"Only one life, 'twill soon be past
Only what's done for Christ will last."

Wednesday, November 27, 2013



                                 I wish you a joyful day of thanks and fellowship.



There have been moments of incredible happiness this fall.

I thank the Lord for His generous provision:  a job for my husband, children able to go to college, darling daughters-in-law, lavish and abundant supplies, and probably the greatest earthly treasure: time.

Time has been the gift God has given me this fall.  Yes, it has seemed hectic and rushed, weddings and concerts, parties and events.

But I have been forced to take time, through the onset of  Ed's illness, to cut back, strip away the distractions, to hearken to the most important things. I've had time.

For those of you who regularly read this blog I'm ready to share some of the difficulties we've had, and through that dark path, the joy and thankfulness of knowing God's presence.

It was in September when Ed had a break down, which ended with a diagnosis of bi-polar disorder.

It was to a very small and very close circle of friends that we turned to weather the storm of coping with it all.  Uncharted waters. We found ourselves with little sleep, grave concern, weeping, numbness, and then it became a time of "fortressing."

It's my word now. When darkness hits I turn to the bricks and mortar, to build a wall to fend off any new attacks, and within those walls I begged my God, the Creator, who can do anything, to HELP ME!

Fortressing is focusing on the present needs and the Presence needed.

I'm telling you, had we not a strong trust in God's strength and over-arching plan, a knowledge of His love for us all, a bright outcome----no matter what----because of our faith, life would have been unbearable.

We're not out of the woods yet, but we have found a path that is leading toward stability.

No, there is no cure.

There is simply the assurance that God is in charge of our lives; messed up, broken, diseased, failures, dismal and frustrating. But not hopeless.

"Our hope is in the LORD, who gave Himself for me.
For me He died. For me He lives.
An everlasting light and life he freely gives."
                                                            ---------old hymn

So it is with happy thanksgiving that we celebrate God's faithfulness this year. And you should too.

If God is sustaining your life right now you are probably about to see His salvation in a way no other generation has ever seen-----His fetching of His Bride. No matter how dire your circumstances, when you have God, all else pales in comparison to His provision. God cares. He's coming. He provides.

Be thankful.                                                                                                                                                             

Monday, November 25, 2013

Monday Musings

The previous post is a debate between Richard Dawkins and John Lennox, a professor from England.

It's very good.

That being said, I looked up another lecture by Mr. Lennox sponsored by Socrates in the City, where he attempts to undercut the 7-day Biblical account.

Oh, yes, he is a believer. No dispute about that.

I am no scientist. I simply ask simple questions. What is so hard about God, the Creator, making a world in seven days?

Perhaps the view of God just isn't big enough?

Science is just as supportive of a young creation as it is an old one. It's all about where you look for evidence. Observable evidence, that is.

The "age of the earth," for example, is clearly affected by catastrophic occurrences. Can we truly know, without guessing some, the age of the earth? No.

Observable science is limited to what we humans have seen and recorded. First hand.

Everything else is tainted by suppositions.

So I would dare to ask John Lennox to practice true science, only remarking on the observable, provable. He may be surprised to find that the Word of God, which is true, and is an authority, (though not a science book----oh no, no, no! Stick with the status quo!!!) is actually the way God did it. Seven days, seven nights.

How embarrassing to be wrong!

We'll all find out sooner or later. Probably sooner....


Dawkin's Denseness

http://youtu.be/t9t6Fkhu_MA

Debate between Dawkins and Lennox.

Really good.

If you haven't yet believed in Creator God, you will see a great mind giving a winning debate about God's existence.

Excellent.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

If This is Even a Question Why Risk It?

Does Yoga Make You Hindu?

Yoga is Hindu. It comes from the Hindu religion. It isn't about God the Creator, it is about finding god in one's self.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

It's Funny if it Weren't So Sad

The continual mocking of people who believe the Bible gets wearisome, but it's worth noting that the Bible and the third of it most people don't like to talk about---prophecy----is marching on despite the nay-sayers.

I am more of a believer in the soon-to-come Rapture of the believers than ever before.

By Christmas???? What a gift! Every day, any day!

How could I not believe what the Bible teaches so plainly, after seeing prophetic events unfold like a road map to that Blessed Hope?

I just read an article from FirstThings, an elitist theological rag, scorning those of us who believe in the harpazo of 1 Thess. 4:17.

Today it became clear that those of us who really believe the Bible really are set apart, different from the rest of the world.

Exciting times! Maranatha!

Come, Lord Jesus.

Hale and Wilder

Jack's Kinsella's helpful link: 

Corgi Cuteness from Pinterest

Monday, November 18, 2013

Intonations

What a time of music!

Our fall concert, the Northern Lights Chorale, was Saturday, the Two Rivers Chorale gave a Christmas concert yesterday, and we were able to be at Benson Great Hall for the organ's 10 year anniversary concert recently too.

John Tavener passed away, Steven Paulus is waking up from his coma after a stroke, and other great organists and choir composers are passing away more frequently than usual. Is an era coming to an end musically?

It almost inspires me to start composing.

Our concert went extremely well, I felt, with nerves and stress playing an unusual role for me. My favorites were too many this time. Gretchaninov's "Our Father" moved me deeply. I was happy to be playing the flute on "How Can I Keep From Singing" because those words ALWAYS choke me up. I had to concentrate on the music. The spirit of the performance seemed to be really wonderful. Great crowd, too.

Yesterday I was privileged to hear the composer/guitarist Jeffrey Van play and accompany the Two Rivers Chorale with 3 of his own very special and lovely Christmas carols. What a treat!  Dr. Arthur Rouner was in the audience, and it was fun to see him. I remember hearing him preach at Thanksgiving services when I was a child. The concert was sort of a Minnesota composer themed program, Christmas version. I loved it.

The organist for the Mormon Tabernacle played the beautiful organ at Benson ---was that 2 weeks ago now?  That was quite a concert. We were able to sit in the "sweet spot" of the auditorium, center, first row balcony. Feeling privileged.

Margaret plays with the University of Minnesota Maroon Orchestra, and their fall concert, a week ago, was fantastic too! Great selections, well played. I just love the Russian/American conductor, Sergei. He lights up the stage. I am sure he will go far.

Music to come? Our oldest son will be in the Concordia Chapel Choir in the upcoming Concordia Christmas concert at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. We hope to drive northward for one of the concerts up there too. I look forward to this every year that he's been at Concordia. This is his senior year! I'll be quietly weeping in the audience.

Margaret's orchestra plays a Christmas concert during her last week of class. It's free, and it's going to be wonderful. If you'd like information on attending email me.

Ed and Cherie are playing Christmas songs.....


And our Christmas tree is UP. We've decorated for Christmas early this year, breaking our personal ban on "things Christmas" before Thanksgiving!

With an upcoming holiday wedding, a week-long trip away, Bridal showers, holiday gatherings, AND all of these marvelous musical events to work in--------we decided to get in the spirit early.

And the Christmas concert yesterday was just perfect for my little world, here at Corgi Hollows.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOtpwetBCeQ

Check List!

Are you Miserable?

Excellent list to provoke some thought.

CURL: The beginning of the end for Barack Obama - Washington Times

CURL: The beginning of the end for Barack Obama - Washington Times

Just in time for Thanksgiving!!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

How Can I Keep From Singing?

Lost at sea - Full Flame video series (Reinhard Bonnke)

Whatever you think of Reinhard Bonnke, this little film clip is pretty powerful.

Lost at Sea

Judge Not

I am fascinated by this command in the Bible.

There are so many ways to interpret it!

Yesterday, we read through this chapter in Commands of Christ Series which we have used for several years. I'm always convicted, always challenged regarding this command.

I also have a short memory, apparently.

The command contains a warning----Judge not, lest you be judged.

That is key to understanding the whole concept.

In another way to put it, don't judge me until you have judged yourself!

God is JUDGE. He is the ultimate judge of the entire universe. I am always floored by this, and I PRAY MERCY---under the blood of Christ Jesus (the only way to escape His horrible wrath!)

When He is the judge, do we need to judge each other?

NO!!!!!!!!

You and I can discern righteousness by looking at God's Word. That's easy. That's our standard. We must judge ourselves according to God's standard.

To look outward from our own souls is to see needs in other souls.

The only valid way to see others is to ask how can I help? How can I serve them?

So when you are beaten down, unappreciated, misunderstood, hurt-------------You've been given a gift.

God will judge the one who has injured you. You will look for ways to love and serve that person, and you have the gift of an opportunity to do something for a heavenly kingdom. Perhaps you will be a means to bringing that soul closer to Christ.

That is what it's all about.


Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Finger Prying

I have a heavy heart tonight. Lots of reasons.

It seems incongruous with my fun and upbeat weekend of celebration with my mother, who just turned a decade older----with my own extended family.

But I do feel down.

Illness continues to plague. World events seem so depressing. I continue to fail in my own ways, needing forgiveness.

I wonder if the Lord is trying to pry my fingers off of this life like never before.

When circumstances seem daunting, and life becomes burdensome-----isn't that only one more reason to let go of our "treasures" here, and "lay up treasures in heaven?"

Like any human, gifted with everything needed to sustain life on the this planet, I cling to life! I cling to things that I value, that have become precious. I cling to people who I care about, yet they seem not to care about the life to come.

The one in heaven.

It's a lesson in letting go.

How great the Father's love for us! Such a hope for our future. We have so much to anticipate!

It's time to look up, with hope.

The earth, like a garment, is worn out and discarded. (That's from the prophetic writings of Isaiah, 51, verse 6)  Those who believe in Christ Jesus, and have put their hope and faith in Him, repenting from sin, have every hope of new life with Him.

I need that hope today, as my Savior pries my clenched fingers from this old world.

Let Him pry yours, too.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Small Groups Introduction Video

http://www.youtube.com/v/Ceus-xpD3t8?version=3&autohide=1&autoplay=1&showinfo=1&attribution_tag=XgnXFnUK-T2jRScMeoghsg&feature=share&autohide=1

The Fuel Project

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheFuelProject?feature=watch

These little YouTube clips are priceless.

If you are interested in true Biblical Christianity you will be fascinated and encouraged by each of these mini seminars.

Fairly has put together reams of research in very digestible bites.

You will be amazed and convicted.

You will be shaken to your core, especially if you have bought into church tradition over Biblical authority.

Prepare to be born again, sans the chains of the Deceiver's designs.

I have been so blessed.

You will be too.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Cute corgi puppies part 6 Puppy wants to eat camera. slow motion / カメラを食...

http://www.youtube.com/v/nBWmTh9WlYY?version=3&autohide=1&autohide=1&showinfo=1&feature=share&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=Kyu4V-jjhpp9KOjKwY8u2Q

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Abandoning

As a believer in Jesus Christ, one must be in a continual state of abandonment.

This isn't some Gnostic doctrine I'm promoting. Let me explain.

When your Weltanschau is based on a Biblical grid you MUST evaluate everything according to that standard.

We are all products of our upbringing, our culture, our desires and preferences.

Every time one of our closely held beliefs comes to light as contradictory to what the Bible says about it we MUST change.

To make our faith/belief have precedence over what God says is idolatry. I've written much about that before.

So we must get used to the idea of  "abandonment!"

We must be willing to give up those things that were perhaps defining of our very lives.

For me it was political.

I no longer define myself as I did.

Abortion, marriage, and freedom of religion are still big issues for me. They are defined by my understanding of Scripture.

Willingness to abandon things that don't measure up to a Biblical worldview -----not church traditions---becomes increasingly important as time nears its end.

After all, God's Word abides forever. What else matters? It IS the definitive plan for our existence.

Be willing to give up your "sacred cows." Those things you thought were right, but with brighter light, and the magnifying glass of God's ideas, the flaws become more apparent.

Remember, things of this earth that seem so right, but aren't, will only last for this age. It's rapidly drawing to a close.

The Word says that there are those who call God "Lord"----and He will not acknowledge them! Why not? Are they thinking that they serve God, when in fact they are idolators?

Please ask yourself these hard questions---Am I serving God?---or a God of my own making/understanding?

Abandon that god. Seek GOD, the Lord, Creator. Find Him in the Word.

Give up your "churchiness" ---give up your occult, your witchcraft, your false gods. Give up your hedonism, your secret societies, (with all of their own vows and hidden mantras) freemasonry, conspiracy illusions, Illuminati, elitism. Give up Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Mormonism, ---and any "cult." Give up your ideas based on church tradition, whether they are Catholic, Lutheran, or Methodist-----GIVE THEM UP!

Abandon them ALL for the strong meat of God's Word. Measure them, weigh them. They will be found wanting.

Jesus is all you need. Find Him now. The Jewish Messiah. God, ---Jesus ben David, Jesus ben Joseph.

Our Heavenly Father is wrapping up Time. He will not delay.

Get right with God.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

So Glad I Can Share This With You

http://www.lamblion.com/enewsletter1/new_enewsletter_template_131106.html

This was part of a sermon I heard a while back. Such a powerful illustration and hopeful message. Please take the time to read this today!

Friends, we are surely seeing the return of Christ SOON! Praise the Lord!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

World Fear

http://www.churchofgod-usa.org/1/post/2013/11/world-fear-grows-war-looms.html

This article is long, but really worth reading.

"Coming into focus" is the best image for the things happening right now.

The author did some great research.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Pray for Germany

http://www.youtube.com/v/qq0dlQvi_Dw?autohide=1&version=3&attribution_tag=6pVnK2xRI-8CtaOsE7QORQ&autohide=1&autoplay=1&feature=share&showinfo=1

☢ Fukushima: Beyond Urgent ☢

Blessings

When it dims outside, the world seems cold and uncaring, when you feel attacked or stressed-----it's time to COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!

So I will count mine today.

1. Friends. God has given me the best friends. I've been blessed with an inner circle of gals I call my sisters (because I have no biological ones!), a church family of women who care deeply, and a whole numberless group of gals who have shown their love and support, their friendship to me through my hardest moments. They have been there, 'closer than a brother,' through my deep waters. What a blessing.

2. A Warm House-----and everything that goes with that as winter approaches. It's been a long and interesting fall. Leaves are falling---green! I guess snow is coming tomorrow, so we will go from green to white, no brown in between! We'll see. I'm thankful for all that the Lord has blessed us with.

3. Dear children. Need I say more?

4. Faithful husband-----24 years ago today we got married, and that vow we made still stands!

5. Omniscient,  Omnipotent, Omnipresent God, Yah, the LORD, the Creator, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob....Who has an infinite plan that I can see. No I don't comprehend it all, but I can see it, and I am in awe. That we could be His children is beyond my reasoning. Yet He loves us. He likes us. He accepts us when our fellow humans are unable to do that. Infinite, wonderful God. The only God.

Yes. I have blessings.

Friday, November 1, 2013

The Life of Christ (Negro Spiritual), Part 1 of 2

http://www.youtube.com/v/ydAEkr91VK0?autohide=1&version=3&autohide=1&autoplay=1&feature=share&attribution_tag=Td8evSgpiJGLn8zX94amTA&showinfo=1