March 6, 2025

In You I Rest (Be Still My Soul)

October 1, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God to order and provide
In every change He faithful will remain
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end

Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake
All now mysterious shall be bright at last
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below

in You i rest
in You i found my hope
in You i trust You never let me go
i place my life within Your hands alone
be still my soul

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last

Kari Jobe
traditional lyrics by Katharina von Schlegel, translated by Jane Borthwick
tune, Finlandia, by Jean Julius Sibelius
additional chorus by Kari Jobe & Jason Ingram

 *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   * 

<sigh!>  How many times have I encouraged…commanded even…my own heart to simply ‘be still.’  (Or perhaps more honestly: “BE STILL!!!!!”)  How about you?  I know that some of you are going through difficult times. There is doubt and uncertainty in your hearts.  There is turmoil and strife in your homes.  There is worry and fear.  There is unrest in the politics of this world.  There are many, many unanswered questions.

Here are a few passages that I call to mind (and heart!) when the struggle to be still is most difficult.  They help me to renew my mind and come back into His Presence.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my Rock and my Salvation, my Stronghold; I will not be shaken.
My salvation and glory depend on God, my Strong Rock. My Refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him.
God is our Refuge. Selah
Psalms 62:5-8

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace
whose mind is stayed on You,
because he commits himself to You, leans on You,
and hopes confidently in You.
So trust in the Lord
(commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever;
for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock.
Isaiah 62:3 and 4 AMP

But I trust in You, Lord; I say, “You are my God.”
The course of my life is in Your power;
deliver me from the power of my enemies
and from my persecutors.
Show Your favor to Your servant;
save me by Your faithful love.
Psalms 31:14-16

I love this old hymn! Both the lyrics as well as the tune always lead me into His Presence and acknowledging that He IS on my side…and He DOES guide the future and the past…and the hour is coming when we WILL be forever with Him!  Take these promises made to God’s man, Jeremiah, and claim them as your own….

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you.
You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart.
I will be found by you, declares the Lord….
Jeremiah 29:11-14

Sing along with me, friends!  Let us choose to be still before our God recognizing all that He has promised to do when we are in humble submission and in quiet rest at His throne.

in You i rest
in You i found my hope
in You i trust, You never let me go
i place my life within Your hands alone
be still my soul

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Our Words

September 30, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~  *

Words.  How do you use your words?  Do you build up or do you tear down?  When you are angry do you say hateful, hurtful things?  As we have grew up, we may have heard words spoken in anger, tearing us down.  But  we can come back from those words.  We can heal from the hurtful words spoken to us.  James spoke of our tongue, saying:

The tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do.
James 3:5

When we believed that Jesus died on the Cross for our sins, we were made new.  As we read and study the Word of God, our hearts are recreated.  Our past experiences have told us that life can be uncaring, unfriendly.  But our life with Jesus as our Lord  will be vastly different if we choose to learn and discover more of God’s love.

The beauty of God’s Word is it has existed for thousands of years… it ‘stands forever’.  There is nothing which has prevented it from existing.  His words are so powerful, it has been translated to many languages and dialects, enabling people in most all nations to have the opportunity to learn and grow.  God has created pastors to lead us, to teach us, to encourage us.  We just need to sit and learn; then go into the world and share the goods news of the sacrifice Jesus made.

Remember the first time you accepted Jesus as your Savior…the elation, the empowerment you felt when you realized your life was going to be forever.  Do you still have the same passion, the drive to share?  I pray you do.  I pray someone was able to come alongside you and disciple you; and to encourage you with the words of our Father. And that passion within you would grow so you could share His good news with others.

Keep pursuing your passion.  Keep learning, discovering who you are in Christ and you will be rewarded.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~  *

Father, I pray for those who may have lost their passion for You. I ask that they begin to seek You with a renewed fervor to tell others about Your love.  I pray for a light to shine forth, and that we share with others so we can tell them what You have done for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

September 30, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

The Watches of the Night

I look towards the wintering trees to hush my fretful soul
As they rise to face the icy sky and hold fast beneath the snow
Their rings grow wide, their roots go deep that they might hold their height
And stand like valiant soldiers through the watches of the night

No human shoulder ever bears the weight of all the world
But hearts can sink beneath the ache of trouble’s sudden surge
Yet far beyond full knowing there’s a strong unsleeping Light
That reaches round to hold me through the watches of the night

I have cried upon the steps that seem too steep for me to climb
And I’ve prayed against a burden I did not want to be mine
But, here I am and this is where You’re calling me to fight
And You I will remember through the watches of the night
…You I will remember through the watches of the night

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~  *

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

Jesus, draw me ever nearer
As I labour through the storm
You have called me to this passage
and I’ll follow, though I’m worn

May this journey bring a blessing
May I rise on wings of faith
And at the end of my heart’s testing
With Your likeness let me wake

Jesus, guide me through the tempest
Keep my spirit staid and sure
When the midnight meets the morning
Let me love You even more

Let the treasures of the trial                                 
Form within me as I go
And at the end of this long passage
Let me leave them at Your throne

Getty Music
The Watches of the Night
Mrs. Kristyn Getty
♥   
Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer
Music by Keith Getty; Words by Margaret Becker

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~  *

I venture to say that you, too, have had times of sleeplessness, leading you to prayer and remembering ‘through the watches of the night.’  In each of our lives there are situations and circumstances that seem to be are a burden we do not want to bear.

Here’s the Truth, my friend: we are not to bear our burdens, our cares, our anxieties, our worries alone.  Our heavenly Father loves you so much and wants to be the Bearer of your burden.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you;
He will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22

Blessed be the Lord, Who bears our burdens and carries us day by day,
even the God Who is our salvation! Selah.
Psalm 68:19

He is

  • Jehovah-Jireh (He Who provides)
  • Jehovah-Shalom (He Who is our peace)
  • Jehovah-Rohi (the Shepherd of our souls)

Even to your old age I will be the same,
And even to your graying years I will bear you!
I have done it, and I will carry you;
And I will bear you and I will deliver you.
Isaiah 46:4

I love this promise from my God…it settles my heart each and every time I read it.  He has already done the bearing of any burden I could ever perceive!  As Mrs. Getty writes in her poem,

“There’s a strong unsleeping Light that reaches round to hold me
through the watches of the night.”

Almighty God will carry us throughout any wearisome, worrisome, troublesome  situation we are in.  His promises are true and Amen!

So I encourage you (me, too!) to always remember God’s heart towards us when we are feeling overwhelmed and burdened.  He is faithful to His promises, and He cares for you!

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you at the proper time,
casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Apple-Butternut Soup

September 29, 2015 by

Oh!  ‘Tis the season…apple season, that is!  Here in NY State, our farmers grow a huge portion of the country’s apple crop…and it is a GOOD one this year!  We are going apple picking next week but I didn’t want to wait to start with the recipes.  This one, Apple-Butternut Soup, included a few tart green Granny Smith apples. The tartness of the apple along with the sweetness of the squash melded together nicely.  This recipe is simple and easy, (and quick too!) and makes a smooth, thick soup which was very filling and satisfying.  If you would like to keep your soup vegetarian (or vegan), just use vegetable broth.  This soup fits perfectly into our healthy but oh-so-yummy POV, too.  Enjoy!

And please don’t let the task of cutting up the squash scare you off!  Be sure to use a sharp knife and just be careful.  I used a melon baller to scoop out the seeds and all the string-y business.  Here are a couple of pics of the process.

2015-09-26 16.43.57

2015-09-26 16.48.37

 

 

 

 

 Apple – Butternut Soup

2015-09-26 18.38.34

ingredients:

1 large butternut squash (3#), peeled and seeded, cut into 1-1+1/2″ cubes
2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
sea salt and freshly ground pepper (I use lemon-pepper blend)
1 sweet onion, chopped small
2 tablespoons finely minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons chopped garlic (I use jarred)
2 or 3 apples, peeled and chopped
2 quarts chicken stock
1 cup cider (or additional broth)
1 cup water
big handful fresh greens (baby spinach, kale, arugula), sliced thinly

directions:

  • preheat oven to 425
  • line large baking sheet with parchment paper
  • in a large bowl, use just enough olive oil to lightly coat the squash and season well w/ s&p
  • pour seasoned squash onto the baking sheet; spread them out in a single layer…use two pans if necessary (I needed two)
  • roast until just beginning to brown, about 20-25 minutes; remove from oven and set aside

meanwhile…

  • in a 6 quart stockpot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and saute onion for 8-9 minutes over medium heat (or  ‘til softened and translucent)
  • reduce heat to low; add ginger and garlic and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes stirring constantly ’til fragrant
  • add chopped apples, cider, chicken stock and water; bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer
  • save out a cup or so of the roasted butternut; add the rest to the pot and simmer  for 15 minutes or  so
  • using an immersion blender**, puree soup ’til almost smooth
  • carefully taste and season, if necessary, with salt and pepper
  • place a handful of sliced greens and some of the reserved squash in bottom of bowl; fill with soup

**also can be pureed in a standard blender but be very careful and puree in batches

   ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥      ♥ 

God loves you!   ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Lead Me

September 29, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjvI look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames, I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling, but on the inside
Oh, I can hear her saying

Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can’t
Don’t leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us

Show me you’re willing to fight
That I’m still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They’re just children from the outside
I’m working hard, I tell myself they’ll be fine
They’re independent, but on the inside
Oh, I can hear them saying

 

So, Father, give me the strength
To be everything I’m called to be
Oh Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won’t You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can’t
Don’t want to leave them hungry for love
Chasing things that I could give up

I’ll show them I’m willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me ’cause I can’t do this alone

Father, lead me ’cause I can’t do this alone

Sanctus Real
Matt Hammitt, Jason Ingram, Chris Rohman

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~  *

How transparent the writers of this song are!  They want to lead their families in the right way—to be a guide, a good example of how to live life.  How much more should we live our life for our families?  With God all these things are possible.  We should have nothing we desire or need.  God will provide all we need.  All the love, support, peace of mind, and joy.

They are wise men to ask for God’s help in leading their families! We can’t do these things in our own power.  We are often too quick to begin to seek our own desires and not keep our focus on God’s.

I am echoing their simple prayer:
Father, lead me ’cause I can’t do this alone.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Your Word Endures

September 28, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

The grass withers and the flowers fall
but the word of God stands forever. 
Isaiah 40:8

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~  *

The word of God stands forever.   All created life is frail and weak and will ultimately come to an end, as we read in Psalms 103:15-16…

As for man, his days are like grass;
Like a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it and it is no more,
And its place knows it no longer.

But the word of God stands forever.  God’s promises will be fulfilled, His redemptive truth cannot be annulled or changed.

Heaven and earth will pass away but My words will never pass away…
Matthew 24:35

For all men are like grass and all their glory is like the flowers of the field,
the grass withers and the flowers fall but the word of the Lord stands forever.
1 Peter 1:24-25

The above Scriptures indicate that, like the earth itself, all human glory and attainments come and go…but God’s Word abides forever.  All human endeavours and the prevailing spirit of the world must be constantly judged by the Bible rather than the Bible being judged by them.  Those who bend God’s Word to conform to the intellectual trends and diluted standards of their generation betray the living and enduring Word of God.

Verse 23 of 1 Peter chapter 1 says,

For you have been born again not of perishable seed
but of imperishable through the living and enduring word of God.

And in Matthew 5:18, Jesus said,

I tell you the truth—until heaven and earth disappear—
not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen
will by any means disappear from the law
until everything is accomplished.

Meditate on the Word; cling to it. Do not let it disappear.

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~  *

May the blessing of our Lord Jesus, and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us now and forever more!  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name

September 28, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

All hail the power of Jesus’ name
Let angels prostrate fall
Bring forth the Royal Diadem
And crown Him Lord of all
Bring forth the Royal Diadem
And crown Him Lord of all

Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race
Ye ransomed from the fall
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace
And crown Him Lord of all
Hail Him Who saves you by His grace
And crown Him Lord of all

You are Lord of all
You are Lord of all

Let every kindred, every tribe
On this terrestrial ball
To Him all majesty ascribe
And crown Him Lord of all
To Him all majesty ascribe
And crown Him Lord of all
And crown Him Lord of all
And crown Him Lord of all

The Newsboys
written by Edward Perronet

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~  *

O God,
Let me proclaim Your power to this new generation,
Your mighty miracles to all who come
Psalm 71:18b NLT

Let me confess a couple of things before I get started:
-My blogs are about things God is showing and teaching me that I hope will touch you too.
-I went about writing this blog backwards—I started with an idea and God showed me the Scripture.

I was watching a video this morning and God thumped me upside the head and asked, “Are you paying attention?” I have included a link to the video (see below) but here is a brief outline:

Samuel Rodriguez is asked to pray at a secular event in Washington, D.C.  When he arrives, he finds out a Universalist, an Imam, and a Rabbi have been asked to pray as well.  He is given a choice where in the order he would like to pray…and chooses to go last.  After he prays there is clapping for 4-6 minutes.  When asked why the people kept clapping he states, “There is STILL power in the Name of Jesus!”

Let me ask you something—
Do you proclaim Jesus’ power?  Do you pray like you believe in His power?

 

This is where God was drawing my attention.  I have not been praying like I believe in the mighty power of His Name.  Then when I saw Psalm 71:18 I knew this was something I needed to research and write about.

Jesus Christ

  • His is the Name above ALL names
  • Angels fall prostrate at His Name
  • Every knee shall bow at the Name of Jesus
  • His Name causes the dead to rise
  • His Name makes demons tremble and flee
  • His Name gives sight to the blind, makes the lame walk and heals the sick

Best of all, Jesus’ is the only Name that can wash us white as snow and make us acceptable to God – “…by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His name” (John 20:31 NLT).

In Matthew 28:18 AMP, Jesus tells us, “All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”  John 13:3 NIV says “…the Father had put all things under His power…”  That is the ultimate power!  We have been given access to that power. We are to use it when we pray and proclaim it loudly for all to hear so the next generation knows there is still power in the name of Jesus.

All hail the power of Jesus’ Name!

  *   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Lord Jesus, we are so thankful for the power of Your Holy Name.  Remind us of that power continually so that we may use it to bring You glory and honor. May we lift our voices to proclaim how the power of Your Name is alive and at work in our own lives.  In Your precious and Holy Name, I ask this.  Amen – it is so!

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Your Words

September 27, 2015 by

SeekingHimLogo

The grass withers and the flowers fall,
    but the word of our God endures forever.
Isaiah 40:8

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~  *   

Third Day along with Harvest Parker
writers: Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Mark Lee, David Carr

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Let me hear Your words
Above all other voices
Above all the distractions in this world

For Your words bring life
And Your voice speaks promises
Lord, Your love offers more
Than anything else in this world

Your words give us life that’s never ending
Your words bring us love that never fails
Everything else will fade away
But what will remain
Are Your words

Let us speak Your words
More than ours, more than ever
Let us share Your love with all the world

The grass will wither and the flowers will fall
But the word of our God will last forever
The grass will wither and the flowers will fall
But the word of our God will last forever

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The Table

September 27, 2015 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I will feast at the table of the Lord
I will feast at the table of the Lord
I won’t hunger anymore
At His table

Come all you weary, come and find
His yoke is easy, His burden light
He is able, He will restore
At the table of the Lord

There is peace at the table of the Lord
There is peace at the table of the Lord
I won’t worry anymore
At His table

There is healing at the table of the Lord
There is healing at the table of the Lord
I won’t suffer anymore
At His table

I know He has a place for me
Oh, what joy will fill my heart
With the saints around the Mercy Seat of God

I’m invited to the table of the Lord
I’m invited to the table of the Lord
He says, “Come just as you are”
To His table

Chris Tomlin
written along with Ed Cash and Wayne Jolley
*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *
If I asked you what you need most from the Lord today…what would it be?  As you listen to the song above, and all the ways that He shows up, how do you want Him to show up today in your life?

First, we are invited to feast at His table. There is always plenty of everything. Wouldn’t you love to sit at the table with Jesus? (I would!!!)  There would be plenty of love and peace and joy. You could pass a plate of goodness, and faithfulness, and gentleness, too.  Instead of strife, there would be so much coming together. You would be forever satisfied and never hunger again. Because HE is enough.

He beckons all that are tired and weary to come and sit and rest awhile.

Come to me,
all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Maybe you need peace today. Perhaps you have spent the last few days, maybe weeks, just worrying over every detail of your life.  You haven’t slept past 4 am and you are in need of some peace.  Jesus is the Giver of peace.  Just knowing Him and that He died for you is enough to have peace.  You will live forever with the King! {Just breathe that in for a minute.}

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

Do you need healing today?  Jesus says that anything we ask in His name, it is ours.  So today, claim the healing that He longs to give you. Let Him repair the hurts that have left scars.  Let Him totally renew your heart.  He is inviting you to His table today. Only you and Him know what you need there.  I pray that you find whatever it is that you’re longing for.  There is one thing I do know—all can be found in Him!

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Matthew 11:19-20

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

Let us pray:  Oh Lord, we are so honored to be invited to the table that You have prepared just for us, Your children.  Thank You for loving us so much and for meeting our every need, sometimes before we even know that we need it.  Thank You for the people that You put in our lives, to do life with.  Oh God, we love You so much and we praise You for Who You are!  Thank You for healing and for rest and for the living water which only You can give!  In Jesus’ name.  Amen

 

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

September 25, 2015 by

choc zucchini muffins

Happy Fall, everyone!  Time to harvest – clean out your garden, gather all your herbs, and start prepping for the cold.  If you have any zucchini left on your vines, pick them and make this!  Ready?  Go!

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups flour (I used half regular flour, half whole wheat)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 stick butter, melted 
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 zucchini, grated
  • 1/2 bag chocolate chips (about 6 oz. or 2/3 cup)
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease muffin tin or use paper liners.  (I just use Pam.)
  2. In a bowl, combine first six ingredients (all the dry ones).  
  3. In a larger bowl, whisk vanilla and melted butter into eggs, then mash the banana and add that to the mixture.  Whisk in sugar and stir in grated zucchini.  Stir in the chocolate chips.
  4. A little at a time, stir the dry ingredients into the wet.  Pour into muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes.  
This recipe made 18 muffins for me.  We ate a bunch and froze the rest.  To thaw, microwave for 30 seconds, but be careful, the chocolate chips get all hot and melty again!
Explore, experiment, enjoy! — Dana

To view even more of Dana’s unique recipe, you can visit her at Frugal Girlmet

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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