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.