The Light of the World

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, 'I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" John8:12 

Have you ever tried walking in darkness?  You may stumble, bump into things, and/or (more often than not) head in the wrong direction; your life could very well be in danger.  In Thailand when I was little, my aunts took me to see a movie on an outdoor screen which was set up on a public lawn.  It was a dark night and while we walked, we relied only on the moon's light to guide us.  My aunts were busy chatting and for a moment, they forgot to watch me.  I fell into a manhole (obviously without a cover).  I don't remember all the details.  Thank God, somehow...someone...pulled me out.  It is a scary thing to walk in darkness.  I am so thankful that I follow Jesus, the Light of the World.  Since we, Christ's followers, have the light of life, we also are light to the world.

"You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Let's all shine brightly for Jesus!

P.S. I'm hosting a giveaway (4 free movie tickets) on my HSB blog.  The deadline is this Saturday.  Hope you will stop by and enter :)!

Previous WFW:

- It Is Good

- Worship

- Whatever You Do

- More Blessed

- My Soul Pants for You

- Without Excuse

- Plentiful Harvest

- Brotherly Love

- Fruit Bearer

- More Than Conquerors

- Where Does My Help Come From?

- Jubilant, Joy, and Judge

- Rooted in Love

- Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?

- Reflecting the Lord's Glory

- The Rock Eternal

- His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Christmas According to Scrooge

It is mind-boggling to me that some people get more into debt so that they can buy Christmas gifts for their families and friends and/or get so stressed out decorating, shopping, baking, preparing for Christmas.  I don't think that's what Jesus has in mind how He wants His birth to be celebrated.  In my opinion, we, Christians, should celebrate Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection...celebrate Him all year long any way, not just at Christmastime.  How should we celebrate?

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the videos.

The Advent Conspiracy Promo Video from theadvance on Vimeo.

"This is love for God: to obey His commands." (1 John 5:3a)  Jesus would want us to celebrate Him by obeying His Word.  "Therefore go and make disciples of all naitons, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)  "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:15-16)  We can celebrate Jesus by spreading the Good News, worshiping Him, proclaiming His name, doing good and sharing with others.  "Others" do not just mean our families and friends.  "Sharing" doesn't just mean gifts/things. 

Let's take a lesson from Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (by Charles Dickens).  After having been visited by his dead partner Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, he was given a second chance to live right and to celebrate Christmas.  What did he do?  He paid for a prize turkey and had it delivered to Bob Cratchit's.  He gave money for the poor and destitute. He visited his nephew, Fred, to have dinner with him and his wife.  Notice that Scrooge did not buy gifts for his nephew or his nephew's wife.  His gift to them is time and his love & acceptance.  Scrooge raised Bob Cratchit's salary, helped his struggling family, and took care of Tiny Tim (who was a cripple).  He used his resources to help those in need; he discovered the joy of giving! 

450 billion and 10 billion...what a difference!  We need to use our time, talents, and treasures wisely and for God's glory.  There are many ways to do that: serving at a soup kitchen, donating money/blankets/coats/ canned foods, etc. to the homeless shelters, visiting/go caroling at nursing homes, buying grocery for families in need, shopping through catalogs from organizations such as World Vision and Samaritan's Purse for the poor and for things that transform lives like Bibles, Gospel tracts, etc.

In this day of over commercialism, how does your family keep a meaningful and Christ-centered CHRISTmas?  Please share.

~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!

How Many Kings

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

How Many Kings by Downhere

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe, after all we've projected,
A child in a manger?
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in His mother's shawl -
Just a Child -
Is this who we've waited for? 'cause...

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have, whether costly or meek
Because we believe.
Gold for His honor, and frankincense for His pleasure
And myrrh for the cross He will suffer
Do you believe?
Is this who we've waited for?

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only One did that for me!
All for me...
All for you...


"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.  Amen." 1 Timothy 1:15-17

"Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty.  Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages.  Who will not fear You, O Lord, and bring glory to Your name?  For You alone are holy.  All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed." Revelation 15:3b-4

"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers." Revelation 17:14

I am so grateful to be a daughter and servant of the King!  In the Thai language, there is a special vocabulary used only for royalty to show our honor and respect.  I think it's appropriate that the Thai Bible applies this same special vocabulary to God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  After all, He is the King above all kings!  He alone deserves our utmost reverence.


Previous Songs:
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
- Be Thou My Vision

Thankful Thursday #12

 
This week...

1. I am thankful that I can rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4), in spite of circumstances, because He never changes.  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

2. I am thankful for my sister-in-lawlove (my husband's sister).  I don't have any sisters so she is like a sister to me.  She is very caring and thoughtful.  She is my kids' best aunt (only aunt :)).

3. I am thankful for the I Love Your Blog award (see my sidebar) given to me by Richele.  It's an encouragement to me to know that some people actually read and enjoy my blog :).  To God alone be glory and praise!

4. I am thankful for my daughter's beautiful heart and Godly character.  She is very sweet and helpful.  I love her behind-me-out-of-nowhere hugs :)!  She is such a big help to me...doing chores, teaching her younger brothers, baking, etc.  In Growing in Grace Magazine's this month issue, one of my daughter's four articles is What I Have Learned from My Mom.  All I can say is she's too kind :)!

5. I am thankful that God makes each one of us unique...not all the same as cookie cutter people.  Each person is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139: 14a) by the Creator of the universe.  Whenever we play Alphabet Name Game (an icebreaker kind of games: people in the group one by one say an adjective that starts with the same alphabet as their name's first letter and that describes them), I usually say "unique" or "unusual" since my first name starts with a "U".  I like the song, "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz.  We are precious and beautiful in God's eyes; that's all it matters.  God has plans and purposes for our unique lives (Jeremiah 29:11).  Be yourself; be who God made you to be!  And if you ever want to be like someone else, choose to be like CHRIST!

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

Interjection Woe

I am grieved to see a lack of reverence for our Almighty God more and more in the world, especially in America. People use God's name in vain left and right.

"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name." Exodus 20:7

This is very serious! It is sad that even some Christians use God's name in vain. I believe (hope) most of them do so without realizing it. It is bad enough when they use it orally as a habit. In addition, I have come across several blogs and comments on Facebook where Christians misuse God's name in their writing. When you interject "g_sh", "g_lly", or "g_e" (add o in the first two blanks and e in the third blank), you use God's name in vain because the former two are a euphemistic variation of God and the latter is a euphemistic shortening of Jesus (see dictionary). "OMG" is included (I don't even want to type those 3 letters here).

Another sad thing is that many foreigners desire to act and speak like Americans so they adopt American interjections including those three mentioned above. Next time you are about to either exclaim with delight or express surprise, please avoid the forewarned "interjection woe."

"Holy and awesome is His name." Psalm 111:9b

~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week.  Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!

Thankful Thursday #11

 
This week...
1. I am thankful that no matter what's going on, God is in control of everything.  "The living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne." Revelation 4:9

2. I am thankful for the victory we have in Jesus Christ.  Jesus won the victory over sin and death for us all.  "Thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

3. I am thankful for all God's blessings upon my life and my family...big and small...visible and invisible...realized and not recognized.

4. I am thankful that my 8 year old son did not get burned too badly when he accidentally fell and touched the woodstove.

5. I am thankful that my 16 year old daughter is using her God-given gifts wisely and for His glory.  One of her articles was accepted for publication in a Christian teen magazine.  She also has been a contributor at Growing in Grace Magazine (Christian online magazine for ladies) for almost 2 years.

I would like to share a poem I wrote this week giving thanks to the Lord.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!

Thank You, Lord, for who You are
Thanks for love beyond compare
Thanks for grace beyond measure
Thanks for forgiveness beyond number
Thanks for mercy beyond boundaries
Thanks for provision beyond necessity
Thanks for hope beyond evidence
Thanks for joy beyond circumstance
Thanks for strength beyond comprehension
Thanks for heaven beyond imagination
Thanks for wonders beyond words
Thanks for life beyond earth
Thanks for peace beyond understanding
Thanks for all and everything
Thank You, Lord, for including me in Your family
Thanks to You daily through all eternity

P.S. I'm having two giveaways on this blog: Rolled Canvas and Poster Print (to be made from one of your digital photos). I'm also hosting another giveaway (4 free movie tickets) on my HSB blog. Hope you will stop by and enter :)!

It Is Good

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.  For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.  O Lord, how great are Your works!  Your thoughts are very deep." Psalm 92:1-2, 4-5

Indeed, it is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to His name.  I hope and pray that I'll always have a thankful heart and the attitude of gratitude.  "Simple gratitude helps us experience God at work in every moment of every day."(Harriet Crosby)  Day and night...I shall declare God's lovingkindness and faithfulness.  Let's make everyday a day of Thanksgiving!

"Thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

P.S. I'm having two giveaways on this blog: Rolled Canvas and Poster Print (to be made from one of your digital photos).  I'm also hosting another giveaway (4 free movie tickets) on my HSB blog.  Hope you will stop by and enter :)!

Previous WFW:
- Worship

- Whatever You Do

- More Blessed

- My Soul Pants for You

- Without Excuse

- Plentiful Harvest

- Brotherly Love

- Fruit Bearer

- More Than Conquerors

- Where Does My Help Come From?

- Jubilant, Joy, and Judge

- Rooted in Love

- Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?

- Reflecting the Lord's Glory

- The Rock Eternal

- His Eye Is On The Sparrow

What Do You Smell Like?

Don't you just love the smells on Thanksgiving Day? The aromas of delicious food warm our heart and awaken our appetites. Our sense of smell gives us pleasure when we smell something wonderful like roast turkey, candied yams, fresh dinner rolls, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, etc. on Thanksgiving Day. On the other hand, our sense of smell can bring us much displeasure when we smell something horrible like skunk's spray or rotten food or dirty socks or sweaty passengers' arm pits/body odor in a super crowded bus with closed windows on an over 100 degrees day (I have personally experienced the last one in Thailand). Now have you ever thought about what you smell like? How we live our lives sends a fragrance out that other people can smell.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the Word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

This coming Thursday, while we enjoy the aromas of fine food, I hope we'll be reminded that we are to live as the aroma of Christ; that our lives are to draw others to our Lord, not away from Him.

"Live in such a way that those who know you but don't know God, will come to know God because they know you." Anonymous

P.S. I'm hosting 2 giveaways right now.  You can win a poster print (to be made from one of your digital photos) and a rolled canvas.  Please scroll down and take a look.

~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!

Give Thanks

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." 1 Chronicles 16:8

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

Let's all give thanks to the Lord for who He is and for what He has done!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!

P.S. I am hosting 2 giveaways right now. You can win a poster print and a rolled canvas. Please scroll down and take a look :).

Previous Songs:
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
- Be Thou My Vision

To Grandma's House We Go

 

Every year (except maybe once or twice in the past 18 years), we celebrate our Thanksgiving at my mother-in-law's house.  It's where our kids get to see their cousins and their aunt.  The picture above was taken on Thanksgiving Day in 2000 before our third child was born (in 2001).  We all are looking forward to going to Grandma's house again this coming Thursday :).

Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!

P.S. I am hosting 3 giveaways right now. You can win custom thank-you cards, a poster print, and a rolled canvas. Please scroll down and take a look :).

Previous Friday Photo Flashback:
- Best Brothers...Best Buddies
- Harvest Festival
- I Love Mommy & Daddy
- Corn Roast Festival
- A Taste of Thailand
- I Could Never Promise You
- In Father's Hands
- Thai Version of Wipe Out
- My Graduation Day in Thailand

Thankful Thursday #10

 
This week...
1. I am thankful for my mom.  She raised my brother and me while enduring physical and verbal abuse from my (alcoholic) dad and then later alone without any help.  She sacrificed a lot for us.

2. I am thankful for my mother-in-lawlove.  She also rasied my husband and his siblings as a single mom.  She is one of the most generous persons I have ever met.

3. I am thankful that my husband and my 11 year old son got over their sickness fairly quickly last week and that the rest of the family did not get sick.

4. I am thankful that my 16 year old daughter enjoys talking and spending time with us (me and my husband).  We also enjoy talking and spending time with her.  Many teenagers nowadays spend most of their time with their friends and listen to their friends more than their parents.  I'm glad our daughter listens to our advice and accepts our instruction   She is a delightful young lady after God's own heart!

5. I am thankful that my life is not my own and that heaven is my permanent home. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)  "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." (Romans 14:8)  Jesus gives my life hope, purpose, passion, and destiny.  "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." (Acts 20:24)

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I'll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.
                                                        ~Unknown

P.S. I am hosting 3 giveaways right now.  You can win custom thank-you cards, a poster print, and a rolled canvas.  Please scroll down and take a look :).

Giveaway: Rolled Canvas

Update: This giveaway is now closed. The winner (randomly chosen) is Sara Carmichael. Congratulations! I appreciate all who left a comment here.

Another great giveaway from LargeFormatPosters.com!  They are giving away one free 16"x20" custom rolled canvas to one of my readers and one to me.  Rolled canvas prints are perfect for home decor, photo prints and signage.  They make wonderful Christmas gifts, too :). 

Giveaway Prize: (1) Rolled Canvas for One Winner
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs.
Deadline: November 28, 2009 at midnight (Pacific time)
To Enter: Leave a comment here describing what photo gifts you want to have printed for your family and loved ones.
Extra Entries: 1. Blog about this giveaway.  Please leave the link to your post in a separate comment.
                        2. Read one of my other posts and leave a comment about it here.
Links to check out:
Canvas Print
Poster Printing
UPrinting Reviews


Other Current Giveaways:
- Poster Print
- 'Tis the Season to Be Thankful

Giveaway: Poster Print

Update: This giveaway is now closed. The winner (randomly chosen) is Carin. Congratulations! I appreciate all who left a comment here.

I love taking pictures.  I even have a photo blog :).  I'm excited to be hosting this giveaway.  Thanks to my sponsor, LargeFormatPosters.com, one of my readers and I will get to make one 18"x24" poster print from our digital photos. 

Giveaway prize: (1) 18x24 poster print for One Winner (randomly chosen)

Size: 18x24 Poster: Paper: High Gloss; Semi Gloss
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs.
Deadline: November 28, 2009 at midnight (Pacific time)
To Enter: Please leave a comment here sharing what (holiday) photo you would choose.
Extra Entries: 1. Blog about this giveaway.  Please leave the link to your post in a separate comment.
                        2. Look around here and let me know which of my Word Filled Wednesday photos you like the best.
Links to check out:
Poster Print
UPrinting Youtube channel

Other Current Giveaways:
- Rolled Canvas
- 'Tis the Season to be Thankful

Worship

"Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that He made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." Deuteronomy 4:23-24

Is the Lord a consuming fire in your heart...is He first in your life?  Do you love God above all else?  Our consuming desire should be to obey, please, and glorify Him; our consuming passion should be to worship Him!  What is "worship" to you?

Our posture towards God should be: complete surrender, utmost reverence, joyful dependence, deepest gratitude, humble obedience, faithful devotion, and highest adoration. To me, that's "worship".  We can daily worship God by offering up our lives...our all (body, spirit, heart, mind, word, action) to praise and honor Him.

"God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:24

Previous WFW:

- Whatever You Do

- More Blessed

- My Soul Pants for You

- Without Excuse

- Plentiful Harvest

- Brotherly Love

- Fruit Bearer

- More Than Conquerors

- Where Does My Help Come From?

- Jubilant, Joy, and Judge

- Rooted in Love

- Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?

- Reflecting the Lord's Glory

- The Rock Eternal

- His Eye Is On The Sparrow

A Heart Exam

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I think a heart exam seems appropriate :) (no...not a warning about fat & cholesterol piled up during Thanksgiving feasts). What is our heart condition?  Do we have a thankful heart? Truly thankful? Not thankful only for material things...for worldly pleasures, but truly thankful to God for everything in all circumstances (or in spite of circumstances)... Do we daily thank God for who He is and what He has done? Or do we only thank Him when He answers our prayers the way we want, or only when we have been blessed with something big?

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." 1 Chronicles 16:8

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:4-5

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" Hebrews 12:28-29

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." Hebrews 13:15

"Thankfulness is the soil in which joy thrives." ~Unknown

"When thou hast thanked thy God for every blessing sent,
What time will then remain for murmurs or lament?" ~Unknown

A thankful heart not only produces a joyful heart but also gives us a right/pleasant attitude. The attitude of awe, admiration, reverence, and gratitude for the Almighty God! Other benefits include contentment, peace, complaint-free atmosphere, no envy, no covetousness, desire/eagerness to give and share, etc., besides doing God's will.

I will never forget what a dear friend of mine said when I visited her and her daughter at the hospital after a car accident that took her son's life and left her daughter in critical condition. I went there to encourage and comfort her but instead, her words touched me deeply. She said, "I'm so thankful that the Lord gave me all those years to homeschool my kids. I thank Him for all the time we spent together." She retained a thankful heart throughout the whole ordeal. Wow...isn't that a wonderful example of "giving thanks in all circumstances"?

A Simple Prayer of Thanksgiving by Helen Steiner Rice

I come not to ask, to plead or implore You,
I just come to tell You how much I adore You,
For to kneel in Your Presence makes me feel blest
For I know that You know all my needs best...

And it fills me with joy just to linger with You
As my soul You replenish and my heart You renew,
For prayer is much more than just asking for things--
It's the peace and contentment that quietness brings...

So thank You again for Your mercy and love
And for making me heir to YOUR KINGDOM ABOVE!

Father, We Thank Thee by Grenville Kleiser

Father, we thank Thee:
For peace within our favored land,
For plenty from Thy bounteous hand,
For means to give to those in need,
For grace to help in thought and deed,
For faith to walk, our hands in Thine,
For truth to know Thy law divine,
For strength to work with voice and pen,
For love to serve our fellow men,
For light to goal ahead to see,
For life to use alone for Thee,
Father, we thank Thee.

*I'm hosting 'Tis the Season to Be Thankful Giveaway.  Please click here to enter.
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts.  Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the videos.

This is one of my favorite hymns.  It was written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748).  In the top video, it was sung by Kathryn Scott.  The video below shows The Wonderful Cross, a different version of this hymn with added refrain lyrics by Chris Tomlin and J.D. Walt and arrangement by Jesse Reeves and Chris Tomlin.  I like both versions :).


"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14
...Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.  I totally agree with Isaac Watts!

Previous Songs:
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
- Be Thou My Vision

Giveaway: 'Tis the Season to be Thankful

Update: This giveaway is now closed.  The winner (randomly chosen) is Lynn Matthews.  Congratulations!  I appreciate all who left a comment here.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!

"A thankful heart is a happy heart!" ~Madame Blueberry (from VeggieTales)

Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching fast :).  'Tis the season to send thank you cards to let others know how much you appreciate them, their kindness, thoughtfulness, and/or friendship.  In fact, you can always use thank you cards for any time of the year.  Digital Room (online printing website), the sponsor of this giveaway, is offering one of my blog readers a free pack of 50 Custom Thank You Cards with envelopes.  You can browse their greeting cards page here.  You can also find UPrinting Reviews on Yelp.com.

Prize Offered: (50 ct.) 7 x 5" (folded to 3.5 x 5") Custom Thank You Cards with plain envelopes
Shipping: Free UPS Ground within United States
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs.
Deadline: November 21st at midnight (Pacific Time)
To Enter: Please leave a comment here letting me know how you plan to use the custom thank you cards and/or whether you have thanked someone today and if yes, for what.  One winner will be randomly chosen. 

~For hosting this giveaway on my blog, I'll also be receiving fifty thank you cards from Digital Room.

Other Current Giveaways:
- Poster Print
- Rolled Canvas

Thankful Thursday #9

 
This week...
1. I am thankful for the freedoms we have in this country.  While we enjoy the freedoms, please remember to pray for the persecuted church around the world.

2. I am thankful for all the men and women who have served our country.  Please pray for them and their families.

3. I am thankful that we were home when the heavy rain falls caused leaks in our family room's ceiling this Saturday (we almost left to go get our groceries).  My husband was able to stop the leaks promptly, preventing any damage.

4. I am thankful that the Lord helped me find what I was looking for.  This sort of thing happens time and time again.  My lack of organizational skills leads to more dependence on Him :).

5. I am thankful for my secret sister who has been praying for me and my family.  I received from her a lovely card and five $1 gift certificates for Dutch Bros. Coffee.

Whatever You Do

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  Do not cause anyone to stumble." 1 Corinthians 10:31-32a

Whatever we do, we need to do it with the right attitude and the right motive.  In Colossians 3:23-24, we are told to work with all our heart (with enthusiasm) as working for the Lord.  Did you know that the word, "enthusiasm" came from Greek words: en (in, within, to be filled) + theos (God)?  If we are filled with God's Holy Spirit, let it show in "whatever we do".  In 1 Corinthians 10:31-32a, we are told to do everything for God's glory and to not cause anyone to stumble.  We need to examine ourselves.  "Whatever we do"...is it for our own fame and glory...for our own fleshly desire...for our own selfish gains?  Or "whatever we do"...we do to please and honor/glorify God by following the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1b)?  If so, then we won't be causing anyone to stumble, either.  "Whatever you/we do" includes the way we dress, books we read, movies we watch, what we write/blog, songs we listen to/sing, games we play, what we post on Facebook or Twitter, what we do when nobody sees/hears us, etc.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Previous WFW:
- More Blessed

- My Soul Pants for You

- Without Excuse

- Plentiful Harvest

- Brotherly Love

- Fruit Bearer

- More Than Conquerors

- Where Does My Help Come From?

- Jubilant, Joy, and Judge

- Rooted in Love

- Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?

- Reflecting the Lord's Glory

- The Rock Eternal

- His Eye Is On The Sparrow

IDOP 2009

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Please join me and other brothers and sisters in Christ in praying for the persecuted Christians and their persecutors. If you would like to watch videos about the persecuted church and the Voice of the Martyrs's involvement, please visit http://www.youtube.com/user/VoiceOfTheMartyrsUSA.

1 Corinthians 12:26 "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (In reference to the Body of Christ, the Church)

We often take our freedom for granted here in America. Are we using our freedom to tell others about Jesus? We live a life of luxury here compared to many people in other countries. Are we sharing with those in need? Live your faith and your love out loud! Pray for courage and boldness, willingness and opportunity, grace and gentleness ...then go tell of God's love to all the world. In addition, please remember (not just today) to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for our Savior, who are beaten for "loving Jesus", who risk all to serve the King of kings, who give up everything to follow the Prince of Peace, who sacrifice so that others can hear the Good News.

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Timothy 3:12

Many Christians who share the Gospel and desire to live a Godly life experience some kind of persecution or trial in every country. However, the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) focuses their help on the Christians who are not allowed by government policy to obtain or distribute Bibles and other Christian literature, and those who are arrested, attacked,...whose freedom and/or possessions were taken away due to their faith in Jesus Christ. Here is the list of countries where Christians are continually being persecuted:-

- Afghanistan                               - Nepal
- Algeria                                      - Nigeria
- Azerbaijan                                - North Korea
- Bangladesh                               - Oman
- Bhutan                                      - Pakistan
- Brunei                                       - Qatar
- China                                        - Saudi Arabia
- Comoros                                  - Somalia
- Cuba                                        - Sri Lanka
- Cyprus                                     - Sudan
- Egypt                                       - Syria
- India                                        - Tajikistan
- Indonesia                                 - Tibet
- Iran                                          - Tunisia
- Iraq                                          - Turkey
- Kuwait                                     - Turkmenistan
- Laos                                        - United Arab Emirates
- Libya                                       - Uzbekistan
- Malaysia                                  - Vietnam
- Maldives                                  - Yemen
- Mauritania                                - Morocco
- Myanmar

“As our staff meets with persecuted Christians around the world, their first request is that we pray for them,” says Todd Nettleton, Director of Media Development for The Voice of the Martyrs - USA. “IDOP is a day when the collective Body of Christ joins together to answer their request.”

“Our persecuted family is not asking us to pray that the persecution will stop,” says Nettleton. “They’re asking us to pray they will remain faithful to Christ in spite of the persecution and pressure they face.” (quotes taken from here)

You can visit here and sign up for weekly prayer updates that inform you prayer needs for the persecuted.  VOM also has a wonderful website for kids and a free educational publication called, "Kids of Courage". Some books that are related to the persecuted church and the martyrs include Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand (you can visit here to request a free copy for yourself and for your friends), Jesus Freaks (Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus: The Ultimate Jesus Freaks), and Foxe's Christian Martyrs of the World by John Foxe.

"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." Hebrews 13:3

Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts.

He Knows My Name

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

If you are not familiar with OCC, please read this post. If you already are familiar with OCC, I'd like to remind you that the collection week this year is November 16-23 :).

The video below shows the complete song (with the lyrics), "He Knows My Name" (words and music by Tommy Walker, performed by the Maranatha Singers).



"O Lord, You have searched me and you know me. 
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar. 
You discern my going out and my lying down; 
You are familiar with all my ways. 
Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord. 
You hem me in--behind and before;
You have laid Your hand upon me. 
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 

For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-14

Father's Love Letter   
(An Intimate Message From God To You)

My Child,
You may not know Me, but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in My image.
Genesis 1:27
In Me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28
For you are My offspring.
Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in My book.
Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.
Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know Me.
John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16
And it is My desire to lavish My love on you.
1 John 3:1
Simply because you are My child and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect Father.
Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand.
James 1:17
For I am your Provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40
For you are My treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all My heart and all My soul.
Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me.
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to My heart.
Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love My son, Jesus.
John 17:23
For in Jesus, My love for you is revealed.
John 17:26
He is the exact representation of My being.
Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.
Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of My love for you.
1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of My son Jesus, you receive Me.
1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from My love again.
Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32


Love, Your Dad Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2009 http://www.fathersloveletter.com/
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I have the Best Father!  And I love reading His love letter (God's Word).  May we always bask in our Heavenly Father's love!

Previous Songs:
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
- Be Thou My Vision