August 29, 2010

From Our Daily Bread Devotional
August 29, 2010

Robert Lowry felt that preaching would be his greatest contribution in life. However, this 19th-century pastor is best remembered for his gospel music and hymns. Lowry composed words or music for more than 500 songs, including “Christ Arose,” “I Need Thee Every Hour,” and “Shall We Gather at the River?”
In 1860, as the United States teetered on the brink of civil war, Lowry wrote these enduring words that focus not on threatening circumstances but on the unchanging Christ:
What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth;
What though the darkness gather round!
Songs in the night He giveth:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of Heav’n and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
Lowry’s confidence in God during difficult times echoes the psalmist’s words: “Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. . . . Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God” (Ps. 146:3-5).
Whether we react to life with faith or fear depends on our focus. Knowing that “the Lord shall reign forever” (v.10), how can we keep from singing?

If you keep in tune with Christ, you can sing even in the dark.

"99" and Doing Fine!! 8/23/10

We celebrated Dad's 99th birthday today with cake, ice cream, coffee and pictures. Dad was having a "C-Type" day but gave us as good a smile as he was able today. It was a sleepy day for Dad but he hung in there with all the friends and family. Mom was the provider of the cake and ice cream...really good stuff.

Again Lois and I are grateful for the many years God has given us to share with my folks. God's faithfulness over the generations is truly a gift one does not deserve but can only rejoice in.

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.  

Deuteronomy 7:9

"99" plus one day!

August 18th, 2010

The Hands of Time...

Three sets of hands representing three generations.

On Sunday the hands of my father holding the watch will be 99. We asked him if he would be shooting for 100 and he shook his head saying, "That's a long time." We have added a fourth set of hands two years ago with Haakon being born on Amy and Justin's wedding anniversary. We are blessed and give thanks for the many days we have shared as a family. Mom and Dad have been there for the joys and sorrows we've had. Time does not wait for anyone. We are to be fruitful in our time and a blessing to others. My folks have been just that in our lives. 

Rejoice^* in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.^{* 5}Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

 

Happy Birthday Dad!

August 15th, 2010

I received and email in the past few days wondering if everything was ok with my health. Thanks for the concern and willingness to ask. I have been to Mayo at the end of July. The nodes in my neck have not changed and if they have they are not detectable upon physical examination. The CT scan indicated a very slight change but not remarkable. This is very, very good news!

Lois and I have had a "full summer" so to speak. Whitney and Colin's wedding consumed our time up to the middle of July. However we have now had time to recover and enjoy the "after glow" of the wedding and the beauty of this "wet" summer. I have found rest and reduced stress to have improved my general well being. Lois and I enjoy our daily devotion time more and more. It is so interesting and amazing how the short little devotions we share tend to be so "right on" for our lives that day. The Spirit is alive and working in our lives.