joythruChrist

Let your voice be heard...

2009-11-05T23:16:00.000-05:00

Sunflower visit...

2009-09-14T16:33:00.004-04:00

Sunflower

2009-09-06T23:49:00.002-04:00

Comment moderation...

2009-08-15T20:56:00.003-04:00

Due to a recent comment by a brave (anonymous) liberal, comment moderation has been enabled. Since this person is small minded, with an even smaller vocabulary (apparently limited to the overuse of certain four letter words), and they have decided to link my post to one of the biggest liberal sites out there, I will not spend my time deleting more of these ignorant comments, should they happen to come my way.

I'm simply not in the mood.

Nothing to say...

2009-07-19T17:02:00.004-04:00

I think it's pretty evident by now that this blog is all but dead. There's a lot of stuff going on in my life right now, and I haven't had the heart or the time to spend on this.

So consider this a semi-permanent hiatus? I may come back someday-- but then again, I might not.

Behold th’Amazing Gift of Love

2009-07-12T17:25:00.003-04:00

Behold th’amazing gift of love
The Father hath bestowed
On us, the sinful sons of men,
To call us sons of God!

Concealed as yet this honor lies,
By this dark world unknown,
A world that knew not when He came,
Even God’s eternal Son.

High is the rank we now possess;
But higher we shall rise;
Though what we shall hereafter be
Is hid from mortal eyes.

Our souls, we know, when He appears,
Shall bear His image bright;
For all His glory, full disclosed,
Shall open to our sight.

A hope so great, and so divine,
May trials well endure;
And purge the soul from sense and sin,
As Christ Himself is pure.

This hymn has been much altered over the years.
Here is Watts’ original version:

Behold what wondrous grace
The Father hath bestow’d
On sinners of a mortal race
To call them Sons of God!

’Tis no surprising thing,
That we should be unknown;
The Jewish world knew not their King,
God’s everlasting Son.

Nor doth it yet appear
How great we must be made;
But when we see our Saviour here,
We shall be like our Head.

A hope so much divine
May trials well endure,
May purge our souls from sense and sin
As Christ the Lord is pure.

If in my Father’s love
I share a filial part,
Send down Thy Spirit like a dove,
To rest upon my heart.

We would no longer lie
Like slaves beneath the throne;
My faith shall Abba, Father, cry,
And Thou the kindred own.

Words: Isaac Watts

My Country, 'Tis of Thee

2009-07-05T23:20:00.002-04:00

My country, ’tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountainside,
Let freedom ring!

My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above.

No more shall tyrants here
With haughty steps appear,
And soldier bands;
No more shall tyrants tread
Above the patriot dead—
No more our blood be shed
By alien hands.

Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees,
Sweet freedom’s song;
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.

Our fathers’ God, to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King.

Words: Samuel F. Smith, 1831

Socialized medicine is NOT the answer!

2009-07-04T03:58:00.001-04:00

Your Friday Cheezburger

2009-07-03T15:00:00.001-04:00

Your Friday Cheezburger

2009-06-26T17:33:00.002-04:00

Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

2009-06-21T16:16:00.000-04:00

Comfort, comfort ye My people,
Speak ye peace, thus saith our God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
Mourning ’neath their sorrow’s load;
Speak ye to Jerusalem
Of the peace that waits for them;
Tell her that her sins I cover,
And her warfare now is over.

For the herald’s voice is crying
In the desert far and near,
Bidding all men to repentance,
Since the kingdom now is here.
O that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way!
Let the valleys rise to meet Him,
And the hills bow down to greet Him.

Yea, her sins our God will pardon,
Blotting out each dark misdeed;
All that well deserved His anger
He will no more see nor heed.
She has suffered many a day,
Now her griefs have passed away,
God will change her pining sadness
Into ever springing gladness.

Make ye straight what long was crooked,
Make the rougher places plain:
Let your hearts be true and humble,
As befits His holy reign,
For the glory of the Lord
Now o’er the earth is shed abroad,
And all flesh shall see the token
That His Word is never broken.

Words: Johannes G. Olearius

Why didn't he apologize for offending the fly?

2009-06-17T16:48:00.006-04:00

If only he could be this tough with America's enemies.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:
PETA does not approve of Obama's
unethical treatment of the fly

Rockin' Robins

2009-06-15T15:33:00.005-04:00

Make Haste, O my God, to Deliver

2009-06-14T15:08:00.002-04:00

Make haste, O my God, to deliver, I pray,
O Lord, to my rescue make haste;
Let those who would harm me be filled with dismay,
And in their own folly disgraced.

Let them be turned back in confusion, O Lord,
Who in my destruction would joy;
Let shame and defeat be their only reward,
Who sneers and derision employ.

May all those who seek Thee, and make Thee their choice,
Great gladness and blessedness see;
May all those who love Thy salvation rejoice
And constantly magnify Thee.

I cry in deep need and Thy help I implore;
Make haste to the rescue, I pray;
My Savior Thou art, and my Strength evermore,
No longer Thy coming delay.

Words: From The Psalter

Brown Jordan Nomad Slings

2009-06-10T14:11:00.002-04:00

Visit Patio Furniture Rehab for more information on sling replacements
for the do-it-yourselfers nationwide.

Sinners, Dismiss Your Fear

2009-06-07T05:24:00.003-04:00

Sinners, dismiss your fear,
The joyful tidings hear!
This the word that Jesus said,
O believe, and feel it true;
Christ is risen from the dead,
Lives the Lord Who died for you!

Haste, to His tomb repair,
And see the tokens there;
See the place where Jesus lay,
Mark the burial cloths He wore;
Angels near His relics stay,
Guards of Him Who dies no more.

Why then art thou cast down,
Thou poor afflicted one?
Full of doubts, and griefs, and fears,
Look into that open grave!
Died He not to dry thy tears?
Rose He not thy soul to save?

Know’st thou not where to find
The Savior of mankind?
He hath borne Himself away,
He from death Himself hath freed,
He on the third glorious day,
Rose triumphant from the dead.

To purge thy guilty stain
He died, and rose again;
Wherefore dost thou weep and mourn?
Sinner, lift thine heart and eye,
Turn thee, to thy Jesus turn,
See thy loving Savior nigh.

He comes His own to claim,
He calls thee by thy name:
Drooping soul, rejoice, rejoice,
See Him there to life restored!
Mary—know thy Savior’s voice,
Hear it, and reply, “My Lord.”

Words: Charles Wesley

Quote:

2009-06-03T13:03:00.002-04:00

You cannot slander human nature; it is worse than words can paint it.

~Charles Haddon Spurgeon

I will extol Thee, Lord on high

2009-05-31T14:51:00.003-04:00

I will extol Thee, Lord on high,
At Thy command diseases fly:
Who but a God can speak and save,
From the dark borders of the grave?

Sing to the Lord, ye saints of His,
And tell how large His goodness is;
Let all your powers rejoice and bless
While you record His holiness.

His anger but a moment stays;
His love is life and length of days;
Though grief and tears the night employ,
The morning star restores the joy.

Words: Isaac Watts

Quote:

2009-05-29T13:14:00.002-04:00

The love of liberty is the love of others; the love of power is the love of ourselves.
~William Hazlitt

This is interesting...

2009-05-28T23:29:00.000-04:00

Thank you...

2009-05-25T00:22:00.004-04:00

Be sure to read the background on this lovely song.

Commit Whatever Grieves Thee

2009-05-24T04:13:00.001-04:00

Commit whatever grieves thee
Into the gracious hands
Of Him Who never leaves thee,
Who Heav’n and earth commands.
Who points the clouds their courses,
Whom winds and waves obey,
He will direct thy footsteps
And find for thee a way.

On Him place Thy reliance
If thou wouldst be secure;
His work thou must consider
If thine is to endure.
By anxious sighs and grieving
And self tormenting care
God is not moved to giving;
All must be gained by prayer.

Thy truth and grace, O Father,
Most surely surely see and know
Both what is good and evil
For mortal man below.
According to Thy counsel
Thou wilt Thy work pursue;
And what Thy wisdom chooseth
Thy might will always do.

Thy hand is never shortened,
All things must serve Thy might;
Thine every act is blessing,
Thy path is purest light.
Thy work no man can hinder,
Thy purpose none can stay,
Since Thou to bless Thy children
Wilt always find a way.

Though all the powers of evil
The will of God oppose,
His purpose will not falter,
His pleasure onward goes.
Whate’er God’s will resolveth,
Whatever He intends,
Will always be accomplished
True to His aims and ends.

Then hope, my feeble spirit,
And be thou undismayed;
God helps in every trial
And makes thee unafraid.
Await His time with patience,
Then shall thine eyes behold
The sun of joy and gladness
His brightest beams unfold.

Arise, my soul, and banish
Thy anguish and thy care.
Away with thoughts that sadden
And heart and mind ensnare!
Thou art not lord and master
Of thine own destiny;
Enthroned in highest Heaven,
God rules in equity.

Leave all to His direction;
In wisdom He doth reign,
And in a way most wondrous
His course He will maintain.
Soon He, His promise keeping,
With wonder-working skill
Shall put away the sorrows
That now thy spirit fill.

A while His consolation
He may to thee deny,
And seem as though in trial
He far from thee would fly;
A while distress and anguish
May compass thee around,
Nor to thy supplication
An answering voice be found.

But if thou perseverest,
Thou shalt deliverance find.
Behold, all unexpected
He will thy soul unbind
And from the heavy burden
Thy heart will soon set free;
And thou wilt see the blessing
He had in mind for thee.

O faithful child of Heaven,
How blessèd shalt thou be!
With songs of glad thanksgiving
A crown awaiteth thee.
Into thy hand thy Maker
Will give the victor’s palm,
And thou to thy Deliverer
Shalt sing a joyous psalm

Give, Lord, this consummation
To all our heart’s distress;
Our hands, our feet, e’er strengthen,
In death our spirits bless.
Thy truth and thy protection
Grant evermore, we pray,
And in celestial glory
Shall end our destined way.

Words: Paul Gerhardt, 1656

Advanced Cat Yodeling!!

2009-05-19T04:10:00.005-04:00

Just a question I had for President Obama:

2009-05-18T01:00:00.006-04:00

At his address at Notre Dame, he urged the public to at least agree that abortion is a "heart-wrenching" decision for any woman, and that we should work toward reducing the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unwanted pregnancies and making adoption more available....

Why would it be heart-wrenching if it's nothing but a bit of tissue?

Give Me a New, a Perfect Heart

2009-05-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

Give me a new, a perfect heart,
From doubt, and fear, and sorrow free;
The mind which was in Christ impart,
And let my spirit cleave to Thee.

O take this heart of stone away!
Thy sway it doth not, cannot own;
In me no longer let it stay;
O take away this heart of stone!

Cause me to walk in Christ my Way;
And I Thy statutes shall fulfill,
In every point Thy law obey,
And perfectly perform Thy will.

Within me Thy good Spirit place,
Spirit of health, and love, and power;
Plant in me Thy victorious grace,
And sin shall never enter more.

O that I now, from sin released,
Thy Word may to the utmost prove!
Enter into the promised rest,
The Canaan of Thy perfect love.

Now let me gain perfection’s height;
Now let me into nothing fall,
Be less than nothing in Thy sight,
And feel that Christ is all in all.

Words: Charles Wesley

Just because.

2009-05-16T04:18:00.006-04:00

What is happening here?

2009-05-13T03:40:00.007-04:00

Chicago Family's 'Buy Black' Experiment Becoming a Nationwide Movement

A few quotes from the article, but you should read it all:

Maggie and John Anderson of Chicago vowed four months ago that for one year, they would try to patronize only black-owned businesses...

"We kind of enjoy the sacrifice because we get to make the point ... but I am going without stuff and I am frustrated on a daily basis," Maggie Anderson said. "It's like, my people have been here 400 years and we don't even have a Walgreens to show for it."

Lewis Peeples, 45, lives in a black neighborhood in southwest Atlanta but didn't think to spend his money with black businesses until a friend told him about the project.

"So often, we make purchases and decisions and aren't even mindful that there is a a need to support our own businesses," said Peeples. "Now, I'm reaching out and making sure I know that I have an option when I look to make a purchase."

Dallas Smith, who owns a commercial real estate firm in Atlanta, said mainstream retailers have undervalued black consumers. He lives in a black neighborhood in southwest Atlanta, where he tries to dine at black restaurants. He lamented the lack of quality businesses catering to black customers and said blacks should appreciate such businesses more.

"We've still got that 'the white man's water is colder' mentality," he said. "We can't take us for granted. When we go to our establishments, it's almost like we're doing a favor. That ought to be a given for us."

For the life of me, I can't remember one single time in my life that I assessed who owned a store before deciding whether or not to shop there. And if I went around making sure that I only shopped in white-owned businesses, calling them 'my people', wouldn't that be considered racist? It would never cross my mind to do such a thing.

2009-05-11T23:50:00.007-04:00

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

O That My Load Of Sin Were Gone!

2009-05-10T02:42:00.002-04:00

O that my load of sin were gone!
O that I could at last submit
At Jesus’ feet to lay it down,
To lay my soul at Jesus’ feet!

Rest for my soul I long to find:
Savior of all, if mine Thou art,
Give me Thy meek and lowly mind,
And stamp Thine image on my heart.

Break off the yoke of inbred sin,
And fully set my spirit free:
I cannot rest till pure within,
Till I am wholly lost in Thee.

Fain I would learn of Thee, my God;
Thy light and easy burden prove,
The cross, all stained with hallowed blood,
The labor of Thy dying love.

I would, but Thou must give the power;
My heart from every sin release;
Bring near, bring near the joyful hour,
And fill me with Thy perfect peace.

Words: Charles Wesley

Something to think about...

2009-05-09T18:10:00.002-04:00

HE IS ABLE TO DELIVER THEE

2009-05-03T02:10:00.002-04:00

’Tis the grandest theme through the ages rung;
’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue;
’Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”

Refrain

He is able to deliver thee,
He is able to deliver thee;
Though by sin oppressed, go to Him for rest;
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”

’Tis the grandest theme in the earth or main;
’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal strain;
’Tis the grandest theme, tell the world again,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”

Refrain

’Tis the grandest theme, let the tidings roll,
To the guilty heart, to the sinful soul;
Look to God in faith, He will make thee whole,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”

Refrain

Words & Music: William A. Ogden

Being of beings

2009-04-26T14:06:00.000-04:00

Being of beings, God of love;
To Thee our hearts we raise;
Thy all sustaining power we prove,
And gladly sing Thy praise.

Thine, wholly Thine, we pant to be;
Our sacrifice receive;
Made, and preserved, and saved by Thee,
To Thee ourselves we give.

Heav’nward our every wish aspires,
For all Thy mercy’s store;
The sole return Thy love requires,
Is that we ask for more.

For more we ask: we open then
Our hearts to embrace Thy will;
Turn and revive us, Lord, again,
With all Thy fullness fill.

Come, Holy Ghost, the Savior’s love
Shed in our hearts abroad;
So shall we ever live, and move,
And be, with Christ, in God.

Words: Charles Wesley

Toby Tuesdays

2009-04-21T02:45:00.002-04:00

Toby keeps me humble, and makes sure I take breaks.

Blogoversary

2009-04-21T02:37:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been three years blogging. Not much to say -- too busy these days. Happy blogoversary to me.

Beethoven - Symphony No. 7 in A major: II. Allegretto

2009-04-20T18:11:00.008-04:00

Like the Golden Sun Ascending

2009-04-19T03:29:00.002-04:00

Like the golden sun ascending,
Breaking through the gloom of night,
On the earth His glory spending
So that darkness takes to flight,
Thus my Jesus from the grave
And death’s dismal, dreadful cave
Rose triumphant Easter morning
At the early purple dawning.

Thanks to Thee, O Christ victorious!
Thanks to Thee, O Lord of Life!
Death hath now no power o’er us,
Thou hast conquered in the strife.
Thanks because Thou didst arise
And hast opened Paradise!
None can fully sing the glory
Of the resurrection story.

Though I be by sin o’ertaken,
Though I lie in helplessness,
Though I be by friends forsaken
And must suffer sore distress,
Though I be despised, contemned,
And by all the world condemned,
Though the dark grave yawn before me,
Yet the light of hope shines o’er me.

Thou hast died for my transgression,
All my sins on Thee were laid;
Thou hast won for me salvation,
On the cross my debt was paid.
From the grave I shall arise
And shall meet Thee in the skies.
Death itself is transitory;
I shall lift my head in glory.

Grant me grace, O blessèd Savior,
And Thy Holy Spirit send
That my walk and my behavior
May be pleasing to the end;
That I may not fall again
Into death’s grim pit and pain,
Whence by grace Thou hast retrieved me
And from which Thou hast relieved me.

For the joy Thy advent gave me,
For Thy holy, precious Word;
For Thy baptism, which doth save me,
For Thy blest communion board;
For Thy death, the bitter scorn,
For Thy resurrection morn,
Lord, I thank Thee and extol Thee,
And in heaven I shall behold Thee.

Words: Thomas H. Kingo, 1689

Toby Tuesdays

2009-04-14T23:59:00.002-04:00

He's alive...

2009-04-12T15:26:00.001-04:00

Toby Tuesdays

2009-04-07T16:56:00.002-04:00

All Glory, Laud and Honor

2009-04-05T04:45:00.001-04:00

Refrain

All glory, laud and honor,
To Thee, Redeemer, King,
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s Name comest,
The King and Blessèd One.

Refrain

The company of angels
Are praising Thee on High,
And mortal men and all things
Created make reply.

Refrain

The people of the Hebrews
With palms before Thee went;
Our prayer and praise and anthems
Before Thee we present.

Refrain

To Thee, before Thy passion,
They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee, now high exalted,
Our melody we raise.

Refrain

Thou didst accept their praises;
Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest,
Thou good and gracious King.

Words: Theodulph of Orleans, circa 820

Now God Be With Us

2009-03-29T15:32:00.000-04:00

Now God be with us, for the night is closing:
The light and darkness are of His disposing,
And ’neath His shadow here to rest we yield us,
For He will shield us.

Let evil thoughts and spirits flee before us;
Till morning cometh, watch, O Master, o’er us;
In soul and body Thou from harm defend us,
Thine angels send us.

Let holy thoughts be ours when sleep o’ertakes us,
Our earliest thoughts be Thine when morning wakes us,
All day serve Thee, in all that we are doing,
Thy praise pursuing.

As Thy belovèd, soothe the sick and weeping,
And bid the prisoner lose his griefs in sleeping;
Widows and orphans, we to Thee commend them,
Do Thou befriend them.

We have no refuge, none on earth to aid us,
Save Thee, O Father, who Thine own hast made us;
But Thy dear presence will not leave them lonely
Who seek Thee only.

Father, Thy Name be praised, Thy kingdom given,
Thy will be done on earth as ’tis in Heaven;
Keep us in life, forgive our sins, deliver
Us now and ever!

Words: Petrus Herbert, 1566

Today's Apposite Quote

2009-03-27T15:22:00.003-04:00

How Many Kings

2009-03-23T10:03:00.002-04:00

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

2009-03-22T14:15:00.005-04:00

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven to earth come down;
Fix in us thy humble dwelling;
All thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit,
Into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its Beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return and never,
Never more Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee;
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Words: Charles Wesley

I have a new favourite song...

2009-03-20T22:46:00.002-04:00

Oh, those unreliable teleprompters...

2009-03-18T14:54:00.002-04:00

Obama thanks himself, Irish PM repeats speech in teleprompter meltdown

Facebook, Twitter, or both?

2009-03-17T03:49:00.003-04:00

I received a friend request for Facebook recently, and accepted. I now have a few friends, and it's kind of fun. I also set up a Twitter account, though I have no clue what to do with it. Is it pretty much the same as Facebook? Which is better?

Schoolhouse Rock - No More Kings

2009-03-16T00:38:00.007-04:00

Lord, the God of my Salvation

2009-03-15T16:40:00.002-04:00

Psalm 88

Lord, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry to Thee;
Let my prayer now find acceptance, in Thy mercy answer me.
Full of troubles and affliction, nigh to death my soul is brought,
Helpless, like one cast forever from Thy care and from Thy thought.

Thou hast brought me down to darkness, ’neath Thy wrath I am oppressed;
All the billows of affliction overwhelm my soul distressed.
Thou hast made my friends despise me, and companionless I go,
Bound, and helpless in my bondage, pining in my bitter woe.

Unto Thee, with hands uplifted, daily I direct my cry;
Hear, O Lord, my supplication, hear and save me ere I die.
Wilt Thou wait to show Thy wonders and Thy mercy to the dead?
Let me live to tell Thy praises, by Thy lovingkindness led.

Still, O Lord, renewed each morning unto Thee my prayer shall be;
Cast me not away forever, let me now Thy favor see.
All my life is spent in sorrow, grief and terror always nigh,
Waves of wrath have surged about me; show Thy mercy ere I die.

Friend and lover are departed, dark and lonely is my way;
Lord, be Thou my Friend and Helper, still to Thee, O Lord, I pray.
Lord, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry to Thee;
Let my prayer now find acceptance; in Thy mercy answer me.

Words: Paraphrase of Psalm 88; author unknown

Beck interviews the leader of the Communist Party USA

2009-03-12T05:09:00.002-04:00

Puttin' On the Ritz

2009-03-09T03:32:00.003-04:00

Thy Faithfulness, Lord, Each Moment We Find

2009-03-08T03:46:00.001-04:00

Thy faithfulness, Lord, each moment we find,
So true to Thy Word, so loving and kind!
Thy mercy so tender to all the lost race,
The vilest offender may turn and find grace.

The mercy I feel, to others I show,
I set to my seal that Jesus is true:
Ye all may find favor, who come at His call,
O come to my Savior, His grace is for all!

To save what was lost, from Heaven He came;
Come, sinners, and trust in Jesus’ Name.
He offers you pardon; He bids you be free;
“If sin be your burden, O come unto Me!”

O let me commend my Savior to you,
The publican’s Friend and Advocate too,
For you He is pleading His merits and death,
With God interceding for sinners beneath.

Then let us submit His grace to receive,
Fall down at His feet and gladly believe:
We all are forgiven for Jesus’ sake:
Our title to Heaven His merits we take.

Words: Charles Wesley

I ♥ "Greedy" Rich People

2009-03-01T17:30:00.024-05:00

How's that for a title?

I've been following the news in regard to the 'stimulus' bill, and what the outrageous spending will mean to our generation, and generations to come. And I'm not happy about the way the government is robbing us of the opportunities that made America a great nation, and an example to the rest of the world of how capitalism works and generally makes the lives of her citizens better.

When government overreaches and takes financial control of the private sector, the result is socialism. There is much talk from the political left about how 'unfair' things are for the poor among us. But they are unwilling to see that their own failed ideas and policies are largely the cause of the increase of poverty in our nation.

The political left characterizes capitalists as greedy, and portrays them as uncaring about the poor. In their description, capitalists are rich, right wing Christians, racists, sexists, bigots, and homophobes. I could have a lot to say about each of these mischaracterizations, but for this post I will focus on the faulty premise that capitalists are greedy and don't care about the poor.

Disclaimer: I'm not an economist, nor am I an expert on these issues as they pertain to the nationwide system. I can only speak from my own experience as a business owner, and from what I know of history.

The question arises as to how much income it takes to be considered 'rich'. I think the answer is highly subjective, and would depend upon who you ask. My husband, Denny, and I restore metal patio furniture in the western PA and eastern OH regions, sometimes reaching out into other surrounding states such as NY and MD. Our customer base is varied, but most of them fall into the $100,000 plus income category. When we go out to pick up their patio furniture, we see some truly beautiful homes. While I have admired the architecture and the beautiful landscaping, I can truly say that I've never been the least bit envious of anything they have. My assumption is that they have worked hard for what they own. From my perspective, these people are at the very least well off, if not 'rich'.

Something very interesting that I have taken note of is that almost all of our customers have been extremely kind. Very few of them have treated us with anything less than respect, and in those rare cases I just assumed that maybe they were having a bad day -- as we all do occasionally. Denny and I have felt quite blessed in this regard.

The socialists of our country would have you believe that all people with any wealth are greedy and tight-fisted with their money and that they don't care about poor people. The whole point is this: it is not up to our government to regulate what you, or I, or my customers do with their hard earned money. If a person is greedy, that is between them and their Creator. As long as they are not committing any illegal acts, it is no one's business what they are doing with their own money.

And so now you know why the word 'greedy' in the title is set in quotation marks.

The reason that I love and appreciate the wealthier people among us is that if it were not for them, we would not have a business. We would not have the ability to work hard at something we do well and provide quality goods and services for them.

Capitalism works.

What the current administration does not seem to understand is that you cannot legislate charity. Caring about and giving to the poor should always be a voluntary thing, and when the government steals from you and me to take care of the poor, it takes away our opportunity to give from a heart of compassion.

Christ said that we would always have the poor among us. I think that means that in any society there will always be opportunities for each of us to reach out within our own means to share what we have with others, and we should absolutely do this regularly. In socialism, the objective is for everything to be 'fair', and for all of us to be the same. Forcefully taking away the things that we have worked hard for and giving them to those among us who will not work and expect handouts does nothing but create class warfare. The current administration does not seem to understand that socialism has never once worked for any nation that has tried it.

It squelches creativity.
It diminishes resources.
It suppresses ambition.
It increases poverty.
It obliterates HOPE.

The apostle Paul said that if a man doesn't work, he shouldn't eat. Our current welfare system is in serious need of reform. It promotes laziness and a sense of entitlement. And our government is feeding that sense of entitlement by passing a 'stimulus bill' that will benefit the laziest among us, while punishing our customers and businesses like ours. The hardest hit by the tax increases will be those of us who work the hardest. And we will have precious little left for charitable giving.

In 1980, when then-Governor Reagan was campaigning for President against incumbent Carter, he made this statement in regard to his experience with welfare reform in California:

I don’t believe the stereotype, after what we did, of people in need who are there [on welfare] simply because they prefer to be there. We found the overwhelming majority would like nothing better than to be out, with jobs for the future, and out here in the society with the rest of us. The trouble is, again, that bureaucracy has them so economically trapped that there’s no way they can get away. And they’re trapped because that bureaucracy needs them as a clientele to preserve the jobs of the bureaucrats themselves.

I'm sure that statement was true then, and still has a ring of truth today. I'm sure that many people would rather be off public assistance. However, in the nearly 30 years since Reagan made that statement, the insidious tentacles of bureaucracy have extended generationally, and now many people do not know any other way of life. If you watch the fawning masses when praising our newly elected president, you can clearly see the frightening sense of entitlement that has permeated our society.

If our lawmakers in DC would take a clue from the Reagan era, they would remember that it was radical tax cuts that improved our economy after the Carter years, not massive spending and the growth of government control to monumental proportions. In the famous words of Ronald Reagan, "In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." Never were those words truer than today.

In my opinion, the true greed in this country is exhibited by those in our government who passed this ridiculous bill. They are greedy for power over the lives of the people in this country. While they set caps on salaries and our president publicly chastises those who would spend on corporate travel, our lawmakers and our president are spending massive amounts of our tax money on expensive parties and travel themselves.

President Obama has called upon the American people to be ready to sacrifice for the good of the nation. I can only pray that he will learn that a true leader leads by example -- not hypocritical rhetoric.

The Heavens Declare Thy Glory

2009-03-01T02:20:00.002-05:00

The heav’ns declare Thy glory, Lord,
In every star Thy wisdom shines
But when our eyes behold Thy Word,
We read Thy Name in fairer lines.

The rolling sun, the changing light,
And nights and days, Thy power confess
But the blest volume Thou hast writ
Reveals Thy justice and Thy grace.

Sun, moon, and stars convey Thy praise
Round the whole earth, and never stand:
So when Thy truth begun its race,
It touched and glanced on every land.

Nor shall Thy spreading Gospel rest
Till through the world Thy truth has run,
Till Christ has all the nations blest
That see the light or feel the sun.

Great Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Bless the dark world with heav’nly light;
Thy Gospel makes the simple wise,
Thy laws are pure, Thy judgments right.

Thy noblest wonders here we view
In souls renewed and sins forgiv’n;
Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew,
And make Thy Word my guide to Heaven.

Words: Isaac Watts

My Desktop Photo

2009-02-26T18:52:00.003-05:00

Borrowing Rebecca's style, I thought I'd share my current desktop photo. Apparently, this kitty doesn't like the stimulus bill either.

An Obituary Worth Reading

2009-02-25T19:16:00.002-05:00

An Obituary printed in the London Times - Interesting and sadly rather true.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

· Knowing when to come in out of the rain
· Why the early bird gets the worm
· Life isn’t always fair and
· maybe it was my fault

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers:

· I Know My Rights
· I Want It Now
· Someone Else Is To Blame
· I’m A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

More good sense...

2009-02-24T04:12:00.001-05:00

Now You Has Jazz

2009-02-23T16:34:00.005-05:00

We just watched High Society yesterday, and got a real kick out of this little number.

Understanding the Stimulus Bill

2009-02-23T16:22:00.004-05:00

An illustration

The Rick Santelli Double Feature

2009-02-23T00:28:00.006-05:00

With a little WH posturing in the middle...

At the very least it would appear that not the entire media is in the tank for Obama anymore. May they all get back to honest journalism.

Wait, O My Soul, Thy Maker’s Will

2009-02-22T17:11:00.005-05:00

My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
Psalm 62:5

Wait, O my soul, thy Maker’s will;
Tumultuous passions, all be still!
Nor let a murmuring thought arise;
His ways are just, His counsels wise.

He in the thickest darkness dwells,
Performs His work, the cause conceals;
But, though His methods are unknown,
Judgment and truth support His throne.

In heaven, and earth, and air, and seas
He executes His firm decrees;
And by His saints it stands confessed,
That what He does is ever best.

Wait, then, my soul, submissive wait;
Prostrate before His awful seat;
And, ’midst the terrors of His rod,
Trust in a wise and gracious God.

Words: Benjamin Beddome

Stop Wasteful Spending

2009-02-21T02:08:00.005-05:00

Goin' by the Book

2009-02-16T00:01:00.006-05:00

I haven't done a Musical Monday for a while, but I really wanted to share this song. It's an older one by Johnny Cash which came out around 1991 I believe, but I really think it's relevant today. I wasn't able to embed it here, but I did manage to link it to my own youtube video log, so no bothersome ads. :) This may not be your favourite type of music, but it's worth a listen for the lyrics alone.

Goin' by the Book

Personally, I think Cash is really kickin' in this video.

Maker and Sov’reign Lord

2009-02-15T04:54:00.000-05:00

Maker and sov’reign Lord
Of Heav’n, and earth, and seas,
Thy providence confirms Thy Word,
And answers Thy decrees.

The things so long foretold
By David are fulfilled,
When Jews and Gentiles join’d to slay
Jesus, Thine holy Child.

Why did the Gentiles rage,
And Jews, with one accord,
Bend all their counsels to destroy
Th’Anointed of the Lord?

Rulers and kings agree
To form a vain design;
Against the Lord their powers unite
Against His Christ they join.

The Lord derides their rage,
And will support His throne;
He that hath rais’d Him from the dead
Hath own’d Him for His Son.

Now He’s ascended high,
And asks to rule the earth;
The merit of His blood He pleads,
And pleads His heav’nly birth.

He asks, and God bestows
A large inheritance;
Far as the world’s remotest ends
His kingdom shall advance.

The nations that rebel
Must feel His iron rod;
He’ll vindicate those honors well
Which He receiv’d from God.

Be wise, ye rulers, now,
And worship at His throne;
With trembling joy, ye people, bow
To God’s exalted Son.

If once His wrath arise,
Ye perish on the place;
Then blessèd is the soul that flies
For refuge to His grace

Words: Isaac Watts

The real face of Hope and Change:

2009-02-12T01:40:00.002-05:00

My Trust is in my Heavenly Friend

2009-02-08T19:41:00.002-05:00

Psalm 7

My trust is in my heavenly Friend,
My hope in Thee, my God;
Rise and my helpless life defend
From those that seek my blood.
With insolence and fury they
My soul in pieces tear,
As hungry lions rend the prey
When no deliverer’s near.

If I had e’er provoked them first,
Or once abused my foe,
Then let him tread my life to dust,
And lay mine honor low.

If there be malice found in me,
I know Thy piercing eyes;
I should not dare appeal to Thee,
Nor ask my God to rise.

Arise, my God, lift up Thy hand,
Their pride and power control;
Awake to judgment and command
Deliverance for my soul.

Let sinners and their wicked rage
Be humbled to the dust;
Shall not the God of truth engage
To vindicate the just?

He knows the heart, He tries the reins,
He will defend th’upright:
His sharpest arrows He ordains
Against the sons of spite.

For me their malice digged a pit,
But there themselves are cast;
My God makes all their mischief light
On their own heads at last.

That cruel persecuting race
Must feel His dreadful sword;
Awake, my soul, and praise the grace
And justice of the Lord.

Words: Isaac Watts

John Piper takes O to the woodshed

2009-02-07T17:13:00.004-05:00

And the people said, Amen!

33 Minutes

2009-02-07T00:01:00.010-05:00

The more I hear about the porkulus bill, the more angry I get. Billions to spend on things that either don't matter (the NEA? Please!) or could wait, and not nearly enough to actually stimulate the economy. And as far as I've heard, nothing on defense. Watch the following trailer for the movie 33 Minutes coming this month, and tell me what we should be spending on.

Schiff on the porkulus bill

2009-02-06T21:28:00.009-05:00

It must be hard to be Peter Schiff and know
that they still aren't listening.
Click on picture to watch.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

2009-02-06T05:02:00.007-05:00

A Ronald Reagan radio address from 1975 which addresses the topics of abortion and adoption. This comes from a collection of audio commentaries titled "Reagan in His Own Voice."

IS there a more pertinent question?

2009-02-05T22:28:00.006-05:00

I am astounded at the number of Obama's nominees that are corrupt in one way or another -- mostly tax issues. I'm even more astounded that Timothy Geithner gets a free pass to run the IRS. I ask one question of my government: Do you want me to pay my taxes? Because I can tell you that regardless of all this, I will comply because it's the right thing to do. But you are not helping the morale of the citizens of this once great country by setting up this impossible double standard.

56/5 Book Meme

2009-02-02T00:01:00.009-05:00

'nets tagged me for a meme quite some time ago, and I finally got it finished. I don't think I'll be tagging anyone because I can't remember who did it already. If you haven't, and would like to, jump in! Here are the instructions:

Take ten books, and transcribe the fifth sentence from page fifty six.

In keeping with the 5, 56 thing, Make sure that at least five books are fiction, provide five hints, and pass the meme on to six other bloggers.

NONFICTION:

1) Nor did it seem to count that the Social Democratic Party had accepted power in 1918 only reluctantly and only to preserve the nation from utter chaos which threatened to lead to Bolshevism.

2) Chord symbols state the root of a chord (E, for example: see chapters 2 and 5 for more info on the root) and the color of that chord (m for minor or Maj for major, for example; see the sidebar "Chords as mood-makers" for more info about the color of chords).

3) It worked two separate units of shows on shifts of four performances each, daily.

4) Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God..."

5) This man shows us how his thinking about God was put right.

HINTS:

1) If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it.

2) A musical instruction manual.

3) The author suffered a broken wrist from riding a skateboard when he was 78.

4) C'mon, you don't really need help with this one?

5) An exposition by a good doctor.

FICTION:

1) As they approached, the other rabbit kept still and watched them intently.

2) "Too late, too late!" called a mocking voice after her, and in a moment she saw that it spoke truly, for with all sail set the Circe was flying out to sea, and this time there was no return for Rosamond.

3) It was her fault as much as his.

4) "Despite the preponderance of apparent evidence, however, yet one additional clue remained hidden behind a wall of ice as Adam Livingstone first knelt upon what were laminated boards, presumably hewn by Noah and his three sons.

5) At any rate it had been better than the slave cabins.

HINTS:

1) This book exists due to the persistence of the author's daughters.

2) This book is quite different than most the author had published.

3) This book is one in a series about a modern, Dark Age event.

4) An end times thriller about a man searching for the truth about the beginning.

5) An historical novel focusing on one family's response to slavery and involvement in abolition.

Take The World, But Give Me Jesus

2009-02-01T00:44:00.003-05:00

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26

Take the world, but give me Jesus,
All its joys are but a name;
But His love abideth ever,
Through eternal years the same.

Refrain

Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!

Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Sweetest comfort of my soul;
With my Savior watching o’er me,
I can sing though billows roll.

Refrain

Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Let me view His constant smile;
Then throughout my pilgrim journey
Light will cheer me all the while.

Refrain

Take the world, but give me Jesus.
In His cross my trust shall be,
Till, with clearer, brighter vision,
Face to face my Lord I see.

Refrain

Words: Fanny Crosby, 1879:

Fanny was talking to one of her neighbors, who complained bitterly of his poverty. “If I had wealth I would be able to do just what I wish to do; and I would be able to make an appearance in the world.” Fanny replied, “Well, take the world, but give me Jesus.” She was here inspired by her own words to write a hymn with that title.

Prayer request

2009-01-26T21:52:00.004-05:00

I hesitated to post this, because I usually don't like getting overly personal on the blog -- especially about my health. But I am feeling particularly weak and nervous, and would appreciate the prayers of anyone who feels so led. I am having major surgery in the morning. It's something I've been putting off as long as I could. But it's time.

So I won't be here for a while. Don't have too much fun without me, okay?

Just kidding.
;)

Cultural Morality

2009-01-26T00:01:00.004-05:00

Give to our God Immortal Praise

2009-01-25T13:46:00.002-05:00

Give to our God immortal praise;
Mercy and truth are all His ways:
Wonders of grace to God belong,
Repeat His mercies in your song.

Give to the Lord of lords renown,
The King of kings with glory crown:
His mercies ever shall endure,
When lords and kings are known no more.

He built the earth, He spread the sky,
And fixed the starry lights on high:
Wonders of grace to God belong,
Repeat His mercies in your song.

He fills the sun with morning light;
He bids the moon direct the night:
His mercies ever shall endure,
When suns and moons shall shine no more.

The Jews He freed from Pharaoh’s hand,
And brought them to the promised land
Wonders of grace to God belong,
Repeat His mercies in your song.

He saw the Gentiles dead in sin,
And felt His pity work within
His mercies ever shall endure,
When death and sin shall reign no more.

He sent His Son with power to save
From guilt, and darkness, and the grave
Wonders of grace to God belong,
Repeat His mercies in your song.

Through this vain world He guides our feet,
And leads us to His heav’nly seat
His mercies ever shall endure,
When this vain world shall be no more.

Words: Isaac Watts

For Kim

2009-01-24T01:21:00.004-05:00

For Kim at Hiraeth

My heart is breaking

2009-01-23T17:27:00.011-05:00

Our new president has made global legalized killing one of his top priorities, using our tax dollars to do so. I'm sorry if it seems harsh for me to phrase it this way, but I can think of no other way to speak of it. Today, he has rescinded the Mexico City Policy which restricted our money from funding overseas abortions.

Obama signed it quietly, without coverage by the media, late on Friday afternoon, a contrast to the midday signings with fanfare of executive orders on other subjects earlier in the week.

I have to wonder why this was done so quietly. We all know how much he loves the cameras.

Pro-choice proponents will tell you that it's all about the right of the woman to do as she pleases with her own body, and not have the government control her decisions. But I say if a woman can murder her own child with impunity, where does it end? Why can't she murder her toddler if she decides to?

The blatant hypocrisy of this is stunning. The same people who champion this right to kill the unborn child, scream at the top of their lungs about 'torture' at Gitmo. Someone plays loud music to irritate known terrorists who would murder us if given the chance and pours water down their nose to get them to talk, and they scream about human rights abuses.

But a doctor is paid with our tax dollars to tear innocent babies limb from limb, and burn their little bodies with saline, and this is perfectly legal.

Which seems more like torture?

Heartbreaking Disrespect and Ungratefulness

2009-01-21T16:45:00.003-05:00

In case anyone wants to give their own personal message of thanks to Former President G.W. Bush for working so hard to keep the populace safe, you can do that here: Mission Accomplished.

Random Inaugural Thoughts

2009-01-20T14:03:00.016-05:00

And I haven't even watched it yet. I plan to catch parts of it later on youtube. We don't watch TV, and I wouldn't have even tried to fit my day around this. No, Obama news will have to fit into my schedule.

But I have listened to some of the Rush Limbaugh program, and looked at a few blogposts about it. It sounds like the Inauguration was all flash and no substance, which is what I fully expect the next four years to be like.

Rush just said that apparently President Bush was snubbed as he came upon the dais. This whole thing reminds me of high school. Obama is the popular kid in class -- the MVP, the valedictorian, the most likely to succeed. Bush is playing the part of the nerd, the boor, the class clown -- the most likely to wind up in a drunk tank. It's pathetic, this lack of respect for the one man, and the worship of the other.

One thing that really hit me was the list of musical artists and actors that are celebrating this 'historic event'. I absolutely loved the talent of some of these people, and now I can't even listen to them or watch them on the screen without a sinking feeling in my stomach. That's just one interesting example of how this thing has drawn clear lines in this country. A man who would bring us all together seems to have created more division than I have ever seen.

I go on liberal blogs, and anyone who isn't over the moon about Obama is considered uneducated, fearful, divisive, and racist. They say that we must come together, which to them means to come over to their way of thinking. This whole 'tolerance' and 'diversity' thing only works one way. Conservatives must fall in line with the liberal progressives, or we are intolerant and divisive. I'm not buying that.

I refuse to capitulate. I refuse to sacrifice my principles in a weak effort to just get along with everyone. However, it's not my style to create signs and protest in the streets. Besides, unlike many liberals who apparently have way too much time on their hands, I actually have to work in order to support the ungrateful welfare recipients among us. (Oops, was that out loud?) I have to work to pay for the abortions I abhor. I have to work in order to keep bailing out big greedy businesses who made lousy decisions.

No, no time to protest in the streets.

But there is definitely time to pray. I pray that America will repent. It must start first in the house of God. I pray for God to come into the liberal churches of America and wake them up and shake them up. I pray for God to pursue the Obamas until they're so miserable that they can't help but fall upon their knees before the only true Messiah. I haven't come up with a little 3x5 prayer card for Obama yet, like I did for Bush. But the only way that I can pray for success for the new administration is if it returns to the foundations of our Republic. Until that happens I can only pray that every single policy that goes against God's word and morality will fail miserably.

I refuse to pray that evil prospers.

Toby Tuesdays: Inaugural Edition

2009-01-20T09:11:00.001-05:00

I know it's a repost of a recent Toby Tuesday,
but it seems oddly fitting today.

Inaugural Preparations

2009-01-19T23:59:00.002-05:00

A group of magical and spiritual progressives joined together on Monday in Washington to sweep the town clean and welcome President-elect Obama and his administration to the White House. ~AP

Isn't it interesting how they call themselves progressives when their behaviour is clearly regressive?

Pray.

Fundamental change...

2009-01-18T19:32:00.023-05:00

...has come.

The world has become rather interesting in the last couple of months. Ever since Nov 4th, I've almost lost all desire to blog. Life on this earth and in this country seems to have changed substantially on that day, and the more I look around me, the more I realized I should have seen this coming. But I didn't.

I no longer feel the compulsion to make lighthearted posts about my cat (he's still cute). I no longer desire to talk about the weather (it's really cold). It's not that I never will do these things again, but everything has become more serious than that. I've always been mostly a very serious minded person who had to stretch myself in order to not come across that way to people. This was easier to accomplish on a blog. You can plan out posts to appear to the world almost anything you want to be. This blog was an outlet for the not-always-so-serious me.

But this is the real me.

Am I afraid? No. I know Who holds the future in the palm of His almighty hand, and I know that I have no real reason to fear, because no matter what happens to my body, my soul is secure. I know what really matters and how the whole thing ends, and I know where my trust lies.

But in another sense, I am quite unsettled. We have elected a socialist/Marxist man to the highest office in the land and the people love it so. They wear t-shirts bearing his image, they drool over pictures of him bare-chested on the beaches of Hawaii (bleh!), they defend everything he says or does even though he is making some of the most ridiculous appointments to office that we've ever seen... they seem most blind to his numerous faults.

In essence, they worship him.

I know I'm not the only one who finds that sickening. The people of this country are suffering a strong delusion if they think this man will fix every mess that it's taken us years to get into -- especially since I believe that it is people with his type of thinking that got us in the mess in the first place. They are deluded if they think that this man is sincere and only has our best interests at heart.

Those who have studied what democracy does to a country will tell you that it leads to widespread poverty and destruction -- and ultimately to oligarchy. What we seem to have happening is a sort of democratic socialism.

The socialist liberals have taken over this country. Goodbye to checks and balances, hello to one party rule. Hello to the destruction of the Republic for which our forefathers and our brave armed forces fought. As the above video mentions, after the Constitutional Convention Benjamin Franklin told a woman that Congress had given the people of America a republic, if they could keep it. Dear leader was absolutely correct when he said we were headed for fundamental change in this country. And I don't love his vision of Amerika.

Eight years ago in my excitement over my candidate attaining office, I wrote out a little 3x5 card with a prayer for him. It's been displayed at our house in one way or another these long 8 years. He may have disappointed many people during his time in office (in fact many hate him), but no one can deny that we have had no terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11 while other countries have suffered attacks. However, he has also made moves with which many don't agree, and shown us his own socialistic tendencies with the formation of the SPP and his sign off on the bailouts. It is clear that Bush did what he thought was right even though his popularity has suffered with both political parties. It just doesn't seem that he always followed the Lord's conviction.

But I believe that his successor will be far worse than anything we've ever seen.

We are headed for tough times. Consider the socialist changes that have been occurring in this country for decades, and add to that the infiltration of Islam, and you have a dying Republic. You have the death of not only religious freedom, but all freedom. Some are telling us to prepare for persecution. And the more I watch the news and the rapid changes in America, the more I believe them.

Are we ready?

How many of us have any idea what it's like to be persecuted? I know what it's like to be looked at like I've got two heads for speaking the truth of God's word to someone, but no one has ever threatened me with bodily harm because of the offense of the gospel. And I still don't know if I'm ready. Christians in other countries face this regularly, especially in predominantly Muslim countries and socialist/communist countries. I don't know how soon it will happen here, but though I thought it wouldn't be during my lifetime, now I'm not so sure.

If you've managed to stay with me this far through this post, I want you to know that I'm not all about doom and gloom. Circumstances are grim, but they are never beyond God's control. And the Bible is full of instructions regarding hard times, because God knew they would come -- again and again. Suffering falls upon the just and the unjust. We just have different ways of handling it. When it comes, we simply have to be ready.

Wishing all of you...

2009-01-01T16:01:00.002-05:00

Through All The Years, May Israel Say

2008-12-28T14:46:00.006-05:00

Please pray for Israel as she defends herself against Hamas.

Psalm 129

Through all the years, may Israel say,
My bitter foes have oft assailed,
Have sought my hurt in fierce array,
Yet over me have not prevailed.

Though scars of conflict and distress
Remain to tell of trials past,
Jehovah in His righteousness
Has safely brought us through at last.

The foes of Zion shall be brought
To hopeless flight and put to shame;
Their wicked plans shall come to naught
And all mankind forget their name.

To them no kindly friend shall say,
“God bless you now and speed you well”;
No grateful heart for them shall pray,
“May God’s rich blessing on you dwell.”

Words: Paraphrase of Psalm 129; author unknown.

Celebrate Immanuel’s Name

2008-12-21T15:06:00.004-05:00

For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form...
Colossians 2:9

Celebrate Immanuel’s Name,
The Prince of life and peace.
God with us, our lips proclaim,
Our faithful hearts confess.
God is in our flesh revealed;
Heav’n and earth in Jesus join.
Mortal with Immortal filled,
And human with Divine.

Fullness of the Deity
In Jesus’ body dwells,
Dwells in all His saints and me
When God His Son reveals.
Father, manifest Thy Son;
Breathe the true incarnate Word.
In our inmost souls make known
The presence of the Lord.

Let the Spirit of our Head
Through every member flow;
By our Lord inhabited,
We then Immanuel know.
Then He doth His Name express;
God in us we truly prove,
Find with all the life of grace
And all the power of love.

Words: Charles Wesley

Toby Tuesdays

2008-12-16T15:43:00.001-05:00

A Sov’reign Protector I Have

2008-12-14T15:34:00.002-05:00

A Sov’reign Protector I have,
Unseen, yet forever at hand,
Unchangeably faithful to save,
Almighty to rule and command.
He smiles, and my comforts abound;
His grace as the dew shall descend;
And walls of salvation surround
The soul He delights to defend.

Inspirer and Hearer of prayer,
Thou Shepherd and Guardian of Thine,
My all to Thy covenant care
I sleeping and waking resign.
If Thou art my Shield and my Sun,
The night is no darkness to me;
And fast as my moments roll on,
They bring me but nearer to Thee.

Kind Author, and ground of my hope,
Thee, Thee, for my God I avow;
My glad Ebenezer set up,
And own Thou hast helped me till now.
I muse on the years that are past,
Wherein my defense Thou hast proved;
Nor wilt Thou relinquish at last
A sinner so signally loved!

Words: Augustus M. Toplady

Be Still, My Soul

2008-12-08T00:01:00.004-05:00

Because Russ Taff's music blesses me. I hope this one blesses you too.

Great God, Whose Universal Sway

2008-12-07T00:55:00.000-05:00

Great God, whose universal sway
The known and unknown worlds obey,
Now give the kingdom to Thy Son,
Extend His power, exalt His throne.

Thy scepter well becomes His hands,
All Heav’n submits to His commands;
His justice shall avenge the poor,
And pride and rage prevail no more.

With power He vindicates the just,
And treads th’oppressor in the dust;
His worship and His fear shall last,
Till hours, and years, and time be past.

As rain on meadows newly mown,
So shall He send His influence down;
His grace on fainting souls distils,
Like heav’nly dew on thirsty hills.

The heathen lands that lie beneath
The shades of overspreading death,
Revive at His first dawning light,
And deserts blossom at the sight.

The saints shall flourish in His days,
Dressed in the robes of joy and praise
Peace, like a river from His throne,
Shall flow to nations yet unknown.

Words: Isaac Watts

Mission... Possible!

2008-12-01T00:31:00.003-05:00

Because, again, squirrels are very cool.

Be Still, My Soul

2008-11-30T16:22:00.005-05:00

Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10 NKJV

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

Words: Katharina A. von Schlegel

A grateful heart...

2008-11-27T17:03:00.012-05:00

Posting has been sparse at this blog for quite some time now, and for numerous reasons. The small business I help run with my husband really picked up this last year, and my health has declined in several ways. I don't see great need to go into much detail about my health, and with the economy in the state it's in, we wonder at the effect on our business.

With all that's going on, I sometimes ponder what to be thankful for. I sometimes even worry about our business, my health, my parents who are aging and I miss greatly, my sons and the changing world they will face in the future... The concerns are endless. Oh, and you needn't remind me that worry is a sin -- I know it is. I'm working on that. And I'm always aware that God is in control. :)

So we come to this day of the year, rich in history for our nation. I am quite thankful to God that we have lived in one of the freest countries in history, though what looms before us challenges all that. By placing a socialist leaning president in charge, the USA as we know it WILL change. We have been changing toward this end for many years, and a lot of us didn't even realize it. Some still don't, and even deny the possibility.

I've spent a little bit of time lately at some political sites and blogs (liberal and conservative) to get a taste of what is happening. There's far more Bush hate out there than I ever realized. I may not have understood his every decision, but I am aware that there are things that our leaders cannot tell us due to matters of national security. So I always prayed that God would lead him and place competent advisers around him. But many people blame him for every single thing that goes wrong anywhere in the world. I find that short sighted, at the least.

Whether you like President Bush or not, he has sacrificed much for us to keep us safe, and for that he deserves not only our respect, but our heartfelt thanks. Steven Curtis Chapman has written a lovely song that expresses that very idea. When I heard this song, it was interesting to note the stark contrast between the songs written in worship of Obama who has, as yet, done nothing, and this simple song merely written in thanks to a man who has actually served our country at the national level for 8 years. Personally, I have found our president to be an extremely likable guy, and I do appreciate the fact that we have been much safer with him at the helm. Be sure to read his 2008 Thanksgiving Proclamation.

So what else do I have to be thankful to God for on this day? So many, many things. Not only does God meet my physical needs here on this mortal plane, but He has assured me eternity in His presence. In recent years I have developed a serious longing for Heaven. In His presence is fullness of joy. What more could I want?

God bless all of you, and Happy Thanksgiving.

A Bassett Hound's Triumph

2008-11-24T00:01:00.004-05:00

How 'bout those rotating wipers?

Your attention please:

2008-11-23T22:35:00.003-05:00

Not too long ago, I ran across a blogger with the talent of writing and the gift of encouragement, and I wanted to share this blessing with you. Margaret L. Been loves Christ, loves the Word of God, and she currently has four blogs going, unless I've miscounted. Her most recent endeavor will probably interest my many friends who visit here that suffer chronic pain:

Mining Treasures in Illness and Pain

But you might want to check out her other blogs too:

God's Word is True

Grace With Salt

Northern Reflections

You are sure to be blessed!

Fear Not, Thou Faithful Christian Flock

2008-11-23T00:01:00.006-05:00

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16

Fear not, thou faithful Christian flock;
God is thy shelter and thy rock;
Fear not for thy salvation.
Though fierce the foe and dark the night,
The Lord of hosts shall be thy might,
Christ thine illumination.

Arise, arise, the foe defy!
Call on the Name of God most high,
That He with might endue you.
And Christ, your everlasting Priest,
In all your conflicts shall assist,
From strength to strength renew you.

Words: Attributed variously to King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden; Jacob Fabricius (1593-1654), a chaplain in Adolphus’ army; and Johann M. Altenburg (1584-1640) (Verzage nicht du Häuflein klein); translated from German to English by Robert S. Bridges in the Yattendon Hymnal, 1899, number 72.

Dancing Squirrels

2008-11-17T02:19:00.004-05:00

Because squirrels are very cool.

Away with our Sorrow and Fear!

2008-11-16T03:04:00.003-05:00

...and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4

Away with our sorrow and fear!
We soon shall recover our home,
The city of saints shall appear,
The day of eternity come:
From earth we shall quickly remove,
And mount to our native abode,
The house of our Father above,
The palace of angels and God.

Our mourning is all at an end,
When, raised by the life-giving Word,
We see the new city descend,
Adorned as a bride for her Lord;
The city so holy and clean,
No sorrow can breathe in the air;
No gloom of affliction or sin,
No shadow of evil is there.

By faith we already behold
That lovely Jerusalem here;
Her walls are of jasper and gold,
As crystal her buildings are clear;
Immovably founded in grace,
She stands as she ever hath stood,
And brightly her Builder displays,
And flames with the glory of God.

No need of the sun in that day,
Which never is followed by night,
Where Jesus’ beauties display
A pure and a permanent light:
The Lamb is their light and their sun,
And lo! by reflection they shine,
With Jesus ineffably one,
And bright in effulgence divine!

The saints in His presence receive
Their great and eternal reward;
In Jesus, in Heaven they live,
They reign in the smile of their Lord:
The flame of angelical love
Is kindled at Jesus’ face;
And all the enjoyment above
Consists in the rapturous gaze.

Words: Charles Wesley

Praise You in this Storm

2008-11-10T00:01:00.005-05:00

Today, I am expecting the results of an ultrasound I had on Friday. I will find out soon whether or not I get to keep my gall bladder. I know it's not a big deal in the greater scheme of things, but surgery is not really an interesting prospect to me. I have a lot of health issues, and this is not the only possible surgery I am facing at this time, so I would appreciate your prayers.

Also, I can't say that I am thrilled about the results of the election. We are facing difficult times in this nation, the likes of which I haven't seen in my lifetime.

In these trying times, we have to remember that we are not truly citizens here, but wayfaring strangers. Our citizenship is in Heaven, and while we are to obey the laws of the land in which we live, this short lifetime pales in comparison with our eternity.

But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2:9-12

God is in control.
Let's make every day we're given count.

O Happy Nation

2008-11-09T00:01:00.002-05:00

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7
NIV

O happy nation, where the Lord
Reveals the treasure of His Word,
And builds His church, His earthly throne!
His eye the heathen world surveys,
He formed their hearts, He knows their ways;
But God their Maker is unknown.

Let kings rely upon their host,
And of his strength the champion boast;
In vain they boast, in vain rely;
In vain we trust the brutal force,
Or speed, or courage, of a horse,
To guard his rider or to fly.

The eye of Thy compassion, Lord,
Doth more secure defense afford
When death or dangers threatening stand;
Thy watchful eye preserves the just,
Who make Thy Name their fear and trust,
When wars or famine waste the land.

In sickness, or the bloody field,
Thou our Physician, Thou our Shield,
Send us salvation from Thy throne:
We wait to see Thy goodness shine;
Let us rejoice in help divine,
For all our hope is God alone.

Words: Isaac Watts

joythruChrist

Let your voice be heard...

Sunflower visit...

Sunflower

Comment moderation...

Nothing to say...

Behold th’Amazing Gift of Love

My Country, 'Tis of Thee

Socialized medicine is NOT the answer!

Your Friday Cheezburger

Your Friday Cheezburger

Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

Why didn't he apologize for offending the fly?

Rockin' Robins

Make Haste, O my God, to Deliver

Brown Jordan Nomad Slings

Sinners, Dismiss Your Fear

Quote:

I will extol Thee, Lord on high

Quote:

This is interesting...

Thank you...

Commit Whatever Grieves Thee

Advanced Cat Yodeling!!

Just a question I had for President Obama:

Give Me a New, a Perfect Heart

Just because.

What is happening here?

Next

O That My Load Of Sin Were Gone!

Something to think about...

HE IS ABLE TO DELIVER THEE

Being of beings

Toby Tuesdays

Blogoversary

Beethoven - Symphony No. 7 in A major: II. Allegretto

Like the Golden Sun Ascending

Toby Tuesdays

He's alive...

Toby Tuesdays

All Glory, Laud and Honor

Now God Be With Us

Today's Apposite Quote

How Many Kings

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

I have a new favourite song...

Oh, those unreliable teleprompters...

Facebook, Twitter, or both?

Schoolhouse Rock - No More Kings

Lord, the God of my Salvation

Beck interviews the leader of the Communist Party USA

Puttin' On the Ritz

Thy Faithfulness, Lord, Each Moment We Find

I ♥ "Greedy" Rich People

The Heavens Declare Thy Glory

My Desktop Photo

An Obituary Worth Reading

More good sense...

Now You Has Jazz

Understanding the Stimulus Bill

The Rick Santelli Double Feature

Wait, O My Soul, Thy Maker’s Will

Stop Wasteful Spending

Goin' by the Book

Maker and Sov’reign Lord

The real face of Hope and Change:

My Trust is in my Heavenly Friend

John Piper takes O to the woodshed

33 Minutes

Schiff on the porkulus bill

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

IS there a more pertinent question?

56/5 Book Meme

Take The World, But Give Me Jesus

Prayer request

Cultural Morality

Give to our God Immortal Praise

For Kim

My heart is breaking

Heartbreaking Disrespect and Ungratefulness