O America

  I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers,

intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone:

for kings and all those in authority,

that we may live peaceful and quiet lives…

1 Timothy 2:1-2

I was born and raised in Arizona, went to college in Michigan and California, lived/worked in Nebraska, Indiana and Virginia, and have visited Oregon, New Mexico, South Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, New York, Maryland, Washington D.C., Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.  All across this vast land, from “sea to shining sea,” I have found beauty within diversity.

I have lived and worked in Canada, and visited in Mexico; otherwise, my travels have not taken me far from home.  There are lands that I would love to visit - especially Ireland and Scotland, the lands of my ancestry, but there is nothing quite like home.

Sometimes the absurdity of politics makes me wonder whether or not there is a sane politician to be found, or if they will eventually drive this great country straight into the ground.  But Paul tells Timothy {and me} that our job is to pray for those in leadership positions, including those in government – local, national, and worldwide.  America is my home, my country.  I stand behind her with my allegiance, and with my prayers.

Never Alone

Fear thou not, for I am with thee…

Isaiah 41:10

One of my daughters is an auditor with a firm that is contracted to the Federal government.   Tomorrow morning she is leaving for a three week audit in Africa – in two different nations that are less than enthusiastic about Americans.  She is the only woman in a three-person team of auditors.  I am not sure what her level of concern is about this trip, but my concern level is extremely high!

I know that for the next twenty-one days, I will be leaning on the Everlasting Arms, praying that God will encourage her, protect her, and make His presence known on a daily basis during this time of her life.  It would honor me greatly if you would also pray for her during these next three weeks.  Prayer is a powerful force in the hearts of those who know and love the Lord, and believe Him when he says, “Don’t fear – don’t worry – I am here with you.”  This song always reminded me of that fact during the difficult times of my life.  It remains one of my favorites.

When you walk through the storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the storm
There's a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark.
Walk on, through the wind
Walk on, through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone;
You'll never walk alone
~Rodgers & Hammerstein

From Carousel

I Believe

He then brought them out and asked,

Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus,

And you will be saved – you and your household.

Acts 16:30-31

Every first Sunday of the month, I am the teacher for the K-5 Sunday School classes, conducting the Music Station of a one month rotation.  Usually the songs provided are a mixture of ones I know [and the kids might know], and others that I’ve never heard before.  Because I only have 30 minutes to work with, I don’t like using unknown songs unless they are really on point for the theme.

This month, ALL of the songs are unknown to me, and by extension to the kids.  Worse, they are all relatively long and difficult songs that would not be easy to teach.  When faced with a quandary like this, I turn to an old trick I learned many years ago – I take the words of a song and put them to a new melody.  If I choose a melody that is very familiar to the kids, teaching them the song is very easy.  I’ve had to do this before, but never for every single song.  Should be a fun time getting ready for the class!

Music is such a powerful tool to enable kids to remember thoughts and principles.  There are many songs I learned in childhood that I still remember and occasionally sing. I Believe was written in the 1950’s, and recorded by many artists, including Elvis Presley, Frankie Lane, and Frank Sinatra.  When times got tough as I was growing up, I often sang this song to myself for courage and assurance.  It is as relevant to me today as it was back then.

I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows.

I believe that somewhere in the darkest night, a candle glows.

I believe for everyone who goes astray,

Someone will come to show the way.

I believe, I believe.

I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard.

I believe that Someone in the great somewhere hears every word.

Every time I hear a newborn baby cry, or touch a leaf or see the sky,

Then I know why I believe!