"Thanks to God for My Redeemer"

"It is easy to thank God for roses. It is much harder to thank Him for the thorns. The hymn offers a mature approach to thanksgiving, showing appreciation for pain and pleasure, joy and sorrow.
August Storm wrote this hymn in 1891 while still a young man of twenty-nine. He worked for the Salvation Army in Sweden and published this hymn in the organization's periodical, The War Cry.
Just eight years after writing this hymn, Storm was stricken with a back problem that left him crippled for the rest of his life. He managed to continue his Salvation Army work, and he maintained a thankful spirit even during this most difficult time. If anything, his troubles gave more power and credibility to his sermons and writings." (From Great Songs of Faith)

Thanks to God for my Redeemer,

Thanks for all Thou dost provide!

Thanks for times now but a memory,

Thanks for Jesus by my side!

Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,

Thanks for dark and dreary fall!

Thanks for tears by now forgotten,

Thanks for peace within my soul!

Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,

Thanks for what Thou dost deny!

Thanks for storms that I have weathered,

Thanks for all Thou dost supply!

Thanks for pain and thanks for pleasure,

Thanks for comfort in despair!

Thanks for grace that none can measure,

Thanks for love beyond compare!

Thanks for roses by the wayside,

Thanks for thorns their stems contain!

Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,

Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!

Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,

Thanks for heav'nly peace with Thee!

Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,

Thanks through all eternity!

~August Ludwig Storm (1862-1914)

Translated by Carl E. Backstrom (1901-?)

Have a great weekend!!

Fall Picture

Turkey Run!

Our family had a wonderful time camping at Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, Indiana. It was amazing to see God's marvelous creation! Turkey Run is a beautiful park and I am sure we will be going again soon. We had a lot of fun with the Prenkert, Balos, Cowden, Noonan, and Hageman families. Thankfully, the weather turned out lovely for the rest of the weekend (Friday was a bit damp).

Christina found this HUGE millipede and Kenny kept "Curly" for awhile as we hiked.

Turkey Run Inn where our family stayed.

And something Konos related:

Antelope

Baboon

Cheetah

Dromedary

Elephant

Fish

Giraffe

Hippo

Impala

Jackel

Kob

Lion

Monkey

Ostrich

Penguin

Rhinocerous

Snake

Topi

Vulture

Water-buffalo

Ox pecker

Zebra

Ape

Bushbuck

Crocodile

Dickdick

Eland

Flamingo

Gorilla

Hyena

Ibis

Jerboa

Kudu

Leopard

Mandill

Okapi

Pelican

Rat

Shrew

Termite

Worthog...

Whew!!

Have a great week!!!

~Sarah

Comfort

With all that is happening in our world today, it is such a comfort to me to know that God is in complete control of EVERYTHING!

Our family had the great opportunity to travel to the Creation Museum in Kentucky with some very dear friends of ours. And can I say what a blessing it was!! I am so thankful that God gave someone the means to establish such a place... and to openly declare the Lord's wonderful power and salvation.

After we visited the planetarium that was in the museum, I was astounded at how small our world truly is. The universe is infinite and as humans, we cannot completely grasp in our minds the vastness of God's creation.

And I was comforted.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoseover believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

The Lord knows today, tomorrow and a week from now what is going to happen. HE KNOWS. I should not worry or be afraid, since I am His and saved by grace. We are such a small world and He cares...so very much.

It is so nice not to have to worry--what a relief.

Just a thought I had today.
~Sarah

One more quick thought...

A few Sundays ago our Pastor had an interesting comment. Of course, I forgot to write it down until now.

I know everyone is worried about our future and uncertain about how events are going to unfold. Our Pastor said that he likes to read mystery novels, especially ones by Agatha Christie. He noticed that the hero in the books always seems to get into so much trouble and so Pastor wonders if everything will turn out ok. So...he looks at the ending and sure enough everything works out all right for the hero.

Well, we should not be worried about our future (eventhough it is so hard sometimes). As a Christian I know the ending to our story through the Bible and everything is going to be fine (if you have accepted Christ as your personal Saviour).

Crickets

It has been a good weekend. So, far we have almost one other room finished with fresh new paint! It looks so much better than the other color the previous owners had. Also, since it was so nice out, we finally got our flowers planted. My garden is smaller this year, but I really don't have as much time to take care of it.

Let's see...nothing else to say right now. Oh! I would only request that Leo and Vangie Seraphinoff and Delbert and Dorothy Arend would be kept in prayer. Leo has recently had knee surgery and is in pain. Delbert had hernia surgery about a week or so ago and is slowly recovering. I am sure both families would appreciate the prayer!!

While at work today I got to watch a bicycle race. They were having it across the street from where I work. So, every few minutes a whole pack of bicycles would go whizzing by. They were traveling so fast I thought for sure someone was going to fall off! The bikes nowadays are so slim and light. I saw several people just pick them up easily and sling them over their shoulders. How far technology has come! (Although I am not sure if that is a good thing in some cases.)

All right, have a good night. The crickets are chirping and it is one of those peaceful summer nights. AHHH.

~Sarah B

Verse of the day...

Because thou has kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Revelations 3:1o

Yes!

School is over! Yahooo! I am very happy. What a relief--whew.

~Sarah

San Diego II

The back neighbor's trees were loaded with oranges!

Just relaxing.

My dad reading a paper of some sort.

This was a view from the local library parking lot. Beautiful where ever you go.

A cute little lizard. We saw these guys everywhere, so you have to watch where you sit!!

Making tangerine juice. Yummy and messy.

From left to right ( Mama Dorothy, Papa Delbert, my mom, Aaron, and me) I really miss Mama Dorothy and Papa Delbert. They were so generous enough to open their home to us!

The profits from our work. In the left bucket oranges, on the floor grapefruit, in the right bucket tangerines.

A picture with Papa Delbert. He has the funniest sense of humor. He was constantly making me laugh. (By the way...those are lemons in my hands.)

No, that is not a grapefruit! That, my friend, is a California orange!! It was huge to say the least. And of course that is me. :)

A weird looking tropical flower called Bird of Paradise. Kinda pretty.

The ocean shore.

Aaron and I. The day we went it was windy, cool, and rainy. :( But it was still wonderful scenery. It was the kind of day that Lake Michigan seems to have often.

Another view, with my mom's shoulder in the bottom left hand corner. ;)




That's all for now! Back to homework I go.

~Sarah

San Diego

Here are some pictures of out trip from San Diego. We have so many so I am starting with a few at a time. This one is from the driveway of the friends we were visint. What a view!

Another shot from their front yard.

And another...

They have a grapefruit and an orange tree in their front yard. The orange tree was covered with creamy white blossoms. You have never smelled anything so heavenly!

This was my first little palm tree that greeted us at LAX.

This is veiw from the air (obviously) as we were heading for Los Angeles. I believe this is the Rocky Mountains over Utah.

I think this might be Arizona? Not sure about that thought. The desert looked beautiful.

And this is the Grand Canyon. Kinda blurry though. The Captain anounced we were flying over it so I made sure to get a good picture.

This is early on our way to Los Angeles. We had just taken off from Indianpolis. (Sorry the photos are out of order I am still trying to figure out how to post them).

Another beautiful view of the mountains with snow. As I was seeing this scenery before me the hymn 'I Sing the Mighty Power of God' came to mind.

That is all for now! Will post some more soon!
~Sarah

Quiet Evening

It has been awhile since I wrote anything, because I have been quite busy. One highlight is that my family was able to go on a trip to San Diego, California to visit some dear friends of ours. It was very enjoyable and we made some special memories together. We stayed for 5 days. It was kind of cool and there was a downpour of rain one day, but overall it was nice weather. However, it was not warm enough to get a tan, so I am still quite a paleface. :) Hopefully I will get some pictures up. The scenery was so beautiful! It was just as pretty as I imagined it to be. If I had the chance to spend the summer there, I would go lickety-split. (I would just have to find another way to get there other by plane. Flying is NOT my favorite.) And just so everyone knows, for those unbelievers ;), the ocean is truly salty. Honestly, I thought people had been making that up all along! Just kidding.
I had better get going. I have a lot to do before morning comes. *Sigh* Goodnight.

~Sarah

Aaron's Birthday

Yup, today is the day! My brother Aaron turns 17 years old. I cannot believe how old we are getting--I never thought we would reach theses ages! Recently, he obtained his driver's license and is quite proud of this accomplishment. From what I have experienced, I have concluded he is safe to drive with. ;) Aaron really likes coffee and right now we have this old percolator that spits and rumbles when he makes coffee every morning, so... I bought him a Mr. Coffee! (Hopefully he will not read this before tonight) He should like that.

Yesterday I read a wonderful hymn story and I thought I would share it.

Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?

Was it for sins that I have done
He suffered on the tree!
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut His glories in,
When Christ, the great Redeemer, died
For man the creature's sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne'er repay
The debt of love I owe;
Here, Lord, I give myself away--
'Tis all that I can do.

~Isaac Watts

"We never know how deeply our actions affect the lives of others. This hymn by Isaac Watts has certainly touched the hearts of millions through the centuries. After drawing the stark contrasts between the sacrificial death of the mighty Maker and the unworthiness of the sinful creature, he concludes with the consecration, 'Here, Lord, I give myself away--'tis all that I can do.'

A thirty-year-old blind woman heard a revival choir sing this simple hymn. Stanza after stanza stirred her heart, but when the choir came to the final line, 'Here, Lord, I give myself away," she gave herself away to the Lord as well. That blind woman was Fanny Crosby, who went on to become the greatest writer of gospel songs in the past century. We never know how deeply our lives will touch the lives of others."

He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6

I thought that was a wonderful story and that hymn truly make you grateful for what the Lord did! Well, I have class in about 45 minutes, so I better get going.

~Sarah~

A sunny spring day

I just went for a walk outside and boy, was it nice! All the robins and cardinals were singing--it feels like spring. The only exception is the weather. It is still chilly out, but that doesn't matter. At least it is March. :)

I am thankful to have my job still. Several other employees that were hired about the same time I was, have now been laid off. So, the Lord has been watching over me. The only problem is...they transferred me to another branch. This new branch is closer to me, but I really enjoyed the people at the other place. Learning to work with these new people is going to be quite a struggle. I am going to be praying so hard about this. I really need the Lord's help! That's all for now.

~Sarah

It's Sunday!

Today's service was very good. There was a very interesting insert in our bulletin, so I thought I would share it.



The Resume of Jesus Christ



Address: Ephesians 1:20

Phone: Romans 10:13

Website: The Bible, Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior, and Jesus



Hello. My name is Jesus--The Christ. Many call me Lord. I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.



Qualifications

• I founded the earth and established the heavens. (Proverbs 3:19)


• I formed man from the dust of the ground. (Genesis 2:7)


• I breathed into man the breath of life. (Genesis 2:7)


• I redeemed man from the curse of the law. (Galatians 3:13)


• The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant come upon your life through me. (Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background

• I've only had one employer. (Luke 2:49)


• I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.


• My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me. (Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills and Work Experience

• Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised. (Luke 4:18)


• I am a Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil. (Proverbs 1:33)


• Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins. (1 John 1:7-9)

Educational Background

• I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6)


• In me are hidden all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)


• My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. (Psalm 119:105)


• I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart. (Psalm 44:21)

Major Accomplishments

• I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times. (Genesis 1:26)


• I laid down my life so that you may live. (2 Corinthians 5:15)


• I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly. (Colossians 2:15)


• I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick, and raised the dead!


• There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the Bible. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References

• Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance.

In Summation

Now that you've read my resume, I feel confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6) and lead you into everlasting life (John 6:47).

When can I start? Time is of the essence! (Hebrews 3:15)

~Sarah

Nice day

Some one did something nice for me today. It wasn't very significant, but it made me smile anyway. I was on my way home from my business class and I come to this stoplight and then I wait until the traffic is clear and then I turn left. Anyway, the stoplight is red and the oncoming traffic at this light backs up pretty quick. So...the light turns green and I pull out into the intersection waiting for the traffic to clear and the first car in the oncoming traffic waves me on to go first! I didn't even have the right of way! I thought that was pretty nice, although the cars behind the other guy (who was letting me go) were starting to honk. Oh, well. :) It was a little kindess that made me glad there was someone else out there in the world who felt like being nice to a stranger.


Being on the subject of traffic reminds me of police cars. I thought I would try and post an older tv show from the late 1960s and early 1970s--Adam 12 as soon as I figure it out. ;) I really enjoy it, so I thought someone else might too. I will try and write some more hymn stories. I love them too (thanks Lindsay :)





~Sarah

Hymn of the day

Well another day! I had my school classes, so that was a little hectic trying to get things together. I tend to procrastinate too much, which is not a good thing. :) It was a dreary day today. Cloudy, but it was WARM! Which made up for the gray skies. I thought I would share a devotion from a book that my beloved piano teacher gave to me on my high school graduation. This is the hymn:

Near to the Heart of God

There is a place of quiet rest

Near to the heart of God,

A place where sin cannot molest,

Near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,

Sent from the heart of God,

Hold us who wait before Thee

Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet

Near to the heart of God,

A place where we our Savior meet,

Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release

Near to the heart of God,

A place where all is joy and peace,

Near to the heart of God.

~Cleland Boyd McAfee (1866-1944)

And this is the text:

February 10th

Where do you turn when unexpected tragedy strikes? Cleland McAfee, a Presbyterian minister in Chicago, had just received word that his brother and sister-in-law had lost both of their daughters to diphtheria within twenty-four hours. Grief-stricken, McAfee couldn't think of deep theological issues; he could only think of verses in the book of Psalms that brought comfort and rest to those who sought refuge in the Lord. As he meditated on God's Word, he wrote the words and music to this simple hymn. At the double funeral, outside the darkened, quarantined house of his brother, Cleland McAfee with a choking voice sang this hymn publicly for the first time. The following Sunday, his church choir sang it from their pastor's handwritten copy.

Psalm 46:1, 10-11

I think it is so interesting to read the story behind these beloved hymns. Sometimes we take them for granted and forget there were real people behind the words and they had the same feelings we have today. It is such a blessing to know that we can sing these as praise to our Lord.

Let's see...I think that is all for now. I believe I feel spring coming on even though it is the beginning of February. The warm weather must be fooling me. RRrr. Now, my next task is to try and figure out how to post video. ;)

~Sarah~

Here Is Love...

Here Is Love

Wondrous love, unbounded mercy!
Vast as oceans in their flood:
Jesus, Prince of Life, is dying-
Life for us is in His blood.
Oh! what heart can e'er forget Him?
Who can cease His praise to sing?
Wondrous love! Forever cherished,
While the Heav'ns with music ring.

On the mount of crucifixtion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God's mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And heav'n's peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.

~William Rees



This is so very true today. These are the words to a beautiful song that we have on CD. Ahhh, the music can put one right to sleep!

A new week

Well, I had a little time on my hands, so I thought I would make a quick post. It has been a very nice day off. The sun was shining and I got some homework done and I had no school or work. Yup, the day was pretty good. Oh, and I was even able to exercise a bit. So, now all that is left is to write a paper comparing the plot of two short stories. Tomorrow is the day our new president will be sworn into office. I am going to be praying all day that the Lord will protect our country and all of the police officers that have been called into D. C. to control the crowds.

Praise the Lord, Hallelujah! --Sunday

Okay, I decided my blog title was a little silly, (and I received some criticism from certain family members). Until I can think of something more creative "Tidbits" will have to do. Anyway...the service today was very good and thought provoking. Pastor Taylor was away again this Sunday so Pastor Hufhand preached in his stead. The message was on Hebrews in chap. 2 and 11 and how we as Christians must be careful not to let the teachings of Christ to "slip away". A lot of churches today have brought themselves down to the level of the world and have lost the desire to separate themselves and follow Christ. It really bugs me that it seems to happening more and more, but I know that is because our world is becoming worse and worse. This Pastor Hufhand has a real gift of inspirational speaking, he truly encourages you to be more faithful to the Lord and get out there and witness to others and tell them of God's salvation. I feel so guilty, but it is good that I feel that twinge of guilt-it pushes me all the more to be more passionate about Christ.
Tomorrow I have no school classes or work because of MLK day. (I really don't know why we have that day off, but I am not complaining. :) So...that should give me plenty of time to do school and finish some much needed cleaning of my room. It is a disaster zone. It looks like my closet had an explosion or something of that nature. I am so lazy sometimes (that is my biggest downfall besides being a more quiet person). My desk is piled high with random papers from the past month or so. (I look like I might be eccentric or something. Lol) Yeah, right.
My mom pointed out to me last night of how our orange juice carton is covered with environmental propaganda. "Save the rain forest" or "save the rare Tikik flower" or something like that is all over the carton. What is going on here?! The Lord wants us to care for the planet, but I know He does not want us concentrating on it the whole time so that we become so obsessed about it. We need to be so careful to not let that happen. Anyway...
That is all I have to write at this time. If I think of anything else interesting I will post it. :)
Wow, I feel really awkward writing to no one in particular. It is kind of weird.

Goodbye...

I am watching on T.V. right now President Bush say goodbye to our country. I do not know what the Lord has in store for our country, but I pray He will continue to bless, protect, and have mercy on our land. I had a pretty good day at school. English was going great until I had to read my paper unexpectedly in front of the entire class. I do believe my face turned five shades of red. We finally got some snow here in the Hoosier state! A whole whopping three inches. Yahoo! I can only make a very petite snowman. Oh, well. Let's see...what else do I have to write about. I guess nothing at this point. I think it is going to take awhile for me to get used to blogging.

May God bless America

Hi

This is my first post (obviously)! Whew. I did it.