My Grandma's Hands

Today I had the pleasure of visiting my friend Shanna's new blog. She had written about her grandmother's hands and as I began to write a response in the comments, I realized that her essay had called forth in me an essay of my own. So what follows are my remembrances of my own grandmother's hands.


I remember that they were always busy, rolling pie dough, cutting homemade egg noodles, weeding and gardening, snapping beans, stirring something on the stove, pouring coffee. They were brown and aged from years of living in the California sun; wrinkled and brown and covered with large, brown spots. But they were soft and always very warm. I remember the heat of them as she held my face in her hands. I remember her crooked index finger curled around the handle of a cup of coffee, pointing out a scripture, scolding, dressed in white gloves on Sunday, pointing up to heaven as she spoke of her Heavenly Father.

Other than the face, the hands are the most expressive part of a person, don’t you think? Perhaps that is why we remember them so. Or perhaps it is because it is with the hands that we touch, and bless, and serve each other and show love in many ways. My grandmother blessed us with her hands.

I remember her hands the last time she visited me in my home. My mom and aunt and Grandma came to visit us in our new home in Kentucky. It was a homecoming of sorts for Grandma because her family had roots in Kentucky. She was proud to call herself a “hillbilly.” Each night she stayed with us, I tucked her into bed and then sat on the edge of the bed and talked with her. She lay there in the dark, all tucked in, with her hands clasped lightly across her chest, like a child. We talked in quiet tones; I don’t remember the specifics but I remember that we spoke of God’s mercy and His love, our love for each other, and how wonderful it was to have this time together.

I would remember that special time we had shared when I stood, looking down at those hands, lightly clasped across her chest that last time at her funeral. Those hands had blessed so many and now, in Heaven, they were lifted in praise to the One that she loved above all. The child was with her Father.

Do you have memories of a loved one’s hands? If our memories have evoked a similar response, won’t you consider writing about it at your blog and linking back here?

Carnival of Beauty

This week's Carnival of Beauty is being hosted at Just Marla. I can't wait to read all the entries! If you haven't submitted yours, you better get busy! They need to be submitted by 3 pm. today. Whether you submit anything or not, be sure to go and read the entries on The Beauty of the Bible.

The Beauty of the Bible

This week's topic in the Carnival of Beauty is one that I could not resist, for it is something that I think about often, something that I hold in my hand daily, something that thrills my heart like little else, and this is why.

The Beauty of the Bible is a very tangible expression of the Beauty of God Himself, for it is His self-revelation, expressed in His own Words. All that we may know of what we are to believe about Who He is, of His Purposes and Plans for His creation and for man is contained in the Scriptures. All that we need to know about our duty before God is contained in the Scriptures. Both the Westminster Confession of Faith and the London Baptist Confession of Faith begin with the Scriptures, for without His Word contained in the Scriptures, we have nothing sure to confess.

While it is true that all creation proves the existence of God, it is within the revealed, unchanging, inerrant Word of God that we may know and understand the great salvation that He has accomplished in Christ. It is sufficient for all of man's needs, and for all times, places, and cultures. All can come to a saving knowledge through the reading of His Word; young or old, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, wise or foolish, for it clear in the matter of salvation. And yet the depths of His Scripture are unfathomable for even the most spiritual, the most highly educated, the most deeply committed Christian, for the depths of His Word reveal the depths of our Holy God! We can go to His Word each day and learn something new about our God, our salvation, ourselves, and our eternal destiny.

And, oh!--the wisdom of God in revealing Himself and His ways in written form! Being written, it is preserved, set, defended from alteration or modification. Being written, we can study it, meditate upon it, hold it in our hands, take it along with us, share it, give it, rely upon it's familiar and comfortable passages, be forced to face the difficult and convicting challenges.

Had He left it for us to re-tell by word of mouth, who would want to face up to the truth of the certainty of death, the certainty of judgment, the wrath of a Holy God? Who would remember or place value on every aspect of God's revelation of Himself? Left to ourselves, our understanding of God would quickly descend to tradition and superstition, for as the Puritan, Thomas Adams said, devotion without instruction winds itself into superstition. And that instruction resides within the pages of God's Holy Word.

We have His Word. He has revealed it to men, inspired by His Spirit, and we have the Holy Spirit of God to help us as we read.

Do you love God? Then love His Word. Drink from it deeply. Meditate upon it. Let it be your constant companion. Meet Him there.

God's Minute 2/28

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. To him that overcometh, will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.--Revelation 3:19, 20, 21

O LORD, Thou art ever knocking at the door of our souls, seeking entrance into our lives. Help us to recognize Thy knockings, and to open to Thine entrance.

We would have our hearts open to Thee at all times--in sunshine or in shadow, in joy or in sorrow. Whether Thou comest in the time of the singing of birds or in winter's chilling blasts, may we receive Thee joyfully.

Show us that we need Thee more than anything that Thou mayst give us, and that Thou, Thyself, art more than all Thy gifts. So, when Thou knockest, Lord may we open to Thee, and receive Thee as an abiding guest.

Amen.

H. H. Beattys, D.D.,
New Rochelle, New York

Getting real for Randi

Randi, at I Have to Say, has asked us to come clean and get real. As you can see, there is nothing clean about my "real" kitchen this morning. We had friends in for dinner last night and this is the scene that greeted me when I got to the kitchen to make my coffee this morning. I've been up for several hours and it still looks like that (blame that on Lauren, whose post on RSS feeds has challenged me to go out and try to find out all about feeds. So far all I've learned is that mine isn't validated. . .feedburner, here I come!)

God's Minute 2/27

The Lord looseth the prisoners; The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind; The Lord raiseth them that are bowed down; The Lord loveth the righteous: The Lord preserveth the strangers; He relieveth the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turneth upside down. The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God. O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord.--Psalm 146:7-10

OH GOD, our Father! How precious to us is the privilege of having Thy Name linger on our lips, giving us new assurance of the fact that we are in the circle of Thy love and care. May this confidence drive away all fear and anxiety, and help to keep out of this day all other enemies of our souls. In the moment of our temptation, may we realize Thy promise and Thy presence. When burdens become heavy, may we find the strength necessary in Thee. In face of all difficulty and every problem, may we be brave because of our faith. For whatever these hours bring, may Thy grace be sufficient.Whatever we do, may we do it all to Thy glory. May this day bear the divine mark in the calendar on earth, and in Heaven.

We leave our prayers where all prayer belongs--in the shadow of the Cross.

Amen.

Cortland Myers, A.B., D.D.,
Boston, Massachusetts

Good-bye Barney

I'll miss you.

Tom and Eve's Sunday Snooze

Buster's Sabbath Rest

Les Mis quote

One can no more prevent the mind from returning to an idea than the sea from returning to the shore. . .in the case of the guilty, it is called remorse. God upheaves the soul as well as the ocean.

Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

God's Minute 2/26

O, satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein Thou has afflicted us and the years wherein we have seen evil. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be uon us; and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us: yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it.--Psalm 90:14-17

DEAR LORD, let us do our work each day, and if the darkened hours of despair overcome us, may we not forget the strength that comforted us in the desolation of other times. In these times of backsliding, when so many allurements are held out by the world, let that great force which turned our life from darkness into Thy most marvelous light be ever present, and the "refining fire go through our hearts, illuminating our souls." May thy blessed Word be a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. Lift our eyes from the earth; forbid that we should judge others, lest we ourselves be condemned. Help us to understand Thy precious Word, and at this stage of the world's history may we be constantly looking for Thy glorious reappearing. Let us be like the wise virgins, constantly having on the wedding garments.

Amen.

Rev. A. Sheldrick,
East Northfield, Massachusetts

Don't they look happy?

Here's a picture of our son, John, and his bride-to-be, Beth. Aren't they cute?

God's Minute 2/25

February 25

Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.--Romans 8:26-28

THE way is long, our Father, and sometimes very weary. We crowd and bruise one another in passing, and often we forget the goal in the heat and hurry of the pilgrimage. Start us forth, we pray, each day with fresh courage, and whisper in our hearts a little song to gladden our steps as we take up our burdens anew. Grant that the lightest of these may ever be our conscience, and that we may never be too laden with personal troubles to carry the balm of sympathy for friend and foe. Above all, grant us the gift of clear vision, that we may pierce the doubts and fears of the passing moment, and dwell with unfaltering confidence upon the ultimate fact of Thy love.

Amen.

Alice Hegan Rice,
Louisville, Kentucky

From the Link:

Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice (1870-1942)

Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice was an American writer who published close to two dozen books, including several short-story collections and some nonfiction devotional works. Her most popular work was Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch (1901), which was heavily influenced by her observations of Louisville slum life.

Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch was one of the first hard back books I remember owning as a child. I received it for Christmas along with Lassie, Come Home.

I found a treasure

While out and about on my bloggy visits this morning, I followed a link and then another link and ended up in a beautiful place!

Today I would like to invite you to visit Scenes from God's World. Eija is an amateur photographer from Finland and her photos will leave you breathless. You can also visit her at her blog, The Invisible.

The theme verse in her banner is 2 Corinthians 4:18: So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, but having viewed her photos at Scenes from God's World, her heavenward gaze allows her to see God's majesty in the things which are seen.

God's Minute 2/24

February 24

Continue in prayer, and watch.--Colossians 4:2

O Father, God, we thank Thee today for life--the privilege of living. Help us today to remember that "we live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; in feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should count the time by heart throbs." May we ever be reminded that "he lives best, who things best, feels the noblest, acts the best." Help us today to so act that we may show our appreciation for life by our work.

We thank Thee, too, O God, for the chance to serve. May we today overlook no opportunity to reach out a helping hand, to speak a kind word, to show sympathy; and above all, help us to appreciate every service rendered by those who work with and for us. May we, O Lord, in all that we do this day, do our level best; may we think the highest and best thoughts; may we strive to use our best efforts. Help us to strive today "not as thougth we had already attained, but that we might reach after" the spiritual life we long for. Then help us to "give to the world the best we have, that the best may come back to us." Hear us, O Father, in the Name of Thy dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ!

Amen.

D. Walter Morton, A.M., C.P.A.,
Eugene, Oregon

Quiz

1) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4: Therefore, from the top of the stem to the beginning of the foot, the pen must twist as much as 40 degrees, and this transition is the key to well-executed Rustic Capitals. (This is from The Art of Calligraphy by David Harris)

2) Stretch your left arm out as far as you can and see what you touch: Nothing.

3) What is the last thing you watched on TV? The news following American Idol; last night.

4)Without looking, guess what time it is: Somewhere around 4:30.

5) Now look at the clock. What is the actual time? 4:26 p.m.

6) With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? Sam feeding the dogs, Eve jumping; Ivy whining.

7) When did you last step outside? About a half hour ago to clean up dog poop.

8) Before you started this survey, what did you look at? The Upward Call

9) What are you wearing? Green jeans, yellow shirt with ink stains, my gray slippers. The same jewelry I wear every day, wedding ring, my mother's class ring.

10) Did you dream last night? I don’t think so, but I did lay awake worrying.

11) When did you last laugh? About a half hour ago reading my email, and yes, I laughed outloud.

12) What is on the walls of the room you are in? Quilt, clock, mirror, painting.

13) Seen anything weird lately? American Idol.

14) What do you think of this quiz? Not as much fun as I thought it would be. I am boring.

15) What is the last movie you saw? Not exactly a movie; A Concert DVD by Sting: "All this Time."

16) If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy? You mean after I agonized about how to spend it? First I think I'd buy a building for our church so we could stop renting space in the bank building.

17) Tell me something about you that I don't know: I played the cello--first chair.

18) If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do? I wouldn't. I think God knows what He's doing without my help.

19) Do you like to dance? Not really.

20) George Bush? I used to like him more than I do now.

21) Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her? I'd called her Kathryn, Kay for short.

22) Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him? I called him John.

23) Would you ever consider living abroad? Yes, if my family came along. Somewhere in the British Isles, preferably Ireland.

24) What do you want God to say to you when you reach the pearly gates? Enter into My rest.

Advice from man's best friend Part 3

If someone catches you swiping an 8 ounce block of cheese off the table, tuck your tail, droop your ears and try to hide behind the nearest refrigerator.

If all else fails, it's a good idea to send yourself to your crate.

*No animals were injured in the making of this blogpost.*

Advice from man's best friend Part 1

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Let others know when they've invaded your territory.


Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On hot days, drink lots of water and sit under a shady tree.

Advice from man's best friend Part 2

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

On sunny days, take a nap in the sunshine.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

God's Minute 2/23

February 23

He that hath My commandments and keepeth them, loveth me.--John 14:21

MOST gracious God Almighty, all wise, all loving, our Heavenly Father, we rejoice that Thou hast called us to be Thy children.

We confess before Thee, that we are indeed like little children, with all their weakness and imperfections, but without their humility, purity, teachableness and trustfulness. Cleanse us from our sins. Grant us joy and peace in believing in Thee. May we have the love that believeth all things, hopeth all things, and endureth all things.

In our home, in our daily work and recreations, and in all our relations to others, make us strong and steadfast to do the right and shun the wrong. Bless us, that we may become a blessing to others.

Remember, we beseech Thee, all clases and conditions of men--the sick, the sorrowful, the poor and needy, the widows and orphans, the little children with their sweet faith and childlike joys, the young and vigorous, bearing the responsibilities of life.

Bless the missionaries at home and abroad. Be pleased to make Thyself known in the labors of the faithful pastors and teachers, and let Thy truth and righteousness govern the nations of the earth, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Rufus W. Miller, D.D.,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Vote for David

. . . if you vote for David, all of his wildest dreams will come true.

You can see a short interview here.

God's Minute 2/22

February 22

This, the love of God, that we keep His commandments.--1 John 5:3

O LORD, Thou art the high and lofty One Who doth inhabit eternity, Whose Name is Holy: Thou dwellest in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.

We bow before Thee, humbly asking Thy pardon of our sins, though our Saviour. We thank Thee that Thou didst so love us as to give Thy beloved Son that we might live; and we rejoice that no one shall be able to pluck us out of Thy hands.

We pray Thee that Thy Kingdom may come, and Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Do Thou support and empower everyone who labors for Thee at home or on the mission fields. Do Thou comfort and uphold all who are sick or bereaved, or troubled. May these trials bring them closer to Thee.

We do desire that Thou wouldst give us grace and power to live rightly today, to do our work and to glorify Thee. Oh, keep us from falling or doing anything to grieve Thee or to bring sorrow to ourselves, or to anyone.

We ask all in the Name of our Saviour. Amen.

D.T. Reed,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Spring

There is an undefinable "thing" about spring. It smells a certain way. It sounds a certain way. And it feels a certain way. For some reason, even though it is still February, even though it is 31 degrees out, and even though everything has that dirty, brown appearance from melting snow and all the grime of a long winter, I felt it today. It's coming! It really is!

To comment or not to comment

I've been thinking a lot about blogging over the past few days in light of the recent controversy. I think many, if not most of us have. I have an opinion just like everyone else. I have thought about sharing it but when it comes right down to it, I have nothing new to add and what I would say has already been said much better than I can say it anyway.

I decided before I ever hit the publish button on my first post that I would never post anything that I would feel weird about were someone/anyone reading in my presence. My husband, my mom, my sons, my pastor, my friends. Most especially my Savior. I've thought a lot about why I blog and how I blog. I have some self-imposed guidelines, known only to me, that I have been able to stick to so far. Maybe I'll share them all someday.

Here's one for today:

If I am uncertain about a post, whether it be concerning appropriateness, clarity, or correctness, I save it as a draft and give it the three day rule. I've only needed to do this a couple of times and each time I decided not to publish.

Kim linked to a really good blogpost this morning. It's worth reading.

So here's the question for the day: Do you have any self-imposed guidelines that govern your blogging activities? If so, leave a note in the comments and I'll move them up here or blog about it and I'll link here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carol says, "the main thing I ask myself is, "Is my heart right?" She has more words of wisdom in the comments.

Brand new blogger (yea!), Amy, at Ezekiel's Garden is careful about giving out too much personal information (good practice!) and she tries not to repeat a sentiment or idea unless it has been particularly meaningful to her. Go say "hi" to Amy and welcome her to the blogosphere--oh, and it's OK to repeat! :)

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

Someday I may be able to say, "I knew him when. . ."

David is the son of our pastor and we have been following his journey with American Idol for some time now. I don't really know David all that well, but I know his family and I can tell you that when they say he is a nice kid, they are right. He really is a fine young man.

David has a dream. He's a hard worker and a talented young man. Idol or no, he will go far.

Our family has never watched any of the other seasons of American Idol. We're not much for watching TV. But this year we've been gathering around the TV to wait for a glimpse of David. It's been fun. And it's been an eye-opener.

So many of the contestants have been well, foul-mouthed and rude and conceited. Most of those were cut. If you'd like to root for a "nice young man", get behind David. And if you think about it, pray for him.

God's Minute 2/21

February 21

God hath attended to the voice of my prayer.--Psalm 66:19

O THOU GOD of all grace, Father of mercies, the Hope of believers, Saviour of the penitent soul, hear our prayer.

Thou hast revealed Thyself in such lovely characteristics and endearing relations, that we may remove all fear, and be encouraged in all trouble, and be led to say, "Let us draw nigh to God."

Teach us, Lord, because we know not truth of ourselves. May we see divine things in a heavenly light, so that our minds may be informed and at the same time our hearts be sanctified.

Consecrate our whole life to Thy service and glory. Search us, O God, and know our hearts; try us, and know our thoughts; see if there be any wicked way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting.

Accept our thanksgiving and praise for Thy generous blessing in material refreshment and spiritual strength. Keep us under Thy guardian care so that whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we may do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus and to the glory of God, through Crhist our blessed Redeemer and Friend.

Amen.

George M. Diffenderfer, D.D.,
Carlise, Pennsylvania

This is so Me

You Are a Plain Ole Cup of Joe

But don't think plain - instead think, uncomplicated You're a low maintenance kind of girl... who can hang with the guys Down to earth, easy going, and fun! Yup, that's you: the friend everyone invites. And you're dependable, too. Both for a laugh and a sympathetic ear.

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

I'm definitely a plain Jane coffee drinker. Black, strong, hot and lots of it! No decaf for me! I've cut back on my coffee drinking a bit in the past year or so, but I still have my two cups of real, homebrewed coffee in the morning. I used to drink a whole pot, but two steaming mugs of hi-test are better than a whole pot of decaf, don't you think?

What about you? What kind of coffee drinker are you?

(I must confess that I am also a grammar nut. I had to change the code from "And your dependable too" to "And you're dependable, too.")

My friend, Kyle

One of the best things about the internet and online communications is meeting people that, otherwise, you would never have met. I have been so blessed to meet so many wonderful Christian friends. Rebecca, of Rebecca Writes, is one of the first friends I ever made online. I count her as a true friend, as well as many new friends I have made here at Hiraeth.

Today, I want you to meet my young friend, Kyle. Kyle is a very wise, bright young man. I met him at The Highway Discussion Board, where we are both moderators. His knowledge and understanding of complex theological issues is amazing to me, but even more than that, I am in awe of his wisdom and maturity. (How old are you, Kyle? All of 21?)

Kyle just got back from a week performing Katrina relief in Biloxi, Mississippi through the First Presybterian Church. You can read about his experiences at his blog, Covenant in Blood. He has lots of pictures linked at his post.

I don't know about you, but it had been a while since I had thought about the ongoing work in that area. The continuing devastation is truly mind boggling. I am so thankful for folks that haven't forgotten, that have been willing to give up time and money and materials to help the people who lost so much recover after Katrina.

Thanks, Kyle.

Here we go again

Eve was spayed this morning and we got to bring her home this afternoon. The vet said she got along fine and didn't even need to wear the cone as long as she continues to leave her tummy alone. And if Ivy will leave her alone! Ivy knows that something isn't right and she insists on "taking care" of Eve like she did last October when Eve had a different surgery. She is very attentive. It would be really sweet if we didn't have to keep after her to let poor Evie take a nap!

God's Minute 2/20

February 20

He forgetteth not the cry of the humble.--Psalm 9:12

DEAR LORD, our Friend and our Saviour: Thy children come to Thy feet and look up into Thy face, for we know that Thou dost love us and that Thou art waiting for us. Be Thou ever the center of our family life, and make us find our peace and our happiness in Thy presence. Our home can be blessed only when we know that Thou art with us. Help us to love one another as Thou dost love us; to be gentle and unselfish and forgiving; to be good children of our Heavenly Father. When we are troubled, do Thou quiet our fears. When we are tempted, do Thou grant us the victory. When we are sick, may Thine everlasting arms enfold us; and when we go astray, O dear Shepherd, seek us and bring us home again. May our hearts be glad in the knowledge of Thy love. May our thoughts be pure because Thou rulest them. Let the sunshine of Thy favor drive away all shadows, and may we sing in the gladness of our spirits, since Thou art our Guardian and Friend, and therefore no harm can befall us. Help us to grow daily more like Thee, and at last take us to Thy Home, where we shall be happy forever.

Hear our prayer, dear Christ, and help us and bless us, for Thine own dear sake.

Amen.

Floyd W. Tomkins, B.D., LL.D.,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Ivy Smile

A Sabbath Prayer

Heavenly Father, on this Sabbath morning we come before you and offer up our prayers and our petitions. We are mindful, not only that you are our Father, but that you are Holy and righteous. We are thankful that Christ Jesus, our Savior and our Elder Brother, goes before us and intercedes for us in Your presence. We are amazed that You have called us to be Your children and have united us with Christ.

As we prepare to enter into worship with Your people, help us to compose our thoughts and prepare our hearts to meet with You. May Your Word be preached in Spirit and in Truth. May your servants tremble at Your Word. Some will be communing with You at Your table this morning. Father, help Your people to come to You prepared to receive in a worthy manner and so be refreshed and sustained in Your presence.

There are those who come burdened down by trials and temptations. Through the preaching of Your Word, help them to lay their burdens on Christ and receive rest for their souls. There are those who are discouraged and in despair. Help them to cast their cares upon You. There are those come disinterested and resentful, their eyes being blind to the Gospel of Grace. Lord, if it be Your will, help them to see that they are poor in spirit--having nothing, in need of everything; open their eyes and ears so that they can see their need and run to the One who is able to save them.

May You be glorified in the church today.

In the Name of Christ, our Savior and our King,

Amen.

God's Minute 2/18 and 2/19

As you can see, there will be no prayers posted for February 18th and 19th. A page is missing. It appears to have been torn out at some point. Makes me wonder if my Grandpa or Grandma passed it along to someone or maybe one of them tucked it into the pages of his/her Bible. I was given one of my Grandma's Bibles after she died. She had this poem taped to the fly sheet, so in lieu of the regular prayer, I offer you this little piece of advice from my dear Grandma, Mildred Smith:

The Secret

I met with God in the morning
When the day was at its best,
And His Presence came like sunrise,
Like a glory in my breast.

All day long the Presence lingered,
All day long He stayed with me,
And we sailed in perfect calmness
O'er a very troubled sea.

Other ships were blown and battered,
Other ships were sore distressed,
But the winds that seemed to drive them
Brought to us a peace and rest.

Then I thought of other mornings
With a keen remorse of mind,
When I, too, had leased the moorings
With the Presence left behind.

So I think I know the secret,
Learned from many a troubled way:
You must seek Him in the morning
If you want Him through the day.

--Ralph Spaulding Cushman

And think, now she is ever living in the Presence of the One Whom she loved best. His Presence is no longer a simile, "like a sunrise", for He is the Light:

22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

For Missmellifluous. . .

. . .who lives in a sunny clime.



Yesterday's weather was very strange. The morning started out with a light layer of snow that fell during a "thunder snow." The thunder was quite loud at times, rumbling and sustained and occasionally accompanied by lightening. This was followed by a gentle rain, escorted by a thin fog. It was not warm enough to melt the early snow; it was not cold enough to freeze the later rain. This created a sort of soupy mix of water and slush. Next came the freezing rain--not a lot, but enough to set the soup like gelatin. This was followed by a rapid decline in temperature and a swift increase in wind. The day ended, book-ended with another light snow; this time blown about on the surface of the icy soup.

The pictures really don't tell the story. It was strange!

God's Minute 2/17

February 17

Sing unto the Lord with Thanksgiving.--Psalm 147:7

HEAVENLY FATHER, we thank Thee for opening to us the doorway of a new day; and now that our feet stand upon the threshold of this great opportunity, we pray for guidance, wisdom, love, and power. Thou hast seen fit to draw a curtain before our eyes, so that we know not what a day may bring forth. As we journey into the wilderness of the future, a pillar of cloud has hovered about us so that we cannot tell what enemies shall meet us today, what duties shall present themselves for performance, what temptations may grapple with us by the wayside, what sloughs of despair may await our unwary feet, yet we know that with Thy divine help we shall be more than victors through Him Who loved us. Keep us, O God; our boat is so small, and Thy ocean is so vast. Enable us to lay aside every weight and sin which does so easily beset us. May Thy Fatherly protection be over those who are dear to us. Bless our enemies, if we have any, and give us right spirits to all mankind. Hasten the coming of Thy Kingdom, when injustice, impurity, unhappiness, and sin, shall be put down, and when love, truth, honor, and justice shall prevail in the Name of the Lord. Hear us now in this, our pryaer. In Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Rev. Charles C. Selecman,
Los Angeles, California

Under the Weather

We're under the weather in more ways than one at our house. We all have head colds that have progressed to chest colds. Yuck. Amazing how many boxes of Kleenex a family of four can go through in a couple of days!

We're also getting some strange weather today. Snow with thunder, rain with fog, rain, snow, ice, sleet--if it's precipitation of any kind it seems we've had some. It's a good day to snuggle up with the dogs and take a nap. Wish I had time. . .