Sing, O heavens; be joyful, O earth

"Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb: yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." Isaiah 49:13 - 16

A command to rejoice and to sing is given to God's people here in Isaiah. A command to rejoice in spite of difficulties. The reason for this is because of the promised Redeemer shown to us in verses 7 -12. A Redeemer that is faithful and personal. A God who will set prisoners free and bring a bright ray of light to those in darkness. That Redeemer has come and paid the price to redeem each of us out of the prison and darkness of sin.

As we walk with the Holy One we must in faith, sing and rejoice, knowing that our Lord will not forget to be merciful. Zion, God's chosen people, in the midst of their hardship cried out, "The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me." Times in our lives, leave us wondering if indeed God has forsaken and forgotten. The hand of God, his Presence and direction, and his mercy seem to be gone. Yet, in these times we are to rejoice because God is faithful. He will not fail. In fact, God's voice rings out across the ages once again as He speaks those words, "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, YET WILL I NOT FORGET."

That baby in the crib, crying for its mother has no other source of help. He cannot help himself. The God-given instinct in a mother sends her rushing to her childs' side to provide what e'er she can for her babe. She doesn't leave him forsaken and forgotten. She is their to wrap her arms of love and comfort around her baby and provide the nourshment he needs.

God, in His greater love, is there for us. In those times, when there is no other source of help and life seems to be confined to a small space of a crib, God is there. He has not forsaken, nor fogotten. In love and tenderness, God again speaks, "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." (The word 'walls' is from a root word meaning to join, or a wall of protection.) God sees us every moment. He has placed us in the palm of his hand with the blood of His own Son. He sees how we are joined as a wall to him. We are continually before him. He, himself, has provided us with a wall of protection. What comfort to know that the God of the Universe will not drop us from the palm of his hand. He wants to join us ever closer to Him. In those times of affliction and distress we can sing in our hearts, because He has not forgotten, He will comfort and have mercy.

Happy Anniversary

We've walked together through the valleys.
We've climbed the steepest hill.
We've kept our hands together
Throughout these seventeen years.

We will keep on walking,
Always hand in hand.
No matter what we'll have to face
We'll walk together to win this race.

Each step we take together
with God as strength and guide.
Will be a step towards heaven
with our family by our side.

Lord, thank you for giving me this
man who walks with me.
For his strength and caring,
his love unendingly.

His walk is true and steady.
His hand is sure and strong.
I'll follow him so gladly
when his hand's enfolding mine.

Parke County, Indiana

On Saturday, July 10, we had a family day in Parke County, Indiana. Parke County is known for their numerous covered bridges. It is located about an hour from where we live. We had a lovely time. We visited six covered bridges and two historic mills.
We went to the county park in Rockville and grilled out for lunch. Grilled Chipotle Pepper Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Grilled Summer Squash, as well as, Ham and Vegie Pasta Salad. The park was pretty empty, so the kids were able to go swimming in the lake while my husband became chef for a meal. We also browsed through a couple of antique/craft stores in Rockville. A very nice and relaxing day. The next couple posts have a few more pictures of our day.

Memorable Moments

1. Caleb climbs through the hole in this covered bridge.














2. Josh, of course, has to walk across the arched beams in the bridge.





3. The girls, thoroughly enjoying grilled corn on the cob.





4. The boys and my husband watching the water snake slithering toward land.

A Window into a Perfect Summer Day

Thank you, God, for this wonderful day.

Daddy, where are we going?

I want to follow you.

I want to live for Jesus

And so I'll follow you.

You've given time, you've given love,

You've given wisdom and advice.

You are there to help us cross

the chasms of our daily life.

You've taught us how to laugh and play

and be just downright fun.

You taught us how to work and then

You expect it to get done.

Thank you, Dad, for showing us

the path to take to God.

Keep on teaching, loving, living,

'Cause we're following the path you trod.

Happy Father's Day!

We Love You.

Joshua, Caleb, David, Melody & Moriah

You're the greatest. Thanks for being such a wonderful Dad to our children.

All My Love, Holly

Celebrating with the Heavenly Father

Thank you, Dad for giving

all the love you had to give.

For being there through night and day

to chase the dreams away.

You gave to me a country life

to learn of stars and trees and flowers.

The lessons that were learned

are treasured without sorrow.

The times of fishing, camping, hiking

are memories that endure.

I'll not forget those things you did

nor who you really were.

A Dad who loved, a man who served,

a heart that beat for God.

A flower to see, A mountain to climb,

One more ridge to cross.

You taught me how to pause each day

and see God's handiwork anew.

To look for good in the bad

and know God wasn't through.

God holds me in his hand right now

As you are there with Him.

He knows the plan He has for me

and why you are with Him.

This Father's Day will fill with tears

with a rainbow lining.

For always through our cloud of grief,

We have the Son of God still shining.

So, Daddy, have a special day

On Father's Day tomorrow.

You'll get to celebrate this day

with our Heavenly Father.

Love, Holly