tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209848742024-03-13T10:23:55.886-05:00HiraethHiraeth, a longing or homesickness
"It is difficult to define hiraeth, but to me it means the consciousness of man being out of his home area and that which is dear to him. That is why it can be felt even among a host of peoples amidst nature's beauty; like a Christian yearning for heaven."
--D. Martyn Lloyd Jones<p></p>
<b>THIS BLOG HAS BEEN RETIRED. I AM NOW BLOGGING AT <a href="http://hiraeth.squarespace.com">HIRAETH</a></b>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comBlogger905125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1168306035311541322007-01-08T19:23:00.000-06:002007-01-08T19:27:15.406-06:00A Reminder<span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;">Hiraeth</span> has moved to it's <a href="http://hiraeth.squarespace.com"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">new location</span></span></a> on <a href="http://www.squarespace.com/?associateTag=hiraeth">Squarespace</a>. <br /><br />Come visit me at <a href="http://hiraeth.squarespace.com">the new Hiraeth</a>.Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1168092609919342162007-01-06T08:07:00.000-06:002007-01-06T08:10:10.106-06:00Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/1600/221273/photo%20hunt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/400/127666/photo%20hunt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hi!<br /><br />If you're here on the <a href="http://tnchick.com/pshunt/">Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt</a>, please come visit me at my new location on <a href="http://www.squarespace.com/?associateTag=hiraeth">Squarespace</a>: <a href="http://hiraeth.squarespace.com">Hiraeth</a><br /></div>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1167612590819021822006-12-31T18:43:00.000-06:002006-12-31T18:49:50.880-06:00A New Years Eve Prayer<h3>An Evening Prayer </h3> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">WE THANK THEE, O Lord, for the work of each year, and for the rest of each night. We will lay us down both in peace and sleep, for Thou, Lord, only, make us to dwell in safety. Keep watch around us throughout this coming year, to protect us against the assaults of the evil one, to suggest to us holy thoughts, to defend us from all dangers, to lead us in the perfect way of peace, and to prepare us for the happy service of a new year. For Jesus' sake.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />I am very thankful for each and every person who has visited Hiraeth in the past year. So many of you have extending kindness and friendship and encouragement to me. I have made some dear friends in the past year, both here on the blog and in real life. God has truly blessed me in so many ways. I truly pray that He would, as the prayer says, "</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keep watch around us throughout this coming year, to protect us against the assaults of the evil one, to suggest to us holy thoughts, to defend us from all dangers, to lead us in the perfect way of peace, and to prepare us for the happy service of a new year." And I pray that, more and more, God would teach me, and you!, to desire Him above all things and learn, more and more, to honor Him and bring Him glory.<br /><br />Happy New Year!<br />Kim<br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--></span>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1167571673896716612006-12-31T07:24:00.000-06:002006-12-31T07:27:53.966-06:00God's Minute<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>December 31<br />New Year's Eve<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And another said: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused.--Luke 14:19</span><br /><br />FATHER in Heaven, let not our material blessings confound our mind and fill us with a false sense of security, nor suffer us to be enamored by the dazzling prospects of temporal gain and carnal joy. Let us be mindful that the world's chalice of sweet wine is inevitably converted into a cup of bitterness, and that the joy of today becomes the remorse of tomorrow. Thou canst not be denied, O God! All things are Thine, and man is accountable to Thee. Grant that we may be faithful stewards of Thy possessions, and that the things of this world may never take precedence in our life over the glorious riches which Thou hast prepared for Thine own from the foundations of the world. If there is any hardness of heart among us, we beseech Thee for the touch of Thy Spirit, that our hearts may yield to Thee in obedience, reverence, and confidence. Thou, whose grace is sufficient unto Thine own, suffer none of Thy children for any cause to depart from the faith this day, but strengthen them, that their faith in Thy goodness and the merits of Christ's redemptive love may remain beautiful and strong. Make us strong according to the inward man, strong in our Christian convictions, strong in faith, strong in our advocacy of righteousness and truth, and strong in our loyalty to Thee. Above all, keep us from dishonoring Thee by any secret or open sin. Through Christ, our Redeemer.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />Rev. J.P. Meyer,<br />St. Louis, MissouriKim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1167485678639801852006-12-30T07:33:00.000-06:002006-12-30T07:34:38.886-06:00Quote of the WeekThis is the last quote of the week for Hiraeth on Blogger. I think it's a good one to leave standing, don't you?<br /><blockquote> And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown. And he replied: Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.<br />- Minnie L. Haskins</blockquote>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1167482988487893822006-12-30T06:46:00.000-06:002006-12-30T06:49:48.580-06:00God's Minute<p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style=""></span>December 30<br /></p><span style="font-style: italic;">The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.--Psalm 145:9</span><br /><br />O GOD, our Father, we are about to enter upon a new day. To meet well all duties and responsibilities that come to us; to resist firmly every distraction and temptation that seeks to draw us from our path; to be utterly prepared for any danger or any crisis that may this day befall us; to be found, when the evening is come, pure and holy--this is our desire.<br /><br />And we would be friendly with all men; strength to the weak, hope to the despondent, joy to the sorrowing, power to the tempted.<br /><br />We wait, therefore, our Father, for the coming of Thy Spirit upon us ere we venture into all that this day holds for us. In the quiet of this early morning hour, bowed before Thee, our souls wait. Touch us with that hand which has been laid in blessing upon others before us; speak to us with that still, small voice of power; fill us with Thine own righteousness.<br /><br />Give us of Thyself, that we may this day so live for ourselves and before men that through us Thy Kingdom may in part come, and Thy will more fully be done among men. For Jesus' sake.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />Rev. Seeley K. Tompkins,<br />Cincinnati, OhioKim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1167393177691007362006-12-29T05:50:00.000-06:002006-12-29T05:52:57.753-06:00God's Minute<p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="">December 29</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For the love of Christ constraineth us.--2 Corinthians 5:14</span><br /><br />OUR Father in Heaven, we are Thy children, redeemed by Christ our Saviour and Elder Brother, and we come to Thee in His name. Forgive our sins. Deliver us from all the guilt and power of sin, and from its consequences. Take the love of it out of our hearts. Make our love of Thee to glow. Let it burn out all the dross of evil, and impel us constantly to gracious acts of kindly ministry done to others in the Master's name and for His sake. Give us a clear vision of our ever-present Saviour as an abiding Friend. Grant that we may be trasformed by thus beholding Him, growing daily more and more like Him in the desires of our hearts, the words of our lips, and the things we do and refrain from doing.<br /><br />Bless with us all others, supplying their every need, and giving them grace and guidance. Make the Gospel light shine out brightly in all lands, bringing peace and spiritual prosperity, and drawing all men to Christ, and together in the bonds of Christian unity and brotherliness. We ask all this, as we pray for grateful hearts, in the name of Him Who died on Calvary.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />J.H. Bomberger, D.D.,<br />Cleveland, Ohio<br /></p>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1167311157249900962006-12-28T07:04:00.000-06:002006-12-28T07:05:57.326-06:00God's Minute<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>December 28<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.--Ephesians 5:20</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ.--1 Corinthians 15:57</span><br /><br />OUR Heavenly Father, for all Thou hast given and all Thou hast forgiven, we thank Thee. For every gift of nature, and Thy favoring providences, and Thy great salvation through Christ, we thank Thee.<br /><br />For blessings within us and around us; for everything by which Thou hast brought good and drawn us to Thyself through all our lives and the lives of our kin; for our power of understanding, of loving, of homemaking, of sharing friendships; for the good hope concerning loved ones who have gone from the ways of earth, and for our own expectation of sharing heaven's joy with them through Christ's saving merit--we thank Thee.<br /><br />Help us, O Father, to live and work with the cheer of a grateful spirit, overcoming all trouble by the patience of hope and the wisdom of love. So may we share the fellowship of all who follow Christ, both near about us and in all the world.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />Rev. William Allen Knight, LL.D.<br />Boston, MassachusettsKim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1167260121307809702006-12-27T16:35:00.000-06:002006-12-27T16:55:21.390-06:00Moving Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/1600/386297/moving.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/400/964046/moving.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>That's right. For the past month, I've been quietly setting up and moving <a href="http://hiraeth.squarespace.com">Hiraeth</a> to my new location on <a href="http://www.squarespace.com/?associateTag=hiraeth">Squarespace</a>. I still have some work to do and I'll probably be re-arranging and moving stuff around as I get used to my new home, but it's finished enough for me to move in officially on New Year's Eve. I'm still working on sidebar links and buttons and categories, so you'll be seeing some changes in the days to come.<br /><br />I hope you'll like it there. You can find <a href="http://vizslocity.squarespace.com">Vizslocity</a> and my reading blog, <a href="http://hiraethwarehouse.squarespace.com">Hiraeth Warehouse</a> right there in the side bar, too. If you want to subscribe to them as separate blogs, you can do that from their front pages. I hope that you, my regular readers, will follow me over there and change your subscriptions. Also, when you next update your blog rolls, would you mind changing my link in your sidebars? Thanks.<br /><br />I'll continue to update this blog through New Years Eve and I'll be keeping it what's here available, but I won't be updating it anymore starting New Years Day.<br /><br />I want to thank each and every one of you who has taken time everyday to come and read my blog. I'm especially thankful for those of you who have become my dear friends. You know who you are!<br /><br />I have some new things planned for next year! I'll tell you more about that after the first of the year!Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1167223529976319682006-12-27T06:32:00.000-06:002006-12-27T06:45:30.043-06:00Too funnySomeone googled "<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">images of angelic beings</span>" early this morning and landed on <a href="http://vizslocity.blogspot.com">Vizslocity</a>, my "dog blog."<br /><br />Angels? I think not.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/1600/676805/mugshot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/400/469782/mugshot.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=21992112&postID=116404130527559330&quickEdit=true">Ivy's Mug Shot</a><br /></div>Well, sometimes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/1600/679997/angels.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/400/707792/angels.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1167221137627548172006-12-27T06:03:00.000-06:002006-12-27T06:14:53.340-06:00God's Minute<p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style=""></span>December 27<br /></p><span style="font-style: italic;">And He said to them all, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?--Luke 9:23-25</span><br /><br />O LORD, Thou Whose eye seest everything, even into the secrets of our hearts, and with Whom is all wisdom and power, be not silent to our petition. In our suffering let us observe Thy presence, and, out of pain, teach us submission.<br /><br />We cannot always understand what Thou art doing with us, but O Thou Watcher of men, make our souls to know that Thou art always just and good, ever long-suffering in Thy mercy. Give us Thy strength to bear the burden.<br /><br />Teach us that if we would be most serviceable to Thee, we must be marred and hurt and made to bleed. The we shall come forth as gold tried in the furnace, and Thy righteousness shall be our robe, and Thy glory our diadem.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />Peter Ainslie, D.D.,<br />Baltimore, Maryland<br /><br />Dear friends and readers:<br /><br />This prayers seems providential this morning. I just read an email from a friend, telling me of her husband's trip to the emergency room last night and the pain that he is suffering. Our family has two dear friends who are suffering in great pain this day. Dan is still going through the process of diagnosing the cause of his severe jaw pain. Our other friend, Jeff's condition is chronic (<a href="http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article180.html">arachnoiditis</a>) and he lives with pain day in and day out without much hope of relief or change. Would you take a moment and pray for these two men? Thanks.Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1167138297575564742006-12-26T07:03:00.000-06:002006-12-26T07:04:57.693-06:00God's Minute<p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style=""></span>December 26<br /></p><span style="font-style: italic;">We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.--Romans 5:1</span><br /><br />OUR Father, Thou Who sitteth upon a throne high and lifted up, Whose glory fills the Heavens, make us conscious this morning that Thou art not far from any one of us, Thy children. Thou has revealed Thy nearness to us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Help us to see that our selfishness is the only thing that can separate us from Thee. Take out of our hearts every selfish impulse, and fill them with a holy l0ve for Thee. Then we know that there shall be fulfilled for us the promise of Jesus, that Thou, our Father and He, our Brother, shall come in and dwell with us this day. Speak to us by Thy still, small voice.<br /><br />Christmas day has come and gone. We have given and we have received the tokens of friendship and love. We cannot repeat these gifts every day, but we earnestly beseech Thee that the Christmas spirit may abide in our hearts and in the hearts of mankind everywhere. Take out of our hearts every trace of jealously and hatred toward any of Thy children, and give us the attitude toward all mankind which was in Jesus Christ our Lord. Hasten the day when our ears shall hear the morning stars singing together and all the sons of men joining with the angelic choir in the anthem of the first Christmas morning, "Peace on earth among men of good will." Through Jesus Christ our Lord.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />Rev. Frank W. Padelford,<br />Boston, MassachusettsKim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1167050048117243042006-12-25T06:31:00.000-06:002006-12-25T06:34:08.180-06:00God's Minute<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span>December 25<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Christmas Day</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.--Luke 2:10-11</span><br /><br />We are filled with joy and gratitude this morning for the gift of the Saviour, Jesus. We are especially thankful that He is not a Saviour afar off, but linked to our nature in the manner of His birth, in childhood, in humility, in love and sympathy. He who saw the light of day in the midst of the beasts of burden when first He threw the mantle of humanity over Himself, has lifted us from the burdens of sin and anxiety. In Him we are glad.<br /><br />With all the angels who celebrated His nativity we add our voice of joy. With the humble who inquired what these things meant, we still search for the truth of the incarnation. Give joy this day to all people, we earnestly pray. Bless all children, the babes of the land. Be with the poor, and give to us all, and to all others, the spirit of good will and of charity. Bring peace to earth, a reception of the good tidings also. May the gifts of love manifest the spirit of Jesus, we ask in His name.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />Rev. Robert W. Thompson,<br />Pittsburg, KansasKim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166990516285593112006-12-24T13:54:00.000-06:002006-12-24T14:01:56.440-06:00When the Fullness of Time was Come<center> <h4>CHAPTER VIII.</h4> </center> <center> <h4><em>Of Christ the Mediator.</em></h4> </center> <p>Section II. The Son of God, the second Person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance, and equal with the Father, did, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">when the fullness of time was come</span>, take upon him man's nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof; yet without sin: being conceived by he power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, of her substance. So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Emmanuel-God With Us</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span> </p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="">O come, O come, Emmanuel,<br />And ransom captive <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place><br />That mourns in lonely exile here<br />Until the Son of God appear.<br /><br />Refrain<br />Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel<br />Shall come to thee, O Israel!<br /><br />O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,<br />And order all things, far and nigh;<br />To us the path of knowledge show,<br />And cause us in her ways to go.<br /><br />Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel<br />Shall come to thee, O Israel!<br /><br />O come, Desire of nations, bind<br />All peoples in one heart and mind;<br />Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease;<br />Fill the whole world with heaven's peace.</span></p>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166967578787380852006-12-24T07:38:00.000-06:002006-12-24T07:39:38.846-06:00Christmas Etiquette for Dogs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/1600/275907/ivy%20christmas%20tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/200/129630/ivy%20christmas%20tree.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><strong>A Dog's Rules for Christmas</strong><br /><br />1. Be especially patient with your humans during this time. They may appear to be more stressed-out than usual and they will appreciate long comforting dog leans.<br /><br />2. They may come home with large bags of things they call gifts. Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.<br /><br />3. Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you. They seem to get some special kind of pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.<br /><br />4. They may bring a large tree into the house and set it up in a<br />prominent place and cover it with lights and decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an important ritual for your humans, so there are some things you need to know:<br /><br />a. Don't pee on the tree.<br />b. Don't drink water in the container that holds the tree.<br />c. Mind your tail when you are near the tree.<br />d. If there are packages under the tree, even ones that smell<br />interesting or that have your name on them, don't rip them open.<br />e. Don't chew on the cord that runs from the funny-looking hole in the wall to the tree.<br /><br />5. Your humans may occasionally invite lots of strangers to come visit during this season. These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some discretion on your part:<br /><br />a. Not all strangers appreciate kisses and leans.<br />b. Don't eat off the buffet table.<br />c. Beg for goodies subtly.<br />d. Be pleasant, even if unknowing strangers sit on your sofa.<br />e. Don't drink out of glasses that are left within your reach.<br /><br />6. Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will also be important:<br /><br />a. Observe all the rules in #4 for trees that may be in other people's houses. (4a is particularly important)<br />b. Respect the territory of other animals that may live in the house.<br />c. Tolerate children.<br />d. Turn on your charm big time.<br /><br />7. A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night.<br /><br />DON'T BITE HIM!!Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166897489858166352006-12-24T06:33:00.000-06:002006-12-24T06:34:42.960-06:00Go, Tell it on the Mountain<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/1600/85064/nativity%20botticelli.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/400/911190/nativity%20botticelli.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Go, tell it on the mountain,</span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Over the hills and everywhere</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Go, tell it on the mountain,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">That Jesus Christ is born.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">While shepherds kept their watching</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Over silent flocks by night</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Behold throughout the heavens</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">There shone a holy light.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Go, tell it on the mountain,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Over the hills and everywhere</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Go, tell it on the mountain,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">That Jesus Christ is born.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">The shepherds feared and trembled,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">When lo! above the earth,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Rang out the angels chorus</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">That hailed the Savior’s birth.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Go, tell it on the mountain,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Over the hills and everywhere</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Go, tell it on the mountain,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">That Jesus Christ is born.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Down in a lowly manger</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">The humble Christ was born</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">And God sent us salvation</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">That blessèd Christmas morn.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Go, tell it on the mountain,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Over the hills and everywhere</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Go, tell it on the mountain,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">That Jesus Christ is born.</span></div>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166963393204191562006-12-24T06:27:00.000-06:002006-12-24T06:29:53.266-06:00God's Minute<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>December 24 <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">His ears are open unto their prayers.--1 Peter 3:12</span><br /><br />AROUND this, our family altar, we come, O God, to seek Thy face. Keep us today, sheltered in the light of Thy countenance. Help us to do only the things that please Thee. At every step may we be conscious that Thou art at our side.<br /><br />We seek Thy very best, both for ourselves and for those, our loved ones, absent from our altar of prayer. As parents, may we guide our household aright; as children , may we walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.<br /><br />Mid the darkening shadows, keep us walking in the light; may our hearts be garrisoned with peace. Fill us, O God, with the knowledge of Thy will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; make us fruitful in every good word and work. As we bow around this family altar, O Lord, help us to comprehend the atoning efficacy of Thy death, the keeping power of Thy life, and the blessed hope of Thy coming.<br /><br />We ask Thy presence with us during the day; we dare not walk alone. The tempter is too subtle, the pleasures of the world too luring, and the lost of riches too strong. Lead us, O Lord, in the train of Thy triumph; make us more than conquerors in Thee.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />Rev. R. E. Neighbour,<br />Athens, GeorgiaKim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166893346523395152006-12-23T10:15:00.000-06:002006-12-23T11:14:20.403-06:00Keeping Christmas Well<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/1600/724888/A%20Christmas%20Carol.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/400/588344/A%20Christmas%20Carol.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The Christmas Season is one of shared experiences. From the Christmas carols, to the decorations, to favorite Christmas movies, and special Christmas dinners; school plays, Christmas concerts, Candlelight Services--it seems as though many of us share common experiences. We look forward to all the activities and hustle and bustle of Christmas. And yet, too often we go through all the motions of celebrating Christmas without a thought about what Christmas signifies. This can be true of those who observe a religious celebration as well as those who consciously celebrate Christmas in a purely secular way.<br /><br />I've been thinking about this a lot over the past few weeks. No where in scripture are we commanded to observe Christ's birth, only His resurrection. So, is it wrong to celebrate Christmas? Is there a right way and a wrong way to celebrate the Saviour's birth? How do we, "keep Christmas well," as Charles Dickens put it in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Christmas_Carol"><span style="font-style: italic;">A Christmas Carol</span></a> . I certainly don't have all the answers and I am still thinking this through, but this morning I came across a blog post on Reformation Theology that I'd like to share with you. <a href="http://www.reformationtheology.com/2006/12/an_uncomfortable_christmas_card_for_unbelievers_comfortable_at_christmas.php">An Uncomfortable Christmas Card for Unbelievers Comfortable at Christmas</a>. It begins:<br /><br /><p></p><blockquote><p>Dear Friend or Loved One Who Loves Me, but Does Not Love Jesus Christ:</p> <p> </p> <p>This Christmas, I eagerly and affectionately desire to write to you a different kind of Christmas message. I long to send you good tidings of great joy, and high hopes that your Christmas and New Year will be cheerful and full of good things, but I also want to write to make you as uncomfortable with the Christmas message as possible.</p></blockquote><p> </p>The Christmas Message is nothing more or less than the Gospel Message. We frequently say that the Gospel is the "good news" and it is. But to those who have never embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ by grace through faith, it is not good news. It is the worst possible news one could ever receive.<br /><br />But God. . .<br /><span class="chapter-num"><a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Ephesians+2&go=Go"></a></span><blockquote><span class="chapter-num"><a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Ephesians+2&go=Go">Ephesians 2:1</a> </span>And you were dead in the trespasses and sins <span class="verse-num">2 </span>in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— <span class="verse-num">3 </span>among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body<span class="footnote"> <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Ephesians+2&go=Go#f1" name="b1" id="b1" title="Greek 'flesh'"></a></span>and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. <span class="verse-num">4 </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">But</span><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="footnote"> <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Ephesians+2&go=Go#f2" name="b2" id="b2" title="Or 'And'"></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">God</span>, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, <span class="verse-num">5 </span>even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— <span class="verse-num">6 </span>and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, <span class="verse-num">7 </span>so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. <span class="verse-num">8 </span>For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, <span class="verse-num">9 </span>not a result of works, so that no one may boast. <span class="verse-num">10 </span>For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.</blockquote>There is a gift, given by God, that I wish for all. And that is the gift of faith in Christ, Who was given of the Father and Who gave His life so that we could live eternally. Only then can we "keep Christmas well, if any man alive possess the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!"<span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" lang="EN-GB" ><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166880127931998492006-12-23T07:40:00.000-06:002006-12-23T07:39:22.886-06:00Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt: Lines<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/1600/89701/words%201.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/400/498806/words%201.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I have always been fascinated with writing. The fact that lines on a paper can communicate not only words but thoughts and ideas and emotions and most importantly, truth is amazing to me. These lines I have chosen communicate the rich resources available to us in God's Word.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Psalm 119:<span class="verse-num">89-90 </span>Forever, O <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. <span class="verse-num"></span>Your faithfulness endures to all generations.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tnchick.com/pshunt/">Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt</a><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/saturday%20photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/saturday%20photo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Theme: <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0); font-weight: bold;">Lines</span><br /><br />Next week's theme: NEW<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Check out the <a href="http://tnchick.com/pshunt/">new images</a> for the Photo Hunt for 2007!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Related Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Saturday+Photo+Scavenger+Hunt" rel="tag">Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt</a></span><br /></div></div></div>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166880921256242542006-12-23T07:28:00.000-06:002006-12-23T07:35:21.263-06:00Quote of the Week<a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Luke+2">Luke 2:8-14</a> And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. <span class="verse-num"></span>And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. <span class="verse-num"></span>And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. <span class="verse-num"></span>For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. <span class="verse-num"></span>And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” <span class="verse-num"></span>And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, <span class="verse-num"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Related Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Quote+of+the+Week" rel="tag">Quote of the Week</a>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166880256950139702006-12-23T07:22:00.000-06:002006-12-23T07:24:17.016-06:00God's Minute<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>December 23<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth even forever. For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. Do good, O Lord, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.--Psalm 125:1-4</span><br /><br />OUR gracious Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the light this morning. Endue our hearts with gratitude and love for the blessings of the past week, and direct our converstation and daily walk through the coming week. May all we do be acceptable in Thy sight. Grant that we may render Thee service that will not only give us joy and comfort, but that our example and influence will lead others to love and serve Thee. God grant that we may realize and appreciate every day of our lives that we own all to Thee and that all the good things of life come from Thy mercy and gracious kindness. All this we ask for Christ's sake.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />George T. Jester,<br />Corsicana, TexasKim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166789780306291362006-12-22T06:11:00.000-06:002006-12-22T06:16:20.390-06:00God's Minute<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> December 22<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I have loved thee with an everlasting love.--Jeremiah 31:3</span><br /><br />OUR Father in Heaven, we would praise and magnify Thy Holy Name. Thy love watches over us, protecting us from every kind of danger, and provides for our every need. Thou dost never fail us. We trust in Thee.<br /><br />We have sinned against Thee in thought and word and deed, but we come with contrite hearts, confessing our unworthiness, and pleading for Thy forgiveness, through the merits of the shed blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ.<br /><br />We thank Thee for all Thy good gifts to us, and we pray Thee to accept us and to use us as Thou canst. Bless each of us as we need Thy blessing. And, with us, bless all the ill, the sorrowing, the discouraged, the sinning, and all Thy needy ones. We would pray also for all those engaged in lowly or great tasks for the extension of Thy Kingdom in the hearts of men everywhere.<br /><br />And now do Thou be with us in our daily task of hand or mind. May we be workmen in things material and spiritual of whom Thou needest not to be ashamed. Gather us home after while, without one missing. We ask it in Jesus' name.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />Rev. Stewart Winfield Herman,<br />Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaKim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166700552063921342006-12-21T05:25:00.000-06:002006-12-21T05:29:12.196-06:00God's Minute<p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style=""></span>December 21<br /></p><span style="font-style: italic;">I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.--Psalm 69:30</span><br /><br />GOD of all mercies, Saviour and Sanctifier of men, we worship Thee, the Triune God, and call upon our souls and all that is within us, to praise and magnify Thy Holy Name.<br /><br />We confess our sins, but rejoice that they are constantly being blotted out by the blood of our blessed Lord, and because He is righteous, we who have our lives hid in Him are also righteous.<br /><br />We come to Thy mercy seat with joy and thanksgiving, as we count our innumerable blessings, knowing that no good thing shall be withheld from those who love Thee and put their trust in Thee. As Thou hast delivered us from all perils, sorrows and trials in the past, so we are assured that Thou wilt keep that which we commit to Thee for the future. Enrich our hearts with Thy Word, that we may lead clean, holy lives, and have power to be winners of souls for our Master.<br /><br />We pray for Thy rich grace to be upon our beloved in our home and elsewhere, and for the world which lies in sin, that Thy Kingdom may come, and Thy will be done, through our Lord Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />J.H. Jefferis,<br />Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaKim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166642200201193122006-12-20T12:48:00.000-06:002006-12-20T13:16:41.256-06:00PerspectivesFrom the TV listing:<br /><br /><blockquote>"Transported to a surreal landscape, a young girl kills the first woman she meets and then teams up with three complete strangers to kill again."</blockquote>Would you be likely to sit down and watch a show like this? Me, either. Sounds like a gruesome sci-fi made-for-TV movie, doesn't it?<br /><br />However, I think I can safely say that in all likelihood, 100% of my readers have not only watched this movie, but most would even say they love it.<br /><br />You see, it's all in the perspectives.<br /><br />When my computer crashed, it seemed a very bad thing to happen--inconvenient, expensive, and time consuming. All those things are true, but it hasn't been all bad. Having to re-build the computer (or at least pay someone who knows what he is doing to re-build it) and then re-install programs and hunt down documents and passwords and re-set preferences is may seem bad, but having the <strike>necessity</strike> opportunity to pick and choose and set things up in a more user friendly way is proving to be worth the effort. It all about how you choose to look at it. An expensive computer emergency or and opportunity to reclaim space and speed set up proper recovery and backup systems so that this never happens again. Not something I would ever have chosen, but something I, or at least my computer, needed.<br /><br />That's the way it is in life, too. Sometimes the things that God brings into our lives seem painful, inconvenient, and not at all what we would choose for ourselves. But, with time and perspective, it's always just what we need, just when we need it. <br /><br />Oh, and the movie?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/1600/848888/wizard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/400/701666/wizard.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's all in the way you look at it. . .<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6795/1669/1600/848888/wizard.jpg"><br /></a>Kim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20984874.post-1166619131332908022006-12-20T06:47:00.000-06:002006-12-20T06:52:11.416-06:00God's Minute<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/1600/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6795/1669/200/god%27s%20minute%20cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>December 20<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">He shall save the children of the needy.--Psalm 72:4</span><br /><br />O LORD, our Heavenly Father, we praise and magnify Thy Holy Name for all Thy loving kindness and Thy tender mercy which Thou hast bestowed upon us. Thou hast opened Thy hand and supplied all our wants. We thank Thee, O Lord, that when we were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly, that He might ransom our souls from sin and death, and give unto us eternal life. Grant, O Lord, that each one of us, now in Thy presence, may receive Christ Jesus as our eternal Saviour. We praise Thee, O God, for the gift of Thy Holy Spirit, Who tabernacles in our hearts, and Who takes of the things of Jesus and reveals them unto us day by day, moment by moment.<br /><br />Grant Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, upon every member of this household, and upon all our loved ones, wherever they may be at this hour. We thank Thee that "in Jesus' keeping we are safe, and they." Remember in mercy, O Lord, any who are in distress at this time, in mind, body or estate. Comfort all who mourn. Let all the earth remember and return to Thee, O God; let all the kindreds of the nations worship Thee, in spirit and in truth. Grant unto us the forgiveness of all our sins, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. <br /><br />Amen.<br /><br />Rev. Charles George Smith B.D.,<br />Belleville, Ontario, CanadaKim from Hiraethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10681030734608681468noreply@blogger.com