Grateful Prayer | Thankful Heart

Looking Forward

By Lorraine

Sorting through my mom’s belongings, we remembered with joy the things that were so special to her.
I made this little heart from a Family Circle Magazine project way back in 1979.
It was from our Erin on her 1st Valentine’s Day.
My mom kept if for over thirty years.

We came across many items that she held dear…

a baby wash cloth from my niece, Toni
figurines from family and friends
trinkets made by grandchildren
a ceramic pumpkin that she kept up year round because my dad’s birthday was October 31st
~*~
As sweet and precious all of these item were to her, they are all temporary.
Her decision to trust Jesus as her Savior means an eternity in heaven to enjoy all that He has prepared for her.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me

John 14:1-6

~*~
However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”
the things God has prepared for those who love him
~*~
I couldn’t help but think of this old song as we emptied her home.
This world is not my home I’m just passing through
my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
the angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven’s not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

They’re all expecting me and that’s one thing I know
my savior pardoned me and now I onward go
I know He’ll take me through though I am weak and poor
and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven’s not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

Just up in Glory Land we’ll live eternally
the Saints on every hand are shouting victory
their song of sweetest praise drifts back from Heaven’s shore
and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

O Lord you know I have no friend like you
if Heaven’s not my home then Lord what will I do?
the angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door
and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore
~*~
Jim Reeves was a favorite of my mom. She even requested his songs be played at her funeral. Here is Jim Reeves singing, 
THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME
Being prepared for eternity is the most important decision we can make
James 4:14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes
Psalm 39:5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath
Psalm 144:4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow
Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth
Isaiah 30:18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

The Note

By Lorraine

It takes a lot to knock me off my feet, but this illness got me.
Just a head cold but packing a wallop of persistent dry coughing and now sinus.
Better than any medicine was this note and rose I found as I shuffled into the kitchen this morning.
~♥~

There are places I’ll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I’ve loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Though I know I’ll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I’ll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more

~John Lennon/Paul McCartney~

Blue Salvia

By Lorraine

While on bended knee placing pieces of sod in the bare spots in the lawn, I came face-to-flower with the blooms of the blue salvia growing in the front yard.
No matter that my hands were muddy and my pant legs wet, I headed inside for my camera.
These photos remind me of  plants growing in an aquarium
or on the ocean floor.
A little like the growing Magic rocks I had as a kid.
The photos were taken early morning
with the eastern sun behind me.

Looking at this one, I think I might see a tiny Gnome pop up any moment in a forest of purple!
~*~
I Come To The Garden Alone

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The son of God discloses.

And He walks with me and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.

He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet that the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known.

I’d stay in the garden with Him
‘Tho the night around me be falling
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling

And He walks with me and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there~*~Searching for the name of the author of this hymn, I was surprised to learn he was born and lived close to where we live and is buried in the same cemetery as my husbands parents. Charles Austin Miles was born in Lakehurst, New Jersey which is also the location of the Hindenburg Disaster

~*~Charles Austin Miles

Lyrics and Composer
Born: January 7, 1868, Lakehurst, New Jersey.
Died: March 10, 1946, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Buried: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Sewell, New Jersey.

Miles attended the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1892, he abandoned his career as a pharmacist and wrote his first Gospel song, “List ’Tis Jesus’ Voice” which was published by the 
Hall-Mack Company. He served as editor and manager at the Hall-Mack publishers for 37 years. In his own words:

It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my Master, whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is my desire.

Comforting Bowl of Chili & “Trust Me” When God Doesn’t Make Sense

By Lorraine

Scroll down for chili recipe.
Homemade Chili con Carne from Emeril Lagasse is just right for warming up on a cold day or whenever you are in the mood for a delicious and hearty meal. Make with or without beans.
How do I blend a post about chili and a heartfelt message that was as moving as I thought it would be?  Not very well, I am afraid. (I don’t usually share food and faith in the same post so just scroll through if you are here for the recipe. It’s a little weird, I know.)

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Relaxing

By Lorraine

Sometimes it’s nice to be totally distracted from all our busyness.
One of our favorite ways is to become complete engrossed in a jigsaw puzzle.

 Of course, the timing has to be right.
It can’t be when you are having company over because the puzzle will be sprawled out over the dining room table for a while.
It can’t be when little ones will be visiting because a lost piece is a very sad finish.
It can’t be when you have lots on your plate because you will find yourself spending way too many minutes every time you pass by looking for just one more piece.
But, a few times a year, we enjoy being hunched over the dining room table sorting end pieces from center ones, grouping similar looking pieces and searching for a particular shape or color.  Then relishing the satisfaction each time we find a perfect fit and tap it into its place.
It’s kind of nice when things go together well and you can see the big picture getting clearer.
Life doesn’t always work that way.
That’s where faith and trust comes in.
~*~ 
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully,
even as I am fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12

Lily of the Valley and Christ Is Poem

By Lorraine

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

To the ARTIST He is the One Altogether Lovely.

To the ARCHITECT He is the Chief Corner Stone.

To the BAKER He is the Living Bread.

To the BANKER He is the Hidden Treasure.

To the BIOLOGIST He is the Life.

To the BUILDER He is the Sure Foundation.

To the CARPENTER He is the Door.

To the DOCTOR He is the Great Physician.

To the EDUCATOR He is the Great Teacher.

To the ENGINEER He is the New and Living Way.

To the FLORIST He is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.

To the GEOLOGIST He is the Rock of Ages.

To the HORTICULTURIST He is the True Vine.

To the JUDGE He is the Righteous Judge, Judge of All Men.

To the JEWELER He is the Pearl of Great Price.

To the LAWYER He is the Counselor, the Lawgiver, the Advocate.

To the NEWSPAPER He is the Good Tidings of Great Joy.

To the OCULIST He is the Light of the Eyes.

To the PHILANTHROPIST He is the Unspeakable Gift.

To the PHILOSOPHER He is the Wisdom of God.

To the PREACHER He is the Word of God.

To the SCULPTOR He is the Living Stone.

To the SERVANT He is the Good Master.

To the STATESMAN He is the Desire of All Nations.

To the STUDENT He is the Incarnate Truth.

To the THEOLOGIAN He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

To the TOILER He is the Giver of Rest.

To the SINNER He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the World.

To the CHRISTIAN He is the Son of the Living God, the Savior, the Redeemer and the Lord!

~~~~~***~~~~~
April in Review

With a Grateful Prayer…

By Lorraine

…and a Thankful Heart. Yes, that is the name of my blog and it is also how we are feeling as an answer to a long awaited prayer has come. We are most grateful and thankful to the One whose promises never fail.
God… acts on behalf of those who wait for him
Isaiah 64:4
♥
I so resonate with this song by Tenth Avenue North. I have had many moments with the same plea as we waited.
Even when it didn’t feel like it, He continued to

Hold My Heart

“There are times when things look very dark to me — so dark that I have to wait even for hope. A long-deferred fulfillment carries its own pain, but to wait for hope, to see no glimmer of a prospect & yet refuse to despair; to have nothing but night before the casement & yet to keep the casement open for possible stars; to have a vacant place in my heart & yet to allow that place to be filled by no inferior presence — that is the grandest patience in the universe.

George Matheson
March 27, 1842 – August 28, 1906

Joining Mary @Little Red House for Mosaic Monday!
(The pretty hydrangea in the mosaic above was a Valentine’s Day gift from my husband)

Praise You in the Storm

By Lorraine

Storm on the Sea of Galilee, by Rembrandt

I posted this Casting Crowns song Praise You in the Storm a while back but because it is such a powerful and heart moving one, I felt inclined to post it again.
Take notice of the Bible verses at the end of the video…

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
Psalm 107:28-30
May you be blessed and encouraged by this once again.
♥
♥
You may also enjoy this Bebo Norman praise and worship song titled
I Will Lift My Eyes.

The Blessings of Adult Children

By Lorraine

The Blessings of Adult Children. I loved and immensely enjoyed every day with our children when they were little . When I see old photographs of them I passionately want to scoop them out of the picture and squeeze them to pieces. I miss their giggles. I miss braiding their hair. I miss the chatter around the dinner table and so many more things about their childhood. Continue Reading

There’s A New Name Written Down In Glory…

By Lorraine

…and it’s Ryan’s!

The kids were in the tub and Ryan (age 6) and Brenna (almost 5) were talking about heaven with each other. Jill (their mom) asked if they remembered how to get to heaven. Ryan explained that after you die you ask Jesus into your heart. Jill gently corrected that you need to ask Jesus into your heart before you die.

With great excitement, Ryan responded,

“Does that mean I can ask Him into my heart right NOW?”

So, after his bath was finished, and spending time with his daddy answering some questions to determine his understanding about such an important decision, Ryan prayed to His Savior.

The next morning at breakfast, Ryan asked Brenna if she wanted to go to heaven and if so, he would tell her how and help her to pray 🙂
Shaela, Ryan and Brenna
Ryan in Ocean City, NJ this past August

A new Name In Glory I was once a sinner, but I came Pardon to receive from my Lord: This was freely given, and I found That He always kept His word. Chorus There’s a new name written down in glory, And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine! And the white robed angels sing the story, “A sinner has come home.” For there’s a new name written down in glory, And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine! With my sins forgiven I am bound for Heaven, Never more to roam. I was humbly kneeling at the cross, Fearing naught but God’s angry frown; When the heavens opened and I saw That my name was written down! Chorus There’s a new name written down in glory, And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine! And the white robed angels sing the story, “A sinner has come home.” For there’s a new name written down in glory, And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine! With my sins forgiven I am bound for Heaven, Never more to roam. In the Book ’tis written, “Saved by Grace,” O the joy that came to my soul! Now I am forgiven, and I know By the blood I am made whole! Chorus There’s a new name written down in glory, And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine! And the white robed angels sing the story, “A sinner has come home.” For there’s a new name written down in glory, And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine! With my sins forgiven I am bound for Heaven, Never more to roam.

If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
Romans 10:9-10

I Come To The Garden Alone

By Lorraine

Still in the holding pattern of clouds, rain and peeks of sunshine, there was a brief moment yesterday morning right after a shower when the sky cleared. The bright sunlight caused the flower beds to glisten as it reflected off the droplets of water. Such a lovely sight!

I Come To The Garden Alone
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
Refrain
I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
Refrain

Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes

By Lorraine

Pastor has always felt strongly that small groups are hugely important even in a small church but especially as the congregation has grown so large. It began as a group of 14 people meeting in the home of a family. 25 years ago our family began attending while meeting in a local high school. Several building projects later we now have a sanctuary filled to overflowing and three services on Sunday and an attendance over 1000 people.
 

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Perseverance

By Lorraine

Poem, Columbus by Joaquin Miller, is a lesson in Perseverance concerning continuing on in the face of tremendous difficulties. Sail on!Needing some encouragement today? This poem is from my devotional reading this morning. A lesson in Perseverance from Christopher Columbus concerning continuing on in the face of tremendous difficulties.Continue Reading

Bend in the Road & Our Great God Videos by Louie Giglio

By Lorraine

I was tagged today by my dear friend, Miss Jen. If you would like to meet a delightful young lady so full of joy and enthusiasm, visit her splendid blog at Blessed Femina.

Here is my list of
My Memories From 2008
~A Good Book I Read~
A Bend In The Road: Experiencing God When Your World Caves In
by David Jeremiah


Book Description: Drawing on his insightful sermon series, renowned pastor/teacher David Jeremiah shares the comfort and hope of the Psalms and how these truths can guide believer’s through life’s greatest challenges. He includes inspiring real-life stories of people who have struggled with terminal illness, the loss of a child, or imprisonment of a spouse. Jeremiah interweaves his own journal entries, revealing his battle with cancer and how the Psalms helped to sustain him during the fight of his life. A Bend in the Road is an invaluable source of help and encouragement for people facing major obstacles in life.

~A Great Film/Movie I Watched~ I don’t watch very many movies but I did receive from my daughter Jill, a Chris Tomlin DVD called see the morning. It included A Talk from Louie Giglio titled How Great is Our God.
It is awe inspiring!
You can watch it on YouTube. The first part is almost ten minutes long but more than worth your time watching it.
You Will Be Amazed by…
How Great is Our God
~ A New Place I Visited~
York PA. I discovered through my genealogy research that my paternal ancestors lived here for many generations.
~ An Inspiring Verse or Quote I Read ~
It is not under the sharpest, but the longest trials, that we are most in danger of fainting.
~Andrew Fuller~
~ A Discovery I Made ~
After much searching, we discovered at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Germantown, PA, a journal listing the 1856 marriage record of Johann and Catherina H. This single entry, copied by the pastor who officiated the marriage, included the town (Leutkirch im Allgau Germany) in Germany where the couple were born. Knowing this town/village now opens the door to research across the ocean.
~ A New Skill I Acquired ~
How to make folded German Paper Stars (also called Moravian Stars)
~ A Lesson Learned ~
To trust God more completely… haven’t learned this lesson to the fullest, but learning more and more.
~ A Moment I Will Always Remember ~

In August we hosted the first ever family reunion for my husbands side of the family. A truly wonderful time of meeting new people and developing new friendships.

***
These are some of my 2008 Recollections… Now, I tag these dear ladies to play along:
* Please Disregard if you do not like Tags*

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