It’s been a while since my last update on Brambleberry’s Andrew Jackson (a.k.a., Jackson). He is growing into a handsome fellow, a great hunter and a wonderful part of our family. Here are a few recent photos that show what he’s been up to lately.
I recently shared the message below in a couple of Facebook groups that I participate in, and it seemed good share it with you today.
I suspect that for many of you, like us, the holidays are difficult. This is our 5th Christmas since my husband was diagnosed with a rare disease and due to the need to keep his immune response low, we live a very sheltered and sometimes lonely life.
I want to encourage you, as I am encouraging myself today: be grateful for every victory no matter how small, every good day and good thing you can think of — maybe even write a list of your blessings too. that you will remember with joy your good holiday memories. Pray for others who are in similar or maybe even worse circumstances.
My prayer for you is that you will tangibly feel and know that you are loved, you are seen. That you hearts will find grace, help, peace, comfort and even joy in your journey. That you and your loved ones will experience healing in your bodies, your mind and in your emotions.
Oh how He loves you and me!
“Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!”
Romans 15:13 TPT
I woke up earlier this week with this lovely hymn on my mind. I haven’t sung it for years and years, and yet I remember the words so well. That’s true of many of the precious hymns I sang as a child.
I felt compelled to hear it and learn about its history, and while searching I found this wonderful blog by a fellow believer. I haven’t been able to contact him, but I am sure he won’t mind me sharing this link to Barry’s Hymns, which he has been writing for many years. There are so many, and he shares his thoughts and the stories of each one. Here is what I found:
Heaven Came Down. These are words to the song:
(1) O what a wonderful, wonderful day-Day I will never forget; After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met. O what a tender, compassionate friend-He met the need of my heart; shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart!
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away, And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
(2) Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine, Justified fully through Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine! And the transaction so quickly was made When as a sinner I came, Took of the offer Of grace He did proffer-He saved me, O praise His dear name!
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
(3) Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time; I have a future in heaven for sure.There in those mansions sublime. And it’s because of that wonderful day When at the cross I believed; Riches eternal And blessings supernal From His precious hand I received.
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
You can listen to it here.
This song also reminds me of the angel’s declaration, when He and Heaven came down:
“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. You will recognize him by this miraculous sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in the feeding trough!” Then all at once in the night sky, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.””
Luke 2:9-14 TPT
As I reflect on celebrating the birth of Jesus next week, I am keenly aware of His great love for all of us. My prayer for all of us is that He will reveal more of who He is and how very much each one of us are deeply loved by Him. That in knowing His love, it will be revealed through us and our world will be impacted.
A Grateful Grace-full Life 