I know I haven't written in a while. I guess life has been busy and kind of taken on a life of its own! (Don't tell my co-workers in the writing department that I just used a word twice in the same sentence. :-))
I had a while where I had some discouragement ... I think maybe that's been one way I've especially been hit by the Enemy in the spiritual battle at different times this year ... but friends have been praying for me and I truly experienced a wonderful breakthrough after praying with a friend last week. I am so grateful ... it's great to feel refreshed and encouraged. :)
But I am learning a lot, I think, about hoping in the Lord. At least, I hope I am! :) I am definitely still a work in progress .... as we all are .... but one verse I was reading last night really jumped out at me. I want to remember it in both the highs and the lows of life (there's definitely been a bit of both this year, in varying measures and at different times!).
"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” --Romans 5:5
I LOVE that. It just has such a ring of ... well, hope ... to it! :) I am so glad the Lord put verses like that in the Bible for us. It's a wonderful truth. He is the God of hope, and each moment we can always find hope in Him. What a delightful thing!
On another note, I had a very nice Thanksgiving... Got to be with my whole family, which was so nice, and even got to do some hiking with my niece and nephews and enjoy not only a nice traditional Thanksgiving meal, but also some yummy mesquite chicken pizza at a fun new (to me) place. :) I also had fun playing UNO Attack with my niece and my mom ... It's so funny how you never know how many cards are going to come out of that contraption! :-D
Welcome, dear friends! Here you will find an assortment of snippets and reflections ... and hopefully some encouraging quotes from people like John Piper and C.S. Lewis and ... most of all ... the Scriptures. :-) Leave a comment if you'd like - I would love to hear from you! Have a GREAT day.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A City whose Builder and Foundations are God
"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." - Hebrews 11:8-10, NIV
Over the course of this summer, some of my "foundations" have been unexpectedly shaken at different times, and some even taken away. I won't lie; it has been hard and even downright painful at times, but the Lord has shown me sooooo much of Himself through it all. He has beautifully reminded me that in the storms and little challenges of life, I can fully lean on HIM as my True Foundation. Praise the Lord!
I have recently been listening to some CDs of a series taught on Isaiah 40 and have been so incredibly blessed through it. They are teachings by Nancy Leigh Demoss*, whom I can't seem to say enough good things about. :) (see below) One thing I loved that she brought out from the passage is, who can we compare God to? Nothing and no one on this earth could ever compare to Him. What wonderful, encouraging news for those moments in our lives when we feel like our foundations are being shaken around us .... especially when you couple it with Hebrews 11:8-10. :) This world is not our home. Sure, there will be pleasant moments and good times ... but in those harder seasons, how comforting and hope-giving it is to remember that we are looking forward to a lasting city*, whose builder and maker is God. HE is our foundation. Praise the Lord! :) This fills my heart with joy, even in the hard times. He is so good!
*Her teachings have encouraged and helped me soooo much in my walk with the Lord, and I have been loaning them out to friends at work as well, so they can be encouraged! :) I can hear the love and joy of Jesus in Nancy's voice .... I know it must be so contagious to those around her. Her heart and calling are to nourish women in their walks with Jesus, our Dearest Friend. And I highly recommend her website to you, where you can listen to many of her teachings online. :)
[If you are reading this and aren't sure how you can look forward to a lasting city whose builder and architect is God Himself, I would love to tell you! Just leave a comment on this blog … I promise you, this is something you will be so glad you asked about …. You won’t regret it!]
Over the course of this summer, some of my "foundations" have been unexpectedly shaken at different times, and some even taken away. I won't lie; it has been hard and even downright painful at times, but the Lord has shown me sooooo much of Himself through it all. He has beautifully reminded me that in the storms and little challenges of life, I can fully lean on HIM as my True Foundation. Praise the Lord!
I have recently been listening to some CDs of a series taught on Isaiah 40 and have been so incredibly blessed through it. They are teachings by Nancy Leigh Demoss*, whom I can't seem to say enough good things about. :) (see below) One thing I loved that she brought out from the passage is, who can we compare God to? Nothing and no one on this earth could ever compare to Him. What wonderful, encouraging news for those moments in our lives when we feel like our foundations are being shaken around us .... especially when you couple it with Hebrews 11:8-10. :) This world is not our home. Sure, there will be pleasant moments and good times ... but in those harder seasons, how comforting and hope-giving it is to remember that we are looking forward to a lasting city*, whose builder and maker is God. HE is our foundation. Praise the Lord! :) This fills my heart with joy, even in the hard times. He is so good!
*Her teachings have encouraged and helped me soooo much in my walk with the Lord, and I have been loaning them out to friends at work as well, so they can be encouraged! :) I can hear the love and joy of Jesus in Nancy's voice .... I know it must be so contagious to those around her. Her heart and calling are to nourish women in their walks with Jesus, our Dearest Friend. And I highly recommend her website to you, where you can listen to many of her teachings online. :)
[If you are reading this and aren't sure how you can look forward to a lasting city whose builder and architect is God Himself, I would love to tell you! Just leave a comment on this blog … I promise you, this is something you will be so glad you asked about …. You won’t regret it!]
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Things Jesus is Teaching Me ... Lessons from a Hurt Finger ;-)
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." - 2 Corinthians 4:16,17
This passage is one I will probably be especially clinging to over the next few weeks or so. ;-) I feel like the Lord's been teaching me so much lately ... that even in those moments where I feel physically tired and weak, He is renewing me. May He get all the glory!
I'm so happy and grateful to Him, and hope this is an encouragement to someone who could use encouragement today, as well as to any who have been praying, that the Lord is using your prayers! Now, my little "suffering" lately is NOTHING compared to the incredible amount of suffering many of our Christian brothers and sisters on the other side of the world are facing all the time for loving Jesus. At the same time, the Scriptures are packed with encouragement we all as believers can glean from in "all kinds of trials," big and small! I am so grateful for how the Lord's used trials in my and my family's lives over the past few years to draw us closer to Him.
There have been several things going on as far as physical challenges lately, such as quite a bit of aching at different times in my left shoulder and a muscle in my back, a couple of other small things, and hurting my finger pretty seriously a few weeks ago. I did find out this past week that the finger injury may have some long-term (lifetime?) effects. I am not complaining, though ... the Lord is renewing me and teaching me so much!
The finger injury happened when I was jumping onto a blob on our ministry's staff retreat. Despite the injury, I can truly say it was a wonderful weekend of fellowship and good times with people! :o) And, too, I know that with God, nothing is by accident and He can totally bring good out of my hurt finger! :) (Romans 8:28)
A co-worker brought me to the hospital the evening I injured it .... and I could tell you some pretty funny stories from our trip there and back, including trying to explain to the nurse in the ER what a blob was. (She kept thinking I must have said "log" instead. :-D) We had some pretty funny things happen that night that definitely gave us some good laughs .... if you want to hear some of the funny stories ... just ask me! :)
I am happy about how the Lord has been working in my heart and teaching me through this time. It's definitely all Him and obviously not anything in me - His Word teaches that nothing good dwells in our flesh. It's so exciting to see Him work!
I went to the doctor earlier this week for my two-week follow-up. I was eager to hear some encouraging news about my progress, but learned instead that he's now thinking the little bone that broke off in the top joint of the finger may never move back to where it should be, even with wearing the splint the maximum time (six more weeks). He said, "We'll wait and see."
Only a few weeks ago, I wouldn't have known how to handle hearing my finger may not heal back completely, but as I thought about it this week, I realized the Lord was giving me total rest about either outcome. Wow! I definitely thank Him for that. :) I know the Lord is able to pick up that bone and move it back to where it should be (and you can certainly pray for this! :))). Of course that would be my natural preference (and would certainly make life much simpler!;), but more than anything, I want HIS will in this. As much as I would love to see my finger fully recovered and restored to full function, even more than that I am prepared to accept the outcome that would most glorify Him, even if it is different from what I may have chosen.
It may seem like such a small thing, but I am just so grateful for His perspective in all this ... It's all from Him, because I'm sure that in my natural human state I would have been worried and all. :) It's wonderful to know it's in His hands and I can TRUST Him and be free from worry! :) It's all because of Him. I was so encouraged to have an opportunity to share about the Lord a little with the receptionist there on my first visit and was thinking of how that may not have happened if I hadn't hurt my finger.
Earlier this week I was talking to a friend who basically said, "Praise the Lord - if you end up needing to have a hurt finger for the rest of your life, but this doctor gets saved - what is that compared to eternity." I thought about it and knew I agreed completely... I would be more than willing to have a finger that doesn't heal 100% if it means the doctor comes to know Jesus and will be able to spend eternity in heaven (and not have to perish in hell!). Wow, what a great trade-off! :) Whether the Lord draws this doctor to Himself through him seeing a miracle in my finger, or whether He would choose to use me as a vessel in his life as I accept either outcome, either way it would be a miracle! Anytime someone comes to faith in Jesus, it is a wonderful miracle and something He brings about.****
Isn't it wonderful that as a Christian, we can't lose? Our lives are in His precious hands ... we can TRUST Him. :) And our lives are not just about us ... they're for a so much greater purpose ... for His glory and for bringing precious souls to Him. I am full of joy and want to give Him the glory for all of this ... This peace is all from HIM, and I am so grateful. Whatever you may be going through today, big or small, I hope this is in some way an encouragement to you. Anything we go through as believers is for a bigger and greater purpose ... how exciting is that?!
****[If you're not sure what this is all about, but would like to know ... I would just love to chat with you about what JEsus did for you on the Cross to redeem you, and how you can know Him personally and know for sure you will be with Him in heaven one day.... and have life take on a whole new meaning! :) It's the most important decision you'll ever make...]
This passage is one I will probably be especially clinging to over the next few weeks or so. ;-) I feel like the Lord's been teaching me so much lately ... that even in those moments where I feel physically tired and weak, He is renewing me. May He get all the glory!
I'm so happy and grateful to Him, and hope this is an encouragement to someone who could use encouragement today, as well as to any who have been praying, that the Lord is using your prayers! Now, my little "suffering" lately is NOTHING compared to the incredible amount of suffering many of our Christian brothers and sisters on the other side of the world are facing all the time for loving Jesus. At the same time, the Scriptures are packed with encouragement we all as believers can glean from in "all kinds of trials," big and small! I am so grateful for how the Lord's used trials in my and my family's lives over the past few years to draw us closer to Him.
There have been several things going on as far as physical challenges lately, such as quite a bit of aching at different times in my left shoulder and a muscle in my back, a couple of other small things, and hurting my finger pretty seriously a few weeks ago. I did find out this past week that the finger injury may have some long-term (lifetime?) effects. I am not complaining, though ... the Lord is renewing me and teaching me so much!
The finger injury happened when I was jumping onto a blob on our ministry's staff retreat. Despite the injury, I can truly say it was a wonderful weekend of fellowship and good times with people! :o) And, too, I know that with God, nothing is by accident and He can totally bring good out of my hurt finger! :) (Romans 8:28)
A co-worker brought me to the hospital the evening I injured it .... and I could tell you some pretty funny stories from our trip there and back, including trying to explain to the nurse in the ER what a blob was. (She kept thinking I must have said "log" instead. :-D) We had some pretty funny things happen that night that definitely gave us some good laughs .... if you want to hear some of the funny stories ... just ask me! :)
I am happy about how the Lord has been working in my heart and teaching me through this time. It's definitely all Him and obviously not anything in me - His Word teaches that nothing good dwells in our flesh. It's so exciting to see Him work!
I went to the doctor earlier this week for my two-week follow-up. I was eager to hear some encouraging news about my progress, but learned instead that he's now thinking the little bone that broke off in the top joint of the finger may never move back to where it should be, even with wearing the splint the maximum time (six more weeks). He said, "We'll wait and see."
Only a few weeks ago, I wouldn't have known how to handle hearing my finger may not heal back completely, but as I thought about it this week, I realized the Lord was giving me total rest about either outcome. Wow! I definitely thank Him for that. :) I know the Lord is able to pick up that bone and move it back to where it should be (and you can certainly pray for this! :))). Of course that would be my natural preference (and would certainly make life much simpler!;), but more than anything, I want HIS will in this. As much as I would love to see my finger fully recovered and restored to full function, even more than that I am prepared to accept the outcome that would most glorify Him, even if it is different from what I may have chosen.
It may seem like such a small thing, but I am just so grateful for His perspective in all this ... It's all from Him, because I'm sure that in my natural human state I would have been worried and all. :) It's wonderful to know it's in His hands and I can TRUST Him and be free from worry! :) It's all because of Him. I was so encouraged to have an opportunity to share about the Lord a little with the receptionist there on my first visit and was thinking of how that may not have happened if I hadn't hurt my finger.
Earlier this week I was talking to a friend who basically said, "Praise the Lord - if you end up needing to have a hurt finger for the rest of your life, but this doctor gets saved - what is that compared to eternity." I thought about it and knew I agreed completely... I would be more than willing to have a finger that doesn't heal 100% if it means the doctor comes to know Jesus and will be able to spend eternity in heaven (and not have to perish in hell!). Wow, what a great trade-off! :) Whether the Lord draws this doctor to Himself through him seeing a miracle in my finger, or whether He would choose to use me as a vessel in his life as I accept either outcome, either way it would be a miracle! Anytime someone comes to faith in Jesus, it is a wonderful miracle and something He brings about.****
Isn't it wonderful that as a Christian, we can't lose? Our lives are in His precious hands ... we can TRUST Him. :) And our lives are not just about us ... they're for a so much greater purpose ... for His glory and for bringing precious souls to Him. I am full of joy and want to give Him the glory for all of this ... This peace is all from HIM, and I am so grateful. Whatever you may be going through today, big or small, I hope this is in some way an encouragement to you. Anything we go through as believers is for a bigger and greater purpose ... how exciting is that?!
****[If you're not sure what this is all about, but would like to know ... I would just love to chat with you about what JEsus did for you on the Cross to redeem you, and how you can know Him personally and know for sure you will be with Him in heaven one day.... and have life take on a whole new meaning! :) It's the most important decision you'll ever make...]
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Hope for the Least of These
This is a video about precious Dalit children in Asia, put together by a co-worker at the ministry ... I have seen this a number of times, but again found myself in tears ... even sobs ... as I watched it today at my desk. [To watch, go to the end of this entry and click on the arrow ... It will start playing for you.]
Oh, how my heart goes out for these precious children, so dear to the heart of the Father. I thank the Lord for, once again, lifting me above the "here and now" ... the things around me that I can so easily allow to distract me ... and opening my eyes afresh to some of the things that breaks His heart ... How humbled I feel, and yet how in need I am of Him to remind me ... of what is important, what is dear to His kind and loving heart!
These children's lives here on this earth are so hard ... yet there is incredible hope for them in Jesus .... For a while now, I've been able to sponsor some of the precious children whose plights are like those shown in this video clip and I thank the Lord for this ... at the same time I'm so challenged that I could be a lot more purposeful with my finances so that maybe I could help another precious child! What greater joy could we have to invest in during this lifetime, than in the things of eternity, the things dear to His heart? :)
If your heart is touched by this video ... I so much encourage you to pray about whether the Lord may be calling you to sponsor a precious child, too ... bringing the transforming hope of Jesus to a child and his/her family! I promise you, you won't regret it. (Even if you don't feel you can help a little one in Asia financially at this time ... you can PRAY ... this is huge!!!)
Oh, how my heart goes out for these precious children, so dear to the heart of the Father. I thank the Lord for, once again, lifting me above the "here and now" ... the things around me that I can so easily allow to distract me ... and opening my eyes afresh to some of the things that breaks His heart ... How humbled I feel, and yet how in need I am of Him to remind me ... of what is important, what is dear to His kind and loving heart!
These children's lives here on this earth are so hard ... yet there is incredible hope for them in Jesus .... For a while now, I've been able to sponsor some of the precious children whose plights are like those shown in this video clip and I thank the Lord for this ... at the same time I'm so challenged that I could be a lot more purposeful with my finances so that maybe I could help another precious child! What greater joy could we have to invest in during this lifetime, than in the things of eternity, the things dear to His heart? :)
If your heart is touched by this video ... I so much encourage you to pray about whether the Lord may be calling you to sponsor a precious child, too ... bringing the transforming hope of Jesus to a child and his/her family! I promise you, you won't regret it. (Even if you don't feel you can help a little one in Asia financially at this time ... you can PRAY ... this is huge!!!)
Monday, April 27, 2009
A Place Where We'll Never Grow Weary
I have been kind of tired lately, and felt weary at times ... Last week was really busy with writing projects, and while I honestly enjoyed a good bit of it (writing is fun!), I don't think I realized until later just how tired I was. ;-) Life in general has felt so busy for a while now ... I am finding myself in need of making sure I'm not doing "too much" ... of taking time to rest and be rejuvenated ... and realizing that I shouldn't feel "guilty" about needing my rest ... the Lord can use me sooo much more if I'm rested than if I'm not! :-) And I believe He desires that we take those times to rest and rejuvenate while here on this earth in our finite bodies ...
The pastor's message at church yesterday was on Heaven. It was so encouraging ... He was talking about how our best moments on this earth are a tiny foretaste of Heaven ... and of course, they can't even begin to compare to the exquisite joys of Heaven. :) It will be amazing ... and, too, we will have heavenly bodies and will be able to enjoy an infinite amount of fellowship with the One who created us and with other believers, without ever running out of time or energy. Think about how awesome that will be!
Romans 8:18 tells us that those weary moments, those trials, anything we experience that may try to discourage us or weary us here on this earth ... none of that is worthy of being compared with the glories of Heaven. What a wonderful promise! I remember another passage, I believe in 1 Peter, about how our trials here on this earth are only "for a little while" ... a very short while ... compared with eternity in Heaven! :)
I am feeling more energized and encouraged already ... how 'bout y'all? :o) I do think I'm going to take a walk at the nature preserve in this nice weather and listen to my GoBible. I have definitely been challenged and convicted lately of how I need to be in the Word so much more ... I love Jesus SO much and want to know Him more each day. How dearly I love Him, even if with an imperfect human love as long as I'm on this side of Heaven, and how I long each day for more of Him and less of me. I am grateful He is so patient with me ...
Here's a song that encouraged me so much just now ... hope it encourages you all, too. :) And if any of you don't know this amazing God personally ... I would LOVE to tell you how you can have a personal relationship with the One who created you and wants to redeem you. You won't regret it!
Everlasting God
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
*lyrics by Benton Brown
The pastor's message at church yesterday was on Heaven. It was so encouraging ... He was talking about how our best moments on this earth are a tiny foretaste of Heaven ... and of course, they can't even begin to compare to the exquisite joys of Heaven. :) It will be amazing ... and, too, we will have heavenly bodies and will be able to enjoy an infinite amount of fellowship with the One who created us and with other believers, without ever running out of time or energy. Think about how awesome that will be!
Romans 8:18 tells us that those weary moments, those trials, anything we experience that may try to discourage us or weary us here on this earth ... none of that is worthy of being compared with the glories of Heaven. What a wonderful promise! I remember another passage, I believe in 1 Peter, about how our trials here on this earth are only "for a little while" ... a very short while ... compared with eternity in Heaven! :)
I am feeling more energized and encouraged already ... how 'bout y'all? :o) I do think I'm going to take a walk at the nature preserve in this nice weather and listen to my GoBible. I have definitely been challenged and convicted lately of how I need to be in the Word so much more ... I love Jesus SO much and want to know Him more each day. How dearly I love Him, even if with an imperfect human love as long as I'm on this side of Heaven, and how I long each day for more of Him and less of me. I am grateful He is so patient with me ...
Here's a song that encouraged me so much just now ... hope it encourages you all, too. :) And if any of you don't know this amazing God personally ... I would LOVE to tell you how you can have a personal relationship with the One who created you and wants to redeem you. You won't regret it!
Everlasting God
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
*lyrics by Benton Brown
Thursday, April 09, 2009
"Your name and renown..."
Isaiah 26:8
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts
I was reminded of this verse recently ... I love what it says! This is what life is all about ... Growing to know more deeply the Lord who has redeemed us, and seeking to bring Him glory. [If you aren't sure what I am talking about... just ask me ... I would so much love to share more with you of how you can put your trust in the One who gave His life to redeem you ... the one whose resurrection many will joyfully celebrate this Sunday! I promise you, it is the most important decision you could ever make in this life.]
This verse is so freeing to me ... It frees me to see all of life, good and bad (from our limited human perspective) from that wonderful higher perspective ... to forsake lesser pursuits for the ultimate of knowing my dear Savior more fully and intimately, and seeking to make Him known and glorified among the nations ... precious people He shed His blood for, whether it be those on the other side of the world or my neighbors in my apartment complex.
As I live life ... whether working at the ministry, or going to church or Bible study, or watching a movie with a friend or meeting a friend for dinner ... when I see all of it from the greater perspective of knowing Jesus more and making Him known ... what a wonderful viewpoint it gives all of life! How grateful I am that there is something so much greater to live for ... infinitely ... than myself. Oh, how I yearn to be more and more God-focused ... I yearn for more of Jesus, less of me. I realize the way to this is often through pain and suffering ... and have seen this at different times in my life ... but have soooooo far to go in this area of being more Jesus-focused. May the Lord make me strong and make me more and more like Him. I love Him so much and yearn for more of Him.
As we approach this Easter weekend ... isn't it amazing to think of the love Jesus had for us? Think of what He went through ... for you ... for me. What incredible love for us as sinful human beings. Oh, that more and more people would experience this love for themselves this Easter season.
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts
I was reminded of this verse recently ... I love what it says! This is what life is all about ... Growing to know more deeply the Lord who has redeemed us, and seeking to bring Him glory. [If you aren't sure what I am talking about... just ask me ... I would so much love to share more with you of how you can put your trust in the One who gave His life to redeem you ... the one whose resurrection many will joyfully celebrate this Sunday! I promise you, it is the most important decision you could ever make in this life.]
This verse is so freeing to me ... It frees me to see all of life, good and bad (from our limited human perspective) from that wonderful higher perspective ... to forsake lesser pursuits for the ultimate of knowing my dear Savior more fully and intimately, and seeking to make Him known and glorified among the nations ... precious people He shed His blood for, whether it be those on the other side of the world or my neighbors in my apartment complex.
As I live life ... whether working at the ministry, or going to church or Bible study, or watching a movie with a friend or meeting a friend for dinner ... when I see all of it from the greater perspective of knowing Jesus more and making Him known ... what a wonderful viewpoint it gives all of life! How grateful I am that there is something so much greater to live for ... infinitely ... than myself. Oh, how I yearn to be more and more God-focused ... I yearn for more of Jesus, less of me. I realize the way to this is often through pain and suffering ... and have seen this at different times in my life ... but have soooooo far to go in this area of being more Jesus-focused. May the Lord make me strong and make me more and more like Him. I love Him so much and yearn for more of Him.
As we approach this Easter weekend ... isn't it amazing to think of the love Jesus had for us? Think of what He went through ... for you ... for me. What incredible love for us as sinful human beings. Oh, that more and more people would experience this love for themselves this Easter season.
Friday, March 20, 2009
I want more of Jesus ...
These past few days or so have kind of flown by ... Life has been rather busy, but in the midst of it the Lord has been teaching and reminding me of things. I am more and more yearning for more of Him and less of me ... I know as I look to Him, He will be faithful to show me what that looks like. I know that in my fallen flesh I would rather do things my way, but deep down, in the spirit, I just yearn for more and more of Him instead ... even if it means some pain and suffering.
And I know deep down that the things of my fallen flesh and the things of this world are worthless and empty ... that He Alone is the Source of living water ... the wonderful One who satisfies and breathes life into me, whether I am feeling on cloud nine, weary, or just somewhere in between. :-) Life abundant is in Him. (John 10:10) I am grateful for all the things He is showing me, and for His boundless patience with me. I don't deserve it, but am grateful. I want more of HIM, each moment, each day ...
This morning in the car I was listening to this song from a Caedmon's Call CD I checked out from the library ... The words caught me and I thought really described some of what has been on my heart lately ... hope they're a blessing to you as well ...
Carry Your Love
We are called out; we are ransomed
We are not of the world we're in
We are chosen; we are blessed
To bring light to the lives of men
So Father sow Your seed
Give us life in community
Wake us from our sleep
This is Your time; this is Your place
And we are vessels for breaking
Under Your grace, we are led by Your Spirit
You have redeemed us by the blood of Your Son
Send down Your Word; we are eager to hear it
Ready our hearts to carry Your love
You are sunlight; You are morning
You're the hope of a brand new day
You are comfort; You are blessing
And You wipe all our tears away
So change us from within
Renedr miracles from our sin
Remind us once again
This is Your time; this is Your place
We are vessels for breaking
*lyrics from Carry Your Love, Caedmon's Call
And I know deep down that the things of my fallen flesh and the things of this world are worthless and empty ... that He Alone is the Source of living water ... the wonderful One who satisfies and breathes life into me, whether I am feeling on cloud nine, weary, or just somewhere in between. :-) Life abundant is in Him. (John 10:10) I am grateful for all the things He is showing me, and for His boundless patience with me. I don't deserve it, but am grateful. I want more of HIM, each moment, each day ...
This morning in the car I was listening to this song from a Caedmon's Call CD I checked out from the library ... The words caught me and I thought really described some of what has been on my heart lately ... hope they're a blessing to you as well ...
Carry Your Love
We are called out; we are ransomed
We are not of the world we're in
We are chosen; we are blessed
To bring light to the lives of men
So Father sow Your seed
Give us life in community
Wake us from our sleep
This is Your time; this is Your place
And we are vessels for breaking
Under Your grace, we are led by Your Spirit
You have redeemed us by the blood of Your Son
Send down Your Word; we are eager to hear it
Ready our hearts to carry Your love
You are sunlight; You are morning
You're the hope of a brand new day
You are comfort; You are blessing
And You wipe all our tears away
So change us from within
Renedr miracles from our sin
Remind us once again
This is Your time; this is Your place
We are vessels for breaking
*lyrics from Carry Your Love, Caedmon's Call
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Be Thou My Vision
This has got to be one of my all-time favorite hymns ... I remember sometimes singing it in church growing up, but I'm not sure I really stopped and realized how amazing the words are until one summer I spent at a Christian camp in Colorado. We on staff were singing it for the students, and I thought, "Wow ... what a great hymn!" It almost felt like I was "discovering" it for the first time. :)
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tow'r.
Raise Thou me heav'nward, O Pow'r of my pow'r.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns son,
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
I was trying to find the author ... It looks like maybe there are a few different thoughts about who the author is ... but as I searched online I found this fascinating story of the setting it may have been written in, from Center for Church Music. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did ... I know my heart is touched by the lives of Christians in other countries and what they go through because of their love for Jesus. Working for a missions organization, I hear and work with these reports so often! (If you'd like to read some more true stories of believers who are gladly choosing to suffer for the sake of Jesus ... just check out this link!)
Here is the story I found when I was searching online for "Be Thou My Vision" ...
"With its heartfelt poetry and moving melody, 'Be Thou My Vision' beautifully expresses the desires of the Christian heart. Though its popularity rose only in the past fifty years or so, the hymn actually has a rich history dating back to the eighth century.
Between the years of 400 and 700 AD the Irish people lived out a passionate faith in Christ. Ireland took up the missionary endeavor with excitement, and the country became known for its all-absorbing efforts to share Christianity throughout the world. Irish missionaries were found from Scotland to Switzerland, spreading the Good News wherever they went.
Some scholars believe that the words to the hymn are the product of a man known simply as St. Patrick. Patrick was born in A.D. 373 along the banks of the River Clyde in what is now called Scotland. When he was 16 he was kidnapped by pirates and taken as a slave to Ireland. There he gave his life to Jesus Christ. He eventually escaped, but he never forgot this experience and when he was about 30 he returned to his former captors with only one possession: the Latin Bible. History tells us that St. Patrick was the man most responsible for the Good News of Christ coming to Ireland. As a result of his preaching, over 200 churches were established and 100,000 converts were baptized.
'Be Thou My Vision' undoubtedly comes from this spiritually rich period. Its prominent theme encourages single-hearted focus and devotion to Christ. In the hymn lyrics, the poet expresses his adoration of God through the many titles he gives him: Vision, Wisdom, Word, Great Father, Power, Inheritance, High King of heaven, Treasure, bright heaven's Sun, Ruler of all.
Today, we continue to sing the words of this hymn, echoing the poet's response to God's many titles. 'Thou my best thought, Thy presence my light.'"
** Story from Center for Church Music, www.songsandhymns.org
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tow'r.
Raise Thou me heav'nward, O Pow'r of my pow'r.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns son,
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.
I was trying to find the author ... It looks like maybe there are a few different thoughts about who the author is ... but as I searched online I found this fascinating story of the setting it may have been written in, from Center for Church Music. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did ... I know my heart is touched by the lives of Christians in other countries and what they go through because of their love for Jesus. Working for a missions organization, I hear and work with these reports so often! (If you'd like to read some more true stories of believers who are gladly choosing to suffer for the sake of Jesus ... just check out this link!)
Here is the story I found when I was searching online for "Be Thou My Vision" ...
"With its heartfelt poetry and moving melody, 'Be Thou My Vision' beautifully expresses the desires of the Christian heart. Though its popularity rose only in the past fifty years or so, the hymn actually has a rich history dating back to the eighth century.
Between the years of 400 and 700 AD the Irish people lived out a passionate faith in Christ. Ireland took up the missionary endeavor with excitement, and the country became known for its all-absorbing efforts to share Christianity throughout the world. Irish missionaries were found from Scotland to Switzerland, spreading the Good News wherever they went.
Some scholars believe that the words to the hymn are the product of a man known simply as St. Patrick. Patrick was born in A.D. 373 along the banks of the River Clyde in what is now called Scotland. When he was 16 he was kidnapped by pirates and taken as a slave to Ireland. There he gave his life to Jesus Christ. He eventually escaped, but he never forgot this experience and when he was about 30 he returned to his former captors with only one possession: the Latin Bible. History tells us that St. Patrick was the man most responsible for the Good News of Christ coming to Ireland. As a result of his preaching, over 200 churches were established and 100,000 converts were baptized.
'Be Thou My Vision' undoubtedly comes from this spiritually rich period. Its prominent theme encourages single-hearted focus and devotion to Christ. In the hymn lyrics, the poet expresses his adoration of God through the many titles he gives him: Vision, Wisdom, Word, Great Father, Power, Inheritance, High King of heaven, Treasure, bright heaven's Sun, Ruler of all.
Today, we continue to sing the words of this hymn, echoing the poet's response to God's many titles. 'Thou my best thought, Thy presence my light.'"
** Story from Center for Church Music, www.songsandhymns.org
Saturday, February 21, 2009
"Give Me Jesus"
Another one of my favorites ...
Give Me Jesus
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus.
When I was looking up that song online to find the author (apparently a traditional Gospel song with an unknown author), I found another "Give Me Jesus" written by 19th century hymn writer Frances Crosby.
I remember enjoying her hymns in the small church I grew up in, and appreciating her walk with the Lord ... She was a woman who was blind from childhood because of a doctor error, but loved the Lord very much and wrote over 8,000 hymns during her lifetime (wow...). To this day, the vast majority of hymnals in America include her work. Speaking of her blindness, she said ...
"It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."
Here is Frances Crosby's "Give Me Jesus" -
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
All its joys are but a name;
But His love abideth ever,
Through eternal years the same.
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Sweetest comfort of my soul;
With my Savior watching o’er me,
I can sing though billows roll.
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Let me view His constant smile;
Then throughout my pilgrim journey
Light will cheer me all the while.
Take the world, but give me Jesus;
In His cross my trust shall be,
Till, with clearer, brighter vision,
Face to face my Lord I see.
Refrain:
Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!
Give Me Jesus
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus.
When I was looking up that song online to find the author (apparently a traditional Gospel song with an unknown author), I found another "Give Me Jesus" written by 19th century hymn writer Frances Crosby.
I remember enjoying her hymns in the small church I grew up in, and appreciating her walk with the Lord ... She was a woman who was blind from childhood because of a doctor error, but loved the Lord very much and wrote over 8,000 hymns during her lifetime (wow...). To this day, the vast majority of hymnals in America include her work. Speaking of her blindness, she said ...
"It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me."
Here is Frances Crosby's "Give Me Jesus" -
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
All its joys are but a name;
But His love abideth ever,
Through eternal years the same.
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Sweetest comfort of my soul;
With my Savior watching o’er me,
I can sing though billows roll.
Take the world, but give me Jesus,
Let me view His constant smile;
Then throughout my pilgrim journey
Light will cheer me all the while.
Take the world, but give me Jesus;
In His cross my trust shall be,
Till, with clearer, brighter vision,
Face to face my Lord I see.
Refrain:
Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
From the Inside Out
Another great worship song ... again from Hillsong United, Australia. The words in some of the worship songs out now are so rich with meaning ... I would love to be able to write a song like that! I am always fascinated with how these songs come about ...
I guess it could be as God speaks to someone through a time in their life, or maybe as they're out in His creation on a beautiful day, reflecting on His handiwork. Or maybe from a particular Scripture God has touched their heart with.
From the Inside Out
A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
My heart and my soul, I give You control
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out...
*lyrics from Hillsong United
I guess it could be as God speaks to someone through a time in their life, or maybe as they're out in His creation on a beautiful day, reflecting on His handiwork. Or maybe from a particular Scripture God has touched their heart with.
From the Inside Out
A thousand times I've failed
Still Your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in Your grace
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
My heart and my soul, I give You control
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out...
*lyrics from Hillsong United
Monday, February 09, 2009
Saviour King
We sang this song at my church last night. I think the lyrics about Jesus and His transforming love are so beautiful ... [If you're reading this and don't yet personally know His redemptive love ... I would love to share with you how you can experience it. You won't regret it ...]
And now the weak say I have strength
By the spirit of power that raised Christ from the dead
And now the poor stand and confess
That my portion is Him and I'm more than blessed
Let now our hearts burn with a flame
A fire consuming all for Your Son's holy name
And with the heavens we declare
You are our king
We love You Lord, we worship You
You are our God, You alone are good
You asked Your Son to carry this
The heavy cross our weight of sin
I love You Lord, I worship You
Hope which was lost, now stands renewed
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the Saviour King
Let now Your church shine as the bride
That You saw in Your heart as You offered up your life
Let now the lost be welcomed home
By the saved and redeemed, those adopted as Your own
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the Saviour King
*from Hillsong United's "Saviour King"
And now the weak say I have strength
By the spirit of power that raised Christ from the dead
And now the poor stand and confess
That my portion is Him and I'm more than blessed
Let now our hearts burn with a flame
A fire consuming all for Your Son's holy name
And with the heavens we declare
You are our king
We love You Lord, we worship You
You are our God, You alone are good
You asked Your Son to carry this
The heavy cross our weight of sin
I love You Lord, I worship You
Hope which was lost, now stands renewed
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the Saviour King
Let now Your church shine as the bride
That You saw in Your heart as You offered up your life
Let now the lost be welcomed home
By the saved and redeemed, those adopted as Your own
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the Saviour King
*from Hillsong United's "Saviour King"
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Lasagna, Chick Flicks and Incredible Weather . . .
How are you all doing? :) The weather this weekend has been ... incredible. After not feeling well Monday through Wednesday-ish (either sinuses or one of those colds that has been going around everywhere?) it was nice to be feeling back to my usual self this weekend. :-) (I'm sure you know the feeling!) And thus ... able to enjoy the amazing weather! I got out in it for a while yesterday, at the nature preserve. It is so refreshing to be out in God's creation ... there's hardly anything like it!
Friday night I had the opportunity to fellowship and worship Jesus with friends ... and enjoy some delicious lasagna! :) There was worship music playing and then we had a time of prayer ... it was so very nice to have that time to be still before the Lord and listen to the amazing words in the song. I love Him so much ... and it's amazing that He loves us like He does, and that He would provide the means for our redemption at such great cost. What grace!
Last night was fun ... meeting up again with two dear friends to just go hang out and watch a chick flick! It was a cute movie, and good times for sure! :)
It was fun catching up with friends from church over lunch today. I was thinking just now ... how very grateful I am for all the people in my life! I am truly blessed ... I love you all! :)
[Side note ... and ... any of you who know me well at all will appreciate ... :) ... the other night, I took one road thinking it would end up in a certain place ... to find it ended up in a completely different spot! ;-) This has happened to me so many times ... not with the same road of course. Still, though ... :-) GPS, anyone? I always joke that if my friends all pitched in and got me a GPS system, it would be a good investment for THEM. :)) Yet ... if I had a GPS system, we couldn't enjoy the scenic parts of the DFW area ... and where would be the adventure in that? :o)]
Friday night I had the opportunity to fellowship and worship Jesus with friends ... and enjoy some delicious lasagna! :) There was worship music playing and then we had a time of prayer ... it was so very nice to have that time to be still before the Lord and listen to the amazing words in the song. I love Him so much ... and it's amazing that He loves us like He does, and that He would provide the means for our redemption at such great cost. What grace!
Last night was fun ... meeting up again with two dear friends to just go hang out and watch a chick flick! It was a cute movie, and good times for sure! :)
It was fun catching up with friends from church over lunch today. I was thinking just now ... how very grateful I am for all the people in my life! I am truly blessed ... I love you all! :)
[Side note ... and ... any of you who know me well at all will appreciate ... :) ... the other night, I took one road thinking it would end up in a certain place ... to find it ended up in a completely different spot! ;-) This has happened to me so many times ... not with the same road of course. Still, though ... :-) GPS, anyone? I always joke that if my friends all pitched in and got me a GPS system, it would be a good investment for THEM. :)) Yet ... if I had a GPS system, we couldn't enjoy the scenic parts of the DFW area ... and where would be the adventure in that? :o)]
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Plans We Make ... Fail to Compare
There is a song that really speaks to me. Not only does it have a great tune, but the words are pretty amazing ... From the first words ...
Woe to me I am unclean
A sinner found in Your presence
I see you seated on Your throne
Exalted, Your Glory surrounds You*
It reminds me of who I am ... nothing apart from Jesus! How freeing that is, though ... There is nothing we could ever do to deserve His mercy ... It is completely lavished on us, ours for the asking, despite that we are unworthy ... available to any who will put their faith in Him for redemption. It is all about Him.
And ... I really love these next two lines ...
Now the plans that I have made
Fail to compare when I see your glory.*
While I've had a pretty busy week, with maybe a few challenges along the way, I have to say that I have so much felt His sustaining hand and His peace in it all. The peace He gives is great ... and nothing that this world could ever give! I love it. I've been so refreshed lately to be reminded of how I am nothing and He is everything. May He live His life through me ... may I decrease and He increase in each part of my life.
These next few lines are ... almost really scary, at least from a human standpoint. (I have to be honest!!;-)) But oh, how I want them to more and more be my prayer. I know, deep down, that the lives filled with the most joy are those that are laid down at the feet of Jesus with total abandonment. I love when I catch glimpses of what that can look like ... and I love that God is so patient with me and faithful to bring situations into my life that He can use to make me just a little more like Him when I yield and let Him!
Here are those "scary", yet, I believe, glorious lines ... :)
Ruin my life, the plans I have made
Ruin desires for my own selfish gain
Destroy the idols that have taken Your place
'Till its You alone I live for,
You alone I live for.*
*lyrics from "Ruin Me," written and sung by Jeff Johnson
Woe to me I am unclean
A sinner found in Your presence
I see you seated on Your throne
Exalted, Your Glory surrounds You*
It reminds me of who I am ... nothing apart from Jesus! How freeing that is, though ... There is nothing we could ever do to deserve His mercy ... It is completely lavished on us, ours for the asking, despite that we are unworthy ... available to any who will put their faith in Him for redemption. It is all about Him.
And ... I really love these next two lines ...
Now the plans that I have made
Fail to compare when I see your glory.*
While I've had a pretty busy week, with maybe a few challenges along the way, I have to say that I have so much felt His sustaining hand and His peace in it all. The peace He gives is great ... and nothing that this world could ever give! I love it. I've been so refreshed lately to be reminded of how I am nothing and He is everything. May He live His life through me ... may I decrease and He increase in each part of my life.
These next few lines are ... almost really scary, at least from a human standpoint. (I have to be honest!!;-)) But oh, how I want them to more and more be my prayer. I know, deep down, that the lives filled with the most joy are those that are laid down at the feet of Jesus with total abandonment. I love when I catch glimpses of what that can look like ... and I love that God is so patient with me and faithful to bring situations into my life that He can use to make me just a little more like Him when I yield and let Him!
Here are those "scary", yet, I believe, glorious lines ... :)
Ruin my life, the plans I have made
Ruin desires for my own selfish gain
Destroy the idols that have taken Your place
'Till its You alone I live for,
You alone I live for.*
*lyrics from "Ruin Me," written and sung by Jeff Johnson
Monday, January 05, 2009
God's Goodness in this New Year
It would be hard to describe all the Lord has been doing in my life in the first few days of this new year. He has really been working in me, showing me some of those areas in which I need to grow and helping me so much already . . . and giving me such good times with Him.
I love the sweetness of His presence. True, life will have its challenges and hardships . . . but in all of it, if we know Jesus, we have His dear presence to encourage and to guide. What greater gift could we desire, deep down, than that . . . and yet He gracious chooses to not only give us Himself, the best gift of all, but also bestow on us many other wonderful blessings in this life.
I have found lately that life has not been without its challenges and stressful moments with the different things He's put on my plate ... yet He's been so faithful to me in the midst of it all, abundantly faithful. Two meetings I had at work today went so well and over and beyond what I could have hoped for ... God has truly been so good to me.
I am so grateful for my Savior. I can’t imagine life without Him! It’s exciting to think of this new year and all that He will do in and through me as (by His grace) I let go more and yield more of me to Him. I know I have so far to go in this area, but I truly believe brokenness is the way to abundant life. I think of Jim Elliot who gave his life to reach the Auca Indians, who said, “He is no fool who gives the things He cannot keep [the things of this life] to gain the things He cannot lose.”
I am grateful for a God who doesn’t give up on me . . . who gives me second, third and fourth chances . . . again and again . . . who, in fact, never runs out of patience toward me and continually gives me the opportunity to know Him more and walk more closely with Him. He is amazing and wonderful, and I find myself falling more and more in love with Him each day.
I love the sweetness of His presence. True, life will have its challenges and hardships . . . but in all of it, if we know Jesus, we have His dear presence to encourage and to guide. What greater gift could we desire, deep down, than that . . . and yet He gracious chooses to not only give us Himself, the best gift of all, but also bestow on us many other wonderful blessings in this life.
I have found lately that life has not been without its challenges and stressful moments with the different things He's put on my plate ... yet He's been so faithful to me in the midst of it all, abundantly faithful. Two meetings I had at work today went so well and over and beyond what I could have hoped for ... God has truly been so good to me.
I am so grateful for my Savior. I can’t imagine life without Him! It’s exciting to think of this new year and all that He will do in and through me as (by His grace) I let go more and yield more of me to Him. I know I have so far to go in this area, but I truly believe brokenness is the way to abundant life. I think of Jim Elliot who gave his life to reach the Auca Indians, who said, “He is no fool who gives the things He cannot keep [the things of this life] to gain the things He cannot lose.”
I am grateful for a God who doesn’t give up on me . . . who gives me second, third and fourth chances . . . again and again . . . who, in fact, never runs out of patience toward me and continually gives me the opportunity to know Him more and walk more closely with Him. He is amazing and wonderful, and I find myself falling more and more in love with Him each day.
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