This week I got behind in my normal practice to read and pray with GiveHim15 by Dutch Sheets. Wow, I am catching up tonight and it’s so good I want to share The Invitation with you! I hope you will find it as inciteful and encouraging as I did.
To get things started, here is a paragraph from the article, which by the way you can watch on YouTube as well.
The Invitation
God loves being with us. Consider the following invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). The Almighty, the Creator, the Everlasting God of heaven and earth wants some time with us.
Go to the link above to read the rest!
Also, read this wonderful Psalm and give Him praise — He is a good God!
“God! Arise with awesome power, and every one of your enemies will scatter in fear! Chase them away—all these God-haters. Blow them away as a puff of smoke. Melt them away like wax in the fire. One good look at you and the wicked vanish. But let all the righteous be glad! Yes, let them all rejoice in your presence and be carried away with gladness. Let them laugh and be radiant with joy! Let them sing their celebration-songs for the coming of the cloud rider whose name is Yah! To the fatherless he is a father. To the widow he is a champion friend. The lonely he makes part of a family. The prisoners he leads into prosperity until they sing for joy. This is our Holy God in his Holy Place! But for the rebels there is heartache and despair. O Lord, it was you who marched in front of your people, leading them through the wasteland. Pause in his presence The earth shook beneath your feet; the heavens filled with clouds before the presence of the God of Sinai. The sacred mountain shook at the sight of the face of Israel’s God. You, O God, sent the reviving rain upon your weary inheritance, showers of blessing to refresh it. So there your people settled. And in your kindness you provided the poor with abundance.” Psalms 68:1-10 TPT
Hineni (הִנֵּנִי) is a Hebrew word that most simply means: Here I am, Here am I, or Behold, I.
With the murder of Charlie Kirk, who became a martyr for Christ on September 10, this word has taken on new significance for many people who are now saying, Here I Am, just as Charlie did.
Many have become hungry for God — seeking to know Jesus, to know that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. Churches are growing. Some people are coming back after being gone for long, others coming for the first time, Bibles are being bought and read. Many lives are being changed as they come to Jesus.
For many Christ followers it is a call to remember whose we are, who we are in Christ and that He has given to us the ministry of reconciliation. That we cannot be silent, the good news is ours to share.
As His, I am reminded that my aim is to live Hineni — Here I Am. To keep my heart tuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit. To be available to act whenever, however and wherever, as He directs. To be mindful that I get to choose to let His love flow through me, and that I may be the only Jesus someone sees.
As a result of this it is my joy and honor to share this truth with you:
“Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new person. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new. And God has made all things new, and reconciled us to himself, and given us the ministry of reconciling others to God.
In other words, it was through the Anointed One that God was shepherding the world, not even keeping records of their transgressions, and he has entrusted to us the ministry of opening the door of reconciliation to God. We are ambassadors of the Anointed One who carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips.
So we tenderly plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Turn back to God and be reconciled to him.” For God made the only one who did not know sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God through our union with him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 TPT
There is nothing you can do to make him love you less, or more. Ask Jesus to come into your heart, receive the forgiveness for your sins that he offers, be reconciled to the one true God, He loves you perfectly and completely.
“Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed. [Ps. 34:22; Isa. 28:16; 49:23; Jer. 17:7.]” Romans 10:9-11 AMPC
Psalm 103:2-5 has been a key scripture in my life for some time. Holy Spirit leads me to remember and speak it often. Faith in this Word from God and that He is good has been an anchor to my soul in the journey of my husband’s health. Surely I have seen God do some marvelous things, and I am grateful that He isn’t finished yet!
Below are some translations of these verses I like to reflect/meditate on. I also highly recommend the devotion titled, From Tradition to Truth by Gloria Copeland.
Psalm 103:2-5
The Amplified Version (AMPC): “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits– Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]! [Isa. 40:31.]”
The Passion Translation (TPT): “Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness you’ve done for me? You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done. You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease. You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life. You’ve crowned me with love and mercy. You satisfy my every desire with good things. You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky!”
The New Living Translation (NLT): “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!”
Also as confirmed in Isaiah 53:5 and here:
“He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 AMPC
“Yet, Christ paid the full price to set us free from the curse of the law. He absorbed the curse completely as he became a curse in our place. For it is written: “Everyone who is hung upon a tree is cursed.” Jesus Christ dissolved the curse from our lives, so that in him all the blessings of Abraham can be poured out upon gentiles. And now through faith we receive the promised Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Galatians 3:13-14 TPT
I am grateful for The Word of God that tells me who He is, what His will is, and what He does. Oh how He loves you and me!
Jackson (our Boykin Spaniel) turned two in July and he is definitely enjoying his 2nd hunting season.
You’ll have to look closely to find Jackson in the photo below, he is next to Jon Aten, front left side. It’s from this morning’s hunt where they got 22 birds.
He may look small but his Boykin personality shined through in 4 days of hunting at Wings of Freedom, which ended today. He is a fierce and determined bird hunter! He and Jon got the chance to show that in several hunts with veterans over the last four days.
Jackson was the only Boykin Spaniel at the event so he hunted with some Labs, GSPs and GWPs, and did great with all of them. (Bigger dogs don’t bother him a bit since he trained with Labs and lives with 125 lb. Labrahound.) I understand several people inquired how they could get one like him. 😊
I am proud of both of them — and I’m glad that baby oil and a metal comb works so well on burrs, because we’ve removed LOTS of them! Those burrs just love his curly ears and the feathers on his legs.
Jon & Jackson, left side, front row
As I write this I am reminded that I have much to be grateful for, to name a few… Jackson who is curled up on the foot of my bed right now, my son Jon who is a veteran and has such a heart for veterans (to befriend and serve them), for family who joined us for an Italian dinner celebrating our 51st wedding anniversary last weekend….and so much more.
But most of all I am grateful for the amazing and faithful love of God. He knew/knows me, and yet He loves me. just as He loves you.
I cried when I learned he had been shot and killed at just 31 years old. It was both shocking and heartbreaking.
I did not know him personally, but I greatly admired his faith in Jesus Christ, love for family, dedication to speaking truth, and his love for America.
I understand that Charlie wanted to be remembered for his courage and his faith. I believe that he is and will be remembered for both of those things, as well as for his passion for the youth of this nation. His impact was significant.
It’s amazing to hear, read about and watch all of the prayer vigils (world wide), the overflowing churches and to hear leaders in our nation worship and give honor to God at the Charlie Kirk Memorial Service at the Kennedy Center, 9/14/2025.
Tomorrow (9/21/2025) it’s expected that 100,000+ will gather in a stadium in Glendale, AZ for a final memorial service to honor Charlie Kirk. Millions more will watch via network television, YouTube, Rumble and more.
All who are there, or watching or listening will hear from highly respected leaders, but more importantly, they will hear the gospel.
Please join me in praying for:
Erika and the Turning Point family to experience the grace, strength, peace and comfort of God, personally.
The protection of all speakers and attendees and that any plots, plans, and schemes of the enemy to disrupt the memorial will be exposed and thwarted. And for great wisdom and insight for all law enforcement and security personnel.
Pray for Pastor Rob McCoy, that God anoints and uses him and the message he shares.
Souls saved, hearts open to truth and for a great and long lasting revival and impact to reach college and high school students with the love of Jesus.
No technical difficulties and no online hindrances will affect live streams of the service.
I am expecting a great move of God. I am grateful that He can take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good. It has already begun and I expect it to continue to be a turning point toward God by many.
These flowers needed to be transplanted to inside the fence, where they belong.
In part 1, I wrote about the preciousness of meeting with Jesus. In this post I want to share what Holy Spirit has been speaking to me recently, as I was working in my yard, which is partially a garden.
It has been an unusually warm summer season in West Michigan this year. I found myself delaying normal yard/garden tasks for weeks! I did not start until the beginning of September. Only mowing grass was done, when necessary.
When it was finally cool enough, wow, there was a lot to do! It took me several hours each day over a whole week to prune bushes, pull weeds, remove errant vines, and transplant perennials. The result was a trailer filled with yard waste and a much neater yard as shown in the photos.
Toward the end of the week as the trailer was filling and I was weeding out/transplanting flowers, I heard the inward voice of Holy Spirit speaking to me — both about the project at hand, and how to apply lessons learned to my spiritual life.
First, there were so many things that had gotten out of hand, and that made it hard work to set things right. I realized that even with the warm days, there was often a cool time early in the day. I could have used that time to tend to one small area at a time — preventing weeds from spreading and doing what was needed for healthy plants, and it would have been easier.
That applies spiritually as well! He wants us to come to Him every day, to fellowship with Him. We can bring even the little things that need attention to Him at any time, ask and expect Him to teach us and to work with, in, for and through us.
Weeds – ugh! The longer they are let go, the more ground they take, and some have deep roots. Weeds will choke out the life of other plants. BUT, after a good rain and with the right tools, it is much easier to remove them.
Spiritual Weeds – I thought of Ephesians 5 where it talks about the washing of the water of the Word (who is Jesus). How as we hear/read the Word it reveals the truth as well as what is not true (and weeds are like lies). And of II Corinthians 10:4-5, which talks about the weapons of our warfare, and casting down imaginations (also lies) that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. We have been given the tools we need.
Then there are perennials. In their place they are beautiful, but can be invasive, almost becoming like weeds. They can become overcrowded and more of a nuisance than something to enjoy. For example mint — it must be managed or it will take over!
Spiritually, similar to perennials, I must be aware of even the good/beautiful things in my life. It’s good to have/do/enjoy other good things, but they must be managed. My relationship with Jesus must be first and take up the most space in my heart.
This rose bush from my husband’s grandmothers yard that I have transplanted three times. It grows wildly each year and needed significant pruning- but it will come back strong and beautifully.Rose bushes which had grown very tall and out of shape took two days to prune. A weeks worth of yard clean up, bush pruning, vine cutting and more!It looks a bit messy, but herbs are under control and flowers transplanted.
My garden still needs more work, but I committed to tending it, the same with my relationship with the Lord. I am grateful for His patience, grace, leading and most of all His love.
Hopefully you have enjoyed this story, and are also encouraged to tend your garden, or better yet, to spend more time with Jesus. Oh how He loves you and me!
Sometimes we need a quiet place to retreat and listen to Him as He speaks to us through His Word, to be reminded of His love and care for us. To take time to talk, and to hear His heart.
These precious words come from God through the Apostle Paul to us. They are as needed and effective today as when they were written.
“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing.Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God withoverflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind.And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.” Philippians 4:4, 6-8 TPT
July of 2025 marks the 7 year anniversary of A Grateful Grace Full Life (agratefulgracefulllife.blog), so it seems good to reflect on why I started writing it, my goals as I continue, and to celebrate what the Lord has done.
I created and started writing this blog because I had been praying for years to be an “able communicator of the gospel,” and I felt the Lord prompting me to step out in faith and start doing it through this blog. My heart’s desire is that people who read it will know that they are deeply loved by God. I think Ephesians 3:16-19 (Amplified Version) says it well:
May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts!
May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, that you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
Look what the Lord has done! As of July 5, 2025, people from 79 nations have viewed one or more posts on this blog, with a total of 6,837 views. The graphic below indicates all of their locations in blue.
I am amazed, humbled and honored — truly, in my wildest dreams I did not forsee reaching so many people and nations. Places like China, South Africa, Turkiye, Pakistan, and so many more. Who but the Lord could do this!! I give Him all the glory!! Ephesians 3:20-21 express it so well:
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] — To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
I retired a week ago, and while I have some short-term plans and longer term dreams, I am also seeking the Lord for what His plans are next for me. Well today, I was going through a journal of things I have felt He spoke to me, and this one seemed good to share with you. Whatever place you may be in your life, I hope it will speak to your heart, as it did mine.
Today is a day of trust and rest, listening and learning, of obedience and test, a time to believe. There is a tomorrow coming, and you have a place in me both now and then. For now, don’t get caught up wondering what is next. Get caught up with me, I am where you are, with you – NOW.
I Am the One who gives you a future and hope. I Am everlasting. I was, I am, and I will always be. All that is good and satisfying is connected to knowing me. Shalom, which is true peace, nothing missing, lacking or broken, it’s only possible with, in and through me. It cannot be attained, or maintained apart from me. When you find me, you find that too.
Yes, your tomorrow is coming, and I will reveal my plan. I’ll make it clear, and I’ll equip you to complete it.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (AMP). For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
John 14:17 AMP). Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]
If you don’t already know my Jesus, listen, he is knocking on the door of your heart. Invite him in, ask him to reveal himself to you. He is love and he loves you. He wants you to experience the unlimited love and forgiveness that He died to give you, to reconcile you to the Father. He always has and always will.
In continuing to research the word, Hineni, I read and have been thinking the story of the Prophet Samuel, and his impact on the nation of Israel.
I remember Samuel from the Bible story in Samuel 3:1-21 that I often heard as a child. It talks about Samuel being dedicated to God as a small child, and that one night (at about 12 years old) he was awakened by a voice calling several times and how he got up to answer it. He thought Eli the Priest was calling him, so he went to Eli and said, Here am I (Hineni). Eli recognized after a few times that it must be God calling and told Samuel that when he heard it again, to say, “Speak, Lord for your servant is listening.”
I think that’s where the Bible story ended back then, with the lesson being, if we were willing to say, Here I am, and to serve God, he would lead us. That’s a good lesson for a child, or for anyone to learn. But the story is so much richer if you take some time to look a bit deeper.
I read about Samuel’s mother, Hannah, in Samuel 1 & 2, and based on that I began to think about her impact on Samuel’s life. She only had him with her for 2-3 years, and after that she gave him to the Lord. Reading of her story and her faith, I can imagine her holding Samuel close during those years. Singing to him, praying over him and telling him of the God that had great plans for him. I can also imagine the love she poured into the garment she made and gave to him each year as he grew up in the service of God, and her joy in seeing him each year.
Think about it, God used Hannah to lay the ground work for Samuel’s faith and his willingness to listen to and serve the Lord. I believe God also hears our prayers, our heart’s cries, and He will use us if we will listen and say with a willing heart, Hineni Here am I.
Below is a condensed version of Hannah’s story, but I highly recommend reading it for yourself.
Hannah (whose name means, favored) was very was loved by her husband, but she was barren, distained and embarassed by her husband’s other wife, and desparately wanting to have a child.
During a yearly visit to sacrifice at the temple she made her appeal to God. Crying inconsolably she prayed and vowed: “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of your handmaid and remember, and not forget your handmaid but will be me a son, I will give him to the Lord all of his life; no razor shall touch his head.”
Eli the Priest saw her praying and thought she was drunk, but when she explained she was praying, he said, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” Hannah believed it! She took that as her prayer answered, now that’s faith!
Hannah was soon pregnant, and she named her son Samuel (Heard of God). When she had weaned him (estimated at 2-3 years old), she took both him and an offering to the Lord’s house at Shiloh, and brought him to Eli, saying: “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted my petition… therefore I am given him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is given to the Lord,” and they worshipped the Lord there. Before leaving Samuel to minister to the Lord before Eli the priest, Hannah prayed this wonderful faith-filled prayer:
My heart exults and triumphs in the Lord; my horn (my strength) is lifted up in the Lord. My mouth is no longer silent, for it is opened wide over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.There is none holy like the Lord, there is none besides You; there is no Rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly; let not arrogance go forth from your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, and those who stumbled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children languishes and is forlorn. The Lord slays and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and He lifts up. He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts up the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with nobles and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked shall be silenced and perish in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them will He thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge [all peoples] to the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king (King) and exalt the power of His anointed.
Not only did Samuel hear the voice of God as a child, he went on to be a mighty Prophet of God and Judge of Israel. And, it was also Samuel that God used to anoint Saul (the 1st King of Israel) and King David. Here are some verses that speak about him:
Samuel 3:19-21 Samuel grew; the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord continued to appear in Shiloh, for the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh through the word of the Lord.
Samuel 7:8-15. And the Israelites said to Samuel, Do not cease to cry to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines. So Samuel took a sucking lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord; and Samuel cried to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the Lord thundered with a great voice that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and smote them as far as below Beth-car. Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and he called the name of it Ebenezer [stone of help], saying, Heretofore the Lord has helped us. So the Philistines were subdued and came no more into Israelite territory. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. The cities the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath, and Israel rescued [the cities’] territory from the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites. And Samuel judged Israel all his days.
My prayer is that I will hear whenever He calls, and that He will hear me say, Hineni. Here am I. Whatever He may ask, I know that He is good, He is faithful, He is kind, He IS LOVE. Oh how HE loves YOU and ME!
I am back! I’ve been really busy for the last few months, getting ready to retire, writing work instructions for a job I did for 12+ years, and then training my replacement. I officially retired a few days ago, so now I can get back to writing. I am grateful.
I was a preteen when I learned about Holy Spirit through “The Jesus People” movement in California. Knowing Jesus and His precious Holy Spirit forever changed my life, and I am so grateful.
This week, I read a GiveHim15 post by Dutch Sheets and watched this Video. Seeing so many young people worshipping Him, brought it back in a fresh way, and I was drawn to pray with and for them. I encourage you to watch it all the way to the end, it is precious and powerful.
I am reminded of the goodness of God in reaching me and so many other youth back then, and I rejoice at seeing Him do it again in this season. I believe their lives are being changed forever too. That prodigals are coming home and back to the Lord. And that what these young people experienced will spread far and wide.
Believe, pray, live in expectation and abide in Him. Ask Him to reveal himself to you and your loved ones, and to people everywhere who need to know Him.
Know that He hears your prayers, that He loves them, and He loves us. He wants us to know Him more, and knowing Him will change our world.
“I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me].” John 15:9 AMPC
“And now, little children, abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we may have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming.” 1 John 2:28 AMPC
I haven’t written in a while, but writing has been on my mind as I have recovered from a total knee replacement surgery. It’s been a journey of healing and during this time I have quite often thought about the word, Hineni.
Hineni (הִנֵּנִי) is a Hebrew word that most simply means: Here I am, Here am I, or Behold, I.
Biblically it is significant, so there’s a lot we can learn. To start things off, I will share this song that inspires me.
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:
(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!
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.
The weather is still unseasonably warm here in West Michigan, but that doesn’t impact the dates for waterfowl season. Over the last few weeks Jackson began hunting with Jon for Canada Geese and Teal.
September On the Grand RiverSeptember north of Traverse City
Last Friday Jon, Jackson and my brother-in-law Jim left for 9 days of hunting in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
1st afternoon scouting tripA view from the dog door in the blind – 1st early morning.1 day’s morning results
So far it looks like they are having a good trip. Although, I guess Jackson was pretty tired from Friday and Saturday, and wasn’t too thrilled with the early morning wake up call. I understand they might do some grouse and woodcock hunting too.
Jackson is still young at 14 months, and he’s not perfect, but both his early days of training and training/experience with Jon’s are working.
At home it seems very quiet with just Oliver (the labrahound), myself and my husband. But I think it’s good for us too, to have a change of routine.
We celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary this weekend with a nice dinner. I took some time too, to look through old photos and to reflect on wonderful memories made over the years. I have much to be grateful for, and I am thankful for the goodness, kindness, and faithfulness of God that we have experienced.
I WILL extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever [with grateful, affectionate praise]. Every day [with its new reasons] will I bless You [affectionately and gratefully praise You]; yes, I will praise Your name forever and ever.
Psalm 145:1-2 AMPC
It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.
Lamentations 3:22, 24 AMPC
Let these scriptures permeate your soul today, and give Him praise. HE IS LOVE, and oh how He loves YOU and me!
A Grateful Grace-full Life 