Mother's Day Reflections

Our kids invited us over for pizza at the lake on Friday night.

I was blessed with togetherness ... the sound of laughter, beautiful smiles, 

heaps of homemade cards and flower bouquets.

Then today, I'm not sure what happened but, I just have to say ...

I missed my mom ... with tears flowing for all the moments that I wish I could hug her for! 

Going down memory lane of the Mother's Days we've shared with her,
strangely makes me aware of the seasons played out even in relationships.

I remember Mother's Day as a child, when the focus was on a special program at church.

Verses and songs were memorized. Each mother got a flower. 

Mothers  also cooked the family dinner.

As I child I never imagined any other way.

In later years, my dad took the whole family, including the grandchildren, 

out for a Mother's Day lunch. 

A splurge he never indulged in when we were young. 

It was truly our summer season as an extended family.

There were the years mom and I would plant flowers on this weekend ... 

for always now reminding me of her love for flower pots.

One year on Mother's Day weekend she flew down to Phoenix with me for a four generation visit.

Another Mother's Day was celebrated in a most unique way with her engagement to Abe.

My memory lane of actual photos has many of more recent years, 

when we realized that we were entering a new season. 

We took a photo on the bridge in 2015 and I noticed there was something different. 

She grabbed my hand in a way that was unusual and, as sweet as it sounds, 

I felt an inexplicable change about her. 

We began to spend a lot more time together, 

just to enjoy time around the table and listenting to her stories.

Two years ago, on Mother's Day was the first time I fed her. 

One year ago, I brought her a large bouquet of flowers, because I could.

This year she's been behind locked doors for two months.  No one has ventured to explain to her the reason for the changes ... and I wonder what she wonders when she cannot ask? It pains me not to be able imagine what's on her mind and heart ... in this her winter. A time when the warmth of presence and touch to communicate have all but been taken as well.

What I have come to know is, that no matter how long we have our loved ones with us, it will never be long enough. Going back to Ecclesiastes where my blog theme comes from, there is a verse that says,

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Is this why we do not want to say goodbye? Is this longing for life something in our very being, put there by the One who made us? It's a mystery we may not understand until that day when everything will be made right by the one who also holds eternity in His hands. 

I pray that God speaks to her and blesses her in ways we cannot imagine, strengthening  her in her inner being with sweet dreams and truths about the now and the not yet. Until then, I love you, Mom. 

♡♡♡

Morning Sunshine on a Winter Day

 

 

I love the way the morning sun filters through the blinds these days

and the lighting it casts in the room as we greet the day.

Both beauty and dirt are exposed to its rays

allowing us to see what we may not otherwise see.

Something like the Word of God,

giving us a new chance every morning.

 

Have you ever listened

to the words of the hymn written by Eleanor Farjeon

(made popular by Cat Stephens in the early 1970's)

I really like them . . .

 

Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world

 

Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass

 

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the new day

 

Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world.

 

Add song meaning

 

Second Advent - Peace

Fear not, oh, Israel for there is peace still to come
Words to break the silence, a promise set to bloom
The promise to redeem us, one to free us
Break this silence in the violence in our lives

Emmanuel is sure to find us soon
The mighty rule to Jesse's star of truth
And bring us all to glory, tell His story
Heal the broken and restore them to His name

The star will guide us to the humble place
Where Christ the King reveals His earthly face
And we will see Emmanuel, God is with us.
God is for us, God is in us, we will see

We're singing Hallelujah
We're singing Hallelujah
Emmanuel, our God is with us

Composed and written by Michael W. Smith and son Ryan Smith

Although this video is taken from the Internet, it is one of the pieces I appreciated
hearing at the concert last week . . . beautiful music and words of promise, not only for the time of our Saviour's birth but for today as well. Emmanuel is probably one of my favorite names for Jesus . . . it means God with us . . . there is wonderful peace in that truth.

First Advent - HOPE

One of my favorite songs for the Season that I've shared before . . .

and I'll share it now again as it was so beautifully performed by musicians

Michael Berg (soloist) Carmen Hollet (piano) Julene Uganecz (violin)

Adam Smith (drums) and John Welsh (bass guitar)

 

Close you eyes and imagine being Mary when the angel announced to her that she would give birth to a son. Being a virgin, she had to believe the impossible, as she responded with, "I am the Lord's sevant. May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38

 

Let me be a Little Kinder

The woman I briefly talked to has dealt with deep sorrow in her life, but unless you know her personally, you would not know that she has lost her only child to cancer.
When I saw her recently, I said something like  "That's a pretty sweater you are wearing. It looks really nice on you." To which I got a near teary eyed, unexpected response, something like, "You are so kind to me . . . you always notice me."

It shocked me. Instead of me blessing her, she blessed me! I think of all the times I do not take special note. Many times I say the wrong thing . . . but this once I met a need, allowing me to realize how important it is to have eyes that see. It may just be a few words. But genuine words can make someone's day, especially when we don't know what kind of a day they have had.

I came away being reminded of a song that was popular in the 1970's . . . it was still with me the next day . . . a prayer and a challenge for every day.  If you know it, you'll be singing it . . .

Let me be a little kinder
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me
Let me praise a little more
Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me

Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother who is weaker
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me

Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am strivin' for
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother who is weaker
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me

Glen Campbell

Hear the Bells Ringing

Hear the bells ringing

They're singing that you can be born again

Hear the bells ringing

They're singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone

Said He has risen, just as He said

Quickly now, go tell his disciples

That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing

They're singing that you can be healed right now

Hear the bells ringing, they're singing

Christ, He will reveal it now

The angels, they all surround us

And they are ministering Jesus' power

Quickly now, reach out and receive it

For this could be your glorious hour

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

The angel up on the tombstone

Said He has risen, just as He said

Quickly now, go tell his disciples

That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah

He's risen, hallelujah

Hallelujah

Lyrics by Anne Herring and a verse added by Keith Green

For the New Year

grace (n.)
late 12c., "God's favor or help," from O.Fr. grace "pardon, divine grace, mercy; favor, thanks; elegance, virtue" (12c.), from L. gratia "favor, esteem, regard; pleasing quality, good will, gratitude" (cf. It. grazia, Sp. gracia), from gratus "pleasing, agreeable," from PIE base *gwere- "to favor" (cf. Skt. grnati "sings, praises, announces," Lith. giriu "to praise, celebrate," Avestan gar- "to praise")

I woke on this first day of 2012 to get ready for church. Something I've been doing on a daily basis is to say a quick prayer just before getting up. Just a simple giving thanks for the day or asking for help. This morning I asked that God would show me something to take into this New Year.

Just before we left for church, Chris and Julene texted to tell us that they were coming to join us. It would be their first Sunday at our church since coming back from Indonesia, but I don't know if I even thought that far. We had not been seated long when they came and sat with us. . .  and we stood to sing the first song.



I sang with Makenna in my arms . . . and suddenly, overwhelmed with emotion, realized what song we were singing.  With tears in my eyes, I looked at my H and he surely understood.  "Your Grace is Enough" . . . is surely my story and my song . . . it became mine after our kids, with a toddler and a newborn baby, left for Indonesia. Whenever I heard this song, I felt God assuring me of making all things well . . . and I can't even begin to tell you the times that I heard it at just the right moment . . . always at the right time. It's a song we have not sung in church for quite a while . . . why today? I knew it was for me.

In fact, there is also a verse along similar lines that I've claimed. I may have shared it here before, but I will again . . . and again . . . for it has been proven to be true.

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield.

He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will

withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Psalm 84:11

This was my hug from God today, a reminder of the grace He gave me to be strong through the seven years that our kids lived across the ocean, on the other side of the world. A reminder of the fact that He always keeps His promise.

On this day, God knew what I needed . . . a reminder of the past, as I look ahead. While both of our grown and married girls moved home with their families in 2011, I've been wanting to change my profile . . . the part about having to travel to see grandchildren . . . but it's not to be. Come Spring, our youngest and dearly loved, along with his young family, will be making a career change and taking his turn at moving away for the first time.  Oh, the bitter/sweet in this, our stage in life!

But today, when I took time to listen, I was able to take hold of  God's assurance of His continued grace. And I will take it, one day at a time.

Another Year

So many 25th's of December
Just as many 4th of July's
And we're still holding it together
It only comes down to you and I

I know that you can still remember
Things we said right from the start
When we said that this could be special
I'm keeping those words deep down in my heart




Another year has gone by
And I'm still the one by your side
After everything that's gone by
There's still no one saying goodbye
Though another year has gone by



I never been much for occasions
But you never let another birthday go by
Without announcing how much you love me
But the truth was always there
Right there in your eyes




And we're still holding hands when we're walking
Acting like we've only just met
But how can that be - when there's so much history
I guess that's how true lovers can get

Another year has gone by
And I'm still the one by your side
After everything that's gone by
There's still no one saying goodbye
Though another year has gone by

A song by Celine Dion that hits a chord with me in a special way at the end of this year . ..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR3A6I_f1Io
dedicated to my H with love and
dreams for many more!

 

For You

On Monday I did not want to take away from Kristal's 3oth Birthday . . . so I postponed this post a bit . . . however it was on that same day that we also celebrated our 35th Anniversary. I can't help but say that I used to think that people who were married 25 years were old!

I came across this song (posted at the bottom) and tears flowed as I listened . . . I know it's just me . . . although I had never heard this particular song, it's from the era that we dated . . . and I guess that is what makes us kind of old . . .

To borrow words from Amy Grant, it's not a song, till it touches your heart . . . this John Denver song touched my heart because of the memories of first love . . . days of listening to 8-track in the '67 Firebird, planning for our future, dreaming. To look at our dreams from this end now . . . is a feeling that is hard to describe.

To my H . . . we've built houses . . . but where you are is my home. We've raised children . . . but it's you that has stayed. We've laughed . . . we've fought . . . we've had sweet times and hard times . . . but I've come to realize that if it were not for you . . . the sunrise and the sunset . . . the daily grind and mundane tasks . . . the celebrations . . . the past nor the future . . . would have much meaning . . . because I love you.

A Song About Baseball

Saturdays on the baseball field –
And me afraid of the ball,
Just another kid on Camera Day
When the Angels still played in L.A.
I was smiling in living black and white.
Baseball cards and bubblegum –
“I think there’s a hole in my glove.”
Three-and two, life and death,
Swinging with eyes closed, holding my breath,
I was dying on my way to the bench.

But none of it mattered after the game
When my father would find me and call out my name.
A soft drink, a snow cone, a candy bar,
A limousine ride in the family car.
He loved me . . . no matter how I played.

None of it mattered after the game.
My father would find me and call out my name.
Dreaming of glory the next time out,
My father showed me what love was about.
He loved me . . . no matter how I played.

None of it mattered after the game . . .
When my Father would find me and call out my name.

By recording artist Bob Bennet

Breath of Heaven

I have traveled many moonless night

Cold and weary, with a babe inside

And I wonder what I've done

Holy Father, you have come

And chosen me now

To carry your son

I am waiting in a silent prayer

I am frightened by the load I bear

In a world as cold as stone,

Must I walk this path alone?

Be with me now

Be with me now

Chorus:

Breath of heaven

Hold me together

Be forever near me

Breath of heaven

Breath of heaven

Lighten my darkness

Pour over me your holiness

For you are holy

Breath of heaven

Do you wonder as you watch my face

If a wiser one one should have had my place

But I offer all I am

For the mercy of your plan

Help me be strong

Help me be

Help me

Amy Grant

Max Lucado said, "The virgin birth is more than a Christmas story; it is a picture of how close Christ will come to you." Mary could have said, "I have other plans. I don't have time for God in my life now." But she didn't. It is a mystery still offered to us, that Christ wants to live in us through faith.

He invites us, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Revelations 3:20

Two Children

TWO CHILDREN

Two children, a brother and a sister
Born to a father who was a slave to wine
They do remember in their younger years of sorrow
How their daddy used to hurt them time after time.

But somehow they grew to be so different
Their lives turned out to be like day and night
One lives in peace up in Ohio
One was full of hate until she died.

I wondered what could make the difference in the two of them
Both had reasons to be bitter
But one was so sweet
How could one live in peace and not the other
Not long ago the answer came clear to me.

I saw the brother at his daddy’s grave
Placing flowers there his eyes were filled with tears
As he said, “Daddy once again I do forgive you,
For the way you made us suffer through the years.”

Now I can see how the two could be so different
How their hearts turned out to be like day and night
He lives in peace up in Ohio
She as bitter till the day she died
He lives in forgiveness up in Ohio
She was bitter till the day she died
A bitter heart was the reason that she died.

©1986 Dawn Trader Music,SESAC

I heard this song by Steve and Annie Chapman many years ago. Not a song that would stick with me because of it's beauty, but because of its truth. At the time I was still quite oblivious to some of the pain people live with, but over the years, I’ve been reminded of the words because I’ve seen the story portrayed in real life.

I checked out the song on line now. A YouTube video features Annie still singing this song and at the end she says something that put to rest something that I have questioned. “Maybe it was harder for her to forgive because the offense was worse for her. But this is a true story and the reason she held that grudge against her father was because of how much he hurt her brother.” And yet the brother forgave. Annie goes on to remind us of how Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who were hurting Him as He hung on the cross, reminding us that “forgiveness is a divine act that needs a divine source.”

Something to remember is that forgiveness doesn’t make the offense right, it makes me alright. It frees me from hauling around a burden that is just too heavy to bear . . . a burden that will keep me imprisoned by my own choice.
Maybe, in this season, where we have opportunities to see family and make a choice in regard to forgiveness . . . we can make a decision that will end up being the best Christmas gift of all.

I Hope You Dance

On one of our first walks we discovered the pools at the back of the ship. There were several decks of pools there, joined by steps. I loved the view from the top railing, looking down on the pools and then the ocean.
This area was sheltered and the best part was that it was quiet . . . no live band, just a nice blend of old classics and soft rock/pop/country music played over the PA. I was lying in the sun, on my chair when I Hope You Dance, recorded by country singer Lee Ann Womack, came on . . . the words just so right for the moment . . . and for some reason the sentiment of what they said stayed with me as I surveyed life around me.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small
When you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out, reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their years and wonder
Where those years have gone)
written by Mark Sanders and Tia Sillers

So much of what I saw and experienced on the ship was new and exciting. I was taking pictures of things I probably won’t next time, but traveling with people who have cruised a lot before, gave me a perspective I don’t want to lose in general.

One morning we shared our breakfast table with a woman from Akron, Ohio. She had been in the lineup ahead of us and was not happy that she could not get a window table, so we tried starting some friendly conversation with her even though her discontentment about most things came through loud and clear. When we told her that we were very happy with the food, she slowly and maturely said something like, “Well, ya see honay, ya don’t have notin’ to compare it to … but . . . in actuality … it really ain’t good.”

In retrospect, her words haunted me with a certain sadness, because they are so true to life. We can get so accustomed to good things, we begin to take them for granted. I’m not saying that this lady didn’t give thanks, but I know that we can so easily forget and, when we do, it can be a downward spiral.

A very long time ago, the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in Rome, explaining why God’s wrath was being revealed against the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth. He goes on to say, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him, nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
(Romans 1: 21) It basically began with not giving thanks.

Maybe this was my Thanksgiving Lesson . . . on the Sapphire Princess.

Good Night Kiss

I began the Month of May with a song that reminds us of the privelege of being a mother and so I'll end it with another one by Steve and Annie Chapman that always made me cry when our kids were little. I don't know why I do this to myself, but maybe it's good to be reminded of how quickly things change and to appreciate the time we have.

I count it as a privilege, I count it cause for praise
To kiss my children goodnight at the close of everyday
For I know too soon they're off and gone and walkin' out the door
And I'll never have a child to kiss goodnight anymore

It's very strange how times have changed from the present to the past
When did they grow so quickly? The time has flown so fast
For it seems that only yesterday I helped him with his shirt
Or patted my baby on the back or kissed away a hurt

Tell the story, read a book, wipe a nose or tie a shoe
They never ask me to rub their back the way they used to do
Once it was a bother, just a troublesome kind of chore
Now I would give anything to do it just once more

Mommy bounce me on your knee, Daddy flip me in the air
Throw a rubber ball to me and help me comb my hair
Mommy tickle my tummy, Daddy hold me high
Let's go outside for awhile or make a kite to fly

I count it as a privilege, I count it cause for praise
To kiss my children goodnight at the close of every day
For I know too soon they're off and gone and walkin' out the door
And I'll never have a child to kiss goodnight anymore

Contrary to what the photos show, the kids each had their own bed, but for some reason Julene's was the prefered one. Often times when we'd go to check on them before going to bed ourselves, we'd have to move one back to his or her bed.

Bring That Child To Me

As we head into a new month, we generally think about the next special event coming up, which at this time happens to be Mother’s Day. Since this special day is always celebrated on a Sunday, I remember as a young girl, everyone at church would wear a red carnation to honor their Mom. Well, not everyone. There were some who wore a white carnation because their Mom was no longer living. Since at that time of my life, Mother's Day was all about celebrating Mom, I couldn't imagine anything sadder than not having one.
More recently I have become aware of the fact that Mother’s Day can be a painful time for other reasons. One being the fact that there are couples who cannot conceive. I spoke with someone recently who told me that it took them 11 years to get pregnant!
I can only imagine the silent suffering of those who keep hearing of friends getting pregnant while they, themselves, face disappointment month after month.
I'm sure there are more thoughts that could be added, but from these two experiences I see that Mother's Day is not just about celebrating our Moms but it is also about celebrating the gift of being a Mother. For most it is a gift possibly taken for granted. For some a pain that can not be made known by wearing a white carnation.
I was reminded of an old song we heard back in the 1980s, by Steve and Annie Chapman. This couple stands unique in their music in that they talk about every day life and issues such as abortion, marriage, children, getting older, relationships etc. and when I looked them up on the web I found out that they are still on tour, singing and holding marriage seminars. Their 25 (plus) years of ministry together says a lot about who they are and their commitment to the truth of what they write and sing. Their website is http://www.steveandanniechapman.com/ and they were happy to give me permission to share their lyrics.

Bring that Child To Me

Even though you never wanted
The child that grows in you
I know that you must be afraid
Of what you plan to do.
But please before you plan to take
Your child before it’s time
Would you hear what’s on this heart of mine?

I am a barren woman
I cannot have a child
I’ve been a mother only in my dreams
And the child that grows inside of you
Could fill those empty arms
Please give him life
Then bring that child to me.

My husband seems to understand
Though his arms are empty too.
He longs to be a father but there’s little he can do.
There’ll never be a child unwanted
As long as we are here
Your child could have a happy home
And we could dry our tears.

I am a barren woman
I cannot have a child
I’ve been a mother only in my dreams
And the child you plan to throw away
Could fill these empty arms
Please let him live
Then bring that child to me

There’ll never be a child unwanted
As long as we are here
Please give him life
Then bring that child to me.

Steve Chapman, March 1985

I share this song today to remind us to remember those for whom this time is difficult, whether they are missing their mother or whether they are being reminded of empty arms, yet again.

Song for Kristal

I love the words in this song and the reminder that God is all powerful to move mountains and calm oceans. What's hard for us to understand is that He won't necessarily calm the waves all around at all times . . . but He can calm our soul in the midst of the storm and give us assurance of His love and perfect plan.

My thoughts are with several of you my dear family - these words are for all of us - but I dedicate this song to you, Kristal and Shaun, as you are at this crossroads in life. My heart's cry is that you may know that God is with you and will perfect His plan in your lives as well as in the lives of those affected by the circumstances you find yourselves in.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross . . . Consider Him who endured such opposition . . . so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12: 2,3

You are not alone, the Lord your God will go before you and He will carry you when you get too tired to walk.

The Prodigal Son Suite

One of our favorite, and most passionate Contemporary Christian Music artists of the 1970’s and early 1980’s was Keith Green. Sadly, he was tragically killed in an airplane crash in 1982. However, his music lived on in our lives and we made sure our kids heard it too! One thing that we tried to teach them was, when listening to music, to listen to the words…no matter how young they were, they needed to know that the lyrics were important. So, we’d be on a road trip and they would get a verbal repeat of the words of the songs we listened to . . . it made for easy story telling. This is one of those songs. The music stirs our hearts like almost nothing else, and combined with this well known parable, it’s a song . . . more like a symphony . . . that just never grows old.
Personally, I can't read these words without hearing the pride . . . the sadness . . . the lostness . . . and the great rejoicing that is felt in the music itself, but I hope that even if you've never heard the music, the lyrics will touch your heart today.

I was done hoeing
Out in the fields for the day.
I was thinking of going,
I had to leave right away.
My life was just fading
and oh,I felt so alone.
The nearest young maiden
Was a full day’s ride from home.

My father was reading
The holy books in his room.
My heart was just bleeding,
I knew I had to go soon.
He smiled and pointed
To and old wooden chair.
I wanted to hold him
But then I just wouldn’t dare.

I said, “Father, there’s so much to know
There’s a world of things to see
And I’m ready to go make a life for myself.
If you give what is mine
I will go if I could have your blessing.
But if you won’t bless my journey,
I’m going to leave anyway.”

“Son, I’ve always tried my best for you
And if you must be leaving home
Then go with the blessing of God.”

Not too many days later,
I was well on my way,
I met a traveling stranger
Who seemed to have much to say.
He told me tales of the city
And all the women he’d had.
I asked him, “Wasn’t that sinful?”
He said, “No, it isn’t that bad!”

And then a few days later,
On an old city road,
We were drowning in laughter
And we had women to hold.
And this went on quite a long time,
My father gave me a lot.
But when my pockets were empty
My friends all left me to rot.

Then a famine hit and drained the land,
Everywhere I looked I saw starvation
And a job was not to be found.
I wandered through the city streets
Competing for the food of common beggars.
Until then I’d never known hunger
But now I wasn’t too proud.

I finally found some employment
Feeding pigs on a farm.
I wasn’t treated to kind,
I had to sleep in the barn.
I had to eat with the swine,
The bread I ate was like stone.
It didn’t take too much time
Till I was dreaming of home.

Oh the servants there are better fed;
If I could only have what my father gives them
I would truly need nothing more.
So I will go and say to him,
“I’m no longer worthy to be in your family,
Will you take me as your servant
And let me live with them.”

It didn’t’ take too long to pack my things
I left with only what I wore
And I prayed that I still had a home.

When I was near home,
In sight of the house,
My father just starred,
Dropped open his mouth.
He ran up the road
and fell to my feet
and cried, and cried.

“Father, I’ve sinned,
Having the shame.
I’m no longer worthy
To wear you name.
I’ve learned that my home
Is right where you are.
Oh father, take me.”

“Bring the best robe,
put it on my son.
Shoes for his feet,
Hurry, put them on!
This is my son
Who I thought had died;
Prepare a feast,
For my son’s alive!

I prayed and prayed,
Never heard a sound.
My son was lost –
Oh thank you, God, He’s found!
My son was dead
And he’s now alive.
Prepare a feast
For my son’s alive!

My son was dead, my son was lost,
My son’s returned in the hands of God!”

The photo is of a Statue of the Prodigal Son,
taken at Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, California
(used by permission)

Keith Green's music was digitally reproduced in 1999 by Sparrow Records (Bill Maxwell).
The Prodigal Son is one of the songs in his CD, The Ministry Years 1977-1979 and is available in Christian Book/Music Stores and at amazon.com

My Song

I have often wondered and in some way asked God why He didn’t bless me with a beautiful singing voice. If I could have chosen my gift - that’s the one! Or would it be? To be honest, there are times that I have come to see why I have not been blessed with something that I, with my vain aspirations, would not have handled correctly. Yet, even knowing that, I still keep wishing that I could sing to my heart’s content and have it sound beautiful.
I was driving home one day, just recently, listening to a song that ended up changing my perspective and (hopefully) giving me a new direction.

Life of Worship

As I live each new day
I want my life to say
How I love you, my Lord
And long to praise your name.
I want my life to be
Just like I sing this song
Bringing glory to Your Name,
Powerful and Strong.
May my life be my worship
My life be my song.
May I praise you, my Savior
All the day long.
From the sun in its rising
To the night when it falls
May my life be my worship
My life be my song.
jon bauer copyright 2003,2004

I’m thankful for artists who have been inspired to write and sing truth that speaks to my heart.

If my LIFE can be a song, I don’t want to miss a note or a beat. May I be ever more aware of the music that is being written, using the gift He has chosen to give me. This is what I wish to be reminded of throughout this coming year.

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas

My wish for everyone this Christmas is to know the hope we have because God gave His Son. Christmas itself is such a wonderful time of year, but when normal pain doesnt' go away, it is a reminder of why God gave. No better gift can we receive than the peace that He offers. I tried every which way to add music to this slide show, but I had to finally settle with a 'silent movie'.

Now, to work on my heart being just as ready. I love this song by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHlbnNUHQGI

On Another Mother and her Son

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.
This song, written by Mark Lowry, is one of my favorite (what I would call) Advent Season songs, and has been ringing in my head these last few days. It reminds me of the expectancy that we feel in this season, just as a mother has expectations when she’s carrying her child.

I wonder what Mary’s expectations were? In Luke chapter 2 there are two instances where it says that “Mary treasured up all these things in her heart.” I simply cannot fathom what she must have felt. If anyone would have questions, it should have been Mary…but recorded is only one, “How can this be?” and in faith she accepted what the Lord had for her when the angel said, “for nothing is impossible with God.”

During this season of preparations I don’t what to forget how amazing this story is. To think that the Lord of all creation would chose to become a baby, so that He could live among us, identify with us, and show us the way to the Father by His life, death and resurrection. The best gift we can receive is when we humbly open our hearts to Him in faith as well.