The Lofty Skies

I live in a prairie-like area.  Flat land, you can see for a couple miles in one direction or another from just about anywhere out here.


Sometimes, folks might think that to be quite dull.


But in the evenings, at sunset, it's not dull very often.


I get gifts like this all the time, given free for the taking!


It never ceases to amaze.  


I might not have mountains to look at, but there are mountainous clouds to frame our landscape from time to time.


And upon closer inspection, a photographer learns what to focus in on, the bigger picture is beautiful, but sometimes, you have to pick a focal point and just zoom in.

It's like that with our lives, too.


Sometimes, we can't see the bigger picture.  But if we'll look at what's right in front of us, we can see it's something worth appreciating.  Light bursts through the clouds every now and then and we see something that gives us hope.


For this Sunday, I leave you with this beautiful old hymn, the words a sermon all on their own; when I saw this particular sunset, I thought of this hymn.


I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Isaac Watts

1. I sing the almighty power of God,
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad,
And built the lofty skies.

2. I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His command,
And all the stars obey.

3. I sing the goodness of the Lord,
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His Word,
And then pronounced them good.

4. Lord! how Thy wonders are displayed
Where'er I turn mine eye!
If I survey the ground I tread,
Or gaze upon the sky!

5. There's not a plant or flower below
But makes Thy glories known;
And clouds arise and tempests blow,
By order from Thy throne.

6. Creatures that borrow life from Thee
Are subject to Thy care;
There's not a place where we can flee,
But God is present there.

(This was a hymn written originally for children!)

SCENIC SUNDAYS: Whiter Than Snow

Whiter Than Snow
James Nicholson

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole,
I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.


   Whiter than snow; yes, whiter than snow!
   Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.


Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain,
Apply Thine own blood and extract every stain;
To get this blest cleansing I all things forego;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.


Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies;
And help me to make a complete sacrifice;
I give up myself and whatever I know;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.


Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat;
I wait blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet;
By faith, for my cleansing I see Thy blood flow;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow!


Lord Jesus, Thou seest I patiently wait;
Come now, and within me a new heart create;
To those who have sought Thee, Thou never saidst no;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Source:  Hymnal.net  go here for the melody.

SCENIC SUNDAYS: Whiter Than Snow

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole,
I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

   Whiter than snow; yes, whiter than snow!
   Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain,
Apply Thine own blood and extract every stain;
To get this blest cleansing I all things forego;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies;
And help me to make a complete sacrifice;
I give up myself and whatever I know;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat;
I wait blessed Lord, at Thy crucified feet;
By faith, for my cleansing I see Thy blood flow;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow!

Lord Jesus, Thou seest I patiently wait;
Come now, and within me a new heart create;
To those who have sought Thee, Thou never saidst no;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Source:  Hymnal.net  go here for the melody.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/408#ixzz1fWnNhbHT

SCENIC SUNDAYS: For All the Blessings of the Year

Taken last year not far from our house.  

Fall is so beautiful!

For All The Blessings of the Year

For all the blessings of the year,

For all the friends we hold so dear,

For peace on earth, both far and near,

We thank Thee, Lord.

For life and health, those common things,

Which every day and hour brings,

For home, where our affection clings,

We thank Thee, Lord.

For love of Thine, which never tires,

Which all our better thought inspires,

And warms our lives with heavenly fires,

We thank Thee, Lord.

Go here for more info about the hymn, and to hear its melody.  

Thank the Lord for farmers.

SCENIC SUNDAYS: Rescue The Perishing

Taken near Glen Arbor on Lake Michigan

Today's hymn is an old one 
and here's a link to the story behind it.  

Rescue the Perishing

Fanny Crosby

Rescue the perishing,

Care for the dying,

Snatch them in pity 

From sin and the grave;

Weep o'er the erring one,

Lift up the fallen,

Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save

Chorus:

Rescue the perishing,

Care for the dying;

Jesus is merciful

Jesus will save!

Though they are slighting Him,

Still He is waiting.
Waiting, the pentient child to receive;

Plead with them earnestly,

Plead with them gently,

He will forgive if they only believe.

• Down in the human heart,
  Crushed by the tempter,
  Feelings lie buried, 
  That grace can restore;
  Touched by a loving heart,
  Wakened by kindness,
  Chords that are broken,
  Will vibrate once more.
  
  
  
  
  Rescue the perishing,
  Duty demands it;
  Strength for thy labor,
  The Lord will provide.
  Back to the narrow way,
  Patiently win them;
  Tell the poor wand'rer a Savior has died.
  
  
  
  
  
  

SCENIC SUNDAYS: Under His Wings

A waterfall in Alabama, taken by Jamie this spring...

THINKING AND PRAYING FOR OF ALL THOSE IN THE SOUTH AFFECTED BY THE SEVERE WEATHER AND HORRIFIC TORNADOES.  

WE ARE SO THANKFUL TO GOD FOR HIS PROTECTION ON FAMILY  THERE, AND ALSO KEENLY AWARE OF THE SORROW AND LOSS OF SO MANY THAT WERE IN THE STORM.  

UNDER HIS WINGS

William O. Cushing

Under His wings I am safely abiding; 

Tho the night deepens and tempests are wild,

Still I can trust Him;

I know He will keep me;

He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

CHORUS:

Under His wings, under His wings, 

Who from His love can sever?

Under His wings my soul shall abide,

Safely abide forever.

Under His wings what a refuge in sorrow!

How the heart yearning turns to His rest!

Often when earth has no balm for my healing,

There I find comfort, and there I am blest.

Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment!

There will I hide till life's trials are o'er;

Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;

Resting in Jesus, I'm safe evermore.

Go HERE for the tune to this classic hymn!  

SCENIC SUNDAYS: Just As I Am

A vintage country church at Burritt's on the Mountain, Huntsville, AL

"Easter says you can put Truth in a grave, 

but It won't stay there.".

--Clarence Hall

Just As I Am

Just as I am, without one plea, 

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou biddest me come to Thee, 

O Lamb of God, I come!  I come!

Just as I am, and waiting not, 

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, though tossed about, 

With many conflict, many a doubt, 

Fighting fears within, without, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; 

Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need in Thee to find, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilit receive, 

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,

Because Thy promise I believe, 

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Go here to listen to a verse of this classic hymn....

SCENIC SUNDAYS: Tell Me the Old, Old, Story

Tell Me The Old, Old Story




Tell me the old, old, story,
Of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, 
Of Jesus and His love.
Tell me the story simply,
As to a little child,
For I am weak and weary, 
And helpless and defiled.





Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
Tell me the old, old story,
Of Jesus and His love.


Tell me the story slowly,
That I may take it in--
That wonderful redemption,
God's remedy for sin; 
Tell me the story often,
For I forget so soon,
The "early dew" of morning
Has passed away at noon.



Tell me the story softly,
With earnest tones and grave;
Remember I'm the sinner
Whom Jesus came to save;
Tell me the story always,
If you would really be,
In any time of trouble,
A comforter to me.


Tell me the same old story,
When you have cause to fear
That this world's empty glory
Is costing me too dear;
And when the Lord's bright glory
Is dawning on my soul. 
Tell me the old, old story:
"Christ Jesus makes me whole".

Go here to hear the melody of this classic hymn.

\

SCENIC SUNDAYS: Sun of My Soul

Sun of My Soul

Peter Ritter

Sun of my soul, Thou Savior dear, 

It is not night if thou be near;

Oh may no earthborn cloud arise 

To hide Thee from Thy servant's eyes!

When the soft dews of kindly sleep 

My weary eyelids gently steep,

Be my last tho't how sweet to rest 

Forever on my Savior's breast!

Abide with me from morn till eve, 

For without Thee I cannot live,

Abide with me when night is nigh, 

For without Thee I dare not die.

Be near to bless me when I wake, 

Ere thro' the world my way I take;

Abide with me till in Thy love 

I lose myself in heaven above.


***




Listen to the melody that goes with this hymn here.

SCENIC SUNDAYS: Rock Of Ages...

The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established the heavens.

--Prov. 3:19 KJV

ROCK OF AGES

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in thee!

Let the water and the blood,

From thy wounded side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Save from wrath and make me pure.

Could my tears forever flow,

Could my zeal no languor know,

These for sin could not atone,

Thou must save and Thou alone,

In my hand no price I bring,

Simply to thy cross I cling.

While I draw this fleeting breath,

When my eyes shall close in death,

When I rise to worlds unknown,

And behold thee on thy throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee!


***
Listen to the melody of this hymn here.

I know you are all in awe of the power of the tsunami that hit Japan this week.  It took me a few days to even absorb this calamity.  It is said that the power of this quake tilted the earth on its axis.


 I couldn't see the video of the water swirling and sweeping away everything in its path without thinking of the souls that were inside those boats, buses, cars, homes and businesses, innocently driving along the roads going about what they thought was another normal afternoon.


We never know when our time will come, like a thief in the night, we can be caught unawares.  One town was missing 9500 people, just swept away.  I'm sure that is just the beginning of the numbers of souls that are gone.


Pray for Japan and its people.  They are already, like us, in a huge mess financially:  their country has a debt that is 225% of their GDP.  They are already going through very hard times and now this.  


I will donate to Samaritan's Purse, they are so excellent at moving fast and getting the supplies quickly to where they are needed.  This looks like one huge job and so devastating to see for those in Japan and those workers coming from around the world.  


Knowing that Samaritan's Purse will take Christ with them when they go to work, helps me know that there is where I need my money to go.

SCENIC SUNDAYS: Winter Sunset

It Is Well

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Refrain

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Refrain

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Refrain

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain


Words: Horatio G. Spafford, 1873.
click on this link to read the story behind the hymn, and here to listen to the melody.

The Power (and Peace) in Hymns

I love to go to church on Sunday mornings.

I go to a very plain country church. It used to be a store, it's been added onto and has a funny shape with a rounded roof.

You might go to a church in the big city with beautiful furnishings and stained glass windows, a soaring roof line and a steeple with a bell.

Not that any of that matters.

What I do know is that the Lord is pleased when we give him our first fruits, and that means the first fruits of our time, too.

To begin the week on Sunday morning: just taking that time to recognize that the reason we are able to live, move and have our being is that HE makes it all possible --is a comfort and a blessing.

Sitting there in that pew, knowing that you need to be humble, because you certainly don't deserve all the blessings that He's given to you.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound...that saved a wretch like me!"

Some things that I love about church are the peacefulness that overwhelms me as I enter and sit in the pew.

I love that we're all sitting side by side, as a family.

I love it when my husband puts his arm around me...the hush of the congregation as the pastor steps forward.

I like hearing the choir sing.

I love holding my Bible, and the sound of the pages turning in unison as the pastor announces the texts during his sermon.

"Redeemed how I love to proclaim it, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!"

I also love it when my husband shifts in the pew and switches arms and turns and puts his other arm around our son, making memories that are strong and precious and will be etched in his heart for the rest of his young life, even when his dad may no longer be near him, physically, he'll feel those arms wrapped around his shoulders during church.

"Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be....thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done....on earth as it is in heaven....Give us this day, our daily bread...."

One of the best parts of all on Sunday morning, is picking up the hymnal, hearing the music start to soar and singing hymns that our parents, theirs before them and generations beyond sang in churches, both humble and great in generations past; in this country in the cities or frontier towns scattered across the middle of the country, even in the wild west, or in their homelands across the ocean.

"What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus...what can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus...oh! Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow..."

I am more than happy to sing a song to God that perhaps George Washington sang as he stood tall in his congregation out there in the wild and beautiful hills of Virginia:

"Faith of our Fathers, living still, in spite of dungeon, fire and sword!"

The words of the familiar hymns--most of them by now memorized-- have meanings, and if you do nothing more than listen to the sermon contained within the words of a hymn....you've been to church and can go home fuller than when you arrived.

"We have heard the joyful sound, Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Spread the tidings all around...."

(A hymn can be hummed to your baby while you're rocking him to sleep, your accompaniment the squeak of the rockers: infusing him with wisdom inspired by God and his Word....precious memories made for both you and the baby. There are simple ones you can softly sing...)

"Oh, how I love Jesus...Oh, how I love Jesus..."

Some hymns are upbeat:

"Some glad morning, when this life is over, I'll fly away....to a home on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away....I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away...."

As that song is sung, I can vividly remember tent revivals I went to with my parents as a kid: in a hot and breezy tent on a late summer night, all of us gathered and parked in the freshly cut hay field on the farm a sweet old farming couple we went to church with. The crowd sang "I'll fly away" and ten more good old gospel songs with all their might, and the crickets sang along.

Some hymns are comforting and reassuring:

"Anywhere with Jesus, I can safely go; Anywhere He leads me in this world below..."

There is one song in particular I can never make it through without crying and that is:

"To the old rugged cross, I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear...."

(My husband has learned that as soon as that song is announced he puts his arm around me because he knows what's coming. It's either run out of the auditorium or weep through it; most of the time I weep.)

Some songs remind me of certain people, like my brother-in-law who died young, and at his funeral we sang:

"Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone....!"

At Easter, we are reminded of our Lord's loneliness in Gethsemane when we sing the opening lines of:

"I come to the garden alone...while the dew is still on the roses...and the voice I hear, falling on my ear...."

Or around the fourth of July when we all sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic, I think of my dear Grandpa who requested it be sung at his funeral. Strangely I can sing it all the way through without a tear, because it's a triumphant song:

"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored....He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on...!"

We can celebrate seasons with our hymns, and the remember the sacrifice of those that came before us during special times of year by singing those classics like:

"Oh, beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain..."

That's another one that I can barely make it through without a Kleenex. My throat swells and shuts and I can barely get a word out past the first stanza.

Yes, just opening a hymnbook can bring back a flood of memories and of comfort. Have you heard the stories about Alzheimer patients or those with severe cases of dementia who can remember nothing much else...being able to sing along word for word when a hymn that was burned into their soul is sung: bringing joy to the family of loved ones as they watch and listen?

"I will sing the wondrous story, of the Christ who died for me....How He left His home in glory for the cross of Calvary....Sing O sing, of my redeemer, of the Christ who died for me! Sing it with the saints in glory, gathered by the crystal sea!"

I know the modern trend is "praise and worship" and "contemporary Christian music" but I hope that as long as there is a United States of America that we will never fully abandon the precious hymn book and the stories and simple wisdom and truths contained therein.

A hymn is a mini-sermon, and we all probably have memorized enough for a lifetime, just in case it's us one day that's sitting in a wheelchair with our gray hair and not able to remember our own name, singing with our families:

"Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee...."

Tell me, what is your favorite hymn?
Or a list of favorites?