Another Day to Praise!

We gathered together again this week in Frank and Judy's log cabin overlooking the Nisqually River to worship , fellowship, and share a meal. Pictures cannot do this beautiful home justice, especially since Frank and Judy rearrange everything to accomodate and welcome us into their home. Thank-you Frank and Judy. Judy is busy in her lovely and homey kitchen checking the pots of yummy food on the stove, preparing the plates, platters and bowls of great variety for us to line up , filter through her kitchen and load up our plates...and we make sure to partake of the bread and the wine along with our meal as we break bread and drink the wine in rememberance of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus.

Another view of Judy and Frank's kitchen...with a little clean-up after our meal.

The children usually join in with the adults for reading, singing, listening...but the little ones seek laps. Here, our grandson Little J., is not sure what to make of HIS Mommy holding another baby in her lap! And of course, we love to make a joyful noise with Patrick and Steve on guitar and Frank playing his saxophone.....bliss! "Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise in the assembly of the Saints." Psalm 149:1 "Whether it is a financial crunch, a sudden illness, or a personal defeat, if you fix your heart on praise to God, then you have offered a sacrifice. If you have ever cried during those heartbreaking difficulties,"Lord, I will hope in You and praise You more and more," then you know you have offered words that have cost you plenty. Praise in those circumstances is painful." "Please remember this:Most of the verses written about praise in God's word were voiced by people faced with crushing heartaches, injustice, treachery, slander,and scores of other difficult situations. They knew that the sacrifice of praise was a key to victory on their spiritual journey." Joni Eareckson Tada

"Praise the Lord all ye people..." Psalm 100:1

Spot of Calm and Reflection

(above: Front porch of The home of Frank and Judy, where we are meeting this month to fellowship.)

I was reflecting this week on how I have been able to settle down a bit and rest in this "calm after the storm" in our personal life. Everyone I know has had at least one stormy episode in their life that has had them in turmoil, grief...doubting themselves and many other things in their lives. Yet, though the times may be chaotic, tragic, or depressing...somehow if we persevere, things take on a new perspective and for most of us, they get better, or we learn to cope.

(Bench overlooking the river just outside the home of Frank and Judy)

God knows all along the circumstances and issues troubling us. He knows the beginning, the middle and the end, yes...the END of them! The word of note here is the "end" of them. For all troubling and distressing problems do come to an end. Remember that!

(Frank and Judy's woodland garden with peaceful sitting area)

God knew from the beginning of time exactly what we would be like and what our lives would hold...for He created us from the beginning. Nothing that has happened, or will happen is a surprise to Him, yet I admit I have been guilty of forgetting this and behaving on the ignorance of thinking He was not knowing my trouble and hearts' distress enough to care....that is so very wrong of me .

( Backyard with camp fire area of Frank and Judy's log cabin at river's edge)

As I was reflecting on the calm in our lives right now, I was reminded of the great distress and sorrow so very recently. Although many people who loved us assured us these bad times were for but a moment, it did not feel so temporary. I am hoping I remember this during our next trials..for rest assured, there will always be more trials for each and every one of us until we pass on into eternity, and that no matter what there is always joy in the moment, appreciation for the many blessings here and now, and hope, real and true hope! "Behold, we count those blessed who endured . You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful". James 5:11 Please know I do not consider any of my trials and tribulations to come anywhere near those of the faith who have endured beyond what many would think themselves able to endure...but that the trials we must all endure are hard for us personally, and that if you are able to look beyond the temporal and see there IS a God who is really and truly in control, then our perspective does indeed lift to Him...and He will be our comfort and salvation....