What if... (A Quote)

I read a quote the other day that has really stuck with me.

"What if I woke up today with only the things that I thanked God for yesterday?"

I think it speaks for itself.

Favorite Songs - The Sands of Time are Sinking

This song is one I've fallen in love with this past winter. The words are beautiful, as is the melody. I love the harmony in this edition. Enjoy!

Praying for the People of Japan

By now someone would have to be living under or rock (or in a third world country) to not know at least some of what’s going on in Japan.

What a trail those people are enduring! First, an earthquake. Then a tsunami, and now the threat of a nuclear meltdown.

I’ve decided to post some links to some of the footage that has pulled at my heart and prompted me to pray a bit more earnestly for the people of Japan. May these clips prompt you to do the same.


https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1605260179420&comments
(I don't know the person who posted this video, but the footage makes me speechless. I can't imagine! Keep an eye on the tops of the doors across the street from where the cameraman is standing.)

http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/japan-quake-2011/beforeafter.htm

What I'm Reading - Somewhere Inside

A couple weeks ago I picked up the book "Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home." I normally don't read stuff like that, but every once in awhile I just need to read a "lighter" tome.

The subtitle of the book gives the plot of the book in a nutshell, and while the story did hold my attention, what I found most interesting was the mindset of the North Korean people. Apparently, they still think we are at war with them! This blew my mind. Most young people today have no idea what the Korean War was about or when it was fought. Good grief, I never even studied it in school. The only thing I can say for certain about it is that when I was in elementary school, my best friend's dad had fought in the Korean War. Hey, at least I knew there was such a war!

The people in North Korea live a life without luxuries, and in many cases, without the most basic of necessities. The government blames the United States for this. According to the North Korean people, "If America didn't have sanctions on us, we would be able to live much better. It's all because of America that we live like this."

While the author was a captive in North Korea, the North Korean government were running tests on their missles. So, let's take a country that thinks they are at war with us and not get upset when they work to gain nuclear weapons. Hmmm... I don't think that's so smart.

Anyway, the book was an okay read. I'd never read it again, but it was a good "escape" book when I needed one.

Home Keeper's Journal - Difficulties

Each Wednesday, The HomeKeeper’s Journal is led by Sylvia at CHK. You’re welcome to join The HomeKeeper’s Journal, too. To see Sylvia’s entry for this week and/or find instructions for participating, visit Sylvia’s entry for this week at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/homekeepers-journal-difficulties-with-linky-love/

Sometimes I feel a bit of resentment when I … work hard on something for someone and they don't even say thanks.

Why is it so difficult for me to … get over things like that and let them go?

1 Chronicles 16:11 tells me to … continually seek the Lord and His strength.

1 Peter 5:8 warns me … to be on the alert because satan is looking for someone to devour. Verse 9 tells me to resist him by being firm in my faith.

I am going to pray and ask for strength to … keep my eyes focused on Him and not myself. When I focus on myself, I get off-track and in trouble!

The difficult thing that seems to constantly catch me off guard is … that I'll do pretty good for awhile, and then BLAM!!! I stumble again.

James 1:12 says … "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

I am determined to … be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that my labor is not in vain in the Lord. I need to remember for Whom I am laboring... the King of kings and Lord of lords! To God be the glory!

Home Keepers Journal - Nesting

Each Wednesday, The HomeKeeper’s Journal is led by Sylvia at CHK. You’re welcome to join The HomeKeeper’s Journal, too. To see Sylvia’s entry for this week and/or find instructions for participating, visit Sylvia’s entry for this week at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/the-homekeepers-journal-home-with-linky-love/

This week’s Homekeeper’s Journal is all about Nesting …….

Let’s define our terms …

Nest - a snug retreat or refuge; resting place; home.

Nesting - to build or have a nest

My kitchen would be more inviting if … I could keep the counters cleared off, but it seems there's always a project going on. Right now I have a bushel and a half of apples waiting to be made into applesauce.

My best tip for making a home seem more welcoming … is to keep at least one room "company ready." Then if someone stops by, we can sit in my clean room without being completely embarrassed. However, I must admit that I tend to be a bit of a neat freak, and our home doesn't get completely cluttered very often.

To give the feeling of warmth in my home I often … have a candle burning on the kitchen table. Since we heat with wood, there are times when it's cool in the house, but not really cold enough to go through the hassle of getting a fire going. On days like those a mug of hot chocolate or tea and a candle burning warms the house enough to be comfortable.

In the cooler months, it is essential for me to … make sure we're ready for winter. The window air conditioner needs to be packed away, the canning done, the plastic on the windows, wood brought in, groceries stocked up, and just generally ready in case a winter storm comes our way.

Some favorite Autumn/Winter recipes are … homemade bread, potato soup, apple crisp

A Quick Tip for making your house more inviting … is to keep the front porch clear. I'm not very good at this, and our front porch tends to collect a lot of stuff. But it's the first thing and the last thing that most people see. Guess I better put cleaning it on my to-do list!

Favorite Songs - Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone!)

If you haven't listened to this latest variation of the traditional "Amazing Grace," you are missing out. Take a listen. I think you'll like it.




Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) lyrics
Songwriters: Traditional; Giglio, Louie; Tomlin, Chris;

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace

My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine, will be forever mine
You are forever mine