Listen for the Angels

In an Appalachian carol, "I Wonder as I Wander", the author sings of the truth that a promise of the ages comes true in unusual way...




"If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
a star in the sky or a bird on the wing,
or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing,
he surely could have had it, 'cause he was the king."



To celebrate our King's birthday, Henry, Evan and I joined a large group that met in our church on Sunday night. We were divided into small groups to sing to some of the shut-in senior citizens. I wasn't sure I wanted to go this year...sometimes it's hard to get motivated. Looking back, I am so glad my husband had enough enthusiasm for the three of us since it truly was a blessing.

Our small group included little Haddon Salter, and several other adorable toddlers, several children, young families, teenagers including one who used to do solos in the Atlanta Boys Choir.
As we sang the familiar carols together for a bedridden man and tearful wife, the beauty of this special season came home to me in a powerful way. She said this was their Christmas since they wouldn't be able to attend any parties or church gatherings...she was just thankful that she was home from a month long stay in the hospital! She begged us to keep singing after we started to leave, and we were delighted to share the beautiful hymns that remind us that "this is the night of our dear Savior's birth!"

Winter Wonderland

Large,lazy snowflakes began to drift down across the church courtyard right during the 11:00 a.m. Sunday School class. They continued off and on all afternoon, sometimes so thick, it made you feel like you were in the middle of a snowball that had just been tipped over.
By the time I left to go to the 6:00 p.m. choir concert, everything was glistening in a pure white powder sugar coating. I couldn't help humming, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"
This brought back great memories from last Christmas when we met Kira and Peter, plus Pete's parents in adorable log cabins in Moonlight Basin in southern Montana. The whole family,including Evan and Eric, Tacy and Stephen (except for the grandbaby, Molly)went skiing at Big Sky. And I was able to visit with our dear friends, Cindy and Darius, who live in the quaint little town of Big Sky; in fact, our family...all 11 of us ended up at their house for dinner. What wonderful memories of snowy Christmas.
Family time is a precious part of celebrating Christmas.

Advent is Here

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light." Isaiah 9
As we light our first advent candle, we think of our many friends who have chosen denial to self in order to serve on the mission fields across the globe. I think of Greg and Kathy Staley, our friends who serve in a school at Immanuel Mission in Sweetwater, Arizona; a land of sheep, goats and sandstorms.
I remember our two years living on the Navajo Indian reservation as tough yet such a blessing. I had many moments of homesickness. We were so far away from home and the desert landscape looked so bleak. But the warmth from praying with fellow Navajo believers was a bright light to our dreary souls. And developing friendships with faithful servants enriched our lives in countless ways.
I have been relishing the book, Out of Africa..the journals of Karen Blixen.
I so identified with this quote;
"The introduction into my life of another race, essentially different from mine,...became to me a mysterious expansion of my world. My own voice and song in life there had a second set to it and grew fuller and richer in the duet."
"What can I give Him
Poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
Oh what can I give Him?
Give Him my heart."

A Season of Thankfulness

How thankful our hearts are to celebrate every November not only Thanksgiving but our wedding anniversary as well. We look forward to gathering with Henry's family at Camp Maranook in Alabama. Together we worship the LORD, mourn the losses and celebrate the new additions every year to the growing number of grandchildren that grace the holiday festivities. And of course enjoy delicious food together.
Our anniversary tends to get lost in the Christmas flurry, so to beat the rush
Henry and I chose to celebrate early. We had a lovely dinner at St. John's restaurant and then attended a performance of Ahmahl and the Night Visitors at the Tivoli Theater. It was an opera about a young crippled boy who welcomes the three wise men into his home and then joins them on their journey to meet the Christ Child. It had a ballet troupe of villagers dancing in the middle of the play. It represented the joy found in celebrating a special occasion together.

Two Cruises on the Golden Gopher

Our dear friend, Joanie loved to say FABULOUS!!!






And that was the best way to describe this past weekend down at our river cottage, Kalmia. The air was cool and crisp, the autumn leaves resplendent in reds, yellows and bright oranges. They were shimmering in the light breeze against a brilliant blue sky.

Watching the boat traffic was so much fun, we saw jet skis, speed boats and pontoon boats full of families out enjoying the God's amazing handiwork! The Blue Moon tour came by with the loud speaker blaring and a paddle wheel showboat from Cincinnati chugged up stream lending to the carnival flavor of the setting.

On Saturday we loaded our Border Collie, Celeste and very large chocolate lab, Samson into the GG (Golden Gopher), our maroon and gold boat that reminds me of my alma mater, the University of Minnesota. There were no ooo's and ahhh's from our loyal companions, but lots of sniffing the wind. We were shocked to be buzzed by a small,private seaplane equipped with floats that was admiring the river canyon adorned in color.

On Sunday we celebrated Reformation Sunday in our morning worship service. A highlight every fall is singing loudly A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD by Martin Luther. What a blessing to know we have a strong shelter to run to in the storms of life.
You will not have to worry about sudden disasters,such as come to the wicked like a storm. The LORD will keep you safe." Prov.3:25-26

On Sunday, our dear friends and neighbors, the Jacobs joined us for lunch and another
boat ride. Another blessing we are thankful for is a long time friendship and beauty to be shared in a magnificent setting plus some ooo's and ahh's! It was a magnificent and FABULOUS weekend!

An Auspicious Occasion, the 2nd Freedom Ride

On October 16, 2010 the Memorial for the Unborn hosted the second Freedom Ride. It was an exciting event that was conceived by Priests for LIfe and Dr. Martin Luther King's niece, Alveda King. It draws attention to the fact that the fetus deserves to be recognized as a human being with rights, not property to be disposed of as an unwanted blob of tissue.
The first Freedom Ride was in Birmingham. This one started in Knoxville where the attendees protested outside the Planned Parenthood Clinic, then boarded the bus and loaded in many additional cars to travel to Chattanooga to the Memorial for the Unborn. This is the site of a former abortion clinic that was shut down when the Christians bought it. These visitors were from many different parts of the country and were thrilled to be in the city of hope, standing at The Wall of Names. It is a marble wall that holds thousands of name plaques of babies that died through abortion. It gives hope to others to recognize their babies after admitting they regret their abortions. The Wall stands in the shadow of a wooden cross to represent the freedom from guilt and peace that comes from trusting in Jesus.
Dr. Alveda King regrets her two abortions and led everyone in singing and worshipping together. Then many tiny lives were remembered by the new names were placed on The Wall, it was an awesome afternoon.

Two Babies in One Week

My sister, Sally and I shared a bedroom growing up. Pope John Paul said the best gift you can give your child is a sibling.
I agree, life is much more fun with brothers and sisters to share the every day stuff with...I remember nights of whispering and giggling, sharing secrets and favorite times with my little sister.
And this month we shared a very special event, we each received the marvelous blessing of a new granddaughter in the same week!!! Our mother, at 91, was also thrilled. She has quite a few great grandsons, so two tiny girls were wonderful additions to our expanding family!
We both look forward to the day these two tiny tots meet at a family celebration and begin a lifetime as cousins!

Two Prayers for Babies

Jesus welcomed little children, drew them in His arms and blessed them.
(Mark 10)

We welcome babies into our loving arms and pray for them.



God bless and keep these little ones in His loving care.
May God guide your steps in all you do,
And in His love, stay close to you. Amen

and

A Gaelic Prayer

Watch over these wee laddies and lassies,
Keep them safe and well.
Give them hearts that love the LORD Jesus. Amen

A New Member of the Family

On October 2, 2010, Frances Eleanor entered the world,...our new granddaughter!!!
Henry and I were staying at Kalmia, our cottage on the river. The morning sunshine was sparkling on the water as we first heard the exciting news of her arrival!
Nothing better than good news in such a beautiful setting!And what GOOD NEWS... a safe arrival and a healthy mother and baby!!!
We used to sing a song to her mother and used it on her birth announcement. Here are the words for you to enjoy.

Welcome to the family
We're glad that you have come
to share your life with us
as we grow in love
and
may we always be to you
What God would have us be
A family always there
to be strong and to lean on.

May we learn to love each other
more with each new day.
May words of love be on our lips
in everything we say
May the Spirit melt our hearts
and teach us how to pray
That we may be a true family.

Welcome to Frances Eleanor Beck!

Prayer for Our Children

Prayer for Our Children (and grandchildren)

Father, hear us, we are praying,
Hear the words our hearts are saying,
We are praying for our children.

Keep them from the powers of evil,
From the secret, hidden peril,
From the whirlpool that would suck them,
From the treacherous quicksand pluck them.

From the worldling's hollow gladness,
From the sting of faithless sadness,
Holy Father,save our children.

Through life's troubled waters steer them,
Through life's bitter battle cheer them,
Father, Father, be Thou near them,
Read the language of our longing,
Read the wordless pleadings thronging,
Holy Father, for our children.

And wherever they may bide
Lead them Home at eventide.

From Toward Jerusalem
by Amy Carmichael

And parents and grandparents everywhere said Amen.

Prayer for Our Daughters

LORD, You have blessed us with two grown daughters and soon TWO granddaughters.
Thank you for each one.
How amazing that we not only share family ties but love for You as well.
We pray for each one.
May they walk with You leading, our Faithful Shepherd.

"You promise to tend your flock like a shepherd. Gather Kira, Tacy, Molly and little one like a lamb in your arms and carry them close to Your heart. And just as you promise to gently lead those that have young, teach us"...how to lead, guide and and care for those in our sphere of influence. Isaiah 40:11
(from Praying the Scriptures for your Children by Jodie Berndt)

Thank you for hearing our prayers!
Amen.

A Prayer for Grown Sons

Since we have two grown sons plus two son -in-laws, I thought I would share this poem/prayer by Grace Noll Crowell published in a book called The Wind-Swept Harp(1946). May Jesus shine His light in their lives each day.

A PRAYER FOR GROWN SONS

They are men now, LORD, my hands at last are emptied
Of the countless tasks required for so long,
And I am helpless quite before the problems
That grown sons face. I cannot right Earth's wrongs,
Or smooth their pathways, but dear LORD, You can.
Speak to them face to face, as man to man.

I have no legacy at all to give them,
But if my prayer be answered, it will give
Them more than any wealth the world can offer.
I pray: Christ, be their friend while they live.
Walk with them should they feel they walk alone,
And make your presence known, daily, hourly, known.

Companion them. I ask for nothing greater
Then this rich blessing for these precious ones;
The (holy) companionship of Christ, a young man,
As counselor and guide to these my sons.
I loose their hands, having done all I could do,
And trust them, LORD, implicitly to You. Amen.

Off to School

Our youngest of four children has moved into University Place Apartments in Birmingham, Alabama this weekend. Eric was SO excited, most of his friends had already left for college, so he didn't have a lot of good bye rounds to make, but he covered his bases.
We were happy for him, yet we'll also miss him.
Here are is a prayer from
A PARENT'S PRAYERS
for a college student
by Kathleen B. Nielson

PRAYER FOR HIS SOUL
All the other prayers, Lord,
take their places after this,
that you would own and guard his soul.
May he love Jesus more than life,
but more, may your love hold him fast
through all the journey you mark out.
Through valleys no one else will see,
please lead him, Lord, and bring him home
on the last day.
And sovereign Lord, again I give him up
into the hand of the one who died
to give him life.

A Norwegian Lutheran

Before I went to bed, I thought I would read a few pages from the current book I was enjoying. I saw this phrase on page 55 of the book, A Praying Life by Paul Miller, it made me think of my brother, Thom, who is a Norwegian Lutheran pastor. Instead, it was referring to the author of Prayer, a classic written by Ole Hallesby many years ago.
Hallesby puts the emphasis on helplessness as a perfect description of prayer. He uses the verse, "They have no wine", a statement of Mary to her son, Jesus at the wedding of Cana as an example. (John 2:3)
In times of trouble, it is easy to feel helpless and easier still to feel troubled and discouraged.
But many hymn writers have encouraged us to look to Jesus.

"Jesus I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart."

by Jean S. Pigott

Sending a Blessing

Here's a blessing for the twins
and
for many students and teachers returning to school...

May your life be enclosed in the safety of His keeping;
May it glow with the radiance of His presence,
and may you be a herald of His grace to others.
Let His name be very precious to you.
Breathe it in your prayers,
Lean on that name for strength, and
Trust Him for time and eternity.

Author unknown

Two Handsome Fellows

This summer God graced our home with two little twins that stole our hearts.
Our dear friends, the Whartons were the primary foster family for this darling duo, but Henry and I had the privilege of giving respite care on several occasions. What fun to diaper, bathe and feed bottles to these handsome fellows! Henry found out while playing the mandolin that one was more definitely interested in music while the other one fell asleep.
We all rejoiced (and shed a few tears) when they were placed by Bethany Christian Services in their forever family in July. They now have a big sister and loving parents eager to teach them of the love of Jesus.

Faith and Work

In June Tacy and I attended a Praise Breakfast sponsored by Scenic City Women's Network, a Christian organization that offers a variety of activities for fellowship among Christian working women.
Our speaker was Bonnie Wurzbacher, Senior Vice President at the Coca-Cola Company. She gave an excellent presentation. Her comments are worth sharing with you.

5 Life Lessons

1. Identify your calling. Use your strengths.

2. Recognize and trust God's hand in your life.

3. Choose your life partner wisely - let the LORD lead you.

4. Understand the theology of work.

5. Understand that there is no sacred/secular split but Jesus knows me,
this I love!
It was a wonderful time of fellowship, complete with James Ward leading the music.
What a nice way to start the morning!

Squishing the Grapes

My daughter and I cooked the muscadine grapes we harvested from our backyard arbor last week. We added lots of sugar, then boiled, squished and strained the juice, added pectin and sealed the jelly in little jars to give away as gifts.
It was the first time we had canned together, but hopefully not the last!

Families Celebrating Together

My daughter, Tacy and granddaughter, Molly Jane came to visit from Annapolis last week. Besides the normal summer fun of cooking on the grill, swimming and boating, we had another purpose we shared...to celebrate the graduation of a dear friend(almost family)and put on a graduation party for her!
Planning, shopping and anticipating the joy of hosting a party that brought together Ana Maria's family from many different cities to rejoice over the completion of many years of diligent study was marvelous. Philippines, Canada, Chile and Dominican Republic were all represented in this assembly. We were stangers, yet we gathered in our festively decorated dining room, around a bountiful table of delicious food prepared by us and a dear friend that lives near by. Holding hands and bowing to thank our Heavenly Father for this wonder-filled occasion was a tiny glimpse of Paradise.
"All the ends of the world
Shall remember and turn to the LORD,
And all the families of the nations
Shall worship before You."
Psalm 22:27

Land of the Loons

The haunting call of the loons on Clark Lake in northern Minnesota woke me up Monday morning. Enchanting songs of praise to our Heavenly Father were a welcome sound to this transplanted Southern girl's ears!
As I read Psalm 104, I rejoiced with the writer at God's magnificent handiwork!
"The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches."
I also am humbled to return to the friendship of my dear friends, enjoying our annual retreat to catch up and become renewed through the laughter and the love.

Golden Friendships

In my Brownie troop, many years ago, we learned the song
"Make new friends but keep the old
One is silver and the other is gold."
This was a weekend of celebrating old friendships and celebrating the marvelous answers to prayer in their lives.
First on Saturday, we toasted Ruth and (Ben)Barlow Jacobs' new marriage with a lovely summer supper by the Mutters' pool. Ben's family shared the driveway with us, our two families went to the same church and school;how we missed them when they moved away!
Sunday night the Rainsfords came over to our house for another summer supper with lots of yummy vegetables. This time we were celebrating Guy's quick recovery from brain surgery only a month before and that the tumor was NOT cancer!Which was the same result after Barlow's surgery on his ear last year. Life is hard, but God is good.
We rejoice with each of them that God has strengthened us through the trials and
"...that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured."
Colossians 4:12

More Than 8 Cousins

Blessings without number is the phrase that comes to mind after returning from a family reunion at Lakeside Community near Marblehead on Lake Erie. My cousin, Carmen, who we nicknamed "Queen Mum" organized a delightful get together on the shores of the most shallow of the Great Lakes at a place with old time cottages that made you feel like you dropped into an old "Leave It to Beaver" episode on T.V.!
A family group arrived from Tennessee just hours after the crew from Minnesota and Wisconsin pulled in to the old railroad station. We had a worship service, meal and some riotous games that had everyone cheering and laughing!
During the 3 days together we square danced, played shuffle board and miniature golf, climbed up Marblehead Lighthouse, also went sailing and swimming in warm Lake Erie. We rode a ferry over to Kelley's Island, visited the astounding Glacier Grooves (stone carved by ice) and ate WALLEYE for lunch!!!
Sitting around a campfire on the shore, eating s'mores and singing with a guitar all together were very memorable. It was hard to say good-bye so cousin Bill's wife, Marie, said instead we should say,"Until next time" because we have the promise of heaven and seeing each other again if not next year then over there.

Water's Edge

Henry and I have been enchanted with time away from T.V., telephones, and computers as we sit by the water's edge and watch the Tennessee River flow by our cottage.

A very simple truth has been refreshed in my spirit through this time away.

"Jesus knows me

this I love".

In so many ways, over and over again, I have felt known and provided for by the Creator of the galaxies and many universes.

The 1st chapter of Jeremiah reminds us that before we were born, He knew us!

"And Jesus said,
"Come to the water
stand by my side
I know you are thirsty
You won't be denied
I saw every teardrop
When in darkness you cried
And I strove to remind you
That for those tears I died."

Sitting on the Dock of the River

Delightful is the best adjective to describe a time to rest and relax with family and friends! It's what is so special about summertime!


Water flowing gently by soothes the spirit, even better is floating on a raft with a rope tied to the dock!Seeing the tugboats push the barges up stream made us recall the old story of "Lil' Toot".
Henry and I relished our week with the Becks, plus a variety of visitors including several of Tacy's college friends, plus Uncle Eric and Uncle Evan. One smile from Molly and we all melt, needless to say she has all of us wrapped around her little finger.

Our granddaughter, Molly Jane sat on Grandpa's lap as he drove the boat on the Tennessee River, bundled in a life jacket decked out with dalmatians!
Aunt Margaret and Uncle Tom also joined us in our time away from the phones, computers, T.V.'s, and the other distractions. Fishing and sitting on a dock brings reconnection and peaceful spirits and a thankfulness to our Heavenly Father who designed life to include Sabbath rest.

"Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay our ev"ry burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.

Shall we gather at the the river
the beautiful, the beautiful river,
Gather with the saints at the river,
That flows by the throne of God."
by Robert Lowry

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

Do you remember the movie, Gigi? There's a song called "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" in that movie that
I have been humming over and over again since we got the WONDERFUL news we are going to be blessed with another little granddaughter!!!Her arrival date is in the fall.
Since Henry had 4 sisters (sister, Barbara above) and I have 3 sisters, (that's two of the three, Sally and Marilyn) we are both thrilled that our granddaughter, Molly, will be blessed with that extra-special relationship also!
Here's me with my interpreter in Ethiopia. We are sisters in Christ, it brings a happiness that is amazing! I love being able to pray for Alevelf even though we are so far apart.
Of course, brothers are great, but it's hard for either of us to imagine life without the incredible richness that has come from having a sister!
Two girls together adds up to tons of blessings!