"Those Hidden Graces . . . "

I recently purchased a CD by Amy Gaither-Hayes. She is the middle daughter of Bill and Gloria Gaither. I heard her sing a song on one of the Gaither Homecoming videos and liked both the song and her voice. I was hoping this first CD she’s recorded would be similar. I wasn’t disappointed.

Three of my favorites are “Hidden Graces”, “Before the Sun Goes Down” and “Grace for the Moment.” Amy wanted these new songs “to be about paying attention to the present and choosing to stay in the moment.”

The words in “Hidden Graces” are short lines giving a glimpse of where you might find hidden graces: “ ... beside the woman softly humming . . . in the letter you might send (of course I’d like this one) . . . on the top of every mountain . . . and in every valley low.” These simple expressions inspire your mind to consider all things around you.

“Before the Sun Goes Down” provides questions on living, prompting you to consider if you’ve lived for God today. I like at the end when she sings “ ... As I reflect, I must confess That I might not have passed some tests.” A clear reminder that we fail everyday, thankfully falling into the arms of God. And the words in “Grace for the Moment” brings in the light that God is always with us, “providing more grace faithfully” to us.

The song Amy sang on the Homecoming video is titled “What Belongs To You” and is the song that caught my heart. Everything belongs to God. “All that I know . . . all that I see . . . all that I am . . . and all that I do .”

As I’ve noted on my blog, I strive for simple . . . simple words, simple actions and simple thoughts. We really don’t have to dig deep to be covered in God’s truth. As Jesus said in Luke 10:21, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”

Simplicity is able to touch hearts and change lives. Innocence and trust . . . as a child, and you will find those “hidden graces.”

The picture above is one of those hidden graces. Jerry pulled it up in our backyard . . . a mighty oak from an acorn. Simple joys.

"A Happy Soul . . . "

George Mueller, 1805-1898, has some thoughtful words to say on what he considers to be “the first great and primary business to which [he] ought to attend.” I love reading words written from earlier centuries. They seem so grand.

“While I was staying at Nailsworth, it pleased the Lord to teach me a truth, irrespective of human instrumentality, as far as I know, the benefit of which I have not lost though now ... more than forty years have since passed away. The point is this: I saw more clearly than ever, that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not how much I might serve the Lord; how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished . . .

“It often now astonishes me that I did not sooner see this . . . that the first thing the child of God has to do morning by morning is to obtain food for his inner man . . . What is the food for the inner man: not prayer, but the Word of God, so that it not only passes through our minds, just as water rungs through a pipe, but considering what we read, pondering over it, and applying it to our hearts . . .

“How different when the soul is refreshed and made happy early in the morning, from what it is when, without spiritual preparation, the service, the trials and the temptations of the day come upon one!”

To have a happy soul. Is your soul happy when you read God’s word or listen to His music? Mine is. I believe His word so strongly that my soul is thrilled every time I read it or listen to it being preached. The question for me is: Does it keep me happy? I think I have to work on that a little harder.

George Mueller was a great man. I like what he said. Although I've always had devotions in the morning, I think if I set my mind to be closer to God, pondering what I read more intensely, my soul will indeed be tickled because He is truth, and if my soul is tickled I think my soul will be very happy all day!

The above picture was taken from my writing room window.The young hawk just started flapping his wings and prancing around. That definitely tickled my funny bone!

" A Found Friend . . ."

I had forgotten the joy I received from my Bible commentary when I read the Bible through from beginning to end. As noted in an earlier post, I’d read a chapter in the Bible and then read the same chapter in my commentary.

Since that reading many years ago, I’ve only picked up my commentary occasionally. But as this new year started, I decided to use the commentary again, on a daily basis, during my devotion time. I found my friend once again and what a joy it is bringing me!

My commentary is one volume, and is written for easy understanding of the scriptures. What a difference it makes in my study. I don’t know why I let it sit for so long. I guess I didn’t remember the blessing I received when I used it.

What a good year this will be as I rediscover all the blessings I have missed by not using the commentary. All friends are good; even friends that come in book form. And I do love my friends!

The picture above was taken during our December snow storm as I watched our back yard mount with snow. The picture below is of our friend, Sammy, who took a step off the beaten path and sunk up to her chest.

"Nothing to look forward too . . . "

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.

For one thing I will still be able to 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 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!

The beautiful picture was taken by Kathy Kreyling as the bluebirds enjoyed her heated bird bath on a cold and clear day.

Mt. Airy, Maryland, formally dressed for winter . . .

I love that line! I first read it in Calvin Miller's book Snow, when he wrote this sparkling description of Prussia, PA. It creates a dramatic picture in my mind. And the snow was indeed delightful!

Some of you may be familiar with my snow poem. It was a special morning when . . .

I Heard Snow . . .

When I opened the back door I heard it,
Snow. I was amazed at the sound.
A whisper different from wind,
Yet, precise; like nothing else I've ever heard.
Snow falling from the heavens.
My heart rested and listened.
I couldn't keep away from my back door.
I heard snow falling and I thanked God."


The other weekend Jerry and I went a little west of Gettysburg to a Christmas Tree Farm for a Pet 'n Pull event. That gentle, loving breed of Newfoundlands had come out to help foster the Christmas spirit. Following are some of the pictures I took.


I think the little guy had been picked up one too many times!

I'm told there may be more snow this weekend. I'm ready!

Winter is Coming . . .

Snow. The season is fast approaching for my winter joy! The beautiful picture to the left was snapped by Donna Shiflett Thanksgiving week when she was in WV. It reminds me of all I love about snow.

A December 1 devotion by Charles Spurgeon also awakened my senses to another reason for snow. This is a different picture than I normally view on snow, but certainly captures all God has intended for us. Spurgeon’s scripture reference is, “You made both summer and winter.” Psalm 74:17 Following are some quotes I especially enjoyed!

“Dear soul, begin this wintry month with your God. Let the cold snow and piercing wind remind you He keeps His covenant with you day and night . . . Winter in the soul can be an uncomfortable season. He sends the cold blasts of adversity to nip the buds of our expectations. ‘He scatters the frost like ashes’ over the once green meadows of our joy . . . freezing the streams of our delight. He does it all, for He is the King of Winter, ruling even the realms of frost.

“Oh, how we enjoy the warm cheerful glow of a roaring fire on the hearth on a cold wintry day! In the same manner, may we treasure our Lord who is the constant source of warmth and comfort in every time of trouble . . . May we wrap ourselves in the warming garments of His promises and go forth to service appropriate to the season.”

And from Jim Reimann: “Spurgeon, like many people today, suffered occasional bouts of depression. Yet from today’s devotion we see he understood that even those were sent to him with a purpose from his heavenly Father . . . he saw God’s purpose in it.”

Last evening I listened to Debra Talley sing “No Other Word for Grace” on her CD “Seasons of the Heart.” The second line says: “White can’t tell the magic in the air when it snows.” Any way you look at it, snow is part of God’s plan, for the beauty it sends on earth, and for the work He does in each heart in wintertime.

I’ve had my share of both summer and winter in the soul. But I know who is in control of all weather . . . and I am thankful for His care.

Next week I’ll share a poem I wrote about snow. Don’t miss it!

A Time To Rest . . .

I will be enjoying Thanksgiving week at home, and I’m looking forward to relaxing and being refreshed. Holidays are quiet in my home as my family is small. Jerry will be working Thanksgiving day so I will enjoy a “me” day! Being a person who is most comfortable with solitude, I will be doing a little reading, listen to a little music, watch a favorite video or two and play spots with Sammy.

As I’ve been noting on my blog, there are many things I’m thankful for. Some that made it to the list this year are listed to the right on my blog if you haven’t seen them. Perhaps you’ll be encouraged to write down 30 things you’re thankful for!

My next blog will appear in December. Be blessed this Thanksgiving as we go into the Christmas season . . . and worship Jesus’ birth.