A SOURCE OF JOY

"My life is not futile...There is truth...Someone is in control...and I have a purpose."
Postscipt: And I know what it is.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord endures forever." Psalm 138:8

APPROACHABLE

"There is not a hint of one person who was afraid to draw near to Jesus.
There were those who mocked Him.
There were those who were envious of Him.
There were those who misunderstood Him.
There were those who revered Him.
But there was not one person who considered Him too holy, too divine, or too celestial to touch.
There was not one person who was reluctant to approach Him for fear of being rejected."
Max Lucado

"Jesus said, "Whoever comes to me, I will never drive away." John 6:37

THIS IS TRUE

Harold had a few pieces of paper tucked in his wallet.
He thought they were worth remembering.

This is one of them:

"Most people can handle adversities; if you want to test the real character of a man...give him power."

ALL AROUND US

"Science waves it's unmagic wand across the face of life, squelching the oohs and aahs and replacing them with formulas and figures.
Would you like to see Jesus?
Do you dare be an eyewitness of His Majesty"
Then rediscover amazement.
The next time you hear a baby laugh or see an ocean wave, take note.
Pause and listen as His Majesty whispers ever so gently, 'I'm here.' " Max Lucado

"We were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father.: 2Peter 1:16-17 (emphasis mine)

FOR "THE LONG HAUL"

"Realiability.
It's the bread and butter characteristic of achievement.
It's the shared ingredient behind retirement pens, Hall of Fame awards, and golden anniversaries.
It is the quality that produces not momentary heroics, but monumental lives."
Max Lucado

"The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." The Apostle Paul

"Keep on keepin' on." Mother

NEEDS

"My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
The vague, gnawing, dissatisfaction so many people experience is really spiritual malnutrition and thirst. Vernon Grounds

THE BIG TEN

Above all else love God alone
Bow down to neither wood nor stone
God's name refuse to take in vain
The Sabbath rest with care maintain
Respect your parents all your days
Hold sacred human life always
Be loyal to your chosen mate
Steal nothing, neither small nor great
Report, with truth, your neighbor's deed
And rid your mind of selfish greed

McGuffey Reader



http://www.pbs.org/kcet/publicschool/evolving_classroom/books.html

THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE

"Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as he likes." Oswald Chambers

A HISTORICAL DAY

I didn't vote for Barack Obama.
But before this day is over, he will be my President and I will pray for him in the days, months and years ahead.

It is a monumental task that he is undertaking; and I have so often wondered how any person could possibly stand up to the daily demands of such a job.

I will also pray for his family as they stand by him, for I know their love and support will help sustain him in good times and bad.

I will pray for his protection, his strength, courage, and wisdom.

I will also pray that in the years ahead he will change his view on several issues that I believe are critical to this country's future.

May God Bless President Obama and May God Bless America.


"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though, its waters roar and foam,
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams
make glad the city of God.,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, and will not fail;
God will help her at break of day,,,.

Nations are in an uproar, kingdoms fall;
He lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fotress.

Come and see the works of the Lord,
the desolations He has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
He burns the shields with fire.

Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.


Psalm: 46:1-10
http://songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/a-mighty-fortress-is-our-god







This hymn was based on Psalm 46
The information given here is enlightening..

Turn on sound, click on the sheet of music and then click on "listen" . It is so very beautiful. One of my favorites.

God Bless each one of you too.

WANTED TO SHARE

please turn on sound.
http://www.appreciationmovie.com/

INCREDIBLE

http://flickr.com/photos/ladybirdinagarden/3157377927/sizes/l/in/set-72157611979418059/

One of photos taken by Curt on his trip to the Grand Canyon this last December. He hiked to the bottom on Christmas Day and took some really spectacular pictures.

"We live in an art gallery of divine creativity and yet some are content to gaze only at the carpet." Max Lucado

"We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them...He has not left Himself without testimony." Acts 14:15 and 17

TIME

"The next time you use the phrase, "just a moment..." remember that's all the time it will take to change the world." Max Lucado

"We shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Corinthians 13: 51-52

THE BIRTHDAY BASKET

For several years now, Carolyn and I have been exchanging our "birthday basket" filled with goodies we have collected throughout the year.


I visited her over the New Year's holiday, and we donned our birthday hats and sang.....
New hats this year. Do you recognize it.
Seems as if Steak and Shake and Carolyn and I are the same age.
Both the "real thing" and both still going strong!

HERBS

My granddaughter, Sarah, planted herb gardens and shared with family and friends at Christmastime. She created the beautiful green glass container from a wine bottle, and attached a large, fluffy, red and white bow fashioned from Target bags. Very clever....but that's no surprise from the talented and creative young lady that she is.
Sprouting....








Growing....









Such fun! Especially on cold January days.

IN THE WINDOWBOX

"Even the sparrow hath found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God." Psalm 84:3

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

My Sunday School friends came over for lunch after church. We always have a wonderful time together.

TFT: "How good and pleasant it is when brothers (and sisters)live together in unity." PsaLM 133:1

FRIENDS

The annual "Hill Ladies" cookie party.

The weather didn't cooperate and many couldn't make it, but we had a wonderful afternoon











TFT: 'Consciously search for opportunities to enrich the present, especially through friendships that God brings across your path.' Author unknown

COOKIES1

This is Luca.
He belongs to next door neighbor, Gina.
Luca always wants to come into my house.
He usually just lumbers thru from front to back and then out again.

This day he "stopped to smell the cookies"
(please note the action on the tail : ) ).

AN EVENING AT POWELL HALL

Peggy 1 and Peggy 2.
What a beautiful evening it was.
The Bach Christmas Candlelight Concert at Powell Hall.
And my next door neightbor, beautiful Gina Galati, was the featured soprano.



An annual event for Peggy, Mike and me.
Thanks, guys.