The Perfect Wisdom of Our God

The perfect wisdom of our God,
Revealed in all the universe:
All things created by His hand,
And held together at His command.
He knows the mysteries of the seas,
The secrets of the stars are His;
He guides the planets on their way,
And turns the earth through another day.

The matchless wisdom of His ways,
That mark the path of righteousness;
His word a lamp unto my feet,
His Spirit teaching and guiding me.
And oh, the mystery of the cross,
That God should suffer for the lost
So that the fool might shame the wise,
And all the glory might go to Christ!

Oh grant me wisdom from above,
To pray for peace and cling to love,
And teach me humbly to receive
The sun and rain of Your sovereignty.
Each strand of sorrow has a place
Within this tapestry of grace;
So through the trials I choose to say:
"Your perfect will in your perfect way."

 Words & Music by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
© 2011 Thankyou Music and Gettymusic

Love photographs them in the heart!

 

Frances passed away tonight around 5 p.m.
We will miss her sweet friendship. 

"When a dear life is taken from the near presence of our own life, no antidote of reasoning, nor cordial of promise even, can make us oblivious of the loss. In the moment of most entire submission and most exultant faith — we feel the pang of separation. Our affections grope and wander uneasily in the vacancy that has been made, and we return home companionless and sorrowing. We are awed by the voiceless room, and the vacant chair affects us with sadness. Every relic and memorial of the life that is ended, tells us that it is ended indeed. The dearly departed live in the chambers of our soul. We see their lovely forms, hear their sweet voices, feel their tender touch, and almost grasp their hands.
Love photographs them in the heart!"
Words: William Thoseby, Footprints on the Sands of Time, 1869 

A Mother's Prayer: A Deep Desire of This Mother's Heart

Frances: Her Sweet Irish Eyes

 

Our hearts have been heavy today for learning yesterday that our sweet Irish friend, Frances, is not expected to live much longer.  The doctor said, "Two days, maybe", though to have seen her you'd have thought her eyes and life were bright.  Sadly though, she is experiencing kidney failure and respiratory distress. 

 

We met Frances approximately eight years ago.  Some would say her "stubborn" will is brash, but our family learned to love her for the tender hearted woman she is.  We know little about her past, but what little we know is that she's met hardship with determination and today she's still fighting to live.  

Frances loves being loved.  The best we know how, we continue to love her by leading her to Jesus.   

Before we left her yesterday, we talked about The Gospel, then prayed with her, and just in time before another visitor arrived.  As we turned back to tell her we love her, she gave us a thumbs up, which put a smile on our faces.    

Please join us in praying for Frances' assurance of salvation, and for her comfort during these difficult days.    

We'll always treasure her very special friendship. 

 

 

 

Frances in November, 2008, when she scheduled and rode the
JTA Connection so she could join us for Mark's 50th Surprise Birthday Party.
 

 

Our 26th Wedding Anniversary Memories

September 25, 1987

"One of the ends which every believer must propose to himself, on entering the state of marriage, is to secure a faithful friend who will be a helpmate to him in reference to the world to come, assist him in the great business of his soul’s salvation, and pray for him and with him. One that will affectionately tell him of his sins and defects, viewed in the light of a Christian. One that will stimulate and draw him by the power of a holy example and the sweet force of persuasive words. One that will warn him in temptation, comfort him in dejection, and in every way assist him in his pilgrimage to heaven."

 ~  John Angell James

We have the awesome heritage and enduring love relationships of our parents to thank for encouraging us to never consider divorce an option for our struggles!!  

"Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union?  And what was the one God seeking?  Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers  his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”

Malachi 2:15-16, ESV

I think Mom and Dad had just as much fun as I did that wonderful night!! <smile>

Happy, Happy, Happy

My Trust

When stormy winds against us break

Stablish and reinforce our will;

O hear us for Thine own names's sake,

Hold us in strength, and hold us still. 

Still as the faithful mountains stand,

Through the long, silent years of stress;

So would we wait at Thy right hand

In quietness and steadfastness.

But not of us this strength, O Lord,

And not of us this constancy.

Our trust is Thine eternal Word,

Thy presence our security. 

Amy Carmichael

To Fire a Faith Worth More Than Gold

When trials come no longer fear
For in the pain our God draws near
To fire a faith worth more than gold
And there His faithfulness is told
And there His faithfulness is told

Within the night I know Your peace
The breath of God brings strength to me
And new each morning mercy flows
As treasures of the darkness grow
As treasures of the darkness grow

I turn to Wisdom not my own
For every battle You have known
My confidence will rest in You
Your love endures Your ways are good
Your love endures Your ways are good

When I am weary with the cost
I see the triumph of the cross
So in it’s shadow I shall run
Till You complete the work begun
Till You complete the work begun

One day all things will be made new
I’ll see the hope You called me to
And in your kingdom paved with gold
I’ll praise your faithfulness of old
I’ll praise your faithfulness of old

Keith & Kristyn Getty
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music