Thankful For All

          "In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. " (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ).

           I'm sure that we are all aware of this admonition.  If you are like me, you usually do give thanks for many things - especially the good things.  But what about the bad things?   "My Christian brothers, you should be happy when you have all kinds of tests." (James 1:2 NLT)  Are we really happy and thankful when we face difficult tests?

          I must admit that I often have trouble doing this.  The last few years we have faced numerous, unexpected trials.  And while I have no problem asking the Lord to take me through them, I have not very often been thankful for them.  That can be a very difficult challenge.

          I also must admit that I often have problems forgetting to be thankful for the good things as well.  It is so easy to take our blessings for granted.  And while thinking about that, I recently began to make a list of things that I am thankful for.

          Of course that list began with the Trinity and salvation and our hope for the future.  It included the Bible, of which I have many, and the freedom to worship which we still enjoy here in America  It included prayer itself and a Savior who is always there to listen, answer and guide.

         My family is very high on the list.  The Lord has blest me with a wonderful wife and a marriage of almost. 57 years.  I am thankful for a family of three sons, three daughter-in-laws and seven grandchildren. I am thankful that all are serving the Lord.  What a blessing.

         I have also been blessed by a wonderful Christian heritage with ancestors and good friends who loved and served the Lord and were examples to me.  That is very special and something that many folks don't have.  Thank you Lord for those who've gone before me and were a testimony to me.

          Then there are other things that I often take for granted - two cars that give us great service.  A riding mower and snow blower that are so necessary at our age.  And a grandson and neighbors who have been willing to use them to help care for our property throughout the year. And, of course, our comfortable home that we have enjoyed for 49 years. 

         And then there are the many wordily goods we have, like clothing and food.  We live in an area where good, fresh food is readily available and I am thankful for that.  

         I am thankful for electricity which is always available here and makes life much simpler.  And how about running water and public sewer?  Many people in my generation remember the outhouses that used to be common.  Thankfully I never had to depend upon one and I am thankful for that. I'm glad that I can take a good hot shower when needed. I'm thankful for reliable home heating.  I do remember the days of coal stoves and a central stove used to heat the entire house.  I am thankful for central air which makes the summers easier to take than the days I experienced growing up without ac.  And I don't want to forget to be thankful for our appliances and even for our sump pump which has protected our basement.

          I'm also thankful for good local medical services and physicians.  While I have a few times been disappointed in the care we've received,  we are blest with good doctors and specialists.

         And I don't want to forget modern technology, computers and the internet which have made communication and storage of data so simple.  While we still haven't purchased a smart phone because of the cost, I am thankful for our phones and even our simple cell phone.  It is so easy to communicate with others.

          We also have access to several Christian radio stations which we listen to almost all day and night.  I am thankful for the hours of good music and teaching that are sent our way.

          And there is just so much more - our enclosed porch which can be used all year and where we spend much of our time - online grocery shopping that reduces our need to shop physically which has become difficult for us - an amazing digital piano and a talented wife who plays it so beautifully.

          And how could I not mention the few opportunities that I still have to serve the Lord and minister to others despite my age and growing physical limitations.  Working on finances for my church and Awana, maintaining a popular weekly hymn blog and running our church e-mail prayer chain are all special opportunities.

         And finally, returning to the beginning of this blog, I guess I  should be thankful for the surgeries, tests, therapies and physical challenges which have become more frequent in our lives the past few years.  The Lord is teaching us many lessons which He must feel that we still need to learn.

          God is good - all the time and in all ways.  Lord, give me a more thankful spirit and keep me from the depression and bitterness which so many older folks develop.  Thank you Lord for your presence, your leading and your comfort.

1.     The mercies of God! What a theme for my song,

Oh! I never could number them o'er;

They're more than the stars in the heavenly dome,

Or the sands of the wave beaten shore.

For mercies so great, what return can I make

For mercies so constant and sure?

I'll love Him, I'll serve Him with all that I have

As long as my life shall endure.

2.     They greet me at morn when I waken from sleep 

And they gladden my heart at the noon 

They follow me on into shades of the night 

when the day with its labor is done 

For mercies so great, what return can I make

For mercies so constant and sure?

I'll love Him, I'll serve Him with all that I have

As long as my life shall endure.

3.      His angels of mercy encompass me 'round,

Wheresoever my pathway may lead;

Each turn of the road some new token reveals

Oh! For me life is blessed indeed.

For mercies so great, what return can I make

For mercies so constant and sure?

I'll love Him, I'll serve Him with all that I have

As long as my life shall endure.

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Things I Miss About Easter

          This week while I was listening to our local Christian radio station, Chuck Swindoll opened his regular program with his choir, orchestra and congregation singing "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today".  The music sent chills up my spine as I rejoiced in not only the spectacular presentation but even more importantly the truth of the words.  What a great song and what a tremendous message.

          But as I thought about it later I began to think of several things that I miss from past Easters.  And one of these is the singing of great Easter hymns, like this one on Easter morning ... Christ Arose ... He Lives ... He Rose Triumphantly.  Now I have generally adjusted to many of the changes in church music, but in my mind guitars and praise songs on Easter instead of these traditional hymns sung triumphantly with organ and brass just doesn't do it for me.  And I miss this about Easter.

          I also miss the great Easter cantatas that we used to share each year.  In our church we were very blest to have excellent vocalists and members who loved to sing.  We had excellent choirs and we put on special performances with music and drama to end the Easter celebration.  That was an Easter tradition for us. But times have changed.  With the use of praise choruses younger generations don't know how to sing four part harmony.  Choirs have been replaced by praise bands.  And cantatas which once ministered to many are now a thing of the past.  And I miss them.

          But there are other non church traditions that I miss.  My Mammy Wise used to make the greatest Easter eggs.  These homemade eggs were large and coconut creme, peanut butter, cherry and butter creme.  They probably weren't good for those of us with diabetes, but they were great.  And I miss them.

         Growing up in Lititz, one of the Easter traditions is the trombone/brass choir which every Easter morning, about 4 am, walks around town playing Easter hymns.  When I was in high school I played with them for many years.  During my college years when I came home for Easter I used to wait to hear them in the morning hours. Here's a link to it (TROMBONE). It was special and still continues.  But I no longer live in Lititz and I miss it.

          But one of the biggest things I miss are the Easter family dinners.  After church we all used to gather for the noon meal at my parents.  Mother was a great cook and we enjoyed her ham and other items.  I miss her coconut cakes which were always one of my favorites. But mother, dad and Terry are now gone and our lives have gone different directions and I really miss those special times.

         After a great time of fellowship at lunch we took naps, played games or watched baseball.  I used to love to go for walks around Lititz.  I always looked forward to exploring my wonderful hometown.  I miss that.

         Before we would leave for the evening cantatas at church, mother would provide a light lunch for those who were still hungry.  The highlight for me was her special macaroni salad.  I looked forward to that. It was the best I ever had.  Since her death many of the family have tried to reproduce it but all have failed.  It is gone forever and I miss it.

          So many good memories.  We don't always fully appreciate what we have until it is gone.  But I am thankful for these great events in my life.

          Now going back to the opening of my blog, I want to give you an Easter gift.  Please take time to listen to this link.  EASTER   I hope it will help you with your celebration of Easter.  He is risen, He is risen indeed.  

(1)    Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

(2)    Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Dying once He all doth save, Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

(3)    Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!

Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

(4)   Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Weight Gain (LB)

LOOKING BACK - A repeat of a blog that I first published on October 13, 2008

  

          Most of us have been there - we step on the scale and the scale just doesn't cooperate with us.  Or, we put on our Fall or Spring clothing and everything seems to have shrunk from last year.   You know the routine.   We lose a few pounds one month and then put it all back, with a few more, the next month.  

         Oh well, it could be worse.  Did you know that a baby blue whale gains ten pounds per hour?  Now that should make you feel better about your weight gain, unless, of course, you feel like a baby blue whale.   

          Well if that news wasn't good enough for you, this might help.  I came upon an article that is titled, "Health Benefits Of Being Overweight".  

          Here is the article. "A new report suggests that being overweight is not as harmful as is commonly believed, and actually confers some surprising benefits.  

* Being five to ten pounds overweight could protect people from ailments ranging from tuberculosis to Alzheimer's disease, research indicates. 

*  Those carrying 15 to 25 extra pounds are better able to recover from adverse conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia, and various injuries and infections, states the report.

*  Thirty to forty pounds of flab could help fend off breast, kidney, pancreatic, prostate, and colon cancer. 

*   And an extra fifty pounds on the scale may improve eyesight, reverse baldness, cure the common cold, and reduce global warming.  

          In general, the report concludes, overweight people are happier, more successful in business, smarter, and friendlier."  

          Oh yes, the fine print.  Are you ready for this?  "The study was funded by a research grant from McDonald's, Burger King, Jack in the Box, Taco Bell, Domino's Pizza, Starbucks, Haagen Dazs, Sara Lee, and, of course, Krispy Kreme."   

          Oh well, just enjoy another doughnut and have a great day!

You turn the key

Then close the door behind you

Drop your bags on the floor

You reach for the light

But there's darkness deep inside

And you can't take it anymore

'Cause sometimes living takes the life out of you

And sometimes living is all you can do

Life is hard, the world is cold

We're barely young and then we're old

But every falling tear is always understood

Yes, life is hard, but God is good

You start to cry

'Cause you've been strong for so long

And that's not how you feel

You try to pray

But there's nothing left to say

So you just quietly kneel

In the silence of all that you face

God will give you His mercy and grace

Jesus never said

It was an easy road to travel

He only said that you would never be alone

So when your last thread of hope

Begins to come unraveled

Don't give up, He walks beside you

On this journey home and He knows

Life is hard, the world is cold

We're barely young and then we're old

But every falling tear is always understood

Yes, life is hard, but God is good.

Another Birthday

          Today is one of those days I have experienced annually over many decades - my birthday.  We never make a big deal out of birthdays - no cakes (I'm diabetic), no special free restaurant meals (can't handle a buffet anymore), no presents (I don't need anymore gift cards and I don't need anything else) - just another normal day for us.  And today we'll probably "celebrate" by getting some work done at home and completing preparations for our Sunday responsibilities at church.

          When I was still teaching I often would give my students a math challenge to figure out how old I was.  As an example, here is what I'd probably use this year.  My age is the product of three prime numbers.  Sometimes my students would figure it out very quickly.  But often there were some answers such as 3 x 5 x 7.  Now did they really think I was 105 or were their math skills that bad?  Either way, not too great.

          For better students I might try something like it is a sphenic number with three distinct prime factors.  It is an abundant number with an aliquot sum of 90.  Or it is a semiperfect number as a multiple of a perfect number.  It is also the 12th triangular number.

          Did you figure it out yet?  If not, these may give it away.  It is the number of revolutions that some old records move per minute.  It is the total number of gifts in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas.  It is a number in a special rule that tells how many years it takes for an investment to double at a certain interest rate.  It is also the number of laps in the Monaco Grand Prix since 1985 with the exception of 1989.  Certainly you must know it now.  If not, it may just remain a secret.

         As far as what happened on the day I was born, with the exception of my birth, not much.  The invasion of Yugoslavia, also known as the April War or Operation 25, was a German-led attack on the Kingdom of Yugoslavia by the Axis powers during World War II.   In the 8th US Masters Tournament at Augusta National GC - Craig Wood won his first major title, three strokes ahead of runner-up Byron Nelson; Masters' first wire-to-wire champion.  And of course Gheorghe Zamfir, Romanian musician, and Hans W Geissendorfer, Augsburg Germany, director, were born the same day - whoever they were.  

          Now there were some "significant" things that happened on other April 6's. In 1722 Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia, ended the tax on men with beards.  Maybe Trump should bring that tax back to fund the wall.  In 1830 Joseph Smith and five others organized the Mormon church in Seneca Co, NY.  But they never found that one wife was enough.  In 1889 George Eastman began selling his Kodak flexible rolled film for the first time.  Do you remember what that was like?  In 1893 Andy Bowen and Jack Burke boxed 7 hrs 19 mins to no decision (111 rounds).  It's good they didn't have advertisements to add hours more to that record.  In 1909 the North Pole was reached by Americans Robert Peary and Matthew Henson.  Fortunately they made it before climate change took over.  In 1930 Hostess Twinkies were invented by bakery executive James Dewar.  Now that was a tasteful event.   In 1973 Yankee Ron Blomberg became the first designated hitter in baseball and he walked.  And the American League was changed forever.  And in 1980 Post It Notes were introduced.  Now they are hanging everywhere.   So many interesting things happened on April 6, but I guess my birth didn't make the list. Oh yes, the scheduler that I met yesterday at the Heart Group has the same birthday although she is many years younger.

          Now that I am a parent and grandparent there are several things that I wish I could still ask my parents about my birthday.  What time was I born?  How many hours was mother in labor?  Was my birth difficult?  How many days were we in the hospital?  What were both of my parents doing that day before labor began?  Why did they choose my name?  But, unfortunately, I'll never know the answers to these questions.

         So did you figure out how old I am?  If not, here's a final hint. I am one year older than I was yesterday.

Some day life's journey will be o'er

And I shall reach that distant shore,

I'll sing while ent'ring Heaven's door

"Jesus led me all the way."

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burden down

"Jesus led me all the way.

If God should let me there review

The winding paths of earth I knew,

It would be proven clear and true

Jesus led me all the way.

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burden down

"Jesus led me all the way.

And hitherto my Lord has led,

Today He guides each step I tread,

And soon in Heav'n it will be said

Jesus led me all the way.

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burden down

"Jesus led me all the way.

.