Thoughts of the Month~November

[JudyB]

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DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:

From Chris Saunders

Just been reading again what Satan said to Eve.".you surely won't die."
But she did..when she fell into sin, breaking God's commandment..she most certainly did die, she lost all fellowship with her Creator and was spirituality dead!
And remained dead.
What does Satan say to people today, those who are content to live without their Saviour interceding for them.
Those who are " not that bad" who are" not as bad as some"
"You're fine..you won't die."..they are already dead!
Unlike Eve they never had a relationship with God to lose.
They have never been able to walk and talk with their Saviour and have no knowledge of Him.
They don't talk about dying.. that's too morbid..
But spirituality, they are already dead.
Come to Christ, humble yourself, admit you're need , and you will know a joy unspeakable.
He will remove your sins far from you, and keep you from falling.
He is the Way , the Truth, the Life that you need.
But you must cry out to Him.

[JudyB]

Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul
(Click to hear music)


Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me'.
Matthew 16:24


This hymn was written by Seth and Bessie Sykes copyrighted in 1940. The Sykes were traveling Evangelists well-known in the United Kingdom and the United States. Their home base was located in Glasgow, Scotland the third largest city in the United Kingdom. Mr. Sykes (1892-1950) began his career as a conductor and motorman for Glasgow Corporation Tramways. He also served as Secretary for the Tramway Christian Association where he was allowed to hand out Christian literature and Bibles. In 1929 Sykes left his job and along with his wife became a full-time traveling evangelist. The Sykes were somewhat like today's media Christian innovators in that they used lantern slides and rousing songs played by Bessie on their barrel organ to gain the full interest of their crowds. Seth's sermons led countless people to Christ and this hymn was most assuredly sung as a regular part of their services.




Some thank the Lord for friends and home
For mercies sure and sweet
But I would praise Him for his grace
In prayer I would repeat

Refrain:
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free

Some thank Him for the flow'rs that grow
Some for the stars that shine
My heart is filled with joy and praise
Because I know He's mine

I trust in Him from day to day
I prove His saving grace
I'll sing this song of praise to Him
Until I see His face
 
 

[Jacqueline]

Oh this is all so different now, this is going to take some getting used to....Just found the reply button so letting you know I am here...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. After a very rainy day yesterday we have a bright and sunny morning and suppose to stay sunny all day long but only get into the mid-60's.  I am feeling much better today than yesterday.  Yesterday I was very short of breath and very tired and was having angina.  Pat discovered that the humidity in the house was above 50% and felt that might be contributing to the way I was feeling so we turned on the air conditioning and it went back down. I plan on staying home today although Scott has today off and suggested we go out to lunch, so we may go for a late main meal this afternoon. Other than that I just plan on watching some football and taking it easy. I have fixed Pat's breakfast and the kitchen and morning chores are done.   

Judy, I see you were able to sign-in and get us started for the Month of November.  I always enjoy reading Chris's writings and the hymn and background of the hymn you provide. Thanks. It is interesting how different countries use different scales like the blood sugar scale. 

Marilyn, glad to see that Keith is progressing and expect he is glad to get the breathing tube removed.  I hope you see further progress for him today. A nice bath and getting hair washed when you are confined to bed sure does fell good although Keith may not have been aware of it.  I remember when I had my first heart surgery that I was so weak I had to grab my hair to move my head on the pillow and my hair got so oilly.  Pat got some of the powdered shampoo and used it and it sure felt better. I was surprised to see that Keith was in restraints.  Years ago when my dad was in the hospital and out of it he would try to get up and the nurses told me it was illegal for them to use hand restraints.

[JohnB]

I sometimes wish people would just leave well enough alone. We were doing fine the way things were and then someone comes along and changes things without warning or explanation. I didn't know where to get started here for a bit. Got some coaching from Judy. I am not that computer savvy. If it wasn't for Judy I would not have bothered any further and moved on. Hope everyone has a blessed day. Hope you can find your way around these new changes.

[Jacqueline]

John...I so agree, as we get older we get used to things a certain way, we dont always take well to changes...

[Marilyn]

Larry the restraints were to keep him from pulling out the breathing tube and other things or thrashing around and disturbing his  wound coverings. e is connects to. The restraints were removed yesterday he was more alert and talking to whoever spoke to him. He knows he is in the hospital and keeps telling everyone that he has to go  home. He won't be coming home until after his incisions is  healed. Right now it is open so they can clean and re=pack it daily.

[Jane Walker]

Well, I came here yesterday but I guess I was in the midst of the renovation and couldn't get any where     I'm still not sure what all is available to me but I'll do some exploring to find out.  Looks like I'll need to up load my profile picture again.

Y'all hang in there and we'll get through this together.  Y'know change is good sometimes as it keeps us from getting complacent.

[Oldiesmann]

Looks like I'll need to up load my profile picture again.

I'm still investigating that. I'm not sure why the avatars didn't get moved/updated when the forum was upgraded. Once I'm done with the gallery stuff I'll see if I can fix the avatars.

I sometimes wish people would just leave well enough alone. We were doing fine the way things were and then someone comes along and changes things without warning or explanation.

I apologize for the confusion. Things are very similar now to the way they were - just a new look for everything. The biggest change is the gallery, and I'll post more info about how to do things with that when I'm done importing everything

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. It is another beautiful Sunday morning here in South Carolina with not a cloud in the sky.  I did remember to reset the clocks and my watch.  I am responsible for our devotional for our Sunday School class this morning and likely will lead us in singing a couple of the old hymns unless a choir member is there and is willing to do so.  Pat isn't up yet so don't know whether she will feel up to attending Church this morning or not.  If she goes we will likely stop somewhere on the way home to have our main meal and if she doesn't I will pick up something to bring home.  Then I expect to spend the rest of the day quietly.  I do want to try to contact my good friend via FaceTime later this afternoon. We try to talk about once a week. 

Yesterday Scott came over and we went to Wifesaver's for a delicious chicken dinner.  We even had a dessert apiece.  He and his mother had the banana pudding and I had a piece of lemon meringue pie and really enjoyed it.   

John, glad to see your posting.  It is just the nature of things now to have almost constant changes in the computer world. I am glad Judy was able to help you get signed on to this new version of the software. I expect this is mainly a facelift for the software with some "improvements".  I guess we really shouldn't complain since Oldiesmann ends up with the all of the work.  I know I sure appreciate his efforts.

Jackie, I expect most of us as we get a bit older get used to things and would like for them to stay the same. 

Marilyn, I understand the reason for the restraints especially while sedated.  Glad he has recovered enough that the restraints could be removed and that he is now more alert. One can understand why he wants to go home as things are familiar to him there. 

Jane, it looks like you quickly found your way around this new discussion software as it now appears. 

Oldiesmann, thanks so much for your continued help.  I am sure another change in software is not something you are happy to see when it occurs since it creates so much work for you.  You do a great job in keeping us going and these discussions are an important part of many of our lives. You do us a great service and we seldom express our appreciation.       

[Carol]

Good Sunday to all!  Thank you - Oldiesman especially for the new site.  Thank you, Chris for all your efforts in here as well. I hope to post this note correctly. 

We were able to watch a streaming hockey game from Minnesota last night - our team lost but the kids sure have a great time.  Our daughter and son-in-law are driving from there to the northern Denver area today - anxiously awaiting their arrival call.  I called a cousin yesterday - he had pneumonia before they left Washington and is now in Yuma in their trailer.  So good to chat with them.  We plan to visit twice in the winter time. 

I just spotted the color site for print.  Nice! 

What is YouTube doing up there?  How is that used in here?  What does "Code" mean? 

I just looked up an old friend - a high school date.  He passed away after being a Nazarene pastor.  That was sad to read. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. The weather report says it will be a cloudy day today with a small chance of rain late this afternoon.  One of my coffee drinking friends has been very ill and he passed away a couple of days ago and so plan on attending the Memorial Service at 1 pm.  Scott said he would come over later this morning and set up the new color laser printer that was delivered on Sunday and do a couple of other installation jobs for us. We got the last pull out shelf we need to put in the cabinet that holds Pat's sink in the master bathroom and the longer black out curtain came a few days ago so he will put those up for us. I have a friend who should be here in a few minutes to work with me for an hour.

We did have a very nice Church Service yesterday as it was All Saints Day and the day we remember our lost loved ones and especially the member of our Church who have died in the last year and there were quite a number of them. The service started with a bell ceremony and then later there was a litany in recognition of the lost members and as each name was read a small candle was lit while our bell choir played quietly in the background.   

Carol, I think Oldiesmann was working on the site yesterday and things are pretty much back in order, at least what I use.  It is nice you are able to watch the hockey game from the comfort of your home.  Was your grandson playing in the game for his college team.  It sounds like your cousin has recovered from his pneumonia and nice you all will be able to get together a couple of times during the time you all are in Arizona.  I haven't checked out the YouTube link but that is probably just for convenience.  Coding is what is behind the scenes of websites that make them work.   

[Carol]

Thank you, Larry, for explaining coding.  I thought it was something in that order but not quite sure.  How nice to have the pull-out shelving, so smart - so convenient. Scott is a treasure - I am so glad you are close.   yes, grandson was out there - they lost - he did have one or two assists though.  Our daughter's god-father was able to meet them for supper. 

For the third time in a month, the corner of our street has been under construction.  Early this morning, the asphalt was broken and then hauled away.  Immediately (not like the other weeks, the fresh asphalt  was smoothed with the big roller.  It may be "right" now.  What an expense to have two shoddy jobs in one street. 

We are really happy that voting will end this week - this has been the worst in any campaigns we have ever endured.  Every ad on t.v. has been political - no regulars at any hour of the day.  We have never endured such a volley on nasty name-calling - at least not since we lived in northern Texas and had to listen to Little Rock, Arkansas horrible campaigning.

 

[JudyB]

Good evening everyone.  The problems I was having have been resolved. 

John is working hard getting the wood in. We bought wood this year instead of cutting it ourselves.  This has cut the job down considerably, however still a lot of work getting it into storage.

Have a wonderful day folks.

[Jacqueline]

Oh its good to see our avatars back, come on Larry Hanna, we are waiting for yours...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  According to our local weather report last evening we may be in for a very stormy short period this afternoon with heavy rain and high winds.  However, he said it shouldn't last more than an hour or so.  Well this is the day I think most of us in American, if we have been paying any attention at all, have been waiting for as it is finally election day. From what I have heard it sounds like this may be a record turnout for a mid-term election.  I will definitely be watching the returns as they come in tonight. I think I mentioned before that Pat and I had voted by absentee ballot and it was sent in a couple of weeks ago. This should be a pretty quiet and restful day.  I do have someone coming to the house and to work with me for about an hour later this morning.  Scott did not make it out yesterday as he had planned but know he was probably exhausted from working both shifts at his job Sunday.

Carol, we love the pull out shelving and now have it on the lower shelves of all of our kitchen cabinets and the last one is yet to be installed under Pat's sink in the bathroom.  They are made of polished steal and are heavy duty and roll out very well. Pat just got three heavy duty plastic trays to organize the shelf in our pantry with the canned goods.  It helps to have all the vegetables in one area and fruits, etc sorted in another.  Now the trick is to keep them in order as before we just put things in where there was space.  I know you are glad they dug up and replaced the area of your street in one day.  Perhaps the inspector didn't like the way it had been done before.  You know the next election begins tomorrow and it will likely be worse than this one in terms of the ads and calls.  I read that a record $5 Billion dollars have been spent on this current election. The television station revenues must surely have grown as a result. I am sure your grandson was disappointed his team did not win the hockey game and hope they have better results with their next game.   

Judy, it looks like Oldiesmann has done his usually excellent job and is getting everything back in order. I don't envy John in having to deal with the wood as know wood is heavy and that he has back problems. 

Jackie, I don't know what happened to my avatar but it was time for a new one anyway so will get a new one up in the next day or so.  Right now I am in hiding! 

 

[Marilyn]

Keith is not doing very well. The dr. told me his white count was up and she was ordering another Blood test. She also saw that is dementia is much worse.. I feel so  bad for him, being there in the hospital and not understanding where he is only that he is not at home. He may never get to be at home again.  He can't be left alone and his wound is going to take 3-6months to close. At the skilled nursing facilities they do no have people to sit with the patient 24-7. I don't know yet what we can do. If he gets an infection it will lead to his demise, He is DNR so it would mean comfort care only.The Dr. told me they have had to place people as faraway and Bend  Oregon which is a good 250 miles away in eastern Oregon.

It makes me so sad that he is  there in  the hospital  not understanding here he is and or why he has to stay there and not come home. All I can think about is how lonely he is. Yesterday he would open his eyes wide and look at me and ask me where all  his things are, he was so confused he wanted the keys to the Corvette and the house keys.

I feel so alone here without family. I don't see anyone, If I ask for help the same two men from church do what they can. The neighbors see that the yard needs  work but don't bother to finish what they started, leaving  leaves etc all over the lawn thaneeds mowing badly. I told him I would pay him to clean up the yard, mow etc, but he only pruned the Rhodies and left the small stuff on the lawn throwing away only the branches and large stuff over the  bank in the bank yard.

I am not doing well emotionally, not sleeping well since the time change.I feel so alone and sad. Freckles is a huge comfort to me she know something is not right, she snuggles so close to me and I  talk to her.

[Oldiesmann]

Working on fixing avatars for everyone

I'm also going to see about increasing the height of the post box since the smileys take up so much room.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. We have a beautiful sunny morning but suppose to have clouds and rain later in the day and evening. We will be getting into the mid-70's this afternoon.  I stayed up until after midnight last night watching the election returns.  Pat is planning on going to her craft group this morning and so I will take her and then go on down the street from the Church and have coffee with my men friends.  This evening is our normal Wednesday night dinner at the Church and later Scott will be out to spend a couple of hours with us. 

Marilyn, so sorry that Keith is not doing well and that his dementia has increased.  I hope his sons step up and help you. I hope they can find some place for Keith that is relatively close to you. I know you have a strong faith and now is the time to put things in God's hands and he will see you through this.  I am so glad you have Freckles there with you. 

Oldiesmann, I see my avatar is back.  Thanks again for all of your work on our behalf.   

[Carol]

Oldiesmann:  Thanks for all of your time and hard work invested in making everything easier for us.   


 

[Jacqueline]

Marilyn...
...dogs do pick up when something is not right...please do take comfort in Freckles...at the end of the day, a dog will never let you down, even if humans will-or have done...this is one lesson I have learnt...and of course never rule out our God, he will always be there to guide you...although I dont think you need me to tell you that...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. WE had some heavy rain with thunderstorms last night after 8 pm.  Today we will get up to the mid-60's with a chance of rain all day.  I don't have much on the schedule for today except going to the Thursday coffee after picking up my friend.  After I return him to his apartment I will stop at Walmart to pick up a couple of prescriptions for Pat and then pick up an online grocery order.  I plan to spend the rest of the day restfully as am tired today.  Scott didn't make it out after dinner at the Church last night so am not sure when he will get here.  It could be later today or later this week. We made our plans for Thanksgiving and will go to Cracker Barrel on Wednesday for our Thanksgiving dinner.  I plan on getting a pumpkin pie from Costco that we can have on Thanksgiving. 

Marilyn, you and Keith are in my thoughts and prayers today. 

[Marilyn]

Keith seems to be doing a little bit better every day, Although as the day progresses, his memory seems to get worse, the next morning he seems OK again. Late yesterday afternoon he ask if we were married On the phone last night he called me by Fisher instead of Riley and when did we get married.. Said he was working on getting a few things cleaned up.(Not) He right hand is shaking so bad we are feeding him. He got a blood transfusion yesterday and may get another. It is so difficult to see my soul mate fading away,

[Jacqueline]

I went to my monthly MS Social gathering last night ( the one that is 31 miles away )...nothing special took place apart from everyone taking in stuff for their annual sale which is taking place somewhere in their region tomorrow, I shan't be going as it is too far away...It was busy for them last night as all the tables had stuff on and were being sorted and given to the MS members who will be dealing with those sets of sale Items...I hope we  raise some good money for our MS Society, told there will be other good causes also selling on behalf of their chosen societies - charities....I took in some " good as new " soup recipes book, plus an all about " seasonal organic " foods book and how to prepare...I also helped tear off and fold up the raffle tickets with an MS friend I was sitting next to..of course our usual teas - coffees and biscuits got passed around...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. It looks like we will be having a cloudy day with a good potential for rain. I have nothing on the schedule for today except to take it nice and easy and get some extra rest as seem to be very weary this morning even though I had a good nights sleep.  Yesterday as I was driving home from picking up a large online grocery order from Walmart Scott called and said he would be out shortly and would help get the groceries into the house, which he did and I very much appreciated.  We visited for awhile and then he installed the new Brother's Color Laser Printer and seeing it was connected to all of the computers.  I hope to never ever buy another inkjet printer cartridge.  We will keep the two inkjet printers in place to use for scanning only. 

Marilyn, I am happy to see that you feel Keith is getting a little better each day.  I expect you have done a lot of reading about how dementia affects a person and I think it is not unusual for them to become more confused in the afternoon and evenings. 

Jackie, glad you were able to attend your MS meeting and it sounds like the projects you all were working towards are very worthwhile. It sounds like the items you donated should be popular items with the ladies. 

[Jacqueline]

Larry Hanna...
...you are doing right, listen to your body, if it is telling you rest, you must rest it...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. The morning starts out cloudy but we are suppose to get some sun this afternoon.  Our temperatures will get only into the mid too high 50's today and tonight they have a freeze warning posted for our County.  I will have to say goodbye to my blooming azaleas that I have been enjoying for the last few weeks.

I had a totally wasted day yesterday as spent most of it laying down or just sitting in my easy chair. I had another good night's sleep and feel reasonably refreshed this morning.  However, I am going to try to stay in today and will skip my Saturday meeting.  I want to feel up to attending Sunday School and Church tomorrow. I did an online order from Costco for some non-perishables and that should be delivered sometime today. To get the free shipping the order had to equal or exceed $75 but that isn't hard with Costco. This will cut down on some of the big items we need to pick up at the store like paper products and a large box of coffee pods.  I look forward to watching some college football games this afternoon and early evening and later this morning I want to call my good friend over in Georgia.  I had told him I would call yesterday but just didn't have the energy so sent him a text begging off until today. There is nothing else on the schedule that has to be done today. 

Jackie, hope the rain has lessened over your way and you are enjoying a pleasant day today. I didn't have much choice yesterday but to listen to my body as I didn't seem to have the energy to want to do anything but lay down and keep my eyes closed.     

[Carol]

It is into the 70's here and all doors and windows are open.. I baked an angel food cake, chilled it and made a frosting of chocolate bar melted into a whipped topping.  A very old quick recipe.  It is for a meal at our friend's house tonight.  We wanted a couple across the street to visit last evening but they were too tired to walk across the street since they had been out all day.  They are instead visiting tomorrow night. 

Watching and reading about the fires in California - so disturbing.  It is such a huge area.  It could happen anywhere.

Larry:  Placing an online order for COSTCO - that is a great idea.  The big box store is exhausting.  That is on my list to do - especially when we arrive at home.  Your day was not wasted by resting - you needed that rest and it is a gift to have a free time to refresh.  Yes, that was our grandson who is involved with hockey.  We forgot to watch last night - he was in Duluth and sent a picture of the favorite pizza place.  It is amazing to keep in touch with everyone through the internet.  My dad would have been over the moon with that technology. 

Prayers for all in fire danger. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. We have a bright and clear morning sky and it is 44 degrees here at my house on this Veteran's Day.  I am pretty sure we escaped the light freeze last evening. Yesterday was a quiet day although we did get out around 2:30 and went to have our main meal at the Monterrey Mexican Restaurant downtown. I came home and watched football until about 10:30 last night with Georgia and Clemson winning but the University of South Carolina losing to Florida as although it was a good close game.  Today is Church Day and as of last night Pat planned on attending Church.  However, her Fibromyalgia has flared up in her neck and shoulders so know that will be a factor in her final decision. 

Carol, I have never had cake icing made like you described but it sure sounds good.  It sounds like you all are busy visiting with neighbors, which is always enjoyable.  It is possible that your Costco store in Colorado will be having delivery of meats and vegetables and other perishables.  Our store doesn't yet offer this service.  I am glad you have a good relationship with your grandson and other family members.   

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. I am going to post this evening as expect to be pretty busy tomorrow morning.  We are expecting a pretty rainy day tomorrow.  I have an 8 am meeting with a friend who will be here for an hour or so.  Then later in the morning it is time to get my toenails trimmed again and the doctor's office is about 25 minutes away.  I am glad to see the appointment occur as a couple of the toenails have been hurting my toes.  I should be able to wear my house shoes again after the appointment.  Pat wasn't feeling like going to Church this morning so I went to Sunday School and stayed for the Church service.  We had a presentation of the American flag and a later recognition of our Veternan's and their spouses.  It was a nice service. 

[JudyB]

This past weekend was very busy. A lot of snow fell over night and the roads were a mess. John had a school bus driver improvement course to teach on Saturday. That is always a big day, with new bus drivers having a lot of questions.  Then we had to pick up office supplies and other things. We ate out which made an easier supper hour. We were both weary when we arrived home, and our "boys" the 2 dogs and 2 cats were glad to see us.    On Sunday we had a wonderful time at church, our pastor had a dynamite message on how to change from the inside out.  We went out to dinner again with friends from our sister church joining us. We then went to their place to park their 5th wheel trailer for them. John parks it in their garage every year. We headed home and again the boys were glad to see us. the continuing snow fall caused a power outage so off to bed we went. 

Our pastors message was based on Matthew 15 and Romans 12.  Matthew 15:12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?"

The chapter to this point was about man made rules, however I found verse 12 interesting.  How many of us are offended when someone says our rules are not Biblical? Jesus was attacking the man made rules and people were offended. they were outside rules and then in Romans 12
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  In other words we are to change from the inside to create a new a holy life on the outside. 
If we do this we will see a change in our lives, the lives of those around us, and in our world. This world needs to see us shine and know we are different.  that only happens if our insides are shining for Jesus.

[Carol]

Good Day everyone - or evening to Jackie.   I am trying the Quick Reply post site.  The oven timer is set to go off soon for two loaves of pumpkin bread are half finished baking.  I am way behind in baking this year.   too much visiting but isn't that therapeutic as well?  Don is off for acupuncture treatment - it is helping this year.  Hooray! 

Judy:  Thanks for your comments mentioning man-made-rules.  Did John and you get all the wood stored indoors?  Put your feet up and rest a bit.  Are you knitting?  I had to pull apart a half knitted scarf because I cannot figure out how to fix a problem in knitting anything.  The yarn color is called Denium and it looks nice next to jeans. 

   

   

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. We are in for another cloudy and somewhat rainy day.  My main activity for today is a quick trip to Walmart to pick up a prescription and to get a few items we need so we can delay our next trip to Costco a couple of days. The person I was suppose to meet with this morning had to reschedule until tomorrow morning.  So it should be a pretty quiet day.  Yesterday I did get to the podiatrists office and had my toenails trimmed and also met earlier with the friend who came over. 

Judy, it sounds like you all are getting started on winter with the snow.  It sounds like you had a great Sunday service and must have a very good minister. I never mastered the art of backing up a simple trailer on the farm without a number of tries so can't image trying to put a 5th wheeler into a garage.  The other day I backed my car into the garage but decided it wasn't worth the effort in the future. 

Carol, I have used the Quick Reply box for years and this new one is even better since it has the formatting and other controls right at the top of the box.  I expect we will soon have the same thing in Seniors and Friends when the new software is installed. If I had to decide between baking and visiting the visiting would win out every time.  Sure nice to read that the acupuncture treatments are being helpful to Don this year. Whatever eases pain is always welcome.

Marilyn, I sure hope the recovery is continuing on pace for Keith. 

[JudyB]

One of our members has lost her husband.  Here is the obituary.

https://www.eganfuneralhome.com/melvin-harold-tex-gray/

This was Ruth's husband.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. We are in for another cloudy and rainy day with 100% chance of rain this evening and a fairly high percentage chance throughout the day.  This will be a relatively busy morning as between 9-11 the man is coming to check my oxygen concentrator for the normal 3 month checkup and at 10 am a friend will be here to work with me for an hour. I have completed all of my morning kitchen duties including just fixing Pat's breakfast.  Now it is time to rest awhile sitting here at my desk. This evening is our annual Thanksgiving Day Wednesday night meal at the Church with turkey and dressing and all the trimmings.  This is the one evening a year we have several veterans from the VA hospital, usually in wheelchairs, join us and also the rescue or comfort dogs will be there again this year as they were a big hit last year with not only the vets but also all attending the meal. Later Scott will be out to spend a couple of hours with us. 

Judy, thanks for sharing the information regarding Ruth losing her husband.  My condolences are certainly with Ruth and her family at this difficult time.  I did read the obituary and realized he was my age.   

[Carol]

I am really worried about this country.  I just signed on to one of my favorite places to check out a recipe, etc.  I could not get into the site because a block of instructions where the question was:  Gender - there were three choices.  Male, Female, Custom.  Apparently, they are forcing people to name your gender (which not too long ago was only two choices).  Has the world gone mad? 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. It is a chilly and still rainy morning but the forecast says the rain will likely be over in a couple of hours.  I cancelled out taking my friend for coffee this morning as didn't want the responsibility of getting him out on a rainy morning. I am glad I did as seem to be running on low battery this morning and didn't even get up until 8:30. 

We had a great Thanksgiving dinner at the Church last evening with turkey, dressing, corn, sweet potatoes, green beans, broccoli and a dinner roll plus a pumpkin type rolled cake with filling dessert.  I was very good and the event was very well attended.  We had 10 Veterans from the VA Spinal Center as our guest and 5 or 6 therapy dogs and their owners in attendance.  Our Veterans and families were honored.  The Veterans from the Spinal Center were each given a beautiful knitted lap robe that the craft ladies had made this last year.  Finally our choir director/pianist played a number of Patriotic songs for us while we were going through the serving line and then everyone sang God Bless America.  When we got back to the house Scott put up the curtain fixtures and hung the new black out drapes that Pat had gotten and also put in the last slide out shelf.   

Carol, in answer to your question I think our world if not mad is on its way although I expect people have thought the same thing as the world changed in the past.  There was a disturbing report issued by the Government yesterday that our military may no longer have the ability to win a war with Russia/China.  Just what we need in something else one could worry about.  I wonder why a recipe website would be asking for a person's Gender (if I understood your comment). 

[JudyB]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0mckI8Xfl8&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2vleX12VRijv6qKtVef5oqPERFpvR0csVtrzWqtqqo1hov8-jfo-7xKEc

Everyone should take the time to listen to this!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. It is a beautiful sunny and chilly day here in South Carolina.  When I got up this morning it was 32 degrees, our first freezing day of the season but we will be in the mid-50's this afternoon.  I am late getting here this morning as have been dealing with paperwork involved with the DMV and the sale of the PT Cruiser to my son.  As normal his first trip generated more paperwork needed so he was just here and hopefully that is taken care of.  I have already taken the vehicle off of the insurance policy so now officially only own one vehicle. The housekeeper is here this morning and Pat and I plan on going out for lunch today to enjoy the nice weather and to keep the kitchen clean for at least one day. I may pick up a couple of prescriptions from Walmart when we are out. 

Judy, I will check out the video you gave us the link for later today.

[Janet]

Hey Kids--I'm home!  We got here about midnight last night.  It was a very long day, up early, ten hour flight from Madrid to Dallas, then a 6 hour layover, then another hour and a half to Garden City and an hour drive home.  I've been doing laundry, sorting mail, etc. all day.

BUT--drum roll--My boxes of books were sitting at the front door when we got home!  So I also have a list of people who want a book (Larry, you're first!) and I bought some mailing envelops to send them in.

Since Larry asked, and some of the rest of you might want a book, the price is $17.99 plus $2 postage.  (I haven't mailed one yet, am guessing, but if it is more, I will cover it)  My address is :1320 W. Cimarron Ave; Ulysses, KS 67880

I have read all posts for the time I was gone, so good to catch up on your lives.  I won't comment individually tonight, as the jet lag is making my eyelids very heavy.
Darrel went to bed two hours ago!

See you all tomorrow!

[Carol]

Janet:  Rest well from your long trip.  Tell us about your experiences.   Best of wishes for your book sale.

Judy:  I am sorry that I only read Ruth's husband had passed right now, some way I missed that post and it popped up when I signed on this morning.  Thanks for the information.  You did the right thing in not cutting all that wood for winter this year.  Save your strength for everything else.  I hope you two will be safe and secure through this up and coming winter season. 

Don's laptop is not working this morning.  Disappointing.  We cannot gripe about such a little thing.  I think of all the people in California who have lost family and homes - even businesses are gone.  It is very sad.

Larry:  the site Pinterest is the one that has a box to click for a third gender. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. It is Saturday afternoon and I am watching the University of Georgia beat UMass and beating them handily.  A little while ago I helped Pat put together a pineapple upside down cake that is now finishing in the Instant Pot.  It made two small cakes so when this one is done she will put the other one in to cook.  We have some left over stew for our supper and a piece of this cake will really hit the spot.  I can't remember the last time she fixed one but always liked them.  This one is made with a pineapple cake mix and rather than the traditional Maraschino cherry, which I do not care for, she is using a half of a pecan, which I do like.  It has been a beautiful day.  This morning I make a quick trip to Walmart to pick up prescriptions for both of us and then down to the Church for the pancake breakfast that is held each year to raise money for our Bolivia Mission Team. I then went on to my regular Saturday morning meeting.  So it has been a full day and I will probably feel it tomorrow.

Janet, glad to see you are safely home but what a tiring trip to get back home.  Glad to see your books have now arrived and I certainly look forward to reading it.  I will put a check in the mail to you on Monday.  I hope both you and Darrel have gotten some extra rest today.

Carol, are certainly right that thinking about all of those poor people in California who have lost their family members and homes and now their is danger from mudslides when they get rain.  A non-functioning computer isn't very important, although annoying.   

[Janet]

I decided to go out to the big annual craft show, got really tired, so I came home.  Even with a light blanket over me here in the living room, My teeth were chattering!  So I got my pajamas and a heavier blanket. Darrel thinks I'm crazy, but when I'm cold, I'm cold!  And I can't help it!

I didn't find anything at the craft show that I wanted to buy, but did find several friends and have short chats with them.  A good friend is head of it, and she invited me to bring my books and set up a table to sell them tomorrow. I knew I couldn't last from 10-5 today, but tomorrow it's only 12-4.  I can probably manage that, by having a chair to sit on.  And we can still go to church!

[Jacqueline]

  Welcome back Janet...
...that is what I now miss, the craft shows and garden shows that I - we, once went to back in Bedfordshire, they were always held at a Stately Home, either inside or outside in marquees...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. We have had a beautiful day and when we left Church this morning it was up to 67 degrees.  We did go to lunch at the Sunshine Grill and I came home and rested.  Yesterday was a busy day as I posted about late yesterday evening.  Just watching some football and both of my pro teams last this afternoon.  However, the 4 college teams I follow all won yesterday so it was not a lost weekend in the football area. 

Janet, I hope your book sales went well this afternoon and that you could stand up to the task.  However, being able to sit down should have been helpful. 

Jackie, it has been a long time since we went to any type of craft shows and don't remember ever going to a garden show.  However, we did visit a couple of places whose business was gardens and they were really enjoyable.   

[Janet]

Thanks for the well-wishes.
 I did have a good day (afternoon) at the craft show! When I woke I felt so bad I didn't think I could do it, but after being up for a while, I felt better, so we went to church, then I went to the show for the afternoon, and I sold 10 books!  I'm a happy camper! 

I'm really exhausted, though, still jet-lagged.  Last night I thought it was time to go to bed; looked at my watch and it was only 4:00!  So I stayed up a few more hours, but just as well have gone to bed, as I slept in the chair anyway.   

Larry, I haven't asked Darrel how the teams he roots for did today, but he is still watching a game now.

Goodnight, friends. See you tomorrow!
 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. It is a nice morning here and we should get up to around 68 degrees this afternoon.  I expect to have a quiet day.  A friend has been here for a couple of hours and just now left.  Since I wrote late yesterday afternoon I just wanted to check in this morning and say I am still here and looking forward to the day.

Janet, I hope you can give yourself a few days to recoup from all of your travels.  It sounds like you were near exhaustion.  Glad you were happy with your efforts and sales at the craft show. I just now put my check in the mail to you for my copy of your new book. 

Marilyn, if you are looking in just want to let you know I am still thinking of you and Keith and hoping that Keith is doing better each day and that you are taking care of yourself. 

[Janet]

Good late morning!  I got up at 5 and worked for a couple of hours; but felt so bad I went back to bed for two more hours.  A cold is attacking me, and I pray it goes away quickly!  I must go to town, mail a couple of books and make a bank deposit.  Maybe I will ask Darrel to do those things for me, I really don't feel up to doing anything except going back to my cozy bed!

[Marilyn]

Howdy from Oregon. Well thisng have develped here since I last posted. Keith had abdominal surgery on October 30 after developing sepis after the prostate surgery. He will be coming home today with Home Health taking care of his wound vac, he will be going daily to the Hospital infusion center to get his daily  special antibiotic that was delivered there from Mayo Clinic to OHSU In Portland then local. I just hope I can take care of him at home this time and he  won't be a danger to himself or his Wound Vac. Please send up lots of prayers. God has answered  many praywrs regarding Keith, he is still alive, The drs gave him 48 hours to improve or  it was DNR. That was when he was in ICU.

[Carol]

Yesterday, we had a call from my cousin and she and husband came for an afternoon visit.  I was able to put together a salad, chicken and bought a frozen blueberry pie to bake - it all went well.  Weather was so nice, we sat outdoors.

Janet:  I hope you can stop that oncoming cold.  I was awake at 5 also. 

Marilyn:  Best wishes for peace and comfort for you and all the family. 

[JudyB]

What Child id This

The lyrics of the carol are taken from a poem written by Dix called "The Manger Throne". The part of the poem that was utilised as the song's lyrics consists of three stanzas in total. The first verse poses a rhetorical question in the first half, with the response coming in the second half. The second verse contains another question that is answered, while the final verse is a universal appeal to everyone urging them "to accept Christ". The carol's melody has been described as "soulful", "haunting and beautiful" in nature.

The context of the carol centres around the Adoration of the Shepherds, who visited Jesus during his Nativity. The questions posed in the lyrics reflect what the shepherds were possibly pondering to themselves when they encountered him, with the rest of the carol providing a response to their questions.

At the time he was writing the lyrics to "What Child Is This?" in 1865, William Chatterton Dix was working as the manager of an insurance company. He was afflicted by an unexpected and severe illness that resulted in him being bedridden and suffering from severe depression. His near-death experience brought about a spiritual renewal in him while he was recovering. During this time, he read the Bible comprehensively and was inspired to author hymns like "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!" and "As with Gladness Men of Old".[1][4] The precise time in 1865 when he wrote the poem "The Manger Throne" is disputed. While the St. Petersburg Times details how Dix penned the work after reading the Gospel for Epiphany that year (Matthew 2:1–12) recounting the journey of the Biblical Magi; Singer's Library of Song: Medium Voice contends that it was actually authored during the Christmas of 1865.

Although written in 1865, "What Child Is This?" was only first published six years later in 1871, when it featured in Christmas Carols Old and New, a "prestigious" and "influential" collection of carols that was published in the United Kingdom. The hymnal was edited by Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer; even though it is not known with certainty who paired the three stanzas from "The Manger Throne" with the music from "Greensleeves", the third edition of The Christmas Encyclopedia by William D. Crump and Stories of the Great Christmas Carols both suggest that Stainer – who was also responsible for "harmonizing the musical setting" – may have done so.

[JudyB]

What Child Is This?
(Click to hear music)

Words: William C. Dix, The Manger Throne, 1865.

Music: "Greensleeves," 16th Century English melody



   


What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

[JudyB]

If you have a favourite Christmas Carol please post it here and I will try and find the history behind it, and post the carol!

[Liz]

Hi from chilly Vancouver Island.
We have been having rather strange weather but it has settled down to being cold the last few days.  I mostly stay inside but do have to go out tomorrow so plan to dress warmly.

I keep reading all the posts and praying for you folks as needed.  Though we all need prayer....I went back and read some of our old posts from 2003-06 and goodness we had so many interesting folks posting back then. Such strong faith and witness for the Lord. I wonder about so many of the regulars and why they no longer come to post. We need one another even more these days as our world is so troubled.

Someone mentioned the increased strength in Russian and China military...According to Prophecy that is right on target.  Reading Prophecy makes understanding what is happening today so my much clearer.  We are seeing Revelation in Real Time and it is not easy to accept.

Thank you Judy for your teachings and lovely music.  It makes a real difference in this old ladies life. 

My cat Teddy is doing well and has adjusted to living with us.  I am getting a vest for him and with a lead, will be able to have Wendy take him out in the Garden for fresh air.  He is getting too heavy and needs some real exercise. 

I have now got one of those Life Line things to wear as the kids will be taking a holiday soon and have concerns about my being alone.  Not very steady on my feet now and think a Rollator will be needed come Spring.

Marilyn, I am deeply sorry about all the problems you and Keith are having.  Know that you are in my prayers.

God Bless,
Liz

 

[Carol]

Liz:  It is so nice to see you posting - the rollator sounds like a good idea for many of us.  Yes, we do need each other.

Marilyn: Will Keith have some home care as he recuperates?  That would be a great help.

Judy:  Love many old songs - especially "Beautiful Savior"  My dad would always sing "The Old Rugged Cross". 

Don had acupuncture treatment yesterday and he stopped in at the VA (no easy task) to pick up the one hearing aid they had repaired.  By the time he drove in here, the hearing aid was not working again.  So, we will go to the other end of the city this morning and see what they can do.  He is concerned about Thanksgiving Day when we are invited to younger people's house (they say we are adopted by two brothers and wives and we have to come}.  There will be a lot of chatter and he will have a wonderful time but will not hear about 80% of the conversation. 

 

 

[Marilyn]

The home health nurse will come three times a week to change the dressing and the wound vac. I learned how to catheterize him until his bladder is retrained  for him to have the feeling that he has to urinate. I have a friend who will sit with him sometimes and will be here with him while I am at the hospital having my eye surgery.I have a list of caregivers to call and also the Area Agency on Aging has some respite care people. I will be bringing him home this afternoon. I am praying that his dementia will clear up a bit  after hew gets home.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. I am back from an early morning trip to Walmart to pick up a few items.  I wanted to get there early so I could get an electric cart to get around the store.  When I went in there were two available.  The first one had power but something wrong and it wouldn't roll.  I got on the other one only to find it was dead.  So I had to walk to the other end of the store but was able to get a working cart there and complete my shopping.  Everything is put away and now I shouldn't have to shop again until next week.  I now have the rest of the day free and to rest up from the trip to the store. Just as I came out of Walmart it started to rain a bit but by the time I got home it had quit.  It is suppose to get into the low 60's this afternoon. We are having some of the chili Pat made the other day for our dinner tonight so that will be easy with little to clean up. 

Marilyn, sure glad that Keith is enough better that he can come home. It sounds like you have now had time to get things organized to care for him.  I hope he will be a cooperative patient but know you will take good care of him regardless.  When are you having your eye surgery. 

Carol, I know it is frustrating to think something is repaired only to find that it works only for a very short time.  I hope Don can get the hearing aid fixed today so he can enjoy the conversation at the Thanksgiving table.  Now nice of the couples to adopt you.  Perhaps you are grandparent representations to them.  The Old Rugged Cross is a song I haven't sung in a long time. You can find about any hymn anymore on YouTube. 

Liz, I am very glad to read that you now have been equipped with a Life Line and I would also encourage you to get a Rollator. When a person lives independently (and I know you live with your daughter) but still in your own place one can't be too careful.  I consider the Life Line like fire insurance as I am very happy I have it but hope I never ever have to use it.  My daughter used hers several times as did my DIL.  It also gives our loved ones a sense of peace that you have a way to get help if you need it and can't reach them.  Nice to read that Teddy is adjusting well and you are adjusting to him. 

Judy, thanks for posting the story and the link to "What Child Is This".  It is always a Christmas time favorite.  I am pretty sure that we will be singing Christmas hymns in a week or so at our Church services and for a couple of weeks afterwards.  The background of how hymns were written is always interesting. 

Janet, I wonder if your cold was brought on by all the changes in climate you experienced on your trip plus the chance to catch it on the plane.  I hope you can soon conquer it. I certainly hope you are feeling better today and if not just rest as that is usually the best thing for a cold.

[JudyB]

A Babe Is Born
(Click to hear music)

Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord
Luke 2:11

Words: Possibly from a 14th Century Benedictine processional from the monastery of St. Georg, Hradlisch, near Olm'uer natus in Bethlehem.

Music: composer unknown
 Â 


A Babe is born in Bethlehem, Bethlehem,
Therefore rejoice Jerusalem,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!


Within a manger He doth lie, He doth lie,
Whose throne is set above the sky.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!



Stillness was all the manger round, manger round,
The creature its Creator found.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!


The wise men came, led by the star, by the star,
Gold, myrrh, and incense brought from far.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!


His mother is the virgin mild, virgin mild,
And He the Father?s only Child.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!


The serpent?s wound He beareth not, beareth not,
Yet takes our blood, and shares our lot,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!


Our human flesh He enters in, enters in,
But bears no single taint of sin.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!


To fallen man Himself He bowed, self He bowed,
That He might lift us up to God.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!


On this most blessè¤ Jubilee, Jubilee,
All glory be, O God, to Thee.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!


O Holy Three, we Thee adore, Thee adore,
This day, henceforth, forevermore.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

 [/color]

[JudyB]

I don't have any  history on this one....

[Janet]

Liz!  I was so pleased and excited to see a post from you!  It sounds as if things are going well for you, and I'm happy for that!  Do come in and chat as often as you can, dear one.

I'm feeling a little better today, but still far from normal. Ugh, I have no patience with being sick!  I stayed in bed basically all day yesterday.  Grandson Curtis came by, wanted to take me to lunch, but I just couldn't do it.  Hate to miss a chance for a bit of time with him.  Darrel did my errands for me, bless his heart.  I got up this morning, and showered and dressed, and have mostly been dozing in my chair since then.  And I know you don't need to know all this, sorry!

We are planning to go to Diane and Jeff's for Thanksgiving. Abby will be home from college, will be so good to see her! My assignment for the dinner is two pies, so I hope to feel better tomorrow so I can do that.

Larry, I'm sure you are right about the reason I'm being attacked by a rotten cold.  But I still feel blessed to be able to travel.  And I'm also blessed to have wonderful health--this is the first time in maybe three years that I've had a cold.  So I'm thankful!

Marilyn, my hart goes out to you and Keith.  Such a difficult situation, but you seem to be handling it with strength and grace.  God bless you with good health and a sound mind to continue the journey you have now embarked on.  Let Freckles be a comfort to you.

Carol, Darrel's hearing aids have given him trouble, too.
He has to mail them in, but the turnaround time has been good, so far, praise be!  I hope Don gets his fixed properly; it's not pleasant not to be able to hear!  I had mine adjusted about two months ago, but am still having trouble hearing.  Will go have them adjusted again.

The housekeeper just arrived, so I need to get off the computer.  She usually has a question or two, and Darrel is at the dentist's.

Talk to you all later!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We have a beautiful sunny and 60 degree day ahead of us.  I expect this one to be a very enjoyable, sort of laid back day.  Mid-afternoon Pat, Scott and I will go to Cracker Barrel for what will be our Thanksgiving Dinner together.  We won't get to spend very long with him after the dinner as he has to work tonight.  I hope he will come out again tomorrow and spend some time with us on Thanksgiving.  The kitchen chores are done for this morning except to fix Pat's breakfast when she gets up.  Yesterday we completed the laundry so that won't have to be done today. 

Judy, that is a new Hymn to me as don't remember ever hearing or singing it.  Thanks for posting it.

Janet, it was good to see you were feeling a bit yesterday and hope by tomorrow that you will feel much better so you can enjoy the Thanksgiving Dinner that is planned.  I hope you and Darrel will be able to travel for a long time to come.  You could just have easily come down with the cold from being around people at Church or in your community.

[Janet]

Good morning!  I feel a bit better, even though I woke with a headache.  I need a chiropractic adjustment, for sure.  I'm ready to go to town; first, get my hair done, then go to the Main Artery to see and paint with my friends for a while, at least.  Depends on how I feel, how hong I can stay.  Then home to bake those pies!  Darrel got the needed ingredients for me yesterday.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

[Carol]

We had a surprise this morning when Don's laptop actually worked - after taking a two day nap. 

I may need a nap later.  Feeling not so great kept me awake since 2 AM.  This was good in a way because I did catch up on my reading - friends at home are also reading the entire bible and I was two days behind.  It is set up to read 4 chapters out of 3 books and comment.

Judy, I could not get either song to play.      Nothing seems to be working very well.

[Janet]

I didn't stay at the Artery very long, just felt too awful.  Came home and took another nap; did get my pie crusts baked, but am waiting until morning to make the fillings.  I feel just awful!

[Jacqueline]

Carol...
...usually Judy's links dont work ( open ) for me but this time both of her above links are opening for me and I can here her music...

Janet...
...our body's have a strange way of telling us to take a day of rest, and we must obey...if not we face the consequences..

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. This Thanksgiving morning is starting out clear and sunny and cool.  However by afternoon we will be seeing some partly cloudy skies but still getting up to around 60 degrees.  We have a very quiet day planned.  Scott will be here part of the day.  Yesterday we did go to Cracker Barrel for our official Thanksgiving meal and we all enjoyed what we ordered.  Pat and Scott even ordered some blackberry cobbler to bring home to enjoy today.  I passed as while I like the taste of blackberries I do not like the seeds.  Around 5 pm last evening a friend from our Sunday School class called to see if we were home and then he brought us a delicious smelling homemade just out of the oven pumpkin pie.  So we will also have that for a special Thanksgiving treat today.  I plan on watching some of the pro football games and perhaps some of the college basketball preseason tournaments that have their finals today. 

Carol, that was a nice surprise for Don to find his computer working.  Maybe it had overheated and shut down to protect the components or something just needed to be jarred.  How is that for scientific analysis.    I do hope you are feeling much better today.  Reading some of the Old Testament books of the Bible can be difficult.  I have read through the Bible twice years ago and should do so again but probably won't as read portions each day with the devotionals or studying our Sunday School lessons.  Not long ago I did Read and listen to the new Testament being read on the Bible Gateway website.  It helps to both her and to see the words at the same time.  I am now working on doing the same with the Psalms but have sort of bogged down and stopped for awhile but need to resume that as found it was a good way to start my afternoon rest periods. 

Janet, sorry to read you had a rough day yesterday and know you must have been feeling really bad not to stay and paint with your friends. 

Jackie, I have found I have the best luck playing the midi hymns using Windows Media Player.  Sometimes we may not have that set as our default midi or MP3 files.  Sometimes we get more than a hint that we need to get more rest as I know you know well.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. We are expecting a cloudy day today with the high in the low 50's.  Nothing particular on the schedule for today.  I do need to get some air put in one of my tires that seems to have a very slow leak and Pat said she wanted to go to the grocery store with me when I go to get some lunch meat.  Yesterday was very quiet.  Scott finally got out here around 7 pm and had dinner with us and spent a couple of hours.  He really looked rested as had spent the entire day, or most of it, sleeping.  I do hope to finish reading a paperback book I have been reading this week so I can return it to a friend who loaned it to me Monday.

[JudyB]

All My Heart This Night Rejoices
(Click to hear music)

"Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11


Words: Paul Gerhardt, Praxis Pietatis Melica, 1656 (Fröhlich soll mein Herze springen); translated from German to English by Catherine Winkworth, Lyra Germanica, 2nd Series, 1858

Music: "Ebeling," Johann G. Ebeling, 1666




All my heart this night rejoices,
As I hear, far and near, sweetest angel voices;
"Christ is born," their choirs are singing,
Till the air, everywhere, now their joy is ringing.

Forth today the Conqueror goeth,
Who the foe, sin and woe, death and hell, o'erthroweth.
God is man, man to deliver;
His dear Son now is one with our blood forever.

Shall we still dread God's displeasure,
Who, to save, freely gave His most cherished Treasure?
To redeem us, He hath given
His own Son from the throne of His might in heaven.

Should He who Himself imparted
Aught withhold from the fold, leave us broken hearted?
Should the Son of God not love us,
Who, to cheer sufferers here, left His throne above us?

If our blessèd Lord and Maker
Hated men, would He then be of flesh partaker?
If He in our woe delighted,
Would He bear all the care of our race benighted?

He becomes the Lamb that taketh
Sin away and for aye full atonement maketh.
For our life His own He tenders
And our race, by His grace, meet for glory renders.

For it dawns, the promised morrow
Of His birth, Who the earth rescues from her sorrow.
God to wear our form descendeth;
Of His grace to our race here His Son He sendeth.

Hark! a voice from yonder manger,
Soft and sweet, doth entreat, "Flee from woe and danger;
Brethren, come; from all that grieves you
You are freed; all you need I will surely give you."

Come, then, let us hasten yonder;
Here let all, great and small, kneel in awe and wonder,
Love Him Who with love is yearning;
Hail the star that from far bright with hope is burning.

Blessèd Savior, let me find Thee!
Keep Thou me close to Thee, cast me not behind Thee!
Life of life, my heart Thou stillest,
Calm I rest on Thy breast, all this void Thou fillest.

Thee, dear Lord, with heed I'll cherish;
Live to Thee and with Thee, dying, shall not perish;
But shall dwell with Thee for ever,
Far on high, in the joy that can alter never.


 

[/color]

[Janet]

Is this color easily readable for everyone?  If not, please mention it, we have so many choices!

I am very happy to report that I'm feeling almost back to normal today!  Praise God!  He always answers prayer!
I felt pretty bad most of yesterday, but still able to enjoy playing with the little great grand girls.  They are such fun!  Dinner was wonderful, even though I didn't feel like eating much at all.  A couple of the other adults had also been sick,  .  We came home early, relaxed and watched a couple of Christmas movies on Hallmark Channel, went to bed at 9:00 and I slept really well and woke feeling happy and refreshed!  I have to go to the bank to straighten out a credit card issue, go to Dollar General for a couple of items, then I'm coming home to rest and enjoy the rest of the day! 

I'm so very happy that I will be able to make the Guatemala trip after all, as I was quite concerned about that!

Larry, glad you had a pleasant Thanksgiving Day, and were blessed with a freshly baked pie!  My chocolate and lemon pies turned out good, even though I had lots of trouble concentrating while making them, because I felt so bad. I left the remains for the Crawfords to enjoy, except for one piece of lemon I brought home for me. 

Jackie, you're absolutely right!  And I know I pushed my body beyond what I should have, and yes, I paid the price. And I didn't like it, not one little bit!    But am so happy for the healing power of God in my life!

Hello, Carol, Ruth Ann, Judy, Pat, and all the rest of you!  Hope to see posts from all of you soon!

[Carol]

We ate our Thanksgiving meal outdoors - needing only a sweater.  How different than a Minnesota holiday - never forget the roads. 

Don was too tired to talk to one of the boys - he had taken a walk and this is what happens.  We are a bit concerned about returning to the higher altitude in Colorado.  We plan to see everyone before and on Christmas Day.  What is that saying?  Man Plans, God Laughs!  Man proposes, God disposes! 

Janet:  I like your new color - so you have it set on Bold?  If not, the next color may be the one I am using now.  The Navy color is nice too - but that is just my nothing opinion.

I have been in the kitchen cooking ground beef for four separate meals, and pork sausage for a huge dressing to go with baked chickens.  There are about 3 meals already frozen of Swedish meatballs and cream gravy.  If something needs heating, it is easy to put together a salad.  Just trying to get ahead of sudden visitors - I really hope people give us more notice this year.  Don needs his rest so I am the gatekeeper and may have to say sorry.

Larry:  This bible reading started with two chapters of Genesis, one of Psalms, and one of John - the first morning.  We go through an entire book and then the 3 books change. There is room to write a thought after reading.  Years ago, I read from the very beginning through. I am so glad that this was a hand-out at church because it gets me motivated every morning. --- Pat and you are very good at spacing your time and resting when you need. 

 


 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. It looks like we will be having a cloudy day with a 20% chance of some more rain starting about 11 this morning.  I can see that it has rained during the night.  I am fighting that old feeling of fatigue this morning and have had a hard time getting my motor running.  I may decide to pass my normal Saturday meeting at 10:30 and just stay home and rest.  I have things all ready to fix Pat's breakfast so that will not be difficult.  My only plans for this afternoon will be to rest and watch some football, which I have also done the last couple of days as there are lots of games on around Thanksgiving.  I watched both football and basketball yesterday.

Yesterday morning Pat fixed a delicious cabbage soup in the Instant Pot and we decided to have our main meal around 1 pm while the soup was still nice and hot.  It is made with rice, sausage, pasta sauce, onions  and cabbage plus some seasonings.  I had gotten all of the ingredients set up along with the measuring cups and spoons before I left to go to the store and get my tires checked.  When I got home the soup was smelling very good.

I was surprised yesterday that I actually needed air in all four of my tires.  I did call my mechanic and found that since they used synthetic oil when they changed it last that I had another close to 3,000 miles before I needed to change it so can scratch that task off my to-do list for next week.

Judy, thanks for posting the beautiful Christmas song.  I couldn't get the link to load so did a quick search and found a version done by the Concordia Chapel Choir.  I am not familiar with it and wanted to hear it and it is beautiful.  This is the link:  https://www.google.com/search?q=All+My+Heart+This+Night+Rejoices&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1-ab 

Janet, no problem here with the color you used for your posting.  Sure glad to read you are feeling better but also that you plan on getting more rest.  We can push ourselves only so far and then we get rebellion in one form or another.  At least you got to be with family for Thanksgiving even if you didn't feel like eating much. 

Carol, I don't think I have ever eaten a holiday meal outside.  It seems there comes a time when we can no longer keep up with all of the family traditions we have known for so many years.  I do hope you all can get back to have Christmas with your family.  It sounds like you are getting preparations made for company that you may have.  I am glad you are the gatekeeper.  Having a specific program for your Bible study helps keeps a person on track.  I used the "read the Bible" plan that I think I found on the Internet.

[JudyB]

Thank you Larry for the link, I am taking the carols from the carol library that you have prepared sometime ago.  I try to find the history to go with them.

[JudyB]

Angels From the Realms of Glory
(Click to hear music)

"A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'" Luke 2:13-14


Words: James Montgomery, in his Sheffield newspaper, Iris, Christmas Eve, 1816. It was published again in Christian Psalmist, 1825. Stanza 5 is from The Christmas Box, 1825

Music: "Regent Square," Henry T. Smart, in Psalms and Hymns for Divine Worship (London: 1867)


   

Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation's story
Now proclaim Messiah's birth.


Refrain
Come and worship, come and worship
Worship Christ, the newborn King.


Shepherds, in the field abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant light:


Refrain


Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen His natal star.


Refrain


Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear.


Refrain


Sinners, wrung with true repentance,
Doomed for guilt to endless pains,
Justice now revokes the sentence,
Mercy calls you; break your chains.


Refrain


Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father's throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down:


Refrain


All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th'eternal Three in One.


Refrain

[JudyB]

A bit of history on "Angles From the Realms of Glory"

In 1778, there lived in Scotland a small lad, James Montgomery, whose father and mother were called as missionaries to the West Indies. They deemed it best to leave young James in a Moravian community in County Antrim, Ireland. He later was sent to a school in England, which proved to be an unhappy experience. To add to his dejection, his parents died when he was only 12 years of age.

James was left with nothing. A short time later, because of bad marks in school, he was taken out of classes and given a job in a grocery establishment. This also was short lived, and he soon became little more than a vagabond.

During his early teen years, he began to write poetry. When things got really tough, in order to survive, he would sell his poems on the streets of London. His wondering took him to Sheffield where he gained employment in the office of a newspaper, the Sheffield Register. The opportunity to help run the business of the newspaper and to write for its pages soon proved to be tremendously useful. When he was only 23 years of age, the owner of the newspaper, after having been jailed several times, was driven out of town for his open stand in favor of Ireland's freedom from Great Britain. Young Montgomery took over the newspaper and changed the name to Sheffield Iris. He, too, took a strong stand against civil problems of the day and on more than one occasion found himself in jail because of things he wrote. It was not easy being Irish under English rule.

The Sheffield Iris began to prosper, and Montgomery became a wealthy man. At last, he had a place to publish his poems. He was also a great help to the community in that he became a supporter of the British Bible Society. Through the following years, he rose to be one of the most respected and honored men in that town. His newspaper was widely read by the citizens of Sheffield.

On Christmas eve 1816, after reading in Luke chapter two of the heralding of the angels, he began to write. At days end he had written a poem that appeared in his newspaper the following day.

Angels from the realms of glory,

Wing your flight o'er all the earth.

Ye who sang creation's story,

Now proclaim Messiah's birth.


Come and worship, come and worship,

Worship Christ, the newborn King.

A blind songwriter and organist, Henry Smart, wrote a melody that was later used as a musical setting for Montgomery's poem. The song was first sung in a Moravian Church in England, on Christmas day in 1821, and from that day on the world would have the wonderful carol, often heard at Christmastime, "Angels From the Realms of Glory."

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the

heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:13-14

[JudyB]

An interesting note on this, Pat, and her husband Jack  lived for a period of time lived in County Antrim, and I lived with them going to school there!

Have a great day folks! 

[Janet]

Good Saturday morning to you all!

I have some books ready to mail, but our PO Window isn't open on Saturday, so I guess Monday will have to be the day for that task.  Larry's and Jane's are included!

I'm getting all laundry caught up, and meals planned so as to use up what few groceries are on hand, as we haven't been grocery shopping since we got home, and now there are only a few days until we leave for Guatemala, so will wait for the big shopping until we return home again.  And we plan to stay home after that, for the foreseeable future. 
I cannot get the music on here to play, but did listen to the choir Larry gave us the link for.  Beautiful.  I
so love the Christmas carols, and even though they won't play on my computer, I sing them anyway, so I appreciate your efforts, Judy--and love reading the history of them. That was a very inspiring story of the writer of Angels From the Realms of Glory.

I spent a long time online yesterday, doing my Christmas shopping.  And I think I'm almost done!  That's a relief! I knew I didn't have the energy to go to the stores (of which we hardly have any) and look, so am thankful for the internet where one can find almost anything!

May God bless us every one on this day!

[Carol]

Thank you for the beautiful music along with the most interesting history.  Judy - how super nice you were able to live overseas for awhile.  I meant to mention that the minute I read the word "Concordia", I knew it was Lutheran.  Morehead is a nice place..
I cannot get the latest song because my computer tells me the disc is empty. 

Larry, we lived in Texas - north of Dallas - and it usually was too cold to sit outside at Thanksgiving too.  There were ice storms at that time of the year - one son was married near Thanksgiving in Fort Worth and it was a miracle everyone was able to drive through the ice storm that year. 

Don is making arrangements for parking our car when we leave for Denver.  Our middle son just checked the house - it was very windy when he was walking home from our house.  So windy, we could barely hear each other on the cell phone. 

Janet:  No one ever really "get laundry caught up".  I hope you are totally healthy before you take off again.  I am going to call you Wandering Janet.

We have mail.  I watched the little mail truck pause and add letters to our box.  It drove down the street, came back and made a U-turn and added more to our box.  Remembering the time, years ago, I had to walk into the building for the mail. I came out, opened the door, sat and started to go through the mail.  Something was odd - I looked over and had seated myself next to a stranger - he had a similar Subaru and was I ever embarrassed. 

[Janet]

Carol, that's a fun memory.  I meant to mention that we have eaten Thanksgiving out on the picnic table a couple of years as it was delightfully warm.  That's been quite a number of years ago now.
 
You may call me whatever you like, Carol, as I know they won't be mean names. 

Our Guatemala team is to be commissioned in the morning at church, and they asked us to go by pastor's house to pick up our team T-shirts, so we can all wear them to church in the morning, which we did.  I'm happy they are turquoise and not gray!!     

Jackie, Ruth Ann, Rebot, Jane, Marilyn and whoever else peeks in sometimes, come on in!  We promise not to bite, and we miss you!

My body says, "go take a nap!"  And so I shall!

[Marilyn]

I have hired a caregiver to work for both of us. She will work 8 hrs a day 3 days a week, over the Christmas holiday she will be here with Keith tho whole time I am in California. She also  does cleaning and meal prep. She has worked in the Memory care facilities both here and in Bandon. She knew who I was as soon as I said Freckles was my dog who visited the facility to see my hospice patient. Her experience and background is just what I need for K<eith. She is on the Senior care registry who does extensive background checks every 6 months.She charges $14 per hour but with her experience she is well worth every dollar. I will not have to do any housework and will only be taking care of Keith after 4 pm 2 days a week and  then I will care for him all weekend. He has to have daily in fusions so he can't go with me.

[Janet]

Marilyn, that is wonderful news!
 So glad you have reliable, knowledgable help!  What a relief that has to be.  And $14 per hour is very reasonable--some charge more than that for housecleaning! Glad you can get away for a bit at Christmas.

Carol, I always try to use Bold, as it makes it easier to read.  This color is what I would call teal.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. It looks like we are in for another cloudy day, just like yesterday.  It is to get to 60 degrees this afternoon.  The only thing on the schedule for today is attending Sunday School and Church and then being sure we have something for our main meal of the day.  I am hopeful that Pat will feel up to going to Church but it is too early to know yet.  Yesterday was a lost day as was so fatigued I didn't want to do anything that didn't have to be done. 

Judy, thanks for posting the new Christmas Hymn and the background information.  Most of those hymns I fixed up a number of years ago were MIDI files.  Interesting that both you and Pat lived in the county where the author had his newspaper.

Janet, did you get my check for your book?  It sounds like you may have some interesting meals as you prepare for your Guatemala trip.  Sitting and shopping online sure beats walking those long store aisles.  Our Mission teams always have matching tee shirts on the day they are commissioned. 

Carol, are you saying the link for the Concordia Choir doesn't work for you?  I agree with you that the laundry doesn't seem to ever get caught up.  Pat often starts the load and then I will transfer to the dryer and then hang up or fold the clothes.  Did you make a new friend when you sat down next to the stranger. 

Marilyn, glad to read you have found someone to care give for you and Keith. I was happy to read you will be able to go to California for the Christmas holidays.  I would say the fee you pay is reasonable and it sounds like she will do a lot more than just care for Keith. Is he taking his infusions at home?

[Marilyn]

Larry Keith has all his infusions at the hospial it is mopre sanitary there and medicare will only pay if at the hospital. Foir the first 3 days after my eye surgery  the medical transport van will pick him up and bring him home, I should be able to drive by next Saturday to take him myself. The caregiver doesn't have a car yet so I will be the one taking him every day and will arrange for transport for the days I will be in California.

Janet I see you are doing a Mission trip to Guatemala, That should be very interesting. I pray you will be safe there with all that ison the news about Guatemala.

[Carol]

Good Sunday to all. 

Larry:  It was very embarrassing to realize I had jumped into someone else's vehicle.  Then, we both started laughing.  What else can a person do in that situation?  Pat is handy with her ipot - I am still taking it slow to learn how it works and have been satisfied with the results.  Today is chicken soup in the crock pot. I did get the Concordia choir. 

I sure do miss the Christmas programs with children.  No one that age in our family'

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

 

[Janet]

Different color today! 
I meant to comment about the laundry, too,  Carol, you're so right about it never really being caught up!  I heard a story many years ago about a young black woman who was getting married.  Her grandma took her aside and told her, "Now, honey, you don't need to think your work will ever be caught up.  You work and work all day, then go to bed; but while you is sleepin', dust is a-settlin', sheets is a-wrinklin, and stomachs is a gettin empty!"  And "ain't it the truth? 

Marilyn, I haven't seen much news since we got home, but I think most of the trouble is in Honduras, not Guatemala, at least in relation to the mob trying to force their way into our country. Are you having cataract surgery?

Carol, we now have great-grands in grade school, so get to go to kids' Christmas programs.  Always fun!

Yes, Larry, for sure it is easier to buy online than go to stores, especially if you have at least an hour's drive to the stores before you stand and walk all day, fighting the crowds.  I'm not totally 100% feeling good yet, and sure don't want to take chances.  And if I don't get anything bought, that's okay, too, as I already have gifts for the little ones.  I have asked my family for at least four years NOT to buy us anything, but they still do, anyway. What I really want to do is skip the gift buying, and instead buy something to help a poor family in a third-
world country, like chickens, a calf or a pair of rabbits, something they can use to help sustain themselves.

Darrel is watching football through closed eyelids  .

I have been gathering things for Guatemala gifts: hotel size soaps, shampoos, lotions; also pens, small notepads; stove blessing gifts of pot holders, mixing spoons, and full size bars of soap.  I need to buy some washcloths tomorrow, then I think I have everything.  Of course, I haven't started packing yet.  We are only taking a carry-on each, so we don't have to pay for a checked bag. We can easily pack for a week in a carry-on, even with the gifts, plus a backpack to use daily while walking up the mountain and back.  Need to carry water, etc. with us.

Larry--yes, I got your check, have your book ready to mail tomorrow.  Our PO window isn't open on Saturday or it would already be on the way!

I think a nap sounds great!

[Larry Hanna]

Marilyn, it sounds like you have things well organized.  There are many resources available if we only know about them.  What are you having done with your eyes if you don't mind saying? 

Carol, a few months ago I was leaving the Church and saw what I thought was my car and went to it but my key fob wouldn't open the door.  When I looked in the window I saw the front seat was very near the steering wheel and I didn't recognize what was inside.  I sure was glad no one saw me.  I had parked in that location in the past and obviously had forgotten where I had parked that day.  The cars look so much alike anymore.  Our children and then our grandchildren grow up so quickly.  I can remember only going to something our granddaughter was in one time when we were visiting in Kansas City where she lived. 

Janet, I like your story and that old black woman had it right.  We will never be able to go to any programs that our great grandchildren are in.  I do enjoy seeing our little ones at Church.  Our son has asked us not to get him any Christmas presents but that is not going to happen.  It is our joy to give gifts all year round and to help him our when he needs it.  Just having him want to spend time with us means a lot more than something he would buy.  I look forward to getting the book and sure it will be read quickly as that was certainly the case with your first book.  I did have a short nap this afternoon and got up feeling more like my normal self.

[JudyB]

Angels We Have Heard on High
(Click to hear music)

"A great company of the heavenly host
appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
'Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men,
on whom His favor rests.'"
Luke 2:13-14


Words: Traditional French carol (Les Anges dans nos Campagnes). Translated from French to English by James Chadwick (1813-1882); appeared in Crown of Jesus, 1862

Music: "Gloria (Barnes)," French carol melody; arranged by Edward S. Barnes


   


Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Refrain

Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ Whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Refrain

See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the choirs of angels praise;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While our hearts in love we raise.

Refrain


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An alternate translation, by George Ratcliffe Woodward (1848-1934):

Shepherds in the field abiding,
Tell us when the seraph bright
Greeted you with wondrous tiding,
What you saw and heard that night.

Refrain

We beheld—it is no fable—
God incarnate, King of bliss,
Swathed and cradled in a stable,
And the angel strain was this:

Refrain

Choristers on high were singing
Jesus and His virgin birth,
Heavenly bells the while a-ringing
"Peace, good will to men on earth."

Refrain

[JudyB]

History of Hymns: "Angels, We Have Heard on High"
by C. Michael Hawn and Jeanne Larson Williams

French crèche

French crèche
"Angels We Have Heard on High"
Traditional French Carol
The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 238

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!

The French people love to sing at Christmas! Chants de Noël (Christmas Carols) from France may be found in most English-language hymnals. In Luke 2:14 we find the canticle of the angel's song—one of the most famous and frequently sung of the Christmas canticles. The refrain of "Angels we have heard on high" is taken directly from this verse.

Reflecting a common theme found throughout the history of Christian hymnody, a cosmic chorus resounds in the first stanza. The chorus begins in heaven with the angels. Then the "mountains in reply" echo back in response—antiphonally, symbolizing the participation of earth.

The entire hymn is a traditional French carol that originated as early as the eighteenth century, and was published in North America in Nouveau recueil de cantiques (New Hymnal) for the Diocese of Quebec in 1819. Several versions, or translations, of the text can be found, but they all stem from the same source and are inspired by Luke 2:6-20.

The original hymn appeared in French – "Les anges dans nos campagnes" – in eight stanzas arranged in a dialogue form alternating between the shepherds (Bergers) in stanzas one, three, and six, and the women (Femmes de Bethlehem) in stanzas two, four, and seven. All sing together in stanzas five and eight.

The carol first entered into Methodist hymnals in 1935 in an anonymous version from the play, The Nativity. It uses the text, "Hearken all! what holy singing now is sounding from the sky!"  The melody is the same, but the harmonization was modified in the 1966 Methodist Hymnal by the well-known anthem composer Austin C. Lovelace (1919-2010). The 1966 Methodist Hymnal also changed the text to "Angels we have heard on high" because of the popularity of the text used in anthems at the time.

The English translation by James Chadwick (1813-1882), Roman Catholic Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, was taken from Crown of Jesus (1862), subtitled, "a complete Catholic manual of devotion, doctrine, and instruction." The carol was found in the section headed "The Twelve Mysteries of the Sacred Infancy" with the title "Christmas Hymn," reduced to four stanzas in English.

The original text is changed in the 1966 Methodist Hymnal, and the 1989 The United Methodist Hymnal continues the changes with one exception: stanza three changes "him" to "Christ" for inclusive language reasons.

"Angels we have heard on high" is a song of invitation from Christians to others to come celebrate Christ's birth with them. The carol begins in a festive spirit, but then, in the second stanza, asks why there is a celebration.  In the third stanza, an invitation to is given to join the celebration.  The fourth stanza concludes the carol with the observation of Christ's birth and the Christian's joyful response.

"Angels we have heard on high" is a perfect song to accompany the French tradition of the crèche. Handmade nativity scenes are not only common in homes, but also in town squares. Little clay figures, traditionally made in the south of France, are called "santons" ("little saints").  Fine craftsmanship characterizes the production of these figures, and they are a source of local pride for the communities that produce them. It is interesting that "crèche" is also the French term for a nursery for young children during the day.

French crèche

This tradition is particularly strong in Provence, the south of France, with a crèche that includes the Holy Family, the Magi, the shepherds, and the animals, along with additional local figures, such as the mayor, the little drummer boy, or a peasant dressed in traditional attire. In some villages, people dress as the shepherds and join in a procession to the church. Children often contribute to domestic crèches by bringing small stones, moss, and evergreens to complete the scene. Then everyone sings carols!

The tune has also undergone some changes. Austin C. Lovelace harmonized the French carol in 1964. The 1935 Methodist Hymnal uses an earlier harmonization, which is anonymous.  Technically, this is a macaronic carol because it uses two languages: the local vernacular and Latin. The carol uses the effect of a refrain and is one of the few texts that congregations sing regularly in Latin: "Gloria in excelsis Deo!"  It is unusual for congregations to sing a long melisma (many notes on one syllable) and enjoy it.  The melisma on the refrain adds to the joyful, celebratory feel of the entire hymn.

[JudyB]

There are a lot of changes happening in our family  Heather is moving north to be closer to her brother and us.  He will be just a few miles away from her and us 2 and 1/2 hours instead of 5 hours away.  I am so looking forward to seeing more of her.

John has taken a course in Mississauga.  The courts are making this course part of people keeping their license when speeding or other driving convictions.   It is a very comprehensive defensive driving course.  I am excited to see  this come to North Eastern Ontario. 

I will sign off for tonight.  Have a great upcoming week folks.

[JohnB]

The course that Judy mentioned that I took in Mississauga, I will be teaching. I didn't take the course because of court order. I am looking forward to instructing this and hope to make a difference in our road safety.

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is another dreary looking morning and will remain partly cloudy throughout the day.  It is now 52 degrees but only suppose to get up into the mid-50's later today.  I am expecting a friend to stop bye to spend an hour with me shortly.  Then I plan on making a quick trip to Walmart to return some light bulbs I purchased and to get a couple of other things.  That will be it as far as anything planned for today.  I enjoyed a very restful night's sleep and woke up feeling like taking on the day.

John, as I read Judy's posting about you taking the  court ordered training class I sort of knew you weren't taking it by court order.  I hope you will enjoy teaching the course.  Will this be an ongoing activity for you?

Judy, once again thanks for posting the Christmas hymn and the background story.  I know you will be happy to have Heather closer to you and a relief to know that she will be even closer to her brother.

[Janet]

Good morning, and Happy Monday!
 I'm off to the races, so to speak, as have lots to do today, including getting more books into the mail!
Am washing our sheets, planning what to pack, as we are limiting ourselves to one carry-on each, which must have room for small gifts for the families we will be blessing with stoves.  Suggested are pens, small notepads, hotel size soaps, shampoos, lotions, chapsticks, washcloths, and several other items.  Should be a blessed trip!

John, like Larry, my first thought was that you were going to be teaching that course.     We know you're a very safe driver!

Judy, thanks again for the carols and history.  I'm enjoying that.  And happy for Heather's move.  I hope she will come in and take part here.  I assume that means a new job in the future for her, too?

Larry, so good to hear you're feeling stronger today.
That's always good news!

I'm off to get some more tasks done!  Be blessed, my friends!

[Marilyn]

Yes Larry and Janet, Cataract surgery. Keith is doing well the Nurse will be here soon then  he has the in fusion at 10"30.
I forgot about the time of his infusion and made an appointment for my nail to be  done at 10 so now I have to change that.

The caregiver was supposed to be here at 8, texted me that she had an emergency at her othner job and will meet us at the hospital. ot a good start to her new job.

[Carol]

John B:  I also want to add that I never thought you would have a misdemeanor for any driving issue.  That sounds interesting, and so beneficial to everyone driving.  We see a lot of tail-gating but the very terrible news is often of people on bicycles are in such danger from the car drivers.  Wishing you well with all the students.  Best of all, you will enjoy having Heather closer. 

Something isn't working on this computer as far as loading the music - Some songs come through and others do not.

I simmered a chicken carcass and made soup in the large crock pot'  We have an elderly (but fully functional and so bright) neighbor and she loves having a quart of soup.  Another neighbor had left cheese and ham slices for her. 

Reading the news, there are another 5,000 migrants heading for the border.  This is a disaster - prayers for the good people who are waiting for a better life and prayers for stopping the criminals involved. 

[JudyB]

As With Gladness Men of Old
(Click to hear music)

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." Matthew 2:10


Words: William C. Dix, 1860. He wrote this on the day of the Epiphany, while sick in bed; it was first published in his Hymns of Love and Joy.

Music: "Dix," Konrad Kocher, Stimmen aus dem Reiche Gottes, 1838




As with gladness, men of old
Did the guiding star behold
As with joy they hailed its light
Leading onward, beaming bright
So, most glorious Lord, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.

As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly manger bed
There to bend the knee before
Him Whom heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

In the heavenly country bright,
Need they no created light;
Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown,
Thou its Sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King!






 

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[JudyB]

Words: William Chatterton Dix (b. June 14, 1837; d. Sept. 9, 1898)
Music: Dix, by Conrad Kocher (b. Dec. 16, 1786; d. Mar. 12, 1872)

Links:
Wordwise Hymns
Discovering the Songs of Christmas
The Cyber Hymnal

Note: For articles on the history and meaning of 63 of our carols and Christmas hymns (including As with Gladness Men of Old), see my book, Discovering the Songs of Christmas, available from Amazon.

As...so... The words make a comparison for the purpose of giving insight and understanding. The Bible uses this method often. For example, here are three verses from Psalm 103:

¤ "As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him" (Ps. 103:11-13).

The technique is also used frequently in the book of Proverbs:

¤ "As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion" (Prov. 11:22).
¤ "As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country" (Prov. 25:25).

In each case, our understanding of what is being taught is illuminated by the comparison. And that is the technique William Dix used in our hymn–actually, a Christmas carol that tells of the visit of the wise men to the Lord Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 2:1-12.

CH-1: As the wise men were led to the feet of Christ, so may we be led to Him. In their case, they followed a supernatural star. In our case, we are prompted by the Spirit of God. First of all convicted of our sin, and led to Christ for salvation. Then, as believers, we brought, led day by day, into fellowship with Him, by that same Holy Spirit.

CH-2 continues the theme by describing the joyful mood of the wise men, as they envisioned the fulfilment of their quest (Matt. 2:10), with Mr. Dix urging us to seek the place of prayer with the same enthusiasm.

CH-3 deals with the gifts of the wise men. "As...so..."

As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

"Gifts most rare," brought to a "manger rude and bare." How ironic! The place did not at all reflect the worth of the One who was found there. But they weren't discouraged by the surroundings. They came seeking the King, and the "fell down and worshipped Him," presenting the gifts they had brought (Matt. 2:11). In a similar manner, we are exhorted to come with holy joy, and present our costliest treasures to Christ. First of all, to present ourselves as His willing servants (Rom. 12:1; II Cor. 8:5), and then to lay before Him our time, our talents and our treasures, putting them at His disposal.

The final two stanzas of the hymn point us forward to the day when we stand in the presence of Christ, worshiping and praising Him for all eternity. CH-5 is unfortunately omitted from many hymnals, but it provides a fitting conclusion to a wonderful hymn.

In the heavenly country bright,
Need they no created light;
Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown,
Thou its Sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King!

[Oldiesmann]

Dix is also the person who wrote the lyrics for the popular Christmas song "What Child is This?"

[JudyB]

Oldiesman you are correct.   That happens to be my all time favourite carol!

Some people are having problems hearing the music. Have you any idea why?  Also I am not seeing the avatars.   I sure appreciate your input here.

[Jacqueline]

Just been on our tv news, such an uplifting story...this should also put a warm smile on your face...Well at least the young man got his wife...Link to video clip...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-46350467/boy-10-meets-his-superman-life-saver

[Janet]

Jackie, thanks for sharing that!
 Sort of revives one's faith in human nature!  There are many caring, sharing folks around, unfortunately, the opposite types sometimes get all the press.  Good to have you posting again!

We went over to Liberal (70 miles or so) yesterday to get a few needed things for the Guatemala missions trip, also got to stop in Hugoton for a short visit with beloved daughter Diane.  Abby made it safely back to college in spite of a blizzard.  She said there were a lot of cars stranded on the highways, so glad God was watching over her!

Today I must pack!!  May God bless each of you in whatever you choose to do today!

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone. We are in for a sunny but chilly day.  Right now it is 33 degrees in our area and will only get into the mid to upper 40's this afternoon. Pat has a dental cleaning at 10 am so we will have to leave shortly after 9:30.  From there we will head down to the Church for our Senior's Luncheon.  Today the program will be presented by our organist/pianist and I expect we will be singing some Christmas hymns and some Christmas secular music as well.  She did a similar program last year and she is a wonderful pianist.  I am really looking forward to it.

I prepared a posting and thought it had posted but now see it did not.  I don't think any of the comments I made were earth shattering and we have to leave in another five minutes.  So will just say I hope all have a good day and thanks for your posting yesterday and up to this message.  I will be back tomorrow and try to be more careful.

[Carol]

The beginnings of clam chowder is in the crock pot.  A new neighbor has asked for us to bring a used favorite book for his wife's birthday - writing on it what we liked.  She is not a church goer so I wouldn't want to rock the boat but I found a Jan Karon Mittford series book at the thrift store and I will have to think about what to write.  That is the series both religious and family oriented. 

Today is our oldest son's anniversary.  We did get a chance to chat a bit - he is feeling better and even on airplanes again (for meetings).  Don isn't up to par these days and I hope he will be alright for our trip home for Christmas.  The kids have his birthday party planned -

Janet:  Happy Landings and a safe stay.  Looking forward to your notes from this trip. 

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  It is a beautiful and cold (for us) morning that started out at 28 degrees  this morning and will only get into the high 40's.  However, it is sunny or will be nice.  A friend will be here in an hour to work with me and then this evening we will go to our last Wednesday night dinner at Church until after the first of the year.  Our cook and her husband are going to be away for a month to New Zealand to visit his family.  We are looking forward to spending some time with Scott this evening.  Yesterday I took the old spare laptop down for our granddaughter to use until we can get her computer fixed.  Fortunately it was still under the 90 day warranty and I should hear from them this week.  We had a most enjoyable senior luncheon yesterday.  It was very well attended, the meal was good, and the program was excellent.  Our organist/pianist played a couple of classical pieces and two or three Christmas favorites and then asked for the group to call out what they would like to hear and did two hymn medleys from memory.  Word don't express what a great pianist this lady is. 

Carol, you mention of Clam Chowder reminds me it has been a long time since I have had any.  Do you make the white kind or the kind with tomato juice (which I think is called Manhattan Clam Chowder.)  Pat and I both loved the books by Jan Karon featuring Father Tim and that should make a nice gift for your new friend's birthday.  I think Pat has the whole Father Tim set of books upstairs in her sewing room as she didn't want to get rid of them when we moved.  Glad your son is feeling better and sure hope Don gets to feeling better before you leave to go back to Denver.

[Janet]

Larry, it makes me sad that so few are sticking with piano lessons long enough to become really good pianists any more.  I do love good piano music!  And appreciate those who can play well.  We currently have only guitar music for our singing at church.  It is good, but I miss piano and organ music!

A friend from church who is very instrumental in the planning and implementation of the changes being made to the sanctuary called to tell me that the stained glass for the focal point we have struggled to agree on is being cut by a firm in Wichita.  He and his wife are on our Guatemala team; we are to leave for Wichita (to catch our flight) at 2:00 Friday; anyway, he is going to drive up early to see the glass.  Of course, I said, "Take pictures!"     Our flight is in the wee hours of Saturday, so we're going to Wichita the day before.

The only time I ever ate clam chowder was on a trip to Cape Cod, and I really liked it!  Well, not entirely true, I had eaten some before, but I think it was canned. Not fresh, for sure!

Today is painting day, I'm excited to see my friends, especially the one who was in California near the awful Camp fire, all through that terrible time.  They were evacuated from Oroville,near Paradise, for a long time. And at lunchtime, the Mennonite Church is serving their annual Holiday meal (Thanksgiving and Christmas) at the Senior Center!  So we will have a great lunch!

I must get busy, see you later!

[Marilyn]

Good morning I am, having my first cataract surgery today.theother will be in Jan. Prayers welcome. I have to be there at 9 am but I am 7th out of the 8 scheduled so I will probably be gone all day Ihave to go to the dr's office after the surgery.

[Janet]

Marilyn, I will pray for you, but will say that cataract surgery takes only a few minutes.  Amazing, but true.  You will be glad you did this--anyway, I surely am glad I did!  Blessings!

[Carol]

Marilyn:  Cataract surgery goes so quickly - good wishes to your new and better sight.

Janet:  She must be on her way.  I was glad to read about Abby being safe on the highway with snow and traffic.  Too many fools out there who do not know how to drive slower under those conditions.

Larry:  White chowder is a must.

We need a plumber and one is hopefully going to stop in sometime today.  Last night, we took turns trying to fix the pipes under the kitchen sink.  There was a big leak.  We are not as flexible anymore and I made the decision to call a plumber this morning.  Also, I have a dental appointment today so Don has to stay available.    Don is still aching from trying to lie on the floor and fix the overhead plumbing.

The birthday party for our friend was cancelled (too many could not make it) but I am still going to bring the Jan Karon book over for her to read and keep. 

 

[JudyB]

This will be a short note.  I will post more when I get home.  I am babysitting for Elizabeth.

OK we had a major dump of snow from Monday through to today (Wednesday)  Monday night we lost power and finally got it back late this Morning. The trees are loaded. If the wind starts, we will be in more trouble. Last night as we drove home there were branches laying on the power lines and we could see the power lines arcing..... Scary stuff.

I am looking forward to getting home, and having a long hot shower!  I will be back with a carol and the history of it..... so till later! 

[JudyB]

Away in a Manager
(Click to hear music)

She gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7



Words: Verses 1 & 2, anonymous, in Little Children?s Book for Schools and Families, by J. C. File (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America, 1885). Some sources show the author as Martin Luther; this attribution (probably incorrect) is based on the title "Luther's Cradle Hymn," given to these words by the composer, James Murray, in his Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses (Cincinnati, Ohio: The John Church Co., 1887). Verse 3 is by John Thomas McFarland (1851-1913)

Music: "Mueller," James R. Murray, 1887





Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.


The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes;
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.


Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray;
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.
 

[JudyB]

Jacqueline, If you click on the title you will have a pop up at the bottom of your screen click on that and it may prompt you to open it.... it is safe to open.  That will give you the music for the carols and hymns.

Have a safe night and a safe day tomorrow. 

[Jacqueline]

Judy...thank you...my pop - up is Windows Media Player...the player pops up top left corner and will usually play your carols and hymns..although can be a tad temperamental at times..

I too will say goodnight, just turned midnight here in UK...

[Larry Hanna]

Hi Everyone.  We have another cold, crisp and sunny late November morning.  It was 31 degrees this morning and we are to stay in the high 50's this afternoon.  My main activity for today will be to pick up my friend and we will go downtown to coffee.  After I bring him home I will stop at Walmart to get prescriptions for both Pat and I and then do the online grocery order pickup.  Fortunately, this isn't a big order.  That will pretty much be it for today.  We did enjoy the hamburgers, hot dogs with French fries of both regular and sweet potatoes and all the trimming for the sandwiches.  It was topped off with an ice cream bar.  Scott came out later last evening and put in the light bulb that was out in the recessed ceiling lights in the kitchen and then changed the dryer door to the opposite side.  All this time we have lived here the door was on the wrong side and finally this week I realized it could fairly easily be switched, which will make putting the wet clothes into the dryer much easier. 

Janet, we are indeed blessed at our Church with a fine choir with a number of good solo voices and then our organist/pianist/director of the choir.  May God protect you and your mission team on your trip. 

Marilyn, I hope you have someone to drive you after your surgery and I hope all goes very well today.  The place where Pat had her cataract surgery and the place I had made were super efficient and the procedure itself went very quickly. 

Carol, sure hope the plumber got to your house yesterday.  We are getting too old to be getting under the sink to work or any other tight places like that.  Too bad the birthday party was cancelled. 

Judy, that must be a lot of snow.  Glad you finally got your power back on and I hope you didn't lose it again with the trees loaded with snow.  Thanks for the new Carol or the season and its history. 

Jackie, there are a number of other media players besides Windows Media Player.  There is one I have used in the past called VLC Media Player that is very good and plays all different types of extensions on media files.  Wow, you stay up late.

[Carol]

    Sipping coffee - Don is taking a walk.  The plumber did come yesterday and fixed the dish washer hoses and one side of the double sink.  Then, he left and has not communicated when he will return.  But --- I just had to mop up a leak today and am not sure which part is responsible.  Gee, it isn't easy getting up off the floor with nothing to help me.   

Larry:  Congratulations on your wedding anniversary achievement of 57 years.  That is a wonderful story.

[JudyB]

Beside the Manager Here I Stand
(Click to hear music)
By Paul Gerhardt

   

Beside thy manger here I stand
Dear Jesus, Lord and Savior
A gift of love within my hand
To thank Thee for Thy favor
O take my humble offering
my heart, my soul, yes, everything
Is Thine to keep forever.

With joy I gaze upon Thy face;
Thy glory and Thy splendor
Is greater than my heart can praise
And songs can fitly render.
O how I wish my mind would be
As boundless as the deepest sea,
T'would still be lost in wonder.

O grant me this abundant grace -
I hope t'will meet Thy pleasure -
That I might be Thy dwelling place,
Dear Savior Sweetest Treasure.
O Let me be Thy manger-bed
Then shall I lift my lowly head
With joy beoyand all measure.

 

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[JudyB]

Gerhardt, Paulus, son of Christian Gerhardt, burgomaster of Gräfenhaynichen, near Wittenberg, was born at Grafenhaynichen, Mar. 12, 1607. On January 2, 1628, he matriculated at the University of Wittenberg. In the registers of St. Mary's church, Wittenberg, his name appears as a godfather, on July 13, 1641, described still as "studiosus," and he seems to have remained in Wittenberg till at least the end of April, 1642. He appears to have gone to Berlin in 1642 or 1643, and was there for some time (certainly after 1648) a tutor in the house of the advocate Andreas Barthold, whose daughter (Anna Maria, b. May 19, 1622, d. March 5, 1668) became his wife in 1655. During this period he seems to have frequently preached in Berlin. He was appointed in 1651, at the recommendation of the Berlin clergy, Lutheran Probst (chief pastor) at Mittenwalde, near Berlin, and ordained to this post Nov. 18, 1651. In July, 1657, he returned to Berlin as third diaconus of St. Nicholas's church; but becoming involved in the contest between the Elector Friedrich Wilhelm (who was of the Reformed Church) and the Lutheran clergy of Berlin, he was deposed from his office in February, 1666, though he still remained in Berlin. In Nov. 1668, he accepted the post of archidiaconus at Lübben, on the Spree, was installed in June, 1669, and remained there till his death on June 7, 1676 (Koch, iii. 297-326; Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie, viii. 774-783, &c).

The outward circumstances of Gerhardt's life were for the most part gloomy. His earlier years were spent amid the horrors of the Thirty Years' War. He did not obtain a settled position in life till he was 44 years of age. He was unable to marry till four years later; and his wife, after a long illness, died during the time that he was without office in Berlin; while of the five children of the marriage only one passed the period of childhood. The sunniest period of his life was during the early years of his Berlin ministry (i.e. 1657-1663), when he enjoyed universal love and esteem; while his latter years at Lübben as a widower with one surviving child were passed among a rough and unsympathising people. The motto on his portrait at Lübben not unjustly styles him "Theologus in cribro Satanae versatus."

Gerhardt ranks, next to Luther, as the most gifted and popular hymnwriter of the Lutheran Church. Gervinus (ed. 1842, pt. iii. p. 366), the well-known historian of German literature, thus characterises him:—

"He went back to Luther's most genuine type of hymn in such manner as no one else had done, only so far modified as the requirements of his time demanded. In Luther's time the belief in Free Grace and the work of the Atonement, in Redemption and the bursting of the gates of Hell was the inspiration of his joyful confidence; with Gerhardt it is the belief in the Love of God. With Luther the old wrathful God of the Romanists assumed the heavenly aspect of grace and mercy; with Gerhardt the merciful Righteous One is a gentle loving Man. Like the old poets of the people he is sincerely and unconstrainedly pious, naive, and hearty; the bliss fulness of his faith makes him benign and amiable; in his way of writing he is as attractive, simple, and pleasing as in his way of thinking."
With a firm grasp of the objective realities of the Christian Faith, and a loyal adherence to the doctrinal standpoint of the Lutheran Church, Gerhardt is yet genuinely human; he takes a fresh, healthful view both of nature and of mankind. In his hymns we see the transition to the modern subjective tone of religious poetry. Sixteen of his hymns begin with, "I." Yet with Gerhardt it is not so much the individual soul that lays bare its sometimes morbid moods, as it is the representative member of the Church speaking out the thoughts and feelings he shares with his fellow members; while in style Gerhardt is simple and graceful, with a considerable variety of verse form at his command, and often of bell-like purity in tone.

[Marilyn]

Good morning Eye surgery went very well  still a bit fuzzy but that will go away soon.
 
Friday update on Keith. He is doing very well. He remembers to ;pick p the Wound Vac and carry it with him when he gets up. This morning he was able to "GO" on his own. (No Catheter.) Mostly a good appetite, drinks is 2 Boost's per day , has his yogurt and now will get the new Kefir that iis Strawberry flavored (He didn't like the plain). The Home Health nurse will be here again today and I will get to see the improvement on the wound. He has daily Antibiotic infusions at the hospital. His short term memory is not good. His confusion seems to be about the same but the caregiver and I can deal with that. I am feeling much more rested now and not so stressed out as I was previously. Getting a good nights sleep has helped tremendously.

[Janet]

Marilyn, it truly is amazing what a good night's sleep can do for you!  My thanks for that are often in my morning prayers.  Glad you have good reports on the both of you today, and pray the progress continues!

The plan is to leave Ulysses for Wichita at 2:00 today, as our flight from Wichita is in the wee hours tomorrow morning.  We are all packed and ready to go; praying for good health and strength every step of the journey!

I have a hair appointment at 10:30, so at least will start the trip looking better! 

We went to Hugoton to watch son-in-law Jeff in a Christmas play last night called "Christmas in Gumption Gulch."
It was sort of corny, but fun and I enjoyed all the Christmas songs in it, along with the emphasis on the birth of our Savior being the focus of the season, no matter what may be going wrong around us.  Diane was even it it--and I was, too!  They came and got me, took me on stage and .....well.....it was okay, and I managed to make them laugh!  (Totally unexpected for me to be included.)

May you all stay healthy, and be greatly blessed.  I shall return!  We are to get home on Dec. 9.

Larry, has your book arrived yet?

Love you all!!     

[JudyB]

.

Birthday of a King
(Click to hear music)

I will raise up a King Who will reign wisely.
Jeremiah 23:5

Words & Music: William H. Neidlinger, 1890



In the little village of Bethlehem,
There lay a Child one day;
And the sky was bright with a holy light
O'er the place where Jesus lay.


Refrain
Alleluia! O how the angels sang.
Alleluia! How it rang!
And the sky was bright with a holy light
'Twas the birthday of a King.


'Twas a humble birthplace, but O how much
God gave to us that day,
From the manger bed what a path has led,
What a perfect, holy way.


Refrain

[JudyB]

The lyrics and music were written by William H. Neidlinger in 1890.

No other information is known about this beautiful Christmas carol.   The song has been recorded and performed numerous times over the years by various artists.

Maybe his work was inspired by the passage in Jeremiah 23:5 that says, "I will raise up...a King who will reign wisely."

Neidlinger was born July 20, 1863 during the height of the Civil War in Brooklyn, New York.

In 1890, he'd finished a two year apprentice with Dudley Buck and C. C. Muller.  He was organist for St. Michael's Church in New York City until 1896.

He conducted numerous choirs in New York City and Philadelphia.  From 1898-1901 he was a singing teacher in Paris, France.  Upon his return he settled in Chicago, Illinois and was considered a prominent singing teacher.  He composed two opera's, Ulysses in 1901 and Sweet Anne Page in 1903.

He turned his interest to composition and child psychology, after finding success with his book Small Songs for Small Singers.  He eventually abandoned music and established a school for handicapped children in East Orange, New Jersey.

He died on December 5, 1924 in Orange, New Jersey.

Neidlinger's The Birthday of the King continues to beautiful tell the story of Jesus birth and inspire.