A Peaceful Place

With all the stress and tension that life seems to produce these days, a peaceful place is a priceless treasure. When I was a teen there was a river about 2 blocks from my house. There was a boat landing there but it was used mostly on Saturdays. So many times I would go there just to sit and think, to let the cares of teen life float away with the twig I tossed into the water. I miss that little place by the river. The boat landing is no longer there.

Last fall, at a neighborhood reunion, I took this picture at a park near our old neighborhood. 

We all long for a place of solitude. I wonder why I haven't been back with my chair and a book. I keep telling myself when I retire, I will. Why do I put off the things that offer me a time when the Lord can speak to me? My days are filled with rushing, my ears filled with the noise of confusion, and all the time this place of quiet rest awaits. I knew when I stood there taking this picture, I was looking at God's Word.

"Fore thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river...." Isaiah 66:12a KJV

Words That Will Bless

Not my words, although I would like to think that God uses my words to bless someone else. I'm referring to an old hymn. If you have seen My Favorite Songs list, you've seen the first one is Come Thou Fount (of Every Blessing). This is a beautiful old hymn, and I do mean old. It was written in 1758 in Norfolk, England by a 23 year old preacher  (although some sources give the date of 1757 and his age as 22). His name was Robert Robinson. He wrote the song to use with his sermon on Pentecost Sunday. It has blessed hearts for over 250 years. I love the melody written by John Wyeth, although I prefer it slower than it's 3/4 timing. I like it slower because the words really sink in when it's done that way. Have you ever heard this song? If so, have you taken the time to really read the words? Not only is it poetic in its old English style, it is a song of praise, thanksgiving, and surrender to God. There are many, many beautiful songs echoing throughout the earth in praise to God, but none that can compare with this old hymn. Next time when you are at a church service, providing they have the old hymnals, look up Come Thou Fount, and you will find words that bless.
 You can find many versions on You Tube, but Fernando Ortega does one of the best. He's added some bridges of his own, but the integrity of the song remains.

 

Time Is Flying

Saturday, March 12, 2011. Boy, how time flies! Did your mother tell you that the older you got the faster time went? You thought she was crazy, didn't you? I did when mine said that. How can time go faster? The earth is turning at the same rate; be serious!  Well, here I am now watching time fly.
My oldest daughter is the age I should be and my youngest granddaughter is the age my son should be. Instead my son is getting married in 3 weeks and I'm thinking about retiring. Mama was sooo right.


Still there are things I want to do, places I want to go, people I want to help, Christ's love I want to share, grandchildren I want to love. God lets me know every day, He's not through with me yet. He puts people in my path (or on my computer) that need someone to love them & care what happens to them. Sometimes just a word can make all the difference in a life.


So time moves on - swiftly - and I'm running (limping, dragging, gasping) to keep up till God is through with me.  A little more time, please Lord.