas Carols that I'm not familiar with. Let's think about those carols today!

Emily Elliott, niece of Charlotte Elliott, writer of "Just As I Am" worked with children and wanted to use the Christmas season to teach them about the entire life and mission of the Savior. She wrote: "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne." The third verse, which I especially like, describes the life as an itinerate preacher. You may be familiar with the last line:

"The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest In the shade of the forest tree;

But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God, In the deserts of Galilee,

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus There is room in my heart for thee."

"From Heaven Above to Earth I Come" was written by Martin Luther, who wrote the majestic and mighty hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." Luther wrote this Christmas hymn for his son and called it a "Christmas Child's Song Concerning the Child Jesus." Each year during the Christmas Eve festivities at Luther's home it was sung. This is the first verse:

"From Heav'n above to earth I come, to bear good news to every home;

Glad tidings of great joy I bring, Where of I now will say and sing."

"We Sing, Emmanuel, Thy Praise" was written by Paul Gerhardt, who was a prolific hymnist, who might be called the "Charles Wesley of Germany." During his time of tutoring children in Berlin, he began writing hymns. This is the 4th verse:

"But I, Thy servant, Lord, today Confess My love and freely say,

I love Thee truly, but I would That I might love Thee as I should. 

Hallelujah!"

Cecil F. Alexander wrote "Once in Royal David's City" inspired by the Apostle's' Creed which begins: "I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord." From the words "Maker of heaven and earth," the creative teacher wrote the famous song "All Things Bright and Beautiful." The fourth verse says:

"And our eyes at last shall see Him, Through His own redeeming love,

For that Child so dear and gentle Is our Lord in Heaven above,

And He leads His children on To the place where He is gone."

St. Augustine, one of the greatest heroes in the history of Christian theology, was converted under the preaching of Ambrose of Milan. Ambrose wrote the hymn, "Come, Thou Redeemer of the Earth." Ambrose was a great preacher and a defender of true doctrine. These are the words of the third verse:

"The virgin womb that burden gained With virgin honor all unstained;

The banners there of virtue glow; God in His temple dwells below."

Josiah G. Holland wrote this song that may be familiar to you, "There's a Song in the Air." Holland published the first major biography of Abraham Lincoln after his assassination and presented Lincoln as a "true-hearted Christian." This song became popular after Karl P. Harrington put the words to music after the death of Holland. These are the first and last verses:

"There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky!

There's a mother's deep prayer, And a baby's low cry!

And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,

for the manger of Bethlehem, cradles a King!

We rejoice in the light, And we echo the song

That comes down through the night From the heavenly throng.

Ay! we shout to the lovely Evangel they bring,

As we greet in His cradle our Savior and King!

As you sing the well-known Christmas songs, you may enjoy discovering a few other Christmas songs that aren't as well-known. Two websites to review are: www.classicfm.com and www.today.com. Or pick up a hymnal and see how many carols you've not heard before. 

Christmas is a time to sing! There is much to celebrate during this wonderful season! What do you think? Should we sing Christmas Carols all year?

By His Grace . . .

Let the Cheering Begin!

 "The angels are the dispensers and administrators of the divine beneficence toward us;

they regard our safety, undertake our defense, direct our ways,

and exercise a constant solicitude that no evil befall us."

John Calvin, 1509-1564

In Billy Graham's November 14th devotion in the book "Unto The Hills" he wrote about God's angels watching the drama of this age. The angels have witnessed all the ages, and they are interested spectators.

I like the words he shared: "We know they are watching, but in the heat of the battle, I have thought how wonderful it would be if we could hear them cheering."

Yes, we all need cheer leaders. I know I do! Those folks who stand by you when the going gets rough, encouraging you on and letting you know you're not alone.

But what would it be like if we heard angel's cheering? Just the thought brings tears to my eyes. What a phenomenon that would be! Talking about a sign from God!

As I pondered this thought, one way I can "hear" the angels cheering for me is reciting Scripture: "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Hebrews 1:14. And, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11. They are serving and guarding me. That makes me cheer!

Another way is to sing this simple melody: 

"All day, all night, angels watching over me, my Lord. 

All night, all day, angels watching over me."

Mr. Graham also wrote: "If God were to open our spiritual eyes, we would see 'horses and chariots of fire' (2 Kings 6:17) surrounding the servants of the Lord, for we are encircled by 'Thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly' (Hebrew 12:22) sent to protect His royal seed."

 

One day I'll see those angels, and I can ask when they cheered for me. Until then, I have a few angels here on earth that I can turn to who always cheer my heart!

"All day, all night, angels watching over me, my Lord. 

All night, all day, angels watching over me."

By His Grace . . .

The Beauty of Words

 
I've always liked this picture that was taken in Gettysburg one year. 

The lantern flame, the flowers in the window and the beautiful stone home.

When I read a hymn in my hymnal, I often highlight a verse, or a line in a verse, that touches me. There is such beauty in the words of hymns. This is one of the verses I’ve highlighted from the hymn “God, Who Touches Earth With Beauty.”

 “Like the arching of the heavens, Lift my thoughts above;

Turn my dreams to noble action, Ministries of love."

Verse 4

 

This is a hymn I’d never heard of before. That’s one of the beauties of reading hymnals. You find many hymns of beauty, with words to thrill your soul, that you will never hear sung. You will find verses, and lines in verses, that touch your soul and inspire your spirit.

I purchased this canvas picture last Fall to add to my collection.

 

Mary S. Edgar wrote this hymn. The other verses are just as lovely.

“God who touches earth with beauty, make my heart anew.

With your Spirit recreate me pure and strong and true.

 

“Like your springs and running water, make me crystal pure.

Like your rocks of tow’ring grandeur, make me strong and sure.

 

“Like your dancing waves in sunlight, make me glad and free.

Like the straightness of the pine trees, let me upright be.

 

“God who touches earth with beauty, make my heart anew.

Keep me ever, by your Spirit, pure and strong and true.”

 

We are equipped to serve God. To encourage people, to comfort people, to help people, to teach people. Are we doing it? Are we doing it with love?

You can’t do it if you’re not reading God’s Word. That’s where we find the inspiration to serve others. That’s where we are encouraged and comforted so that we can encourage and comfort others.

Another favorite picture of this beautiful buck in the field. I added the hymn lyrics of

"As The Deer."

I’m certain you’d like to have “Ministries of Love.” Words inspire you. If you don’t have a hymnal at home, I recommend purchasing one. Start reading from the beginning, one hymn each day. You will be amazed at the inspiration you receive. And don’t forget to sing it if you know the melody.

The beauty of words. Let your spirit be carried away by inspiring words that God has gifted others to write. And have “Ministries of Love!”

 

By His Grace . . .