tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62611466786507483102024-03-12T20:51:42.779-07:00Oh What's That Verse?Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-56739588171568834172010-05-29T20:50:00.000-07:002010-05-29T21:06:59.211-07:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">O Great God</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">by Bob Kauflin</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sovereing Grace Music</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">O great God of highest heav'n occupy my lowly heart.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Own it all and reign supreme, conquer every rebel pow'r.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Let no vice or sin remain that resists Your holy war.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You have loved and purchased me, make me Yours forevermore.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I was blinded by my sin, had no ears to hear Your voice.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Did not know Your love with-in, had no taste for heaven's joys.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then Your Spirit have me life, opened up Your Word to me. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Through the gospel of Your Son, gave me endless hope and peace.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Help me now to live a life that's dependent on Your grace.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Keep my heart and guard my soul from the evils that I face.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You are worthy to be praised with my every thought and deed.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">O great God of highest heav'n glorify Your Name through me.</span></div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-86470813346682274152010-05-10T12:38:00.000-07:002010-05-10T12:40:58.680-07:00Spring<div style="text-align: center;">Spring is in the air!!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxMl3FAcCOF1YvZvUnn4_vNp_z-Rwg20A2qRYto1w3U5HTlu5Z7klpS7-ok4dM9FQ-nP7ukMRAVfBj12tgI1pgPzTsWXb1bqJogXl9VUs8oJmUlUO-tJCiE9IhDv9k3DZ4lteIXmC0jc/s1600/1b996c0ef38f41214dba32c64781d0f5_Spring_Bloom_Free_Screensaver.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxMl3FAcCOF1YvZvUnn4_vNp_z-Rwg20A2qRYto1w3U5HTlu5Z7klpS7-ok4dM9FQ-nP7ukMRAVfBj12tgI1pgPzTsWXb1bqJogXl9VUs8oJmUlUO-tJCiE9IhDv9k3DZ4lteIXmC0jc/s320/1b996c0ef38f41214dba32c64781d0f5_Spring_Bloom_Free_Screensaver.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469728224076814626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tulips are some of my favorite flowers, as they are such a symbol of spring!</div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-6475797607720758502010-04-19T22:49:00.000-07:002010-04-19T22:57:12.084-07:00Morning by Morning....Morning by morning I wake up to find the power and the comfort of God's hand in mine.<div>Season by season I watch Him amazed in awe of the mystery of His perfect ways.</div><div>All I have need of His hand will provide. He's always nee faithful to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't remember a trial or a pain, He did not recycle to bring me gain.</div><div>I can't remember one single regret, in serving God only and trusting His hand.</div><div>All I have need of His hand will provide. He's always been faithful to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is my anthem, this is my song, the theme of the stories I've heard for so long.</div><div>God has been faithful, He will be again. His loving compassion, it knows no end.</div><div>All I have need of, His hand will provide. He's always been faithful to me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>He's Always Been Faithful ~ Sara Groves</div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-78740871639298536052010-04-15T15:51:00.000-07:002010-04-15T15:55:31.612-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Be strong and let your heart take courage all you who hope in the Lord."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Psalm 31:24</span></span></div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-65523195417245888262010-04-04T14:24:00.000-07:002010-04-04T17:15:42.041-07:00Christ Is Risen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZBNPxFKd5d6rrnnWWba2bx9x3GKBUDECIcebx585oOzg7hjj_ZBvULMowlD1rs6E46YoUKppHy3ptTnl6AD4jY0cVlWBlQeNOveaf3Pur-TxiTIyOSJaOYjDAFPW2QV-4K-TVn85sdc/s1600/3crossesatsunset.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZBNPxFKd5d6rrnnWWba2bx9x3GKBUDECIcebx585oOzg7hjj_ZBvULMowlD1rs6E46YoUKppHy3ptTnl6AD4jY0cVlWBlQeNOveaf3Pur-TxiTIyOSJaOYjDAFPW2QV-4K-TVn85sdc/s320/3crossesatsunset.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456400618086549074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia</div><div style="text-align: center;">Death is vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once He dies our souls to save, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where's thy victory, boasting grace? Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ours the cross the grave the skies, ALLELUIA!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Christ the Lord Is Risen Today ~ </div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-46903038088435408402010-03-29T12:36:00.000-07:002010-03-30T20:46:04.504-07:00Rock of Ages<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee;</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Let the water and the blood, from Thy riven side which flowed,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">be of sin the double sure, cleanse me from its guilt and power.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Not the labors of my hand can fulfill Thy law's demand;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">All for sin could not atone; Thou must save and Thou alone.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Naked, come to Thee for dress; helpless, look to Thee for grace;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Foul, I to Thy Fountain fly; wash me Savior or I die.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Rock of Ages <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">by Augustus M. Toplady, 1776</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-30360168785767852492010-03-28T13:07:00.000-07:002010-03-28T13:33:12.706-07:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Palm Sunday</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzi5COXUO1ArKir_ZYA5_YWvBBrgZMBmbAygqdn0ws9DZIkPRc2dVwrzCgx8zOH9ZMOfTSFQIsWtCKZO4-0sX0ke0Xo13JHEr2GzrUbOl0w_GO4Ekc8RRQadOXT9h6RTxpMWTm29K5-I/s1600/palm_branches.gif"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzi5COXUO1ArKir_ZYA5_YWvBBrgZMBmbAygqdn0ws9DZIkPRc2dVwrzCgx8zOH9ZMOfTSFQIsWtCKZO4-0sX0ke0Xo13JHEr2GzrUbOl0w_GO4Ekc8RRQadOXT9h6RTxpMWTm29K5-I/s320/palm_branches.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453780686919906498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!</span></div></span>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-81530622925823846942010-03-11T12:56:00.001-08:002010-03-11T13:20:14.545-08:00Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuwY23DvP3ouO4fRKYHXSt6uQ649ruzDB3ZoGRMZX3nkjqK1xqfAaqJ4_j7AKIL_vEqcbElPmkYwJ3v3Hh_LUv_ohZMxB7zJmM1CLgpHQChIMQq_LWoyp1MXRLLcJI46DcrG9I-MH7Bg/s1600-h/hearts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuwY23DvP3ouO4fRKYHXSt6uQ649ruzDB3ZoGRMZX3nkjqK1xqfAaqJ4_j7AKIL_vEqcbElPmkYwJ3v3Hh_LUv_ohZMxB7zJmM1CLgpHQChIMQq_LWoyp1MXRLLcJI46DcrG9I-MH7Bg/s320/hearts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447483118674839122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">becomes a habit."</span></div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-86092111971817418692010-03-05T10:57:00.000-08:002010-03-05T11:02:52.029-08:00Be Thou My VisionBe Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;<div>Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.</div><div>Thou my best thought, by day or by night,</div><div>Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.</div><div><br /></div><div>Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;</div><div>I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;</div><div>Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;</div><div>Thou in my dwelling, and I with Thee one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,</div><div>Thou mine inheritance, now and always:</div><div>Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,</div><div>High King of heaven, my Treasure, Thou art.</div><div><br /></div><div>High King of heaven, my victory won,</div><div>My I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Son!</div><div>Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,</div><div>Still be my vision, O ruler of all!</div><div><br /></div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-36603115823321205802010-02-15T14:49:00.000-08:002010-02-15T14:55:05.897-08:00Great is Thy FaithfulnessGreat is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;<div>There is no shadow of turning with Thee;</div><div>Thou changes not, Thy compassions, they fail not;</div><div>As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,</div><div>Sun, moon and stars in their courses above</div><div>Join with all nature in manifold witness</div><div>To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth</div><div>Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;</div><div>Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,</div><div>Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!</div><div><br /></div><div>Great is Thy faithfulness!</div><div>Great is Thy faithfulness!</div><div>Morning by morning new mercies I see.</div><div>All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;</div><div>Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!</div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-88332835337688467352010-02-11T15:34:00.000-08:002010-02-11T15:50:36.439-08:00Heaven DesiredOh my Lord,<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>May I arrive where means of grace cease and I need no more to fast, pray, weep, watch, be tempted, attend preaching and sacrament; where nothing defiles, where is no grief, sorrow, death, separation, tears, pale face, languid body, aching joints, feeble infancy, decrepit age, peccant humours, pining sickness, griping fears, consuming cares; where is personal completeness; where the more perfect the sight that more beautiful the object, the more perfect the appetite the sweeter the food, the more musical the ear the more pleasant the melody, the more complete the soul the more happy its joys, where is full knowledge of Thee.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Here I am an ant, and as I view a nest of ants so dost Thou view me and my fellow-creatures; But as an ant knows not me, my nature, my thoughts, so here I cannot know Thee clearly. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>But there I shall be near Thee, dwell with my family, stand in Thy presence chamber, be an heir of Thy kingdom, as the spouse of Christ, as a member of His body, one with him who is with Thee, and exercise all my powers of body and soul in the enjoyment of Thee.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>As praise in the mouth of Thy saints is comely, teach me to exercise this divine gift, when I pray, read, hear, see, do, in the presence of people and of my enemies, as I hope to praise Thee eternally hereafter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Valley of Vision ~ Heaven Desired</div></div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-3215801812565395022010-01-31T20:33:00.000-08:002010-01-31T20:36:19.474-08:00Jane Austen QuoteJane Austen said<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">"There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart."</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I do believe I agree with that statement!</div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-2864526054540382232010-01-26T21:25:00.000-08:002010-01-26T21:37:19.365-08:00Steadfast Love<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">"For great is His steadfast love towards us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Psalm 117:2</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">His mercies never come to an end.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">They are new every morning, new every morning;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Great is Thy faithfulness.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Music by Edith McNeill</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-46380742129254335662010-01-22T14:31:00.000-08:002010-01-22T14:37:21.174-08:00Another Beautiful ThingI saw another beautiful, sweet and humble thing today....<div><br /></div><div>The precious smile of a baby!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think there is hardly anything sweeter!</div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-46516503608761814602010-01-18T11:05:00.000-08:002010-01-18T11:24:23.103-08:00Finding Beauty"The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely."<div>-Louisa May Alcott</div><div><br /></div><div>I found this quote the other day and immediately loved it. I enjoy finding beauty in the humble things. These are some moments I find beautiful: </div><div>~Pulling out a fresh baked loaf of bread!</div><div>~The dogs sitting faithfully near me while I'm outside, protecting me.</div><div>~The first sighting of a swallow in the spring.</div><div>~The first snow!</div><div>~My sister climbing into bed with me in the morning to talk and laugh.</div><div>~Sitting in front of the fire with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and my Bible or a good book.</div><div>~Holding hands for prayer at dinner.</div><div>~My Dad laughing at one of my jokes.</div><div>~My Mom and I being able to communicate with each other without saying a word.</div><div>~Family time, no words even needing to be said, just spending time with each other. </div><div>~A beautiful song reminding me of God's love and Christ's sacrifice.</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you find beautiful?</div><div><br /></div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-6735784421935245172010-01-10T21:53:00.000-08:002010-01-10T22:09:49.819-08:00"...admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."<div>1 Thessalonians 5:14</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a wonderful verse for Christians. It is perfect for mothers, sisters, brothers, fathers... everyone! It is quite a challenge to learn how to admonish, encourage and help. I think this is a good verse for a new year. I am going to pray that the Lord will show me other people who I can encourage and help and sometimes even admonish. It can be difficult to know not only the right words, but the right time to say them. It will not be easy, but that is why I think it says at the end of the verse "be patient with them all."</div><div><br /></div><div>Lord,</div><div>Thank you for Your patience with me. Help me to be patient with others in order to encourage and help them. Therefore, in a small way Lord, I might be a reflection of Your amazing love and kindness and patience. </div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-47653836593655943552010-01-04T10:02:00.000-08:002010-01-04T10:53:49.584-08:00Speak, O LordSpeak, O Lord as we come to You to receive the food of Your Holy Word. Take Your truth plant it deep in us; shape and fashion us in Your likeness. That the light of Christ might be seen today in our acts of love and our deeds of faith. Speak, O Lord and fulfill in us all Your purposes for Your glory.<div><br /></div><div>Teach us Lord full obedience. Holy reverence, true humility. Test our thoughts and our attitudes in the radiance of Your purity. Cause our faith to rise, cause our eyes to see Your majestic love and authority. Words of power that can never fail; Let their truth prevail over unbelief.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speak, O Lord and renew our minds; Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us. Truths unchanged from the dawn of time that will echo down through eternity. And by grace we'll stand on Your promises; And by faithful we'll walk as You walk with us. Speak, O Lord, 'til Your church is built and the earth is filled with Your glory!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Speak, O Lord <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend</span></div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-867033343203429982010-01-01T09:03:00.000-08:002010-01-01T09:38:04.034-08:00Happy New Year!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21px; ">"For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Psalm 117:2</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">I hope that we can all look back on 2009 and look forward to 2010, to remember and anticipate God's faithfulness to us. It does endure forever! Our response is and should always be "praise the Lord!" </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-53849315854731746872009-12-25T11:52:00.000-08:002009-12-25T17:49:49.026-08:00The Gift of Gifts<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">What shall I render for Thee for the gift of gifts, Thine own dear Son, begotten, not created, my Redeemer, proxy, surety, substitute, His self-emptying incomprehensible, His infinity of love beyond the heart’s grasp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Herein is wonder of wonders: He came below to raise me above, was born like me that I might become like Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Herein is love: when I cannot rise to Him He draws near on wings of grace, to raise me to Himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Herein is power: when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart He united them in indissoluble unity, the uncreated and the created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Herein is wisdom: when I was undone, with no will to return to him, and no intellect to devise recovery, He came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost, as man to die my death, to shed satisfying blood on my behalf, to work out a perfect righteousness for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds and enlarge my mind; let me hear good tidings of great joy, and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore, my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose, my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father; place me with ox, ass, camel, goat, to look with them upon my Redeemer’s face, and in Him account myself delivered from sin; let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my heart, embrace Him with undying faith, exulting that He is mine and I am His.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in">In Him Thou hast given me so much that heaven can give no more.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">From 'Valley of Vision'</p> <!--EndFragment-->Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-9669983269178085252009-12-22T07:43:00.001-08:002009-12-22T07:44:06.033-08:00Mary's Song<p class="MsoNormal">Luke 1:46-55</p><p class="MsoNormal">“And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.<span> </span>For he had regard for the humble state of His bond slave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.<span> </span>For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name.<span> </span>And His mercy is upon generation after generation towards those who fear Him.<span></span>He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.<span> </span>He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble.<span> </span>He has filled the hungry with good things; and has sent away the rich empty-handed.<span> </span>He has given the help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This is Mary’s song after she visits her cousin Elizabeth and finds that she is with child just as the angel said, confirming that the child within her was the Son of God as the angel had also said.<span> </span>This song gives us a peak into her heart.<span> </span>She speaks of God’s faithfulness and mercy.<span> </span>She knew she was going to be used for the most miraculous and wonderful occurrence ever, but her praise was only for the Lord, for she knew it was not because of her own merit that the Lord chose her.<span> </span>She speaks of His power and authority along with His love and grace.<span> </span>Mary’s song beautifully shows a heart that is used by God. Does that describe our hearts?</p>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-52396985205729091662009-12-08T20:33:00.000-08:002009-12-08T20:48:38.186-08:00White as Snow!As I dream of snow and continue to sing the line "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" in hopes that it will cause the white fluffy stuff to fall from the sky I am reminded of the spiritual analogy of snow. <div><br /></div><div>"... though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow..."</div><div>Isaiah 1:18</div><div><br /></div><div>As we consider the Child that came into the world and we contemplate His birth we need to never lose sight of why Christ came as an infant. The cradle must have the cross and the cross must have a cradle. We need the cross with the cradle. When we accept the cradle and the cross and trust Christ as our substitute, then we will "be white as snow."</div><div><br /></div><div>..."wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."</div><div>Psalm 51:7</div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-24802972634120372442009-12-05T11:17:00.000-08:002009-12-05T11:44:23.439-08:00Jesus' Mother, Mary"Behold, the handmaiden of the Lord; Be it unto me according to thy word..."<div>Luke 1:38</div><div><br /></div><div>This was Mary's response to the news that she was carrying the Savior of the world, the Son of God, Jesus. Can you imagine the fear and uncertainty that Mary was feeling? Here she was a virgin and yet she was carrying a child. She was unmarried and going to have a baby. On top of that, this wasn't just any child... but the Son of God. In the midst of the fear of being addressed by an angel and finding out the incredible news, this was her response. What an example to all of us. When God shows us His will (or even if He doesn't) we can respond, "be it unto me according to Thy word and will, Lord." </div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-75419109063864044772009-11-29T21:14:00.000-08:002009-11-29T21:27:10.512-08:00November 29, 2009 - First Week of AdventCome Thou Long Expected Jesus<div><br /></div><div>Come Thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free.</div><div>From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee.</div><div>Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art.</div><div>Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>Born Thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King.</div><div>Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring.</div><div>By Thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone;</div><div>By Thine all-sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hymn by Charles Wesley</div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-36428762991084120432009-11-28T08:35:00.000-08:002009-11-28T08:57:24.541-08:00"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever."<div>Psalm 106:1</div><div><br /></div><div>"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever."</div><div>Psalm 107:1</div><div><br /></div><div>"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever."</div><div>Psalm 118:1</div><div><br /></div><div>"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever."</div><div>Psalm 118:29</div><div><br /></div><div>"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever."</div><div>Psalm 136:1</div><div><br /></div><div>"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever."</div><div>Psalm 136:3</div><div><br /></div><div>Do we get it yet? Three truths: give thanks, He is good and His steadfast love endures forever!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6261146678650748310.post-26467299329999704392009-11-26T09:08:00.001-08:002009-11-26T09:14:59.422-08:00Thanksgiving!<div style="text-align: center;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DlbYLpaHS1RtLKYeGlHG7ScdNtRn99NvrMw8JHgs1-Embj2bQdXNqiT-4mYt6tiSGL1XLP-0ufduGZtY6CD3UJJOLIRAPENPNV9rsUyZv8VR1OkMUNXNNswf4q0uKk-iDBPsA3sGIdI/s1600/1943-03-06-saturday-evening-post-norman-rockwell-article-freedom-from-want-430-digimarc.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 249px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DlbYLpaHS1RtLKYeGlHG7ScdNtRn99NvrMw8JHgs1-Embj2bQdXNqiT-4mYt6tiSGL1XLP-0ufduGZtY6CD3UJJOLIRAPENPNV9rsUyZv8VR1OkMUNXNNswf4q0uKk-iDBPsA3sGIdI/s320/1943-03-06-saturday-evening-post-norman-rockwell-article-freedom-from-want-430-digimarc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408460514506199186" /></a></div> <div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My heart is filled with thankfulness to Him who bore my pain;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Who plumbed the depths of my disgrace and gave me life again;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Who crushed my curse of sinfulness and clothed me in His light,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and wrote His law of righteousness with power upon my heart.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My heart is filled with thankfulness to Him who walks beside;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Who floods my weaknesses with strength and causes fears to fly;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Whose every promise is enough for every step I take;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sustaining me with arms of love and crowning me with grace.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My heart is filled with thankfulness to Him who reigns above;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Whose wisdom is my perfect peace, whose every thought is love.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For everyday I have on earth is given by the King.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So I will give my life, my all, to love and follow Him.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My Heart is Filled by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Rachel Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17907007396435721677noreply@blogger.com0